Market Position:
The Alfa Romeo 164 was positioned as a premium executive sedan, competing with established German and Japanese luxury marques of the era.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, and Lexus LS.
Key Features:
Stylish Pininfarina design, powerful V6 engine, luxurious interior appointments, front-wheel drive platform (later with optional all-wheel drive in some markets).
Coverage Areas:
All major mechanical and electrical systems, body, interior, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, brakes, clutch, suspension, steering, wheels and tires.
Page Count:
Not specified, but described as 'very comprehensive'.
Manual Type:
Repair Service Manual / Owner's Manual
Language:
English (implied by product description)
Systems Covered:
Engine, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Brake System, Fuel System, Air Supply, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Engine Electrical, Heating and Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Steering, Suspension, Wheels and Tires, Body, Exterior, Doors, Hood and Trunk, Instruments, Interior, Final Drive.
Procedures Included:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures, maintenance schedules, servicing, troubleshooting, exploded views, diagrams, illustrated procedures, product bulletins, service bulletins.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for technicians; covers detailed written procedures with pictures and diagrams.
Primary Engine:
3.0L V6 'Busso' engine
Horsepower:
Approximately 200-210 hp (varies slightly by market and specific engine tuning).
Torque:
Approximately 250-260 Nm (varies slightly).
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection.
Engine Layout:
60-degree V6, naturally aspirated.
Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 72.5 mm (typical for this variant).
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves total).
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Safety testing standards were less rigorous and less standardized globally during this period compared to modern vehicles).
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, Power-assisted steering.
Passive Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags (introduced during the production run), crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell.
Infotainment Features:
Factory-fitted radio/cassette player, optional CD player, climate control system with manual or automatic operation.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, power steering. No advanced electronic driver aids typical of modern vehicles.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to analog systems, no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity unless aftermarket.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for this engine; typically every 60,000-80,000 km or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50) and API/ACEA rating. Typically requires synthetic or semi-synthetic oil.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific type (e.g., OAT or HOAT) as per manual.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (check manual for specific viscosity, e.g., 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Known Issues:
Timing belt tensioner issues, fuel pump reliability, minor electrical gremlins common in older Italian cars, potential for rust in certain areas, clutch slave cylinder leaks.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
e.g., Fram PH5793, Mann W940/30 (verify with manual for exact fitment).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
e.g., Fram CA3271, Mann C2520 (verify with manual for exact fitment).
Brand Heritage:
Alfa Romeo boasts a rich history of sporting heritage and distinctive Italian design, known for its passion for engineering and performance.
Model Evolution:
The 164 was the flagship sedan of Alfa Romeo, based on the innovative Type Four platform shared with Fiat, Lancia, and Saab. It represented a significant step forward in terms of quality and technology for the brand.
Production Years:
1987-1998 (model years covered by this manual are 1991-1994).
Manufacturing Location:
Milan, Italy.
