Hi guys,

If you are thinking of buying a workshop manual for your Alfa Romeo 147, 156 or 166, or even for the GT, 159 and Brera/Spider, there are a few things you should know:

First, the manual for these cars come in CDs. So, if someone is trying to sell you half a ton of paper for his value in gold, just tell him to f*ck off...

Second, there are two main sorts of CD manuals Software: DTE and ELEARN.

The DTE software is older, started in 1997 with the 156 and ended in 2002, before the 156 facelift and some versions release, like the 2.4 JTDm 20V. It's also known to be very confusing, hard to use and navigate on, and to NOT allow you to print anything.The data is incomplete and out-dated due to having ended in 2002. There are even people selling DTE manuals from 2000...

Also, when these people claim that these old manuals are "dealer's service manuals", they should say they WERE, years ago... Nowadays, and for a long time now, all dealers use eLearn manuals, through the Fiat site that shows all manuals on-line...

The ELEARN software replaced this old one, and the data is up-dated, not only in regard to newer car versions, but also to up-graded specifications, like wheel alignment figures, for instance. It's also fully and directly printable. It's very comprehensive and easy to use and you'll have the possibility to enter your car's manufacturing date in order to avoid unaccurate, wrong or missing information due to mixed-up versions. So, it's much more useful even if you have an older car!!!

Here's a picture of an ELEARN workshop manual, instead of  pictures of printed CDs, labels or car pictures...

Notice the clear step-by-step pictures and instructions... on the same screen... always displaying the torque values too, like seen on the chart in this picture...

... and on the left, the engine version and the manufacturing date...

And all the wiring schemes, electric and electronical funcions descriptions, ECU's pin-outs, etc., are featured...

Here's an example of the radio instalation wiring detail scheme: 

And here's another example of the earth points locations...

Nevertheless, you may notice some manuals being sold for higher prices, featuring a nice printed CD, with Alfa logo and saying "eLearn"..., inducing people to believe it's an original eLearn software CD... Well... it's NOT!!! It's an old DTE manual like the others... the proof is the 2.4 JTDm 20V. is not mentioned...nor are the facelift versions... and I even bought one just to check it out... money thrown away...

BEWARE of those FAKE eLearn manuals!!!

If you want to buy an ELEARN workshop manual, buy one where IT IS CLEARLY STATED THAT IT'S ONE!!!

Oh!... and don't pay attention to the advertising of labels, printed CDs, boxes, trackings, etc... that's only meant to distract you and draw your attention away from the main point: the information you are going to get!!! or not...

BTW... this also applies to 147 and 166 workshop manuals...

So, choose well before buying... after reading this, you'll know better...

NOTICE: YOU CAN NOW ALSO FIND AN ELEARN WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR  THE ALFA GT , 159 and Brera/Spider!!!

IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE MANUALS (OR HOW TO FIND ONE...), FEEL FREE TO ASK ME ANYTIME...

Ciao,

Leo