Hi again,I have found out it means Model Year,It is the Alfa that was upgrade with the new air con ,hi-fi etc ,so they added the M.Y so you can see it,s the newer version of the 156,and to say I love the car it's not the words to use.I thinks it's a dream to drive and it makes you feel great.
Yes I am a ex Marine,now living in Denmark,and all the old shi* about Alfa's is rubbish,drives like a dream,starts first time ever day,even when -10,and looks cool.
bootneck, read any article or review on alfas mate. Just becuase yours drives like a dream it dont mean that alfas are not renound for breaking down...trust me, they are. Yes, they look cool, yes they are lovely cars to drive, but have a tendancy to enjoy sitting on the hard shoulder waiting for the RAC.