Alpina D3 (Touring) - the original

Alpina D3 (Touring) - the original

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Evoman

Original Poster:

99 posts

196 months

Friday 1st July 2016
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Ah where to start, perhaps the recent service by an independent garage that I trust fully was the catalyst. The recent MOT in the same month by the same garage which identified a leaking nearside front strut? An inspection to confirm and then a replacement under warranty honoured by BMW. Seeing as it was only six months prior where parts numbers were checked, verified and cross-referenced by Alpina for a pair of new front struts it seemed fair.

A faulty component then of a fairly fundamental part of that deftly tuned Alpina chassis. All replaced "free of charge sir" was the comment and whilst waiting for the Technician to drive the unassuming but purposeful looking Touring to the front of the showroom "that is a really nice car sir" left me feeling quite proud of the subtle but handsome stance of the Touring mono turbo version of the D3 that I have owned for some years now. Indeed it has been in my ownership the longest I have owned any car, second only to the rally icon of the 80s that I have enjoyed countless miles and over a decade of use, using it as intended seeking out twisty, snaking B roads all over the UK and beyond revelling in its ability to engage the pilot and induce those Cheshire cat grins. But that in itself speaks volumes of the D3's calibre. I have considered selling the car a few times but come back to what else can do everything this car does at this level so well?

I think that last service has a lot to answer for in ensuring the performance is back to where it should be. An oil change with some quality fully synthetic grade meeting the BMW long-life specification of course and that all important fuel filter change. So the handling was feeling back to how it should be with the struts functioning like new, a tautness and planted feeling when hustling through the twisties. As for the performance well a modern day Cooper S being hustled along a straight section of road exiting a roundabout type feature (a derestricted section of asphalt you see) left him in no doubt when we regrouped at the next roundabout "that goes like fk by the way!" to which I had to respond that I rather enjoyed the popping and banging his little turbo charged hot hatch made on the overrun as he eased passed me when I moved in and lifted off the loud pedal.

Further road testing the limits of adhesion a pair of rear tyres ready for imminent replacement (isn't that a normal process the day before your booked appointment with a respected tyre fitter as recommended by Pistonheads...) confirms the simply sublime handling balance of this light footed estate car.

I can relate to comments I've read on this forum where owners have said they really wouldn't like to put money on which would arrive first on a twisty B road blat when comparing the original Alpina D3 with a Roadster S also built by Alpina. It is a phenomenally well balanced machine that as my learned friend in the Cooper S put it "goes like fk!". Now just to find that alcantara interior I always hankered after and I can enjoy many more miles as this particular D3 enters into six figure mileage territory. As I do that I will take heed of the advice my friendly independent offered and change the oil again in 3000 miles to maximise the longevity of the oil burner power plant lurking beneath the bonnet. Never did I think I would say I enjoy driving a diesel. That day has certainly come thanks to the sprinkling of Alpina magic that created the D3 and I have no doubt their bespoke turbo provides a lot of that thrill, almost old school turbo lag followed by a long surging delivery to the redline. Thank you Alpina.

It would great to see a collection of these fine machines across the different eras though please don't tempt me into another Alpina with a luxurious interior. That is perhaps the only somewhat lacking element of this fine automotive recipe. Okay the slightly agricultural rattle on idle and lack of straight six soundtrack are on the desirable list too but I can forgive it those things for its all round ability and consummate ease in which it does it.

ZX10R NIN

27,494 posts

124 months

Friday 1st July 2016
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Great review OP but you really need to try the F80 D3 I can wholeheartedly recommend it as for the more luxurious interior they've got that box ticked to.