Alfa 166 Facelift

[E31Shrew]

Might regret this but have decided it's time to part company with my 840 and look for a four seater of some sort. Saw an old edition of Top Gear from circa 2004 and they were creaming themselves over the 166 that had just been facelifted to dispense , I guess , with that strange front end.
Am also looking at cheap S Class Mercs so wondered if anyone on here had the 166? Any thoughts or should my head rule my heart?

Added...Is the V6 more reliable as seems to be the general opinion from previous threads?

Edited by E31Shrew on Monday 20th October 19:16

[RicksAlfas]

The V6 is a strong engine and the 166 facelift looks fantastic, especially in ultra desirable (and rare!) Ti trim. They are worth seeking out, just not many about. Good luck!

[E31Shrew]

RicksAlfas said:

The V6 is a strong engine and the 166 facelift looks fantastic, especially in ultra desirable (and rare!) Ti trim. They are worth seeking out, just not many about. Good luck!

Many thanks

Better get searching! Youve got no idea how many came to the UK I suppose?

[RicksAlfas]

I haven't, but I would guess about a hundred at best.
Keep an eye on places like
www.veloces.co.uk
and
www.blackandwhitegarage.com

[E31Shrew]

RicksAlfas said:

I haven't, but I would guess about a hundred at best.
Keep an eye on places like
www.veloces.co.uk
and
www.blackandwhitegarage.com

Thanks Rick

Appreciate it

[ITP]

If you're after a 3.2 V6 facelift (which you should be, as its by far the best) be prepared for a bit of a wait. Estimated to be only about 50 officially imported betwen 04 and 06. There was a 3.0 V6 aswell but these are all auto's (the 3.2's are all 6sp manual). Currently, from a dealer, you will have to pay between 7k and 10k for a 3.2 V6. They are great cars, very stylish, have a lovely interior and are powered by one of the greatest production engines ever. Bit juicy but thats the only downside really. Be aware even in these tough times for large engined cars good 3.2 166's are still in demand due to their rarity

[E31Shrew]

ITP said:

If you're after a 3.2 V6 facelift (which you should be, as its by far the best) be prepared for a bit of a wait. Estimated to be only about 50 officially imported betwen 04 and 06. There was a 3.0 V6 aswell but these are all auto's (the 3.2's are all 6sp manual). Currently, from a dealer, you will have to pay between 7k and 10k for a 3.2 V6. They are great cars, very stylish, have a lovely interior and are powered by one of the greatest production engines ever. Bit juicy but thats the only downside really. Be aware even in these tough times for large engined cars good 3.2 166's are still in demand due to their rarity

Thanks for that. There was one on Autotrader at a co called Mangoletsi but enquired and it had been sold. Cant believe they bothered to import only 50 but I guess demand faded away after the pre face lifted model seemed to die a death. Seriously cant even recall any marketing of the latter one!

Thanks for your help and if you hear of one please let me know!

[ITP]

Only other thing to be aware of if you find one is that the cambelt changes should be 3yrs or about 40k, rather than the 5yrs or 72k that was originally quoted, check for this and ask questions, many belts have snapped from late 40's miles onwards on 3.2 alfa's (GTA/GT/3.2 166), this isn't good! With proper maintenance these engines are bulletproof and seek out a good independant as i'm sure applies to your 840 aswell..

[rs48635]

Godd man - the best full four seater for style and performance.
Is the 3.2 V6 in later face lift 166 still the proper Alfa unit?
Understand that current Alfa V6 is the GM unit, with "alfa heads". Just a geek point, but if you are getting into an alfa V6, might as well be the pedigree one......
I do prefer the orig styling - but then I love the SZ - il mostro

[ITP]

Certainly is the 'classic' alfa engine, this car along with the last of the GTA's and the GT3.2 coupe were the last cars to have this engine fitted. Just open the bonnet and prepare to be dazzeled by the chrome intake pipes, these are cars that even look good under the bonnet !

[Ecurie Ecosse]

It is the proper unit.

Be sure to fit a Q2 diff if you get the V6 car - it totally transforms the cornering ability and completely elimiates torque steer.