Alfa Romeo 164 (1987-91)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

- **Corrosion**: The wheel arches and sills are particularly prone to rust.
- **Electrical issues**: Problems with the electric drive of the luggage compartment lock have been noted.
- **Engine idle problems**: Especially in US spec 3.0L engines, idle problems are fairly common as engine components and wiring age.
- **Fuel odour**: A fuel odour smell in the car might be caused by issues such as a faulty gasket.

It's always recommended to get a thorough inspection by a specialist or a mechanic familiar with Alfa Romeo vehicles if you're considering purchasing a used 164 or if you're experiencing issues with one.
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Generations/trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.

The Alfa Romeo 164 was produced as a single generation model from 1987 to 1998.
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Body Style/Variants
The Alfa Romeo 164 had several versions throughout its production run, including:

- **2.0i Twin Spark** (badged "T.SPARK")
- **2.0 Turbo** (four-cylinder, Italian market only)
- **3.0i V6 12-valve**
- **2.5 Turbodiesel** (badged "TD")

In the USA, early models from around 1991-1993 were available in three versions: 'Base', 'L' for Lusso or Luxury, and 'S' for Sport. Around 1994-1995, two models were imported: the 'LS' for Luxury Sport and the 'Q' for the Quadrifoglio model¹⁴.

These versions offered a range of options for buyers, from more economical four-cylinder engines to more powerful V6 options and even a turbodiesel variant.
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Engines
The Alfa Romeo 164 was available with a variety of engine options, including:

- **2.0i Twin Spark** (badged "T.SPARK")
- **2.0 Turbo** (four-cylinder, Italian market only)
- **3.0i V6 12-valve**
- **2.5 Turbodiesel** (badged "TD")

Additionally, there were variations within these engine types, such as different power outputs for the 2.0 8v engine². The 164 also had a special Pro-Car version featuring a mid-engine layout powered by an Alfa V1035 3.5 litre V10 engine.

These engines ranged from more economical four-cylinder options to powerful V6 and even a V10 for the Pro-Car variant.
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Performance
The Alfa Romeo 164 (1987-1991) offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:

- **0-60 mph (0-100 kph)**: Approximately 7.5-7.7 seconds
- **Top speed**: Around 143 mph (230 kph)
- **Power output**: 192-200 bhp
- **Fuel efficiency**: Approximately 20-25 miles per gallon

These figures made the Alfa Romeo 164 a competitive executive saloon, combining performance with Italian style and engineering.
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Rivals
Here are the performance figures for the Alfa Romeo 164's main rivals in the UK in 1987:

### BMW 5 Series (E34)
- **Engine**: 2.5-litre inline-6
- **Power**: 168 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 137 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 8.6 seconds Parts & Accessories - Turner Motorsport](https://www.turnermotorsport.com/BMW-E34/)

### Mercedes-Benz W124 (300 E)
- **Engine**: 3.0-litre inline-6
- **Power**: 185 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 142 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 7.9 seconds

### Audi 100 (C3)
- **Engine**: 2.3-litre inline-5
- **Power**: 136 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 124 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 9.6 seconds 2.3 E Specs, Performance, Comparisons](https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/Audi/3697/Audi-100-%28type-C3%29-23-E.html)

### Saab 9000 Turbo 16
- **Engine**: 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged
- **Power**: 173 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 137 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 8.3 seconds

These performance figures highlight the competitive landscape of executive sedans during that era.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Alfa Romeo 164 was designed by **Enrico Fumia** at Pininfarina.

### Dimensions:
- **Wheelbase**: 2,660 mm (104.7 in)
- **Length**: 4,554 mm (179.3 in) to 4,665 mm (183.7 in) depending on the model year
- **Width**: 1,760 mm (69.3 in)
- **Height**: 1,390 mm (54.7 in)
- **Kerb Weight**: 1,200–1,510 kg (2,650–3,330 lb)
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can locate spare parts for an Alfa Romeo 164 in the UK and Ireland from various online stores such as:

- **EU Spares** - They offer a wide range of auto parts and wear parts for the Alfa Romeo 164.
- **Alfa Workshop** - Specializes in parts and spares listings for the Alfa Romeo 164, including service items, special tools, and body parts.
- **Auto Parts Pro UK** - A store that claims to be the UK's No 1 spare parts store for Alfa Romeo 164 with a promise of fast and free shipping available.

These online shops should have a variety of parts available, and you can order them directly to your location in the UK or Ireland.
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Specialists NI
Here are some Alfa Romeo specialists in the UK and Ireland:
1. Donnelly Motorstore Mallusk
o Location: Mallusk Way, Newtownabbey BT36 4AA
o Phone: 028 9590 7860
o Website: Donnelly Motorstore Mallusk

2. Love Alfa
o Location: London, Kent, UK & Ireland
o Phone: 0121 456 1212
o Website: Love Alfa

3. Independent Alfa Romeo Specialists
o Website: The Alfa Romeo Specialist Register.
You can also use the Alfa Romeo Dealer Locator to find more specialists near you.
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Racing
The Alfa Romeo 164 had a unique and ambitious attempt at racing with the **164 ProCar**. This version was developed in the late 1980s as part of a proposed ProCar series, which aimed to feature race cars resembling mass-production models but with F1-derived chassis and engines¹². The 164 ProCar was equipped with a V10 engine and showcased impressive performance, but the series never took off due to a lack of participation from other manufacturers.

So, while the 164 ProCar itself was an engineering marvel and demonstrated at Monza, it didn't achieve success in competitive racing due to the series' cancellation.
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Valuation 2025
The value of an Alfa Romeo 164 in the UK in 2025 can vary based on its condition, mileage, and history. On average, a well-maintained Alfa Romeo 164 can be valued between **£3,000 and £7,000**.
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Clubs
There are clubs in Northern Ireland for Alfa Romeo owners to join. Here are a couple of options:

1. **[Northern Ireland Italian Motor Club](http://www.niimc.com/)**: This club welcomes all Italian vehicle enthusiasts, including Alfa Romeo owners. They organize regular meetings and events.
2. **[Alfa Romeo Forum - Northern Ireland](https://www.alfaowner.com/forums/northern-ireland.135/)**: This forum has a dedicated section for Alfa Romeo owners in Northern Ireland, where you can connect with other enthusiasts and participate in discussions and events.

These clubs provide a great opportunity to connect with fellow Alfa Romeo enthusiasts and share your passion for these classic cars.
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