[alfa] Re: 164 compared to BMW, and transmission repairs

[C M Smith <cmsmith@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I can say confidently that the 164 compared straight across with the BMW 
325 in 1991. I nearly made a deal on  a brand new 92 325 when I finally got 
the breakthrough price I wanted on a 91 Alfa 164L. The acceleration, brakes 
and handling are essentially equivalent even though the 164 is a much 
heavier and larger car than the BMW 325. Of course, in winter or on wet 
roads the 164 is so far superior to the BMW it really is laughable how BMW 
has such a reputation for good handling. On the street a 164 will run 
circles around the 325 as soon as the traction gets a little dicey.

I agree that from a list price point of view the 164 S approached the 
bottom end of the BMW 5 series, but who really wanted a 525? Hopelessly 
underpowered for the NA market, cramped cabin, and poor handling on 
slippery roads.....

As for the cost of transmission repairs for the 164 I concur that it is 
expensive to repair these transmissions. Basically, they are designed for 
life of the car service so it was never intended that you would need to 
repair them. R&R is not such a big deal as the clutch replacement needs the 
tranny out, but you do need to take apart the driver's side suspension to 
slide the box out the wheel well.

Stripping the box is essential for just about any repair and the rebuild 
takes a lot of hours. The design was suitable for efficient manufacture and 
repair is not really provided for. Best to find a rebuilt box if you can, 
though it is likely to be expensive as so few 164 transmissions are out 
there which means each rebuilt one is probably a one off, not a product of 
an assembly line type rebuild as would be the case for more common 
transmissions.

Cheers

Michael

PS I would seriously look at a Brera if they imported it. I don't see how 
the Maserati V8 version could be made much more affordable than the 
Maserati Coupe but a V6 version should be possible for around a 5 series 
BMW price.
C M Smith

Calgary, Alberta
(403) 289-1076
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