Positioning:
The Alfa Romeo 166 was positioned as a premium executive sedan, offering a blend of Italian styling, performance, and luxury, often competing with German rivals.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6 of the same era. It also faced competition from other European and Japanese executive sedans.
Styling:
Renowned for its distinctive and elegant Italian design, penned by Pininfarina, featuring a characteristic Alfa Romeo 'Scudetto' grille.
Engine Technology:
The 2.4 JTD 20V engine represents Alfa Romeo's advanced common-rail diesel technology of the era, offering strong torque and improved fuel efficiency for a large sedan.
Value:
Provides a complete, factory-level resource for maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, empowering owners and independent workshops to service the vehicle efficiently and correctly.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (JTD - Common Rail Diesel Injection), sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis, starter, alternator.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, gearbox, differentials, driveshafts, specific for JTD variants.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, ESP), wheel alignment, chassis components.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows, central locking, interior electronics, dashboard, instruments, audio system, climate control.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, glass replacement.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant system, heater core, evaporator, climate control module.
Emission Control:
Emission control systems, catalytic converter, EGR system (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) diagnosis and regeneration (if applicable to the specific 2.4 JTD 20V variant).
General Information:
Vehicle identification, safety precautions, general specifications, tools and equipment.
Periodic Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, inspections, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for complete vehicle or component disassembly and reassembly.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).
Engine Type:
Inline 5-cylinder, Turbocharged Common Rail Diesel (JTD)
Displacement:
2387 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 90.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
18.0:1 (typical for JTD common rail)
Horsepower:
136-140 HP (early models) / 150-175 HP (later models, depending on specific tuning and year)
Torque:
300-330 Nm (early models) / 330-400 Nm (later models, depending on specific tuning and year)
Injection System:
Bosch Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)
Turbocharger:
Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 Liters
Oil Specification:
ACEA B3/B4, API CF. Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-40, 10W-40 depending on climate).
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., M32 type)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 5HP19FL or similar)
Manual Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Automatic Gear Control:
Electronic control with multiple shift programs (e.g., Normal, Sport).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).
Euro Ncap Rating:
4 Stars (for the later facelift models, early models might have lower scores or no official rating available).
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist (HBA).
Stability Control:
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) / ESP (Electronic Stability Program) often standard or optional.
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation).
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags, curtain airbags (depending on trim level).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts, load limiters.
Chassis Design:
Rigid body structure with crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Available with integrated navigation systems (Connect Nav+), CD players, and premium audio systems (e.g., Bose).
Climate Control:
Automatic dual-zone climate control was a common feature.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were available on later models.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free kits were available.
Headlights:
Projector-type headlights, with Xenon HID headlights available as an option on higher trims.
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific JTD 20V intervals which may vary slightly).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 km or 4-5 years, critical for the JTD engine. Refer to the manual for the precise interval for the 2.4 JTD 20V. Includes tensioners and idlers.
Fuel Filter:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 km, crucial for diesel engine longevity.
Air Filter:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 km.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-4 years or as recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type and replacement interval).
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (often ATF or specialized fluid).
Engine Reliability:
Can be prone to issues with glow plugs, EGR valve clogging, turbocharger wear (if not maintained), and common rail system component wear if fuel quality is poor. Timing belt replacement is critical.
Electronics:
Early models could suffer from electrical gremlins, particularly with window regulators, central locking, and dashboard warning lights. The infotainment and climate control modules can also be sources of issues.
Suspension And Steering:
Front wishbone bushes and ball joints are known wear items, affecting handling and ride quality. Power steering pumps can also develop leaks.
Exhaust System:
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration issues can occur if the vehicle is primarily used for short trips. Exhaust manifold cracks are also a known problem on some JTD engines.
Bodywork:
Rust can affect older examples, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and rear subframes. Door seals can degrade.
Heritage:
Alfa Romeo boasts a rich history in motorsport and automotive engineering, known for sporty handling and distinctive Italian design.
Predecessor:
The 166 succeeded the Alfa Romeo 164, continuing the tradition of Alfa Romeo's executive sedan offerings.
Facelift:
The 166 received a significant facelift in 2003, featuring revised styling (particularly the front end) and updated interior features and technology.
Production Plant:
Produced at Alfa Romeo's plant in Italy (historically Pomigliano d'Arco or Arese, depending on the specific period and model).
Production Numbers:
While not a mass-market bestseller, it represented a significant effort by Alfa Romeo to compete in the premium segment.
Design Awards:
While specific individual awards for the 166 might be difficult to pinpoint, the model was generally praised for its sophisticated and elegant styling, often winning accolades for its Pininfarina design.
Reliability Ratings:
Reliability ratings varied, with some owners reporting excellent experiences while others encountered more frequent mechanical or electrical issues, often dependent on maintenance history and the specific year of manufacture.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with European emissions standards relevant to its production years (e.g., Euro 3, Euro 4).
