🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

164

Trim:

L

Year:

1991, 1992, 1993

Chassis Code:

164

Generation:

First Generation (Type 164)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Alfa Romeo 164 was positioned as a premium, executive sedan, aiming to compete with established German rivals. It emphasized Italian design flair, driving dynamics, and a more characterful ownership experience. The 'L' trim typically indicated a more luxurious or well-equipped variant.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasized Italian elegance, sporting prowess, and driver engagement, distinguishing it from more utilitarian luxury sedans.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with vehicles such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi 100/A6. Its strengths lay in its distinctive Pininfarina styling and engaging driving characteristics, while it sometimes faced challenges in perceived build quality and long-term reliability compared to German counterparts.

Key Features:

Front-wheel drive platform (unique for Alfa Romeo at the time), transverse engine layout, advanced (for its era) electronic engine management systems, luxurious interior appointments, sophisticated independent suspension, powerful V6 engine options (though the 'L' often featured the V6).

Chassis Design:

Sophisticated front-wheel-drive chassis with MacPherson struts at the front and independent trailing arm suspension at the rear, contributing to good handling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All components and systems for Alfa Romeo 164 L (1991-1993)

Page Count:

3606

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Electrical System (including ECU, sensors, wiring diagrams), Climate Control, Bodywork (Interior & Exterior), Body Control Modules, SRS (Airbag) System, Wheels and Tires, Diagnostic Procedures, Maintenance Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Wiring Harnesses, Body Panels, Glass, Upholstery, Chassis Components

Specific Engine Components:

Engine block, cylinder heads, crankshaft, camshafts, pistons, connecting rods, valves, valve springs, timing system (belts, tensioners, guides), oil pump, oil pan, manifolds (intake/exhaust), fuel injectors, fuel pump, throttle body, sensors (crankshaft, camshaft, MAP, TPS, O2), ignition coils, spark plugs, starter motor, alternator.

Climate Control Details:

Detailed diagnostics and repair for HVAC system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant lines, and control panels.

Body Control Modules:

Information on the function and troubleshooting of integrated electronic systems for body functions, though less complex than modern vehicles.

Procedures Included:

Removal, Installation, Disassembly, Assembly, Adjustment, Repair, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Inspection, Maintenance, Lubrication, Torque Specifications, Special Tool Usage, Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Component Testing, Rebuilding Procedures, Electrical Schematics, Fluid Capacities and Specifications, Wear Limits, Preventive Maintenance

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners including cylinder head bolts, main bearing caps, rod bolts, suspension components, brake caliper mounting, and more.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, accessories, and body electronics.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance and adjustments to in-depth engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, and complex electrical diagnostics. Includes detailed pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized Alfa Romeo service tools required for specific repair and adjustment procedures.

Diagnostics Scope:

In-depth diagnostic procedures covering common faults, fault codes (if applicable for the era), troubleshooting flowcharts, and component testing methods.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (PDF format generally allows for text searching)

Version:

Likely a compilation of factory service information for the specified model years.

Print Quality:

Printable on demand

Print Clarity:

High clarity for all text and diagrams, ensuring readability upon printing.

Binding Type:

Digital (Instant Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux OS (requires Adobe Reader)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

V6 (Busso V6)

Engine Variants:

Likely featured the 3.0L V6 (12-valve or later 24-valve) engine, known for its distinctive sound and performance. The 'L' designation often implies the V6 engine as standard.

Engine Codes:

AR164.23, AR164.24 (examples for V6, specific codes vary by year and market)

Performance:

Approximate output for the 3.0L V6 (12V) was around 190-200 hp, with torque figures in the 250-260 Nm range. Specifics would vary by year and exact engine code.

Top Speed:

~220-230 km/h (approximate for V6 models)

Acceleration 0 100Kmh:

~7.5-8.5 seconds (approximate for V6 models)

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per manual, typically 95 RON or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-speed manual transaxle

Optional:

4-speed ZF automatic transaxle

Features:

Transaxle design (engine and gearbox in the front) for weight distribution and packaging.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for manual and automatic transmissions are detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Length: ~4750 mm, Width: ~1760 mm, Height: ~1390 mm (These are approximate and may vary slightly).

Wheelbase Variants:

Standard wheelbase for the sedan body style.

Wheelbase:

~2700 mm

Curb Weight:

~1450-1550 kg (depending on engine and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to manual for specific GVWR, typically around 2000-2100 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

No standardized global crash test ratings available for this era and market. Safety features were typical for luxury sedans of the time.

Active Features:

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

Passive Features:

Seatbelts, energy-absorbing crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, optional airbags (late models).

Seatbelt Pre Tensioners:

Likely available on later models or as an option.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic radio/cassette player with manual antenna, often with integrated amplifier. Optional CD player on later models. Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control.

Speaker System:

Multiple speaker configurations, often branded by a premium audio manufacturer of the era (e.g., Blaupunkt, Clarion).

Driver Assistance:

ABS, cruise control (often optional), power adjustable seats with memory (on higher trims).

Connectivity:

Limited by era; primarily for power windows, central locking, and basic electrical functions. No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Refer to the manual for specific intervals. Typically, oil changes every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km), timing belt replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km) depending on engine (crucial for V6), and other fluid changes at prescribed intervals.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic/semi-synthetic recommended for V6).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant. Capacity around 8-10 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual, often a specific hydraulic fluid or ATF.

Oil Capacity Engine:

Approximately 5-6 liters for the 3.0L V6, including oil filter.

Known Issues:

Timing belt failure (critical on V6 engines), electrical gremlins (especially connectors and grounds), rust (wheel arches, sills), power window regulators, heater control valves, aging rubber bushings and hoses, clutch slave cylinder leaks, air conditioning system issues.

Suspension Wear:

Wear in front control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear trailing arm bushings can affect handling and tire wear.

Engine Management:

Potential issues with crankshaft position sensors, ignition module, and various vacuum leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Alfa Romeo boasts a rich history dating back to 1910, renowned for its sporting heritage, passionate engineering, and distinctive Italian styling. The brand has a legacy of iconic models and motorsport success.

Model Evolution:

The 164 was a significant departure for Alfa Romeo, being part of the Fiat Group's Type Four project, sharing its platform with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Saab 9000. It was the successor to the Alfa Romeo 75 (Milano) and represented Alfa Romeo's push into the premium European sedan market with a modern, front-wheel-drive architecture.

Design Era:

Designed by Pininfarina, representing a modern and aerodynamic styling for its time, moving away from more angular Alfa Romeo designs.

Production Years:

1987 - 1998

Production Location:

Arese, Italy

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific 'awards' may be difficult to pinpoint for this model and period, the 164 was generally praised for its styling and driving dynamics by automotive press, often highlighted as a more engaging alternative to its German competitors.