1999 Alfa Romeo 166 owners manual 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 owners manual 2001 Alfa Romeo 166 owners manual 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 owners manual 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 owners manual 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 owners manual 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 owners manual
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The Alfa Romeo 166 is the car which finally put the ghost of woeful big Alfas to rest. In fact, so good was the impression created upon launch that for the first time in years, nobody could recall an "Alfas Last Chance Saloon" clich being inflicted on the 166. Part of this was due to the rehabilitation of Alfas image by the celebrated 156 model, only a year out of the box at the time of the 166s launch. Nonetheless, the 166 is the first big Alfa Romeo that can honestly be recommended as a used purchase, which speaks volumes about the regard in which it is held by the motor industry.
The Alfa 166 is not the most spacious contender in its class. Whats perhaps surprising given the transversely mounted front engine layout is that rear passengers will get that charter flight feeling of claustrophobia. Rear leg and headroom isnt great, but up front the reverse is true. The driving seat, especially if its trimmed in the gorgeous Momo leather, is where youll want to be.
The boots quite a good size, but in terms of overall packaging, the Alfa would come a distant second to a Volvo S80 or BMW 5 series of the same era. Equipment levels are generally high. The top spec Lusso models provide leather upholstery and electrically adjusted front seats amongst other enhancements. Interestingly, the Italians resisted the temptation to follow the competition by decorating the cabin with wood; they would like you to think this car to be above all that.
Instead, the money was spent on a couple of useful driving aids. Dominating the fascia is a new Siemens-designed 'Integrated Control System'. This centre-console-mounted screen handles the stereo, climate control and (where fitted) satellite navigation system, standardising the kind of technology that cost thousands extra in the opposition. The same thinking drove the development of a new electronically controlled Sportronic automatic gearbox. In one mode, a sophisticated 'brain' selects a pre-determined gearshift pattern based on your current driving style. In another, a 'Tiptronic'-style system enables you to flick the lever up and down to determine your own changes. Nor does the technology stop there. A glance at the equipment list reveals a positive forest of acronyms: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), a Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and of course, four-channel Bosch ABS. Powerful Xenon headlamps offer impressive lighting capacity; rain-sensitive wipers make mixed conditions more relaxing. Even the wheelarches are trimmed with special sound-deadening material to prevent road debris making a noise as it clouts the inner arches. A lot of thought went into this car.
The result, to Alfa's credit, is a saloon that stays true to its maker's traditions without following them blindly. Many owners of rival models are in for a shock if they can be persuaded behind the wheel.
Expect to find the first few 1999 S-registered 2.0-litre Twin Spark cars starting at around 4,900. More typical T-registered examples tend to fetch an additional 飣200. Cars equipped with the optional Momo leather interior are worth an additional 250.
5,400 is the opening price for 2.5-litre V6 models with Sportronic gearbox equipped cars commanding an extra 250-350. Expect to have to fork out at least 5,500 for a 1999 3.0-litre V6, although a more typical asking price for a late 2000/early 2001 model will be 6,500-7,000 depending upon condition and specification.
Insurance Groups ascend with engine choices, the 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0-litre cars being rated in Groups 15, 16, and 17 respectively.
The reliability record of the 166 has been excellent. The fit and finish of the cabin and general attention to detail appears good, although bigger mileage examples may show up some failings. Check the front tyres for wear and check the suspension bushings on the V6-engined models. These V6 cars are also known to have a thirst for oil.
(based on a 2.0 Twin Spark) For a new clutch youre looking at 178, front and rear brake pads are around 65 and 45 respectively and a new offside headlamp will be in the region of 161. A replacement air filter is around 23, an oil filter 8, whilst spark plugs will cost approximately 22. A cam belt retails at around 30.
Sitting behind the wheel, theres a classic Italian feel to the fascia, although thankfully the traditional Italian driving position is notable by its absence. As with most Alfa Romeos, the smaller engined models handle more fluently than those with a hunk of V6 in the nose, and the 166 is no exception. Whilst the additional weight of the 166 2.0 Twin Spark robs it of the zest of the similarly-engined 156, it still handles remarkably well.