166 Advice

Hi Alfisti,

after a short break from Alfas, I'm looking out for a 166 and would welcome any advice on what to look out for. My last two Alfas were 164s and I ran a Thema at the same time, so am well versed in Tipo Quattro issues like sticking calipers. I don't know how much a 166 owes to Tipo Quattro - is it an evolution of 164 or is it a stretched 156? A long list of Alfas, Lancias, Fiats and (gulp) a Maserati leaves me well versed in usual Italian car electrical issues.

My preference would be a 2.5 manual with a conventional shift. I think there are 5-speed and 6-speed options, but if the engine is nearly as tractable as the 24V in my last 164, I don't see the point in the 6th gear (I only used three most of the time in the 164).

Should I consider the 2 litre? I felt that the Twinspark struggled a bit in the 164, especially in comparison to the sweet & torquey V6.

Most of my driving is urban and suburban in SE England, so performance and handling are less important than comfort, driveability and internal ambience (things that are a pleasure even when sat in a traffic jam).

Thanks in advance for any specific model recommendation and technical advice,

Mark

well from what i've gathered from other people the model to go for is the 3.0 manual - seems to be largely similar in terms of fuel consumption but a lot more poke. Also, if you want a 2.5 manual get the 6 speed box as that engine apparently needs to be worked quite hard.

I think the 166 probably owes more to the 156 (although designed before) in terms of suspension etc but i suspect that there is plenty type 4 DNA there are well...build quality of the 166 is way ahead of the 164 also.

The twink is pretty good to be honest - no ball of fire but still pretty nippy and pretty economical (mid 30's is easily achievable) and a bit more light footed in the twisty bits. For urban driving i'd say the twink is more sensible but if economy isn't a big issue then go for the V6 - the noise alone is worth it

That's my tuppence worth...many others have far greater experience with the various models and will be along shortly hopefully!

Mark

You better hurry up as they are getting scarcer all the time...If I had the dosh I would go for 1 of the cancelled malasin order which has arrived in london or thereabouts....Avoid at al costs the prefacelift 2007 model tho'

Pomeo

it's listed as "sold" on pistonheads!

Hi Mark,

When comfort, driveability and internal ambience are key, my advice is: Go for the 3.0 Sportronic. Imagine the wealth of just sitting back in your (heated) leather upholstery, your 6 most favourite CD’s just a fingertip away on the ICS, the green dashboard light adjusted to your needs and the temperature adjusted to a steady level. No more shifting gears or clutching around, just go with the flow controlled by your right foot. Just for fun, slightly tip the Sportronic lever to the left in sport position and Bella changes in a beast showing her elegant rear to everyone less or equal motorized.

Negative: Her thirst. In your (mine) driving conditions she will swallow 12 to 13 litres every 100 km’s. To my knowledge the 2.5 takes 10 to 11 litres. For that reason I put her on a strict diet of LPG. Performance and fuel consumption remain the same. In the Netherlands road tax for a LPG car is higher (the reward for cleaner driving) but the cost for 1 litre LPG is 55 Eurocent. The 72 litres ring tank is installed in the spare tyre storage. The tank can be filled up to a maximum of 80% = 55 litres which give me a petrol station to –station range of 300 to 350 km’s. The Vialle Lpi G3 system brought Euro 2.500 on the scale, added to the Euro 8.000 for the 7 years, 150K km’s car made my total investment a decent Euro 10.500 in July this year.

Typical 166 V6 things to look for: Cambelt change every 100K km’s or 5 years, maintenance history, equal wear of tyres (wheel alignment of a 166 is a specialist’s job or an indication of worn suspension parts), fuel gauge reliability (for me, driving on LPG, not a main issue), failing rain sensor (rain sensor = yes = small blue eye behind the interior mirror), broken electrical wire in rubber hose between car’s body and boot lid, i.e. one failing inside rear light or no light in the boot. Further things to look for: Except for lamp- and electronic circuit check, no red lights on the check panel for Airbag, Fuel injection or (automatic) Gearbox.

As you can see, mainly electrical-, electronic issues. One more annoying than the other but typical for the (Italian) car. For the rest: GREAT styling and driving.

Hope this helps in making your choice.

Klaas Wortel

i quite fancy a sportronic now

A 3.0 manual was the only version I looked at.

Klaas has covered most of the pitfalls. Just chose carefully and be patient.

patience is probably good advice as there are lots of cheap but problematic 166's about and unless it's a real bargain and you are handy at spanner twirling you're better off waiting/paying for a good 'un....

I may consider selling mine - 30/04/2003 "03" registered 3.0 Super (Manual) with 98.5k miles. Metallic silver with black leather. Well maintained with FSH (9 stamps), belts at 73,602 miles 03/04/2006, last serviced at 96,304 miles 21/08/2007.

Some photos -

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/DSC01863.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/DSC01869.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...t/DSC01771.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...r/IMG_0026.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...r/IMG_0025.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...r/IMG_0041.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...r/IMG_0037.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...r/IMG_0015.jpg

I have original 17s and a set on Zender Siena 17s.

No disrespect to the 2.5, but was not my preference- Hardly any MPG or insurance difference. Had to be the 3.0 for me (as it was in my 164's)

Send me a PM if interested.

Mark, there are quite a few on Ebay right now, some interesting looking ones. My personal preference is for a TS, because of the economy and the handling, which I found appreciably better than the 3 litre. Which ever one you get you will not be disappointed. I would however advise that you pay a bit more and get a good one, as a bad one will cost you much more in the long run.

It's a great car the automatic but be aware of certain elements in this area pushing you towards this ! I bought an alfa preston area & have been had over by a faulty radio unit which the guy claimed that it was just a matter of a code ! He lied ! He knew he had a shot unit in the vehicle & sold it me anyway ! Now he's dragging it out to replace it(can't get hold of one ...blah blah ) and to add insult to injury he's even selling another 166 whilst a 4 month old customer is still waiting for his ics unit to be changed ! There's a few traders on here m8 so be very aware of this ......& between u & me mate they think that they are the only clever ones ! But buyer beware of this please. U can't trust anyone.