166 still offered in manual form

Does the 166 compete directly with the likes of the BMW 5 series?

The only reason I ask is the 5 really only comes or is desirable in its auto guise, you never see a manual 5 these days, but the 166, well the majority I see are manuals! Is this because Alfa aim the car at the sporting executive as many I speak to (who own Mercs, Audi's and BMWs etc) say they want an auto.

I know its each to their own though...

anyone help Andy out ?

Yes it is a 5 series competetor but they don't make the 166 any more, the 169 replacement not due for a good while yet. The same thing happened previously when 164 ended production, there was a gap until 166 appeared!

I would say that the majority of 166 V6's have the sportronic box, the manual is fairly rare. It was when I was looking, I almost settled for a sportronic. Seems to be a big car thing!

I think you will find that all 5 series models are offerred in manual or auto - Customer choice is probably to the auto option.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-p...l=buy&plate=73

It is indeed Alfas sleek amd beautiful competiror to 5 series or E class but lets be honest the oppostion arent in the same league especially now when Mercs in particular but also BMW s are so problematic mechanically

Originally Posted by passarellaie

It is indeed Alfas sleek amd beautiful competiror to 5 series or E class but lets be honest the oppostion arent in the same league especially now when Mercs in particular but also BMW s are so problematic mechanically

Living life on the edge there aren't you? You'll be posting on the tempting fate/Who's got the most reliable alfa thread next

Maybe so but as someone who works in parts i can vouch that after 2002 Mercedes are rubbish with very poor reliability whereas at least Alfa can offer driveability and after 04 improved reliability