apparently 164GB is not enough for a game claiming it needs 100 GB ...WHAT THE HECK!
How much space does this game really need?

Try restarting Steam and see if it lets you install. Most likely a Steam bug.

103 GB
..but be aware.. Steam downloads the install package of BF2042 and then also needs to extract files .. so you rather need about 200 GB of free space ..
additionally .. if you run a 1 TB SSD, 300 GB needs to be ALWAYS free, 1/3rd of space, as by doing this, your SSD has an increased performance as well as a longer and stable longevity
so if you already run out of free SSD space, you not only create a heavy performance loss as well as potential data loss and instabilities on your system, but also you going to kill your SSD, BSODs included
if you run a 2TB or even a 4 TB SSD and do not have any free space available .. this is a clear death sentence to your SSD .. SSDs work very different compared to HDDs
.. as similiar as with battery life on your devices .. you never reload your battery up to 100% but to stick at 75% max as this grants a healthy and longer life, otherwise you generate a heavy wear and tear off and destroy your battery and/or SSD in this case

103 GB
..but be aware.. Steam downloads the install package of BF2042 and then also needs to extract files .. so you rather need about 200 GB of free space ..
additionally .. if you run a 1 TB SSD, 300 GB needs to be ALWAYS free, 1/3rd of space, as by doing this, your SSD has an increased performance as well as a longer and stable longevity
so if you already run out of free SSD space, you not only create a heavy performance loss as well as potential data loss and instabilities on your system, but also you going to kill your SSD, BSODs included
if you run a 2TB or even a 4 TB SSD and do not have any free space available .. this is a clear death sentence to your SSD .. SSDs work very different compared to HDDs
.. as similiar as with battery life on your devices .. you never reload your battery up to 100% but to stick at 75% max as this grants a healthy and longer life, otherwise you generate a heavy wear and tear off and destroy your battery and/or SSD in this case
So in other words the listed space requirements are BOGUS! Steam should indicate the needed capacity for install, and separately for post install.

I have been doing IT work for a very long time and I am not for sure where you a getting those numbers from, but you are under using the drive and battery. A simple Google search will get you the correct info.
"For optimal performance and longevity, it is generally recommended to keep your NVMe M.2 SSD at no more than 80% to 85% capacity, leaving at least 15% to 20% free space."
LionHeart are you only using 1 drive? If you are using a desktop and it has room, an extra drive might be worth the time and money. Extra space never hurts.

I have been doing IT work for a very long time and I am not for sure where you a getting those numbers from, but you are under using the drive and battery. A simple Google search will get you the correct info.
"For optimal performance and longevity, it is generally recommended to keep your NVMe M.2 SSD at no more than 80% to 85% capacity, leaving at least 15% to 20% free space."
LionHeart are you only using 1 drive? If you are using a desktop and it has room, an extra drive might be worth the time and money. Extra space never hurts.
I see no reason to invest $$, nor much time into gaming, I use what I have.
And I just don't like deceptive marketing, like Ea has been doing for almost a decade now, like some other devs....that includes misinforming the prospective buyers on the requirements.

The end result is 103gb, that's all that matters.

The end result is 103gb, that's all that matters.
You are mistaken....

The end result is 103gb, that's all that matters.
You are mistaken....
Game only has 103gb installed, if you're seeing more than this, this is honestly on your end. If a game wants 103gb to install, make sure you have double it for the way steam works, if this is difficult for you, play something else.

You are mistaken....
Game only has 103gb installed, if you're seeing more than this, this is honestly on your end. If a game wants 103gb to install, make sure you have double it for the way steam works, if this is difficult for you, play something else.
Show me where it states that it requires 206Gb of space

Game only has 103gb installed, if you're seeing more than this, this is honestly on your end. If a game wants 103gb to install, make sure you have double it for the way steam works, if this is difficult for you, play something else.
Show me where it states that it requires 206Gb of space
First, learn how compression works and how steam utilizes it.
Another user explained the process in more detail, since you aren't wanting to comprehend information given to you, a visual representation would confuse you.
Game requirements have always been a guideline. As someone that takes and understands things literally, rather than suggestive, this "guideline" marketing is misleading, but not exactly illegal or wrong.
Red Dead Redemption 2 store page states 125GB, my install is 119GB. Compression is lovely.

Show me where it states that it requires 206Gb of space
First, learn how compression works and how steam utilizes it.
Another user explained the process in more detail, since you aren't wanting to comprehend information given to you, a visual representation would confuse you.
Game requirements have always been a guideline. As someone that takes and understands things literally, rather than suggestive, this "guideline" marketing is misleading, but not exactly illegal or wrong.
Red Dead Redemption 2 store page states 125GB, my install is 119GB. Compression is lovely.
got to love primitive sheep that are condescending because they don't think for themselves...
also got to love the block button :-)