166 3.0 auto

I was testing a '99 166 3.0 auto recently that I might buy. I tested the
car on icy roads with a rather rough surface. The car is really nice, but I
was not convinced by the automatic gearbox. When I tried to push on and have
some action the engine, for some reason just stopped delivering. On my 164
3.0 I would have reved up and had spinning front wheels, but thi scar just
did not give any power. The same happened when I tried the "manual" mode.

There was no antispin control that could by turned off, so my question is;
do the 166 3.0 auto have a kind electronic stability system that can not be
turned off.

Thanks

Morten

"Morten Fossum" > wrote in message
...
> I was testing a '99 166 3.0 auto recently that I might buy. I tested the
> car on icy roads with a rather rough surface. The car is really nice, but
I
> was not convinced by the automatic gearbox. When I tried to push on and
have
> some action the engine, for some reason just stopped delivering. On my 164
> 3.0 I would have reved up and had spinning front wheels, but thi scar just
> did not give any power. The same happened when I tried the "manual" mode.

Could possibly be because the engine in the 166 is tuned for more peak power
than the 210bhp version in the 164. I've noticed a difference and much
prefer the torquier 164. Also the auto box will sap torque.

> There was no antispin control that could by turned off, so my question is;
> do the 166 3.0 auto have a kind electronic stability system that can not
be
> turned off.

Not sure about '99 models, but more recent 3.0 Sportronics sold in the UK
have VDC as standard, and this includes traction control which automatically
brakes wheels and reduces the throttle opening to prevent wheelspin. So this
is the most likely explanation.

Best to check with the dealer and try the car again in better conditions.

Mark