Positioning:
The Alfa Romeo 166 was a flagship executive sedan, designed to compete with premium German marques. It offered a blend of distinctive Italian styling, luxurious appointments, and engaging driving dynamics.
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E39), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Volvo S80
Design:
Iconic 'Scudetto' grille, sleek aerodynamic profile, luxurious interior with high-quality materials.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its precise steering, compliant ride, and sporty handling, particularly with the V6 engines.
Engine Options:
Initially offered with naturally aspirated V6 'Busso' engines, later expanded to include turbodiesel options.
Engine:
2.5 VB (V6 Busso)
Model Years Covered:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Trim Levels Covered:
All Trim Levels for the 2.5 VB Engine variant
Transmission Types Covered:
All Transmission Types for the 2.5 VB Engine variant (Manual and Automatic)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Exact count not specified, but described as 'COMPLETE' and covering 'every single detail')
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Delivery Format:
Digital Download
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical (2.5 VB V6 Busso), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System, Cooling System
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission systems, including diagnosis and repair
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brake System (including ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories, ECU diagnosis
Bodywork:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, HVAC System
Emissions:
Emission Control Systems, Diagnosis, and Repair
Maintenance:
Periodic Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all systems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all components, including complete disassembly and reassembly procedures
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component values
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Name:
Alfa Romeo V6 'Busso' (2.5 Litre)
Engine Configuration:
60-degree V6
Displacement:
2493 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
81.0 mm x 80.7 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)
Horsepower:
Approximately 190 PS (187 hp; 139 kW) at 6300 rpm (exact figures may vary slightly by specific model year and market).
Torque:
Approximately 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm (exact figures may vary slightly by specific model year and market).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating typically 95 RON or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Length:
Approximately 4700 mm (185.0 in)
Width:
Approximately 1760 mm (69.3 in)
Height:
Approximately 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1500-1600 kg (3307-3527 lbs), depending on transmission and equipment.
Euroncap Rating:
Not directly rated by Euro NCAP during its primary production run in a comparable format to modern standards. Earlier safety standards applied.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (ASR)
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Discs
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, available side airbags on later models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned seatbelts with load limiters
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Infotainment System:
Early models featured basic radio/cassette players or CD players. Later models offered optional CD changers and improved audio systems.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option or standard on higher trims.
Parking Sensors:
Available on later models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically basic phone integration or aftermarket solutions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial service for the Busso V6. Recommended replacement every 60,000-100,000 km (37,000-62,000 miles) or 5 years, along with tensioners and water pump. Failure leads to catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4. Viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-40, but consult manual. Consider full synthetic for optimal protection.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion inhibitors. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Alfa Romeo or Fiat approved coolant is recommended.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., ATF Type T-IV). Refer to manual for exact specification.
Common Problems:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), wear on suspension components (bushings, ball joints), potential for electrical gremlins, exhaust manifold cracks (on some Busso engines), radiator and cooling system issues (hoses, thermostat), air mass sensor failures.
Heritage:
Alfa Romeo boasts a rich heritage in motorsport and automotive engineering, known for its passionate design and sporty driving character since its inception in 1910.
Predecessor:
Alfa Romeo 164
Successor:
Alfa Romeo Giulia (indirect successor in the executive sedan segment)
Manufacturing Plant:
Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, Italy
Production Total:
Approximately 100,000 units across all variants.
