I'm pretty sure the Milano boys will replace that switch until you get one that works properly

THanks Rob,

I swaped the combination for a second hand job, $100 from Milano and that seems ok, except the highbeam function wont stay on (when stalk and pushed down into place) Im not sure but i assume that the switch must be buggered. Ill open up the one i just pulled out of the car and replace the switch in the new (second hand) one i just put in. I think all the wiring is right as the highbeams come on when i hold the stalk towards the steering wheel

THanks Mick,

Yep it was the switch, easy fix apart from 3rd degree burns from coolant!!!! all back and ready to go again

Couple of random questions..

- do all 156's have trip computer?
- is there any particular reason to steer clear of 99 models?

thanks

Well there's a few hours of my life I'll never get back 

You never can tell, can you? Here's the ad.. go have a laugh http://tinyurl.com/6btrm8
Remembering that
'full service history' means no stamp at 20, 60, 100 or 120 (though did have receipts for 120);
'brilliant' and 'immaculate' means couldn't even be bothered washing it; had been keyed down one side
New tyres maybe, but different tyres front and back
'very smooth' means rough, not willing to rev
Recalcitrant gear changes; 1st and reverse tricky to get into
Brakes way too grippy, and squealing
Audible rattle over bumps, from outside the car, 'probably just a loose bolt' 
Had done minor services himself ('used' to be an apprentice mechanic)

Ding ding! warning bells everywhere

A/C worked though 
And he went from $11,999 (already reduced) to $9k flat

Pity, but at least now I've driven 2 

PS: I've not owned a commodore, falcon, magna or camry in my life (apologies to those who own and love theirs though!)

Yep, put a Territory in that lot too?

I have always said to my wife that if I ever consider a Toyota Corolla or heaven forbid a Camry or a Holden, that she is to smack me hard across the head with a shovel.

Though, I figure there will be a queue of people anyway!!!!!!!!!!!

Neil

Oils ain't oils!
The biggest difference between mineral oil and synthetic (there is plenty of documentation to support this)  is the ability of synthetics to withstand higher temperatures for a much longer time before braking down.
Synthetics too come in a variety of viscos ratings and some of us have been using Mobil 1 in 105/116 vehicles for ages.
A well respected club racer ran Mobil 1 15/50 in his famous racing Giulietta successfully for a long time without problems, and I (a much less talented steerer) am using Mobil 1 15/50 in my 2000 GTV on the track. My engine is largely an unknown proposition and seemed to run all day at the 6 hour at 6-6500 revs with out any signs of overheating, oil usage or oil breakdown (read blackening). While more beneficial to the new car range due to the added demands placed on oil by such things as quick start up and drive away, tardy service intervals and higher oil temperatures, there may still be benefits to us with older tech engines. The way I see it is, if there is something that I can use that might be beneficial, is easy to use and relatively inexpensive (given the cost of disaster) then I will use it. Go Synthetics!

Now that's another option here. 

Drive them, compare and negotiate a price once it's checked out by an Alfa Specialist. Refer our sponsors link.

That way you know what it will cost you for a service - in real $ terms with no surprises.

Cheers.

It probably sounds like a great car......but...get it checked out by a Alfa specialist first. Also...like sheldon said...buy a toyota or a holden or something that will be perfectly reliable for 1-2 years, if you are really into Alfas that can give you more than enough time to find the one you really want...could even be a much better 159 by that time.