🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

164

Year:

1991-1994

Engine Variant:

3.0L V6

Chassis Code:

Type 164

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Luxury executive sedan, positioned as a stylish and performance-oriented alternative to German and Japanese rivals.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, and Lexus LS 400 in its era. Known for its distinctive Italian styling and engaging driving dynamics.

Key Features:

Pininfarina design, powerful V6 engine, front-wheel drive platform, luxurious interior appointments.

Key Features Detail:

Striking Pininfarina styling, driver-focused cockpit, refined V6 engine note, comfortable ride quality combined with sporty handling. The manual itself is a 'key feature' for owners looking to maintain this iconic vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair

Page Count:

Not specified (electronic format)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual, Owner's Manual

Manual Type Detail:

A comprehensive electronic compilation including the original Owner's Manual, official Product Bulletins, and Service Bulletins, providing a complete reference for maintenance, repair, and operational knowledge.

Language:

English

Format:

HTML (requires internet connection), Adobe PDF

Format Requirements:

Requires extraction via WinZip or WinRAR. HTML format necessitates an internet connection for viewing. PDF format requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Owners Manual, Product Bulletin, Service Bulletin, Automatic Transmission, Body, Brake System, Clutch, Engine, Cooling System, Engine Electrical, Exterior, Doors, Final Drive, Fuel System, Air Supply, Exhaust System, Heating and Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Hood and Trunk, Instruments, Interior, Mechanical Transmission, Steering, Suspension, Wheels and Tires

Systems Covered Detail:

Detailed procedures for engine overhaul, transmission repair (both manual and automatic), brake system diagnostics and repair, suspension geometry and component replacement, steering system maintenance, electrical system troubleshooting including wiring diagrams for all circuits, body panel repair and alignment, climate control system servicing, and fuel system management.

Procedures Included:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Repair, Overhaul, Component Replacement, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications

Procedures Included Detail:

Step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic flowcharts, torque specifications for all fasteners, component removal and installation sequences, electrical system troubleshooting guides, routine maintenance procedures and schedules, specifications for all fluids and lubricants, engine tuning data, and bodywork alignment procedures.

Technical Depth:

Professional level, suitable for DIY enthusiasts

Technical Depth Detail:

Covers everything from basic fluid level checks and filter changes to complex engine rebuilding, transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics using wiring diagrams, and body panel repair and alignment.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

ZIP archive containing HTML and PDF files

Compatibility:

Windows Operating System ONLY for viewing HTML content. PDF reader compatibility for PDF files across various OS.

Print Quality:

High Definition diagrams, printable

Binding Type:

Electronic (no physical binding)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital)

File Size:

197 MB

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.0L V6 (Busso V6)

Engine Configuration:

V6, 60-degree bank angle

Engine Displacement:

2959 cc (180.5 cu in)

Engine Bore X Stroke:

93 mm x 72.7 mm

Engine Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 or 10.0:1 (depending on specific version)

Performance Horsepower:

Approx. 190-210 hp (142-157 kW) at 6000 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)

Performance Horsepower Variant 1:

Euro-spec and higher performance variants could reach up to 230 hp (172 kW) with twin-spark ignition and other enhancements.

Performance Torque:

Approx. 245-260 Nm (181-192 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition, typically distributorless ignition system (DIS) on later models

Valve Train:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostat and fan. Manual will detail radiator, water pump, and thermostat replacement procedures.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter change. Manual will provide exact capacity.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-speed manual

Optional:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Features:

Front-wheel drive, viscous coupling limited-slip differential (optional on some manual models)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approx. 4640 mm (182.7 in)

Exterior Width:

Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 in)

Exterior Height:

Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2660 mm (104.7 in)

Weights Curb:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on transmission and equipment

Weights Curb Note:

Weight distribution and specific curb weights can vary significantly based on optional equipment and market specifications.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

No official crash test ratings readily available from modern agencies for this era.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power-assisted steering

Passive Features:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), seatbelts with pre-tensioners, reinforced safety cell

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Climate control systems were advanced for their time.

Driver Assistance:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), cruise control.

Connectivity:

Basic, primarily focused on vehicle systems. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months.

Service Intervals Timing Belt:

Crucial maintenance item. Recommended replacement every 30,000-40,000 miles (48,000-64,000 km) or 3-4 years due to the interference nature of the V6 engine. This manual will detail the procedure and specifications.

Fluid Specifications Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-50) and API service classifications. Typically requires high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oil.

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Antifreeze coolant mixture (50/50 Ethylene Glycol and distilled water). Specific type may be detailed in the manual.

Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on original specification. Manual will specify.

Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Auto:

Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) type, likely Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will confirm.

Known Issues:

Timing belt failure (due to lack of timely replacement), potential for engine oil leaks, aging electrical components, rust in certain areas, aging suspension bushings. The manual will provide diagnostic procedures for these.

Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid:

Specific power steering fluid type will be detailed in the manual, likely an ATF or a dedicated power steering fluid.

Fluid Specifications Clutch Fluid:

Likely DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, as many hydraulic clutch systems use the same fluid reservoir as the brake system. Manual will specify.

Service Intervals Spark Plugs:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium). Manual will specify the correct type and gap.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Alfa Romeo, an Italian manufacturer with a rich history in motorsport and performance automobiles.

Model Evolution:

The 164 was a significant model for Alfa Romeo, representing their foray into the modern front-wheel-drive executive sedan segment. It was based on the Type Four platform, shared with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Saab 9000. It received minor styling updates and engine refinements throughout its production run.

Production:

Produced from 1987 to 1998, with the 3.0L V6 variants covered by this manual spanning 1991-1994.