Discussion
Whilst driving across Lincolnshire on Friday evening a couple of weeks ago, making good progress along some decent B roads and some A roads, a blue Alpina appeared in my rear view mirror. It was one of the new shape 3-series coupes. We drove along the same route for a good 10 miles, through the countryside.
All i can say is what a capable car they seem to be - i knew they were quick but was surprised at the pace and stability it had over uneven roads. Through the tighter turns my Z4 (3.0 coupe) had the edge, and with some of the longer smooth straights where i could use the full powerband. But the Alpina seemed to be able to get on the power earlier and it's suspension was more compliant so it could use it's full torque on the bumpy roads where i had to back off. There really wasn't much in it between the cars on those roads, which says a lot for how good the D3 is (or my driving..!)
If anyone's looking at the D3, they seem awesome bits of kit, so thought i'd share that with the forum. Has anyone got one / driven one?
All i can say is what a capable car they seem to be - i knew they were quick but was surprised at the pace and stability it had over uneven roads. Through the tighter turns my Z4 (3.0 coupe) had the edge, and with some of the longer smooth straights where i could use the full powerband. But the Alpina seemed to be able to get on the power earlier and it's suspension was more compliant so it could use it's full torque on the bumpy roads where i had to back off. There really wasn't much in it between the cars on those roads, which says a lot for how good the D3 is (or my driving..!)
If anyone's looking at the D3, they seem awesome bits of kit, so thought i'd share that with the forum. Has anyone got one / driven one?
I've driven a the new D3 Coupe, a pretty high spec one with the Alpina automatic gearbox. I had the joy of driving it up a slippery mountain pass.
You're absolutely correct - the handling is a real delight. The one that I drove was on 19" wheels which were a bit too big for my liking (though I think that this is what is standard in the UK - here in Switzerland we get 18" standards). The different suspension and lack of run-flats certainly make it a much more refined proposition than a standard 3. It was on Michelin Pilots.
The best way of describing the engine is 'it's good for a diesel'. It revs upto just over 5000 from memory and you get a decent useful band over that range. It would be a relaxing drive with sportiness when wanted.
I have also driven a 335d recently and whilst it is certainly a faster car I'm not sure it's more fun. I found the Alpina auto-box nicer than the BMW one, the manual changes were quick and I felt much more in control. That being said what interested me about the D3 was that it could be had in manual, which the 335d can't.
The big issue is the price. With my fleet discount on standard cars and none on Alpinas the choice realistically is between a D3 or a 335i or 335xi. I've yet to drive either of the petrol cars. I'm in a postition where fuel economy isn't a big priority.
If you want an automatic diesel I certainly wouldn't presume the D3 will always be beaten by the 335d. Yes it's slower but on a twisty road I found it much more fun. Lighter, better handling, better gearbox. I think it depends on whether your priority is handling or power.
You're absolutely correct - the handling is a real delight. The one that I drove was on 19" wheels which were a bit too big for my liking (though I think that this is what is standard in the UK - here in Switzerland we get 18" standards). The different suspension and lack of run-flats certainly make it a much more refined proposition than a standard 3. It was on Michelin Pilots.
The best way of describing the engine is 'it's good for a diesel'. It revs upto just over 5000 from memory and you get a decent useful band over that range. It would be a relaxing drive with sportiness when wanted.
I have also driven a 335d recently and whilst it is certainly a faster car I'm not sure it's more fun. I found the Alpina auto-box nicer than the BMW one, the manual changes were quick and I felt much more in control. That being said what interested me about the D3 was that it could be had in manual, which the 335d can't.
The big issue is the price. With my fleet discount on standard cars and none on Alpinas the choice realistically is between a D3 or a 335i or 335xi. I've yet to drive either of the petrol cars. I'm in a postition where fuel economy isn't a big priority.
If you want an automatic diesel I certainly wouldn't presume the D3 will always be beaten by the 335d. Yes it's slower but on a twisty road I found it much more fun. Lighter, better handling, better gearbox. I think it depends on whether your priority is handling or power.
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