๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Alfa Romeo Model: 164 Model Designation: Type 164 Generation Generation: First Generation Generation Years: 1987โ1998 Codes Chassis Code: Type 164 ๐ Introduction Market Position Market Position: Premium executive sedan, known for its stylish Italian design, powerful V6 engines, and sporty driving dynamics. Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, Volvo 960, Saab 9000. Key Features Key Features: Pininfarina-designed exterior, front-wheel drive platform shared with Lancia Thema and Fiat Croma, advanced engines (especially the V6 Busso), sophisticated interior. Target Audience Target Audience: Enthusiasts, independent mechanics, owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs. Product Benefit Product Benefit: Provides comprehensive, manufacturer-approved technical information to enable owners and technicians to maintain and repair the Alfa Romeo 164 accurately and efficiently. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 Regions Covered: Likely global, focusing on markets where the 164 was sold during these years. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive, typical for a full service manual (estimated 1000+ pages). Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English (assumed based on product description and typical sales) Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, and repair of all engine variants for the specified years (e.g., V6 Busso engines). Engine Management: Fuel injection systems, ignition systems, emissions control, sensor diagnostics, ECU information. Transmission Manual: Overhaul and repair of manual gearboxes. Transmission Automatic: Diagnostics, repair, and fluid specifications for automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF variants). Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive system, transaxle, CV joints, driveshafts. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, bushings. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, diagnostic procedures. Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, bleeding procedures, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, interior electronics, exterior lighting. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, structural components, corrosion protection, interior trim. Climate Control: HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, component replacement, diagnostics. Safety Systems: Airbag system (if equipped), seatbelts, safety restraint system diagnostics. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, fault codes (OBD-I or early OBD-II depending on specific model year), diagnostic flowcharts. Procedures Included Preventive Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections, spark plug replacement. Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems. Repair And Rebuild: Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation. Component Replacement: Guidance on replacing major and minor components (e.g., engine, transmission, alternator, fuel pump, brake calipers). Electrical Diagnostics: Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit tracing, and troubleshooting of electrical issues. Suspension And Steering Alignment: Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and full engine/transmission overhauls. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual. Searchable text is highly probable. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Variants Covered: Likely includes the 3.0L V6 (24v and 12v variants) and potentially 2.0L Twin Spark or Turbo engines depending on market. Engine Code Example: AR16102 (3.0 V6 12v), AR34101 (3.0 V6 24v). Performance Typical Horsepower Range: 180 hp (2.0L) to 230 hp (3.0L V6 24v). Typical Torque Range: 210 Nm (2.0L) to 280 Nm (3.0L V6 24v). Fuel System Fuel System Type: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), e.g., Bosch Motronic. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline. Ignition System Ignition System Type: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based systems depending on specific engine. Cooling System Cooling System Type: Pressurized liquid cooling system. ๐ง Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission. Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22). Features Transaxle Design: Transaxle layout (engine in front, gearbox and differential integrated unit). ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4643 mm (182.8 inches) Width: Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 inches) Height: Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 inches) Wheelbase: Approx. 2660 mm (104.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs) depending on engine and options. ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: No official Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings readily available for this specific era. Based on contemporary standards, likely moderate. Active Features Active Safety Features: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on higher trims and later models, power-assisted steering. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Reinforced body structure, crumple zones, seatbelts. Airbags were optional or standard on later models of this generation. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic radio/cassette player. Optional CD player. Sound system quality varied by trim level. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: ABS was the primary electronic driver assistance feature. Cruise control was often optional. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to basic audio connectivity. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone mirroring. ๐ง Maintenance Service...
Premium executive sedan, known for its stylish Italian design, powerful V6 engines, and sporty driving dynamics.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, Volvo 960, Saab 9000.
Key Features
Key Features:
Pininfarina-designed exterior, front-wheel drive platform shared with Lancia Thema and Fiat Croma, advanced engines (especially the V6 Busso), sophisticated interior.
Target Audience
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, independent mechanics, owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs.
Product Benefit
Product Benefit:
Provides comprehensive, manufacturer-approved technical information to enable owners and technicians to maintain and repair the Alfa Romeo 164 accurately and efficiently.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Years:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Regions Covered:
Likely global, focusing on markets where the 164 was sold during these years.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive, typical for a full service manual (estimated 1000+ pages).
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English (assumed based on product description and typical sales)
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
๐ Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, and repair of all engine variants for the specified years (e.g., V6 Busso engines).
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based systems depending on specific engine.
Cooling System
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system.
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission.
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22).
Features
Transaxle Design:
Transaxle layout (engine in front, gearbox and differential integrated unit).
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4643 mm (182.8 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2660 mm (104.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs) depending on engine and options.
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
No official Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings readily available for this specific era. Based on contemporary standards, likely moderate.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on higher trims and later models, power-assisted steering.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced body structure, crumple zones, seatbelts. Airbags were optional or standard on later models of this generation.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic radio/cassette player. Optional CD player. Sound system quality varied by trim level.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS was the primary electronic driver assistance feature. Cruise control was often optional.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic audio connectivity. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone mirroring.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for V6 engines. Typically every 50,000 - 80,000 km (30,000 - 50,000 miles) or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely API SG or higher, viscosity grades such as 10W-40 or 15W-40. Check manual for exact specification.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Specific type and mixture ratio detailed in manual.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent for ZF automatic transmissions.
Known Issues
Common Issues Engine:
Timing belt issues (if not replaced regularly), oil leaks (especially from valve cover gaskets and front crankshaft seal), radiator leaks, alternator failure.
Common Issues Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation, sensor failures, central locking issues, power window regulators.
Rust on sills, wheel arches, and door bottoms. Climate control flap issues.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Alfa Romeo boasts a long history of producing sporty and stylish cars with a focus on performance and driving pleasure.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The 164 was a significant model for Alfa Romeo, representing their entry into the modern executive sedan segment with a front-wheel-drive platform.
Production
Production Period:
1987โ1998.
Production Locations
Production Locations:
Alfa Romeo's Arese plant in Milan, Italy.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
While specific awards for the 1994-1997 models are not widely publicized, the 164 was generally well-regarded for its styling and performance in automotive press reviews of its era.