technical specifications Alfa Romeo 166 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR CAR
IN AN EMERGENCY
CAR MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
RIGHT HAND DRIVE VERSION
INDEX
CONTENTS
9

10
The text, illustrations and specifications given herein are based on
the vehicle at the date of going to press.
In our ongoing striving to improve our products, Alfa Romeo may
introduce technical changes during production, therefore the spec-
ifications and equipment on board may be altered without prior
notice. Contact the factory sales network for detailed information.

143
WHEELS
The wheels (rims and tyres) installed in
the factory are those which are most suit-
ed to the characteristics of the vehicle
and guarantee the greatest degree of
safety and comfort under all normal dri-
ving conditions.
Before replacing the rims or tyres in-
stalled on your vehicle consult the table
indicating the permitted types given in
the “Technical specifications” chapter of
this manual or contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
The original rim-tyre match should be
followed when changing tyres.IMPORTANTS (when using a s-
pare wheel different from the
other wheels of the car)
– The spare wheel should only be used in
an emergency.
– Use of the spare wheel should be kept
to a minimum. Do not drive at speeds of
over 80 km/h.
– The car will handle differently when the
spare wheel is fitted. Avoid sudden acceler-
ation or braking, sharp corners and fast
bends.
– Check at regular intervals that spare
wheel pressure is equal to 2.7 bar (2.7
kg/cm
2).
SPARE WHEEL
Cars fitted with steel rims and tyres
215/55 R16 (*) have spare wheel iden-
tical with the standard wheels. Cars fitted
with aluminium alloy rims and tyres
215/55 R16 (*), 225/45 R17 and
235/40 R18 have the spare wheel with
steel rim and tyre 215/55 R16 (*).
(*) For versions/markets where applic-
able tyres 205/55 R16.
The jack should only be
used when changing a
wheel; Do not work under the ve-
hicle when this is only supported
using the jack.
WARNING
While the specified di-
mensions remain un-
changed, for travelling safety and
correct operation of the VDC, ASR
and ABS systems the tyres must
absolutely be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and above all of the
specified type and brand.
WARNING
On cars fitted with tyres
215/55 R16 (*), 225/45
R17, 235/40 R18 and spare wheel
with tyre 215/55 R16 (*), since
the spare wheel is different from
the standard wheels, observe the
instructions for use given below.
(*) For versions/markets where ap-
plicable tyres 205/55 R16.
WARNING

147
WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for
driving on snow and ice, to be fitted in re-
placement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of
the car most suited to the use the Cus-
tomer intends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of winter
tyres, follow the instructions given in the
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are
reduced considerably when the tread
depth is below 4 mm. In this case, they
should be replaced.
Due to the winter features, under nor-
mal conditions of use or on long motor-
way journeys, the performance of these
tyres is lower than that of normal tyres.
It is necessary therefore to limit their
use to the purposes for which they are
certified.WARNINGWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the vehi-
cle (increased by 5%), place a notice in
the passenger compartment, plainly in
the driver’s view which states the maxi-
mum permissible speed of the winter
tyres (as per CE Directive).
Fit the same type of tyre on all four
wheels (brand and profile) to ensure
higher driving safety when braking and
good handling.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations. Snow chains
should only be applied to the drive
wheels (front). The sport connotation of
the vehicle requires the use of specific
types of snow chain. Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services should first be contacted
before purchasing or using snow chains.
Check the tension of the chain after the
first few dozen metres have been driven.
IMPORTANTWhen driving on snow
with snow chains fitted, it might be
helpful to turn off the ASR function of
the VDC system (if present): in fact, in
these conditions, skidding of the driving
wheels when moving off makes it pos-
sible to obtain higher traction.

