🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

164

Year:

1997

Body Style:

4-door Sedan

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Executive Sedan

Brand Image:

Sporty, luxurious, and distinctive Italian design

Key Competitors Era:

BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, Lexus GS

Design Language:

Designed by Pininfarina, wedge-shaped profile, clean lines

Powertrain Emphasis:

Emphasis on powerful V6 engines and engaging driving dynamics

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform extensive DIY maintenance and repairs, saving significant labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Coverage Scope:

All Styles Covered

Authenticity:

Genuine Factory Manuals (NOT 3rd party)

📖 Manual Coverage

General Maintenance:

Included

Troubleshooting:

Included

Engine Service Repair:

Included

Transmission Service Repair:

Included

Brake System:

Included

Wiring Diagrams:

Included

Electrical System:

Included

Suspension:

Included

Periodic Lubrication:

Included

Steering:

Included

Cooling System:

Included

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Included

Emission System:

Included

Heater Air Conditioning:

Included

Engine Control System:

Included

Chassis Body:

Included

Restraint System:

Included

Interior:

Included

Differential Drive:

Included

Axle:

Included

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step, detailed

Diagnostic Procedures:

Advanced troubleshooting guide

Maintenance Tasks:

Fundamentals of maintaining

Rebuilding Refurbishing Restoring:

All aspects covered

Depth Of Information:

Complete Official Factory Information

Target Audience:

Owner and Professional Technicians/Mechanics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (compatible with all PC based Windows and Mac operating systems)

Printability:

Fully Printable (individual pages or entire manual)

Searchability:

Search function included

Resolution:

High Resolution

Illustrations:

Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos

Diagrams:

Included

Inset Details:

Enlarged inset for detailed part examination

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V6 (Busso V6)

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2959 cc)

Valve Train:

DOHC, 24 Valves

Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 72.7 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 210-220 hp (depending on specific market tune)

Torque:

Approx. 270-280 Nm (depending on specific market tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (95-98 RON recommended)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Paraflu UP, or equivalent)

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 recommended (refer to manual for specific API/ACEA ratings)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)

Drive Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific manual and automatic transmission fluid specifications (e.g., ATF Dexron III for automatic)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4640 mm (182.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1765 mm (69.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2660 mm (104.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited public data available for this specific model year and region. Refer to Euro NCAP or NHTSA for general era safety standards.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger airbags typically standard.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell construction.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with amplifier and CD changer option.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with recirculation and cabin filter.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Car Phone:

Optional factory-fitted car phone integration in some markets.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, using synthetic oil.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial! Typically every 60,000-80,000 km (36,000-50,000 miles) or 5 years. Failure causes severe engine damage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, generally 30,000-60,000 km depending on plug type.

Engine Coolant:

Paraflu UP or equivalent 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 recommended.

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual, typically a specific type of hydraulic fluid or ATF.

Engine Mounts:

Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or loose connections can cause intermittent issues.

HVAC System:

Climate control actuators and blower motor resistors can be prone to failure.

Suspension Components:

Bushings and ball joints may wear over time, affecting ride and handling.

Rust Corrosion:

Can be an issue in certain climates, particularly around wheel arches and sills.

📚 Vehicle History

Alfa Romeo Legacy:

Long history of producing sporty, stylish, and driver-focused vehicles with a racing pedigree.

164 Development:

Developed on the Type Four platform, shared with Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Saab 9000. Designed by Pininfarina.

1997 Updates:

Likely represents a later stage of the second series (facelift) introduced in 1992, with potential minor updates to styling, features, and engine management.

Production Years:

1987-1998

Manufacturing Location:

Italy (Arese, Milan)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the 1997 model are not widely publicized, the Pininfarina design of the 164 was highly regarded for its elegance and aerodynamics.

Reliability Perception:

Historically, Alfa Romeo vehicles of this era were sometimes perceived as less reliable than German or Japanese counterparts, but proper maintenance, as detailed in this manual, is crucial for longevity.