🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Alfa Romeo Model: 166 Generation First Generation Years: 1998-2007 Codes Chassis Code: 936 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive/Luxury Sedan Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Volvo S80, Jaguar S-Type Key Features Design Philosophy: Italian design flair, luxurious interior, powerful engines, advanced chassis dynamics for its era Value Proposition Diy Savings: Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs, potentially saving significant costs on dealership labor 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Models Covered: All models, engines, trim levels, and transmission types Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (exact number not specified, but described as 'complete' and 'A-Z' coverage) Manual Type Type: Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English (implied by product description and target market) Format Delivery Format: Downloadable Digital File (PDF) Accessibility: Downloadable to multiple devices (PC, MAC, tablet, smartphone), allowing for flexible access in the workshop or on the go. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing belt/chain, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, fluid changes, clutch service, differential service Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive components, axles, CV joints, driveshafts Suspension: Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column Brakes: Brake system diagnostics, service, repair, ABS, brake fluid specifications, pad and rotor replacement Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, comfort systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Bodywork And Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, chassis components, welding procedures HVAC: Air conditioning system diagnosis, service, refrigerant handling, heater core, climate control Fuel System: Fuel pumps, injectors, lines, tanks, evaporative emission control Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, oxygen sensors Safety Systems: Airbag system diagnosis and service, seatbelt mechanisms Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, guided troubleshooting trees Repair: Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all vehicle systems Diagnostics: Information on diagnostic tools, reading fault codes, sensor data interpretation Rebuilds: Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including component specifications and tolerances Adjustments: Adjustment procedures for various components, e.g., parking brake, clutch linkage Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds) Level Of Detail: Includes step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts Diagnostic Tools Coverage: Includes guidance for using diagnostic tools to read and interpret ECU data, sensor readings, and fault codes specific to Alfa Romeo's diagnostic protocols of the era. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchable: Likely searchable text content due to PDF format, allowing quick access to information Print Quality Printability: Printable pages (user can print specific chapters or the entire manual) Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (digital download) Paper Type Paper Type: Not applicable (digital download) Software Requirements Required Software: Adobe Reader (free download available) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: V6 Petrol (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.2 litre), 4-cylinder Diesel (2.4 JTD), V6 Diesel (2.4 JTD) Specific Engines Covered: Includes details for engines such as the 3.0 V6 24v Busso (166.160) and 2.4 JTD 10-valve and 20-valve diesel engines. Performance Typical Hp Range: 150 hp (2.0 TS) to 240 hp (3.2 V6 24v) Typical Torque Range: 250 Nm (2.0 TS) to 285 Nm (3.2 V6 24v) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for JTD diesel engines Engine Management ECU Systems: Details on Bosch Motronic and other ECU systems for engine control and diagnostics 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission (for most petrol variants), 6-speed Manual Transmission (for some performance variants) Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed or 5-speed ZF automatic transmission (e.g., 'Q-System' or 'Comfortronic') Features Transmission Fluid Spec: Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) types and manual gearbox oil specifications are detailed for each transmission type. Clutch Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4720 mm Width: Approx. 1795 mm Height: Approx. 1430 mm Weights Curb Weight: Varies by engine/transmission, typically from 1500 kg to 1750 kg Gross Weight: Detailed GWV specified for each model variant. Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 510 litres 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Euro Ncap Rating: Euro NCAP: 4 stars (for 1999 testing) Active Features Active Safety: ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Traction Control (ASR), Vehicle Stability Control (VDC/ESP) on later models Passive Features Passive Safety: Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (optional/later models), pre-tensioned seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Optional integrated navigation system, CD...
Airbag system diagnosis and service, seatbelt mechanisms
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, guided troubleshooting trees
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all vehicle systems
Diagnostics:
Information on diagnostic tools, reading fault codes, sensor data interpretation
Rebuilds:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including component specifications and tolerances
Adjustments:
Adjustment procedures for various components, e.g., parking brake, clutch linkage
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Level Of Detail:
Includes step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts
Diagnostic Tools Coverage:
Includes guidance for using diagnostic tools to read and interpret ECU data, sensor readings, and fault codes specific to Alfa Romeo's diagnostic protocols of the era.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchable:
Likely searchable text content due to PDF format, allowing quick access to information
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages (user can print specific chapters or the entire manual)
Includes details for engines such as the 3.0 V6 24v Busso (166.160) and 2.4 JTD 10-valve and 20-valve diesel engines.
Performance
Typical Hp Range:
150 hp (2.0 TS) to 240 hp (3.2 V6 24v)
Typical Torque Range:
250 Nm (2.0 TS) to 285 Nm (3.2 V6 24v)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for petrol engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for JTD diesel engines
Engine Management
ECU Systems:
Details on Bosch Motronic and other ECU systems for engine control and diagnostics
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (for most petrol variants), 6-speed Manual Transmission (for some performance variants)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed ZF automatic transmission (e.g., 'Q-System' or 'Comfortronic')
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) types and manual gearbox oil specifications are detailed for each transmission type.
Clutch
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4720 mm
Width:
Approx. 1795 mm
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine/transmission, typically from 1500 kg to 1750 kg
Gross Weight:
Detailed GWV specified for each model variant.
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 510 litres
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
Euro NCAP: 4 stars (for 1999 testing)
Active Features
Active Safety:
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Traction Control (ASR), Vehicle Stability Control (VDC/ESP) on later models
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (optional/later models), pre-tensioned seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Optional integrated navigation system, CD player, radio, premium audio system options (e.g., Bose).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, parking sensors (rear), automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era. Typically included phone integration via Bluetooth or optional hands-free kits on later models.
Lighting
Headlight Types:
Halogen projector headlights, with optional Xenon HID headlights on higher trims or later models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on engine oil specification and driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For V6 engines, replacement interval is usually around 100,000 km or 5 years. Diesel engines use timing chains, requiring less frequent replacement.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
Covers various API/ACEA specifications depending on engine (e.g., SAE 10W-40, 10W-50, 5W-40). Includes detailed capacity for each engine.
Coolant Spec:
Paraflu UP or equivalent antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity around 8-9 litres.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 brake fluid is standard. Capacity approx. 1 litre.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Specific hydraulic fluid (e.g., Tutela GI/R or equivalent) is required. Capacity approx. 1-1.5 litres.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (bushings, ball joints), Alfa Romeo V6 'Busso' engine timing belt tensioners and water pump, catalytic converter, electronic control module (ECU) issues on some models, electrical gremlins.
Diesel Engine Quirks:
DPF issues (if fitted), injector seal leaks on 2.4 JTD.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Alfa Romeo Legacy:
Alfa Romeo's long history of producing stylish, performance-oriented, and engaging cars, known for their engines and handling characteristics.
Model Evolution
166 Development:
Successor to the Alfa Romeo 164, based on the Tipo 4 platform shared with Lancia Kappa, Fiat Croma, and Saab 9000. Styled by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, with significant input from Pininfarina for the exterior styling.
Production
Production Period:
1998 - 2007
Production Location
Manufacturing Plant:
Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism Awards:
While specific awards are not widely publicized for the 166, it was generally praised by automotive press for its styling, handling, and comfort, often winning 'best Italian car' accolades in its segment.