RE: BMW M3 vs Alpina B3 vs BMW M340i
Discussion
Mannginger said:
Had an m340i touring and it was what made me get the B3. It was my first BMW and I loved it, such a great blend of practicality, pace and handling. I drove a B3 and immediately loved the harder edge of the S58 (although you're right lag is present). I talked myself out of the Alpina several times given the price differential but then realised how little I used my Alpine at the time compared to the 340 and man-maths'd myself into the very special B3.
No regrets at all, the B3 is the best car I've ever had, but there's no doubting I would be very happy going back to a 340i if I ever felt the need for a little sports car again
The 340i Touring is a little sports car! No regrets at all, the B3 is the best car I've ever had, but there's no doubting I would be very happy going back to a 340i if I ever felt the need for a little sports car again
An MX-5 is a little sportcar. A nearly 2 ton 340i touring is an estate car.
Glosphil said:
Mannginger said:
Had an m340i touring and it was what made me get the B3. It was my first BMW and I loved it, such a great blend of practicality, pace and handling. I drove a B3 and immediately loved the harder edge of the S58 (although you're right lag is present). I talked myself out of the Alpina several times given the price differential but then realised how little I used my Alpine at the time compared to the 340 and man-maths'd myself into the very special B3.
No regrets at all, the B3 is the best car I've ever had, but there's no doubting I would be very happy going back to a 340i if I ever felt the need for a little sports car again
The 340i Touring is a little sports car! No regrets at all, the B3 is the best car I've ever had, but there's no doubting I would be very happy going back to a 340i if I ever felt the need for a little sports car again
An MX-5 is a little sportcar. A nearly 2 ton 340i touring is an estate car.
Lovely to see Andrew on these pages, being as eloquent and descriptive as he usually is.
On the M340i: "it might sound heavy at 1,770kg – how did compact cars like this get to weigh so much?" - mainly by not being compact? This is badged a 3-series, but it is basically the same size as my old E39 5-series touring, with the same interior and luggage capacity, plus it has four-wheel drive. So it's perhaps not surprising that it's about the same weight.
On the M340i: "it might sound heavy at 1,770kg – how did compact cars like this get to weigh so much?" - mainly by not being compact? This is badged a 3-series, but it is basically the same size as my old E39 5-series touring, with the same interior and luggage capacity, plus it has four-wheel drive. So it's perhaps not surprising that it's about the same weight.
Glosphil said:
The 340i Touring is a little sports car!
An MX-5 is a little sportcar. A nearly 2 ton 340i touring is an estate car.
He means that if he needed the spare cash to buy a small sports car, then he would be happy enough taking the 340i instead of the B3 and using the savings for the sports carAn MX-5 is a little sportcar. A nearly 2 ton 340i touring is an estate car.
Have just picked up my M3 Touring. I came from a languid E400D, a lovely and rapid car but almost anonymous, and a Puma ST, a terrible jiggly ride and vibrating speakers. I did not consider the 340i as I was wishing something with a little more presence. The dealer experience, final price and finance rate were superb which effectively removed an Alpina from my decision. I chose a frozen grey on non black wheels with full leather. I had considered Macan GTS, RS4 and RS3 etc but they left me a little cold. An AMG didn’t even appear in my mind, despite having had a C63 Estate before. Merc showrooms imho have become akin to white goods electrical stores that I don’t particularly like. Not to mention the fake leather they now do. Anyway I digress. Suffice to say I have chosen what suited me and I believe many others as it is a truly superb car. The interior with full leather is lovely and the technology, although initially confusing, initiated a steep learning curve with discovery that I can learn new things! In terms of its ride quality I have not yet experienced the issues Andrew mentions and I live in B Road Norfolk heaven. Early days yet but I am achieving 27-28mpg and feel happy with my choice. It’s a car I look back at after locking. A sign of a good car choice in my sad little world! 
Edited by Fivealive326kph on Sunday 5th May 11:32
Edited by Fivealive326kph on Sunday 5th May 11:40
boxxer7 said:
Glosphil said:
Mannginger said:
Had an m340i touring and it was what made me get the B3. It was my first BMW and I loved it, such a great blend of practicality, pace and handling. I drove a B3 and immediately loved the harder edge of the S58 (although you're right lag is present). I talked myself out of the Alpina several times given the price differential but then realised how little I used my Alpine at the time compared to the 340 and man-maths'd myself into the very special B3.