152 TOWING TRAILERS
GENERALITIES
The vehicle can be used to tow trailers
after a suitable tow hook has been fitted.
Alfa Romeo retails a tow hook which ful-
fils the safety and legal requirements.
This tow hook should be fitted by Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services which will en-
sure a better result and avoid problems
arising which may jeopardise the body-
work warranty cover.The trailer’s braking system must be
separate from the vehicle’s hydraulic sys-
tem.
The vehicle-trailer match must conform
to the specifications of the road-traffic
laws.
Towing weight refers to the overall
weight of a fully loaded trailer including
all accessories and personal belongings.
To avoid sanctions the overall weight of a
fully loaded trailer should be checked to
ensure that it does not exceed the limits
given in the log book.
The vertical loading on the ball hook
should not in any case exceed the limits
specified in the “Technical specifications”
section.When hooking up a caravan or trailer
check that the maximum towable
weights (given in the log book) and the
maximum load permitted on the vehicle’s
tow hook (given on the label applied to
the structure of the trailer), are above or
equal to the overall weight and loading
on the towing eye.
WARNINGS AND
SUGGESTIONS
Some indications concerning driving
with a trailer are given below:
– Install the specific rear-view mirrors
as specified by law.
– Remember that when towing a trailer
steep inclines are harder to climb.
– When travelling down hill engage a
low gear rather than constantly using the
brake.
– Drive within the permitted speed lim-
its for vehicles with trailers. In any case
the maximum speed should never exceed
100 km/h.
The ABS system with
which the car is fitted
does not control the trailer brak-
ing system. Particular care is
therefore necessary on slippery
surfaces.
WARNING
Under no circumstances
should the hydraulic
braking system of the vehicle be
tampered with to control the
brakes of the trailer.
WARNING

194 IN THE EVENT
OF A FLAT BATTERY
STARTING WITH AN
AUXILIARY BATTERY
If the battery is flat, it is possible to start the
engine using an auxiliary battery (B-fig.
96) with the same electrical characteristics
as the original battery (A-fig. 96) (see
chapter “Technical specifications”).
The battery is housed on the left-hand
side of the boot, protected by a cover.
If the battery is low, the servocontrol
operating when the luggage compart-
ment opens from inside or by the key
does not work. However, it is always pos-
sible to open the luggage compartmentto reach the battery. Just rotate the key
wider simultaneously pressing on the bon-
net edge by the hand.
IMPORTANTApply a moderate pres-
sure only on the bonnet edge, immediate-
ly above the lock.
On versions without navigation system and
without CD player, access to the battery is
gained by slackening the knob (A-fig. 94)
and removing the battery cover.
On versions with navigation system and
/or CD player, access to the battery is
gained by slackening the knobs (A-fig.
95) and removing the cover (B).
Starting with an auxiliary battery does
not damages the Alfa Romeo CODE sys-
tem and must be carried out as follows:– Switch off all the not strictly neces-
sary electric devices.
– Connect a jump lead to the positive
terminals (1-fig. 96) of the two batter-
ies (+ sign next to the terminal).
– Connect another jump lead to the
negative terminals (2) of both batteries
(– sign next to the terminal).
– Start the engine.
– When the engine has started, remove
the cables reversing the sequence de-
scribed for connecting them.
– If after a few attempts, the engine
fails to start, do not insist pointlessly and
contact the nearest Authorized Alfa
Romeo Services.
fig. 96
A
B
fig. 94
A0D0107m3052CAm
fig. 95
341PGSm

206 ANNUAL INSPECTION
PLAN
An annual inspection plan has
been established for cars that cov-
er less than 20,000 km a year
(e.g. 10,000 km). It consists of
the following:
– Checking the condition/wear of tyres,
and adjusting pressure (including the com-
pact spare wheel, where applicable).
– Checking the lighting system (head-
lights, turn indicators, hazard warning
lights, boot light, passenger compart-
ment, warning lights of instrument panel,
etc.).
– Checking the working order of the
windscreen wiper-washer and adjusting
the nozzles.
– Checking the positioning/wear of the
windscreen wipers.
– Checking the condition and wear of
the front brake pad.– Sight inspect the conditions of: en-
gine, gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes), rubber
parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.).
– Check for bonnet and boot lock clean-
ness, lever cleanness and lubrication.
– Check battery charge and fluid level
(electrolyte).
– Visually checking the condition of the
belts and various controls.
– Checking and topping up, if neces-
sary, the level of liquids (coolant, brake
fluid, windscreen washer fluid, battery
etc.).
– Change engine oil and oil filter, if re-
quired.
– Check and replace pollen filter, if re-
quired.
– Check and replace air cleaner, if re-
quired.
ADDITIONAL OPERATIONS
Every 1000 kmor before long jour-
neys check and if necessary top up:
– the engine coolant fluid level
– brake fluid/hydraulic clutch control
fluid level
– power steering fluid level
– windscreen washer and headlamp
washer fluid level
– tyre pressure and conditions.
– check light system operation (head-
lights, direction indicators, hazard lights,
etc.).
– check windscreen wiper/washer op-
eration and windscreen/rear window
blade position/wear.
Every 3000 kmcheck the level of
the engine oil and top up if necessary.
Every 5000 km(only for fuel oil en-
gines): drain the condensation water
from the filter. You are recommended to
use products of the FL Selenia, de-
signed and developed expressly for Alfa
Romeo cars (see the table “Fluids and lu-
bricants” in the Technical specifications”
chapter).

