BRAND · ALFA ROMEO, FIAT AND ABARTH
Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Abarth mechanic in La Línea
SRM Performance is an independent Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Abarth mechanic in La Línea de la Concepción, two kilometres from the Gibraltar frontier. Italian cars want a bit of attention, and they pay it back.
Italian cars have a reputation, and it isn't always deserved. A lot of their problems come from rushed servicing or the wrong oil. Locally we see Fiat 500s and Pandas nipping around town, Ducato campervans touring the coast, Giuliettas and Giulias, and a fair number of Abarth 595s you hear well before you see them.
The 1.4 MultiAir shows what we mean. Its variable valve timing runs on a hydraulic unit that depends heavily on the oil: use the wrong specification or leave the changes too long and the unit fails, leaving the engine misfiring or stalling. The Dualogic automated manual in the Fiat 500 and Punto is another known one, with hydraulic pump and actuator faults that leave the car stuck without gears.
On the sporty side, the Abarth's 1.4 T-Jet responds well to sensible upgrades: exhaust, intercooler, map. We do it to your spec once we've checked the turbo, clutch and plugs. From Alfa, the Giulia and Stelvio with the 2.0 turbo or the Quadrifoglio V6 come in for servicing and repairs too. A louder exhaust can affect the ITV or MOT, and keeping the car legal is the owner's responsibility.
Common Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Abarth jobs
MultiAir unit
Diagnosing the hydraulic variable valve timing unit and replacing it when it fails, then running the correct oil so it doesn't happen again.
Dualogic gearbox
Hydraulic pump, actuator, sensors and clutch calibration on the automated manual fitted to the Fiat 500, Punto and some Abarths.
Abarth 1.4 T-Jet turbo, clutch and exhaust
Wastegate actuators, boost leaks, slipping clutches and TIG-welded stainless exhausts built to your spec.
Cambelt replacement
Many Fiat and Alfa engines use a timing belt, including the 1.4s and the JTD and JTDm diesels. If there's no record of it being done, it gets a full kit.
Alfa JTS timing chains
The 2.2 and 3.2 JTS engines in the 159, Brera and Spider are known for timing chain wear. A rattle on start-up is the sign to watch for.
Ducato and camper servicing
Clutches, brakes, cambelts and a pre-trip check on Fiat Ducatos, whether it's a work van or a motorhome.
Models we see
- Fiat 500
- Fiat Panda
- Fiat Tipo
- Fiat Ducato
- Abarth 500, 595 and 695
- Abarth 124 Spider
- Alfa Romeo MiTo
- Alfa Romeo Giulietta
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Services for your car
Frequently asked questions
Are you an official Alfa Romeo, Fiat or Abarth dealer?
No, we're an independent garage. We follow the manufacturer's intervals and use oil to the specification each engine calls for, which matters a lot on these cars.
My Fiat 500 Dualogic won't select gears. Can it be fixed?
Usually, yes. It's normally the hydraulic pump, the actuator or a sensor. We diagnose it and quote before repairing.
What can you do to an Abarth 595?
Custom stainless exhausts, exhaust valves, remaps, uprated clutches and suspension. All to your spec, after checking the engine over.
Do you work on classic Alfas?
Yes. Classic restoration, bodywork and paint are part of what we do. Tell us what you've got and what condition it's in.