No regrets at all, the B3 is the best car I've ever had, but there's no doubting I would be very happy going back to a 340i if I ever felt the need for a little sports car again
The 340i Touring is a little sports car! No regrets at all, the B3 is the best car I've ever had, but there's no doubting I would be very happy going back to a 340i if I ever felt the need for a little sports car again
An MX-5 is a little sportcar. A nearly 2 ton 340i touring is an estate car.
I found my B3 at my local Sytner while waiting for my M3T order to come through - M3 took too long to arrive and I’m so glad. The B3 is an amazing car, possibly the best I’ve owned given family to consider. The performance is there when you need it and you quickly learn to drive around the nuances, as with any car….. Having seen M3T’s in the flesh, it’s a much better option for me, and far more exclusive……
What’s surprised me most is the breadth of the B3’s abilities. Driving west on the M4 a few days ago heading for a long weekend in the Brecon Beacons I came across an M3T - it looked shouty and jiggly and I’ll be honest made me feel a bit smug……. In contrast, in Comfort+ mode the Alpina smoothed the ride better than a 340i (I’ve had 2 of them and loved both); when we left the motorway and headed up into the valleys in Sport+ it became a deranged weapon (dog and family still recovering); then when we hit the gravel trails to our accommodation it just dealt with it. Deeply impressive……
Going fast effortlessly sums it up perfectly. I’m an convert and will keep the B3 for a long time….
What’s surprised me most is the breadth of the B3’s abilities. Driving west on the M4 a few days ago heading for a long weekend in the Brecon Beacons I came across an M3T - it looked shouty and jiggly and I’ll be honest made me feel a bit smug……. In contrast, in Comfort+ mode the Alpina smoothed the ride better than a 340i (I’ve had 2 of them and loved both); when we left the motorway and headed up into the valleys in Sport+ it became a deranged weapon (dog and family still recovering); then when we hit the gravel trails to our accommodation it just dealt with it. Deeply impressive……
Going fast effortlessly sums it up perfectly. I’m an convert and will keep the B3 for a long time….
Ian-i9112 said:
I found my B3 at my local Sytner while waiting for my M3T order to come through - M3 took too long to arrive and I’m so glad. The B3 is an amazing car, possibly the best I’ve owned given family to consider. The performance is there when you need it and you quickly learn to drive around the nuances, as with any car….. Having seen M3T’s in the flesh, it’s a much better option for me, and far more exclusive……
What’s surprised me most is the breadth of the B3’s abilities. Driving west on the M4 a few days ago heading for a long weekend in the Brecon Beacons I came across an M3T - it looked shouty and jiggly and I’ll be honest made me feel a bit smug……. In contrast, in Comfort+ mode the Alpina smoothed the ride better than a 340i (I’ve had 2 of them and loved both); when we left the motorway and headed up into the valleys in Sport+ it became a deranged weapon (dog and family still recovering); then when we hit the gravel trails to our accommodation it just dealt with it. Deeply impressive……
Going fast effortlessly sums it up perfectly. I’m an convert and will keep the B3 for a long time….
My thoughts entirely. Alpinas I have experienced have been masters at getting you from A to B quickly and effortlessly. The M3T is trying too hard to be a sports car and its compromised everywhere else as a result.What’s surprised me most is the breadth of the B3’s abilities. Driving west on the M4 a few days ago heading for a long weekend in the Brecon Beacons I came across an M3T - it looked shouty and jiggly and I’ll be honest made me feel a bit smug……. In contrast, in Comfort+ mode the Alpina smoothed the ride better than a 340i (I’ve had 2 of them and loved both); when we left the motorway and headed up into the valleys in Sport+ it became a deranged weapon (dog and family still recovering); then when we hit the gravel trails to our accommodation it just dealt with it. Deeply impressive……
Going fast effortlessly sums it up perfectly. I’m an convert and will keep the B3 for a long time….
M3 Touring all day for me!
Have to admit I’d have no issues with any of the 3. I’ve never drove an Alpina but owners seem to adore them which speaks volumes.
Thought the article was real written in that it acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of each car but they are all still great cars and you just luck which one suits you best.
Have to admit I’d have no issues with any of the 3. I’ve never drove an Alpina but owners seem to adore them which speaks volumes.
Thought the article was real written in that it acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of each car but they are all still great cars and you just luck which one suits you best.
I looked at the B3 and the M3 Touring as has been said earlier - went with M3 Touring the discounts offered (10K ) and finance rate was too good to turn down. Vs 2K off B3 and nearly 10percent interest rate vs 4.9 for the BMW .
went with non buckets in the M3 and very happy with my decision
went with non buckets in the M3 and very happy with my decision
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