Market Position:
Executive/Luxury Sedan positioned as a premium offering within the Alfa Romeo lineup, competing with German and other European luxury sedans of its era.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E39/E60), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210/W211), Audi A6 (C5/C6), Jaguar S-Type, Volvo S80
Key Vehicle Features:
Stylish Italian design, powerful V6 engines (Busso V6), comfortable and luxurious interior, front-wheel drive or Q4 all-wheel drive system, sophisticated chassis tuning
Vehicle Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical System, HVAC, Safety Systems (Airbags, ABS, Traction Control), Interior Features, Exterior Features, Infotainment, Lighting, Wipers and Washers
Operational Procedures:
Starting and driving, Instrument panel and controls, Door and window operation, Seat and steering wheel adjustment, Climate control operation, Audio system usage, Lighting controls, Wiper and washer operation, Fueling, Tire inflation and changing, Fluid level checks, Basic maintenance checks
Technical Depth:
Covers essential owner-level information, troubleshooting common warning lights, and basic user-maintainable items. Does not include detailed mechanical repair procedures or advanced diagnostic information typically found in a service manual.
Engine Options:
3.0 V6 24v (190 PS / 140 kW, later 220 PS / 162 kW), 3.2 V6 24v (240 PS / 177 kW, later 240 PS / 176 kW), 2.0 JTS (165 PS / 121 kW), 2.4 JTD (136 PS / 100 kW, later 140 PS / 103 kW, 150 PS / 110 kW, 175 PS / 129 kW, 185 PS / 136 kW)
Power Output 3 2 V6:
240 PS (177 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Torque 3 2 V6:
300 Nm (221 lb-ft) @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic (V6), Direct Injection (JTS), Common Rail Direct Injection (JTD)
Busso V6 Engine Code Example:
AR30701 (3.0 V6), AR30703 (3.2 V6)
Jtd Engine Code Example:
17501
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (early models), 6-speed Manual (later models, V6)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (Q-System), 5-speed Automatic (Q-Tronic)
AWD System:
Q4 (Active Torque Transfer All-Wheel Drive)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific application)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (verify specific application)
Euro Ncap Rating Pre Facelift:
4 Stars (2000)
Euro Ncap Rating Facelift:
4 Stars (2004)
Active Safety Features:
ABS with EBD, Traction Control System (ASR), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC, on some models), Xenon headlights (optional)
Passive Safety Features:
Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain), Pretensioner seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors
Infotainment System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette/CD player with integrated display, optional navigation system. Features include RDS, CD changer controls.
Speaker System:
Bose premium audio system (optional on higher trims)
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, Parking sensors (rear, optional), Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Connectivity Features:
Pre-wiring for mobile phone integration (optional)
Headlight Type:
Halogen (standard), Xenon/HID (optional on facelift models)
Oil Change Interval Km Miles:
10,000-15,000 km (6,000-10,000 miles) or 1 year (whichever comes first, depending on usage and oil type)
Timing Belt Replacement Km Miles:
105,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years (for Busso V6 engines, critical)
Spark Plug Replacement Km Miles:
40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles), depending on type
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 API SN, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4 (check manual for specific viscosity and API ratings)
Coolant Specification:
Paraflu UP (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with organic additives)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Specific Alfa Romeo fluid or Dexron III/Mercon (verify)
Common Issues Busso V6:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), oil leaks (valve covers, oil cooler), intake manifold wear, potential crankshaft pulley issues.
Common Issues Jtd:
EGR valve issues, DPF regeneration problems (on later diesel models with DPF), injector issues, turbocharger wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
CAN bus communication errors, window regulator failures, climate control module issues, dashboard warning lights (minor sensor faults).
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn suspension bushings, track control arm wear, rear axle bush failures.
Common Issues General:
Corrosion on subframes and suspension components, interior trim wear, occasional HVAC blower motor issues.
Timing Belt Kit Part Number Example V6:
71714020 (Kit includes belt, tensioners, idler pulleys)
Brand Heritage Connection:
Represents Alfa Romeo's commitment to sporty driving dynamics, elegant styling, and premium segment presence.
Model Evolution Summary:
Successor to the Alfa Romeo 164. The 166 was a significant step up in refinement and technology. The 2003 facelift brought updated styling (particularly the front end), improved interior, and revised engine options.
Production Years:
1998-2007
Production Plant:
Arese, Italy (initially), Mirafiori, Turin, Italy (later)
Total Production Units Approx:
~99,000
