Frequent problems of Thema S3

[Daniel]

Hello,

since somebody crashed into my actual car, I'd like to buy a Thema series 3 instead (some years ago, I had a Fiat Croma and was very satisfied).

By the way, does somebody knows if the 3.0-V6 (Alfa) engine needs Super 95 octane or Super 98 octane ? Has somebody experiences with this engine ?

I would also appreciate all hints to general or frequent problems of Thema series 3 (especially with automatic shifting and aircondition).

Thanks, Daniel.

[Lindsay Rouse]

Daniel, I have a Series 3 Thema with the Alfa V6 engine, so am in a good position to answer from experience.

Mine is a 1993 car, 130,000 km now.

I have run the engine on ordinary 95 octane unleaded and have had no problems. I don't think the handbook specifies super unleaded - and would VERY surprised if it did.

My own experience is that the S3 cars are a league ahead of the others as far as problems go - maybe down to age, but they are all getting on now.

Usual things to watch for are sticky rear calipers, crap handbrake, rust around the rear screen, belts and tensioner bearings (get them changed unless previous owner can give proof of when they were last done). Corroding alloys are usual unless refurbished. Watch on the VIS models if there is a hesistancy on pulling, or if it misfires - could be an air leak in the VIS induction system - you don't want to know about that, although I believe the Consortium may know of a cheap fix for it, could be wrong though.

I havn't heard of any general air con problems and don't know about the S3 autobox.

cheers
Lindsay

[Daniel]

Thanks. Today I bought a Thema V6 S2 (because I got a good offer). Fortunately, I could not detect any problem you reported.

Greetings, Daniel.

[giovanni]

Concerning the answer about the air leak in the VIS induction system of the inlet system. I had once the same problem, but you can solve it easly by replace the complet inlet system by a rebault type it cost in the Nederlands 200 Euro. I dit this also and thank got the problem of warning light was gone.
I like too drive the Lancia Thema type 3.

For me it is already the 5 Lancia Thema

Good luck Giovanni

[Brian Hilton]

Hi Daniel
I ran a 1994 series 3 Thema VIS Auto for a couple of years.
Superb car.
The leaks referred to on the VIS manifold can be cured by replacing the bushes only,Fiat /Lancia would love to sell you a complete manifold for stupid money.

The Auto with the VIS is not the nicest auto I have driven as I don't believe the characteristics of the VIS system are really compatible with auto.

One very good point was excellent economy as top gear is pulling 29.5 mph per 1000 rpm & travelling across France at 120mph at 4100rpm is very restful.

Another good point is on very late ser 3's the radio aerial is built into the back window with a booster hidden behind the nsr pillar so no problem with electric aerial on nsr wing..

fuel filter is a pain to get at (under space saver) & quite frequently has been missed during service .

To end I would recommend a ser 3 anytime

Regards

Brian Hilton

[Brian Hilton]

Daniel

One thing I would agree very strongly with Lindsay on is the belts, I was unfortunate to have a belt break at 18,000 miles only!!! bent 8 valves but luckily Fiat/Lancia coughed up £800 towards the cost.

Ignore belts at your peril!
Brian