215
CHECKING POWER STEERING
OIL LEVEL
Fig. 8:JTD 20V Multijet version
Fig. 9:JTD 20V Multijet version
Fig. 10:3.2 V6 24V version
Check that the oil in the reservoir is at
the maximum level.
This operation must be carried out with
the car on level ground and when the en-
gine is stationary and cold.
fig. 8 - JTD 20V Multijet versionfig. 9 - JTD 20V Multijet versionfig. 10 - 3.2 V6 24V version On JTD 20V Multijet versions access to
the reservoir is gained by removing the cov-
er (A-fig. 8) after turning the fastening
pins withdraw the tube (B-fig. 9).
Slacken the cap (C-fig. 9-10) and
check that the level corresponds to the
reference notch of the maximum level on
the dipstick which is an integral part of
the cap.
TOPPING UP THE POWER
STEERING OIL
If the level of the oil in the power steer-
ing reservoir falls below the specified lev-
el, top up only with one of the products
listed in he table of “Fluids and lubri-
cants” in the “Technical specifications”
chapter as follows.
– Start the engine and allow the oil in
the reservoir to settle.
– When the engine is running turn the
steering wheel lock to lock a few times.
– Top up the MAX level notch and then
replace the cover.
A0D0115mA0D0101mA0D0116m

224
– Insert a new blade passing it through
the curved top of the arm (A) through
the slot.
– Lift the blade to clamp tab (B) of the
coupling spring with the curved top of the
arm.
IMPORTANT The blades may differ
according to the versions. In any case,
follow the instructions provided in the
packs available as spares from Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
(fig. 17)
Periodically clean the wiper blades and
ensure that they are not damaged. If the
rubber blades are bent of worn in parts
they should be replaced, as follows:
– Press the tab (B) of the blade catch
spring and push the blade towards the
base of the arm (A).
– When the catch spring has been freed
from the curved top of the arm, withdraw
the blade from the arm through the slot. The spark plugs must be
changed at intervals
given in the Pro-
grammed Maintenance Schedule.
Only use spark plugs of the spec-
ified type (see table of “Fuel
Supply and Ignition” in the
“Technical specifications” chap-
ter): if the thermal grade is inad-
equate, or the foreseen life is
not guaranteed inconveniences
may result.
SPARK PLUGS
If the engine is running unevenly have
the spark plugs checked by Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
624PGSm
fig. 17

231
The following pages give the various specifications of the vehicle.
These pages will probably represent the main reference point in
this booklet for the “experts and enthusiasts”.
This section should be consulted in order to identify the main cha-
racteristics of your vehicle referred to in the previous chapters.IDENTIFICATION DATA...............................................................................page 232
ENGINE CODES-BODY VERSIONS
.....................................................................233
DIMENSIONS
...........................................................................................................234
ENGINE
......................................................................................................................235
SERVICING
................................................................................................................236
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
..............................................................................236
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
..................................................................................237
WEIGHTS
...................................................................................................................237
FUEL SUPPLY - IGNITION
....................................................................................238
PERFORMANCE
.......................................................................................................239
FUEL CONSUMPTION
............................................................................................240
CO
2EMISSIONS......................................................................................................241
BRAKES
.....................................................................................................................241
STEERING
..................................................................................................................242
TRANSMISSION
.......................................................................................................242
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
..................................................................................243
RIM AND TYRES
....................................................................................................245
TYRE INFLATION PRESSURE
...............................................................................247
RADIO FREQUENCY REMOTE CONTROL:
MINISTERIAL HOMOLOGATIONS
.....................................................................251
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS