Discussion
After a "domestic budget re-alighnment" I have changed two of our cars (Cooper S and a 530i) to an E220 W124 Estate and an Alfa 166 3.0 Sportronic MY2000.
I love the Alfa, it sounds and looks fantastic and the interior is a work of beauty and genius. Its had a recent cambelt so the joys are there for a good while yet.
The only downside so far is fuel consumption around 15mpg rising to 18 if I drive gently.
I had an Alfa 164 24v Cloverleaf some time ago and could get nearly 30 on a run and rarely less than 20 any other time.
I suspect something is not quite right but would appreciate any thoughts.
I love the Alfa, it sounds and looks fantastic and the interior is a work of beauty and genius. Its had a recent cambelt so the joys are there for a good while yet.
The only downside so far is fuel consumption around 15mpg rising to 18 if I drive gently.
I had an Alfa 164 24v Cloverleaf some time ago and could get nearly 30 on a run and rarely less than 20 any other time.
I suspect something is not quite right but would appreciate any thoughts.
Edited by aarondrs on Monday 8th March 15:07
aarondrs said:
The only downside so far is fuel consumption around 15mpg rising to 18 if I drive gently.
That is rather poor. Is that according to the trip computer, or measured at the pump?My trip computer was reading that low at one point, and it turned out I had by accident reset it to US gallons rather than Imperial so check that first
On a refill my trip computer generally says I have 380 to 420 miles range which is a blatant lie as I refill it at 250 miles at when the fuel needle is looking rather downwards and the declared range is down to about 50 miles.
Edit to add: Oh, and congratulations on an excellent purchase
Edited by funwithrevs on Monday 8th March 17:05
Wonderful cars. The 166 is arguably alfa's finest ever saloon, with that interior and smooth V6 power. Ive got a 166 at the moment and cant really fault it. The mpg figures you are getting seems low but i do know 166's respond well to an ecu/throttle reset. Try it as the sportronic box will have adapted to the previous owners driving style (the gearbox has its own ecu that learns your driving style).
Disconnect battery either leave for ages or short the disconnected leads to discharge any residual charge.
Reconnect battery.
Turn ignition on but don't start engine, leave for 90 secs - inlet throttle body will be whirring and clicking to self adjust/trim.
Turn off for 90 secs.
Start engine but don't touch throttle, leave until engine warms up to normal about 10 mins and let fan kick in.
Turn off.
Start engine and go for an enthusaistic spin involving lots of revs.
I know other 166 owners who have seen improvements in mpg figures and smoother power delivery. By the way make sure you have the ICS code before you disconnect the battery or its a trip to the dealer for the code!
Disconnect battery either leave for ages or short the disconnected leads to discharge any residual charge.
Reconnect battery.
Turn ignition on but don't start engine, leave for 90 secs - inlet throttle body will be whirring and clicking to self adjust/trim.
Turn off for 90 secs.
Start engine but don't touch throttle, leave until engine warms up to normal about 10 mins and let fan kick in.
Turn off.
Start engine and go for an enthusaistic spin involving lots of revs.
I know other 166 owners who have seen improvements in mpg figures and smoother power delivery. By the way make sure you have the ICS code before you disconnect the battery or its a trip to the dealer for the code!
aarondrs
Congrats on top buy, the only better saloon on the road is also an Italian "four door".
Fuel economy is pi$$ poor, my 3 litre sporto averages 21.9 overall, but 16-19 round town. I can easily get 26/7 on a run, pushing 30 with super dull cruising.
Wonder if new MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor can help economy as well as curing a common flat spot above 4000rpm?
Congrats on top buy, the only better saloon on the road is also an Italian "four door".
Fuel economy is pi$$ poor, my 3 litre sporto averages 21.9 overall, but 16-19 round town. I can easily get 26/7 on a run, pushing 30 with super dull cruising.
Wonder if new MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor can help economy as well as curing a common flat spot above 4000rpm?
rs48635 said:
aarondrs
Congrats on top buy, the only better saloon on the road is also an Italian "four door".
Fuel economy is pi$$ poor, my 3 litre sporto averages 21.9 overall, but 16-19 round town. I can easily get 26/7 on a run, pushing 30 with super dull cruising.
Wonder if new MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor can help economy as well as curing a common flat spot above 4000rpm?
Cheers. I have improved economy (after changing from US to UK!) to around 26/7 on a run at 75-80 and about the same as yours around town/country lanes where we live.Congrats on top buy, the only better saloon on the road is also an Italian "four door".
Fuel economy is pi$$ poor, my 3 litre sporto averages 21.9 overall, but 16-19 round town. I can easily get 26/7 on a run, pushing 30 with super dull cruising.
Wonder if new MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor can help economy as well as curing a common flat spot above 4000rpm?
Strange how much less this is from the (admittedly MY2003) 530i I had previously though I wouldn't swap teh engine characteristics. The BM sounds somewhat plain in comparison
aarondrs said:
Strange how much less this is from the (admittedly MY2003) 530i I had previously though I wouldn't swap teh engine characteristics. The BM sounds somewhat plain in comparison
It is quiet an old engine design now, hence they gave up trying to get it through emissions regulations.The later 3.2l engine in the facelift model is quoted as better fuel economy than the 2.5l in my car
I read that Cosworth tried to buy the rights to that engine when Alfa discontinued it, damn shame they weren't allowed to buy it and keep the development going.
MLC166 said:
Wonderful cars. The 166 is arguably alfa's finest ever saloon, with that interior and smooth V6 power. Ive got a 166 at the moment and cant really fault it. The mpg figures you are getting seems low but i do know 166's respond well to an ecu/throttle reset. Try it as the sportronic box will have adapted to the previous owners driving style (the gearbox has its own ecu that learns your driving style).
Disconnect battery either leave for ages or short the disconnected leads to discharge any residual charge.
Reconnect battery.
Turn ignition on but don't start engine, leave for 90 secs - inlet throttle body will be whirring and clicking to self adjust/trim.
Turn off for 90 secs.
Start engine but don't touch throttle, leave until engine warms up to normal about 10 mins and let fan kick in.
Turn off.
Start engine and go for an enthusaistic spin involving lots of revs.
I know other 166 owners who have seen improvements in mpg figures and smoother power delivery. By the way make sure you have the ICS code before you disconnect the battery or its a trip to the dealer for the code!
Have you done this yourself? Did you see any improvements?Disconnect battery either leave for ages or short the disconnected leads to discharge any residual charge.
Reconnect battery.
Turn ignition on but don't start engine, leave for 90 secs - inlet throttle body will be whirring and clicking to self adjust/trim.
Turn off for 90 secs.
Start engine but don't touch throttle, leave until engine warms up to normal about 10 mins and let fan kick in.
Turn off.
Start engine and go for an enthusaistic spin involving lots of revs.
I know other 166 owners who have seen improvements in mpg figures and smoother power delivery. By the way make sure you have the ICS code before you disconnect the battery or its a trip to the dealer for the code!
How long do you leave the battery disconnected?
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