The gearbox of the Fiat Coupé is at the heart of one of the Italian manufacturer's most iconic sports cars. Unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in 1993 and produced until 2000, the Fiat Coupé owes its bold silhouette to renowned designer Chris Bangle. Beneath that striking bodywork, the transmission played a key role in harnessing increasingly powerful engines.
Nearly 73,000 units were sold worldwide. From launch, two versions were available side by side: the Fiat Coupé 2.0 16V, limited to 139 bhp, and the 2.0 16V Turbo, producing 190 bhp. Later, the switch from four to five cylinders pushed output to 154 bhp in the 2.0 20V and as high as 220 bhp in the 2.0 20V Turbo. EDEN BOITES, French specialists in gearboxes, gives you the full picture on this drivetrain and shares expert advice on maintenance and repair.
Strength and Reliability: the Fiat Coupé Gearbox
Early Fiat Coupé models were fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox. As engine power increased, the number of ratios was raised to 6, bringing greater flexibility to the driving experience and helping to keep fuel consumption in check.
These 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes are FPT ML5 units, entirely conventional in operation. They are particularly well regarded for their reliability and robustness, both in naturally aspirated form and in the formidable Turbo versions. If you'd like to understand what sets a manual transmission apart from an automated one, our guide on manual and automatic gearboxes makes a useful companion to this article.
How to Keep Your Fiat Coupé Gearbox in Good Working Order
The entire mechanism depends on proper lubrication. Insufficient oil will cause premature wear of the components, difficult gear changes, excessive heat build-up and, ultimately, the risk of serious damage.
To keep your Fiat Coupé gearbox well maintained, check the transmission oil level regularly. If it falls below the required mark, top it up after confirming the grade recommended by the manufacturer. Also carry out periodic transmission oil changes to prevent the oil from becoming contaminated and losing its effectiveness; this can be combined with replacing the filters.
Finally, have your Fiat Coupé's manual gearbox inspected from time to time by a mechanic. They will be able to identify worn components and replace them before more serious deterioration damages the transmission.
Effective Repair of the Fiat Coupé Gearbox
If a fault develops, we strongly recommend entrusting the repair of your Fiat Coupé gearbox to a professional mechanic. It is a complex mechanism, and even a minor mistake can cause irreparable damage.
If you have solid automotive mechanical skills, you may however attempt the job yourself. Start by ensuring your safety with appropriate protective equipment (gloves, safety boots and a mask) and by securing the vehicle in a raised position on sturdy axle stands. Then access the gearbox by removing any obstructing components, undo the transmission casing bolts, and make sure the engine is firmly supported before carefully removing the manual gearbox from your Fiat Coupé.
Once the gearbox is removed, inspect the seals and internal components, replace any faulty part, then reassemble everything and refit the transmission in its original position.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fiat Coupé Gearbox
Which gearbox does the Fiat Coupé Turbo use?
Like the naturally aspirated versions, the Fiat Coupé Turbo models are fitted with an FPT ML5 manual gearbox — 5-speed or 6-speed depending on the model — renowned for handling the high torque output of these engines.
How often should the transmission be serviced?
It is advisable to check the oil level regularly and carry out periodic oil changes, following the manufacturer's recommendations and using the correct oil grade.
What symptoms should I watch out for?
Difficult gear changes, unusual noises, overheating or an oil leak all point to a problem that is best dealt with promptly to avoid serious damage.
Is it better to repair or replace the gearbox?
When wear is too advanced, replacing the unit with an exchange gearbox is often more reliable and longer-lasting than a partial repair.
Why Choose EDEN BOITES?
There are times when the condition of your gearbox makes a full replacement unavoidable. You then have the option of sourcing your manual gearbox yourself before having it fitted, giving you full control over the choice of part. EDEN BOITES offers a wide range of reconditioned gearboxes checked by experts, including an extensive selection for the Fiat brand, all sold on an exchange basis. Also take a look at our guides on the Fiat 124 Spider gearbox and the Fiat Tipo gearbox.
Our Fiat gearboxes come with a warranty of up to 24 months. Payment can be spread over up to 10 instalments, and delivery covers France and the European Union, with a lead time confirmed on quote. Exchange units come with a satisfaction or money-back guarantee, subject to our Terms and Conditions. Feel free to request a free, no-obligation quote.
