Alfa Romeo 55273835 2.0 GME Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility

A reconditioned 55273835 supply-only typically costs between £4,357 and £5,294, with fitted prices ranging from £5,000 to £6,000 depending on labour and additional parts. Used units start from £1,920 supply-only, while full rebuilds run £5,000-£6,500. Used pricing is [THIRD-PARTY] from Motorinsul UK; reconditioned pricing is estimated. Prices vary by variant - 280 hp units may command a premium over 200 hp units. Supply-only excludes fitting; add 10-14 hours at £80-£120/hr for specialist installation. Always compare quotes - Alfa specialist labour rates can vary significantly.

• Prices vary by variant - 280 hp units may command a premium over 200 hp units.
• Supply-only excludes fitting; add 10-14 hours at £80-£120/hr for specialist installation.
• Always compare quotes - Alfa specialist labour rates can vary significantly.

Timing chain stretch is the most critical issue, with many owners reporting symptoms as early as 40,000 miles - causing cold-start rattle, rough idle, and Check Engine warnings. Left unaddressed, the chain can jump teeth and cause catastrophic engine failure. Carbon buildup on intake valves (requiring walnut-blasting every 30,000-50,000 miles), fuel pump/fuel delivery module issues, and dipstick-tube seal oil leaks are also common. Timing chain replacement costs £1,500-£3,000 at a specialist. Carbon cleaning costs £400-£800. Regular oil changes (5,000-9,000 miles) with the correct oil are critical. Many 2020+ models have improved timing chain components.

• Timing chain replacement costs £1,500-£3,000 at a specialist.
• Carbon cleaning costs £400-£800.
• Regular oil changes (5,000-9,000 miles) with the correct oil are critical.
• Many 2020+ models have improved timing chain components.

The 55273835 is fitted exclusively to Alfa Romeo models based on the Giorgio platform: the Giulia (Type 952) and Stelvio (Type 949). It is available in two power outputs: 200 hp (147 kW) with 330 Nm torque in entry-level models, and 280 hp (206 kW) with 400 Nm torque in Veloce, Ti and Sprint models. The engine is used in both rear-wheel drive and Q4 (AWD) configurations. Check your V5C or engine block stamp to confirm your exact variant. The 2.0 GME is exclusive to Alfa Romeo - no cross-brand sharing in this specific code.

• The engine is used in both rear-wheel drive and Q4 (AWD) configurations.
• Check your V5C or engine block stamp to confirm your exact variant.
• The 2.0 GME is exclusive to Alfa Romeo - no cross-brand sharing in this specific code.

For most Giulia and Stelvio owners, a reconditioned unit with new timing chain, carbon cleaning, MultiAir inspection and fuel pump replacement (if affected by recall) is the recommended choice - it addresses the engine's key weaknesses and comes with a 12-24 month warranty. Used units (£1,920-£4,000) are cheaper but carry high risk without documented timing chain history. Rebuilds (£5,000-£6,500+) are only justified for low-mileage, high-value examples or sentimental vehicles. Used: only with documented timing chain replacement and oil change history. Reconditioned: best balance - all common weak points addressed, warranty included. Rebuilt: ideal for low-mileage, well-maintained examples or long-term keepers.

• Used: only with documented timing chain replacement and oil change history.
• Reconditioned: best balance - all common weak points addressed, warranty included.
• Rebuilt: ideal for low-mileage, well-maintained examples or long-term keepers.

The engine code is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block and appears on the V5C under 'Engine number' - the code will read 55273835 followed by additional characters. Use an Alfa Romeo VIN decoder to confirm the exact variant from the build sheet. The vehicle badge is the easiest indicator - Veloce, Ti, and Sprint badges indicate 280 hp; base models indicate 200 hp. 200 hp: 330 Nm torque, lower-output ECU calibration. 280 hp: 400 Nm torque, higher-output ECU calibration. Fitting a 200 hp ECU into a 280 hp vehicle will result in reduced performance.

• 200 hp: 330 Nm torque, lower-output ECU calibration.
• 280 hp: 400 Nm torque, higher-output ECU calibration.
• Fitting a 200 hp ECU into a 280 hp vehicle will result in reduced performance.

The 55273835 has an estimated lifespan of 100,000-150,000 miles with proper maintenance. The key to longevity is diligent oil changes (every 5,000-9,000 miles using the correct 0W-30 or 5W-30 oil) and early attention to timing chain warning signs. Many owners report 60,000+ trouble-free miles with proactive maintenance. Budget for timing chain inspection around 40,000-60,000 miles. Carbon cleaning should be considered every 30,000-50,000 miles. The 2020+ models feature improved components and fewer reported issues. Regular Italian tune-ups (spirited driving) can help keep carbon deposits at bay.

• Budget for timing chain inspection around 40,000-60,000 miles.
• Carbon cleaning should be considered every 30,000-50,000 miles.
• The 2020+ models feature improved components and fewer reported issues.
• Regular Italian tune-ups (spirited driving) can help keep carbon deposits at bay.