Got myself a new toy

[Robert]

A bargain, and concerning style it beats any contemporary BMWAudiMercedes 

[106usj]

Lovely looking motor ! and i really like the interior and the dashboard layout.
Nice toy 

[Rob 131]

Always had a soft spot for these and the 164 . I wish Alfa would make a modern one . There must be a market for those of us who are bored with the default German option .

[simon131]

Some of us aren't yet "bored with the default German option" Rob  I suggest you buy your next 'default German' with a bigger engine - or a turbo - or both - like I did!

Looking forward to my local BMW dealer getting their new M5 demostrator. Big engine and two turbos and more torque (just) than my current steed. Not sure I can afford the ?73k sterling (basic) asking price or the huge fuel consumption - but it's good to dream.

[kev131]

Lovely motor Robert - And a 3.0 as well.

Looks in good condition too - Enjoy..

[Rob 131]

Simon

One benefit of 'my default 2.5 German' is that it is a Company Car and therefore costs me nothing .

However like all people with Company Cars there are Bands . These 'Bands' become a little distorted the further up the pecking order you go. However anything more then the mid range German Marques with the Mid Range Engine  would be a 'no no' for me  . It is in fact due for replacement. Note the word 'Due' rather then will be replaced 

My future motoring priorities are primarily concerned with 3 Numbers 1*1 

The Dubai Motorshow starts next week which based on 2 years ago should be good. A good opportunity to see the latest offerings including some exotica. First stop must be the Audi Stand and the S5  . Now that is not a Default German Choice and IMO better then BMW's offerings 

[Robert]

Not sure I can afford the ?73k sterling (basic) asking price or the huge fuel consumption - but it's good to dream.

Well, the 166 cost roughly around 1k sterling (as is); now you tell me a new M5 is 73 times the fun...   

IMHO with today's jammed roads and ever stricter regulations the fun in driving really fast cars is limited. Very very limited. So I'm content having now a 226 HP 240 km/h Vmax car - maybe the wisdom of age came upon me 

[stathe174]

A very nice choise you have made there! I only wish tax restrictions where a bit lighter here concerning cars...

[bellamacchina]

Nice car Robert, well done!

[jack1]

my sis had 1 in silver with identical interior and rhd drive  ,it was a beautiful car and a great drive but unfortuneatly she got sick of the electrical gremlins  and got rid  but still say's its the nicest car she's had,,,enjoy as they are a great drive

[mirafioriman]

Nice car the 166. Would quite fancy one but I have too many cars already

I guess you must live in or near Mainz? A lovely city, I have stayed at the favouite park hotel a number of times. Usually at the same time as the winefest

[Robert]

Well spotted Dave, this is a Mainz reg plate (vanity plate anyway) let me know when you come visiting the next Weinfest, I'll pick you up either in the 166 or the 131 

[mirafioriman]

I certainly will, perhaps next summer depending on my plans

[Robert]

Small update on fuel consumption of the not very fuel efficient V6 Busso engine: on the first long distance trip with 4 persons + luggage, cruise control set to 120 km/h (75 mph) for most of the trip, the car took 9.96 l/100 km, equalling to 28 mpg. Not too bad for auto trans and a high rev engine not optimised for fuel economy.

In two weeks the cam belt change is scheduled, afterwards she will be allowed to fly 

[Rob 131]

Robert

In mixed use driving mainly Town and Motorway the Computer tells me I get 11.3L/100Km. On a recent gentle run with the family (2 adults and 2 children plus luggage) to Oman  this improved to 9.5L. Hardly Great.