Thursday 14th July 2016

Alpina B3 GT3: Spotted

If it's a turbocharged and six-cylinder 3 Series that you're after, an M3 isn't the only way

---

The products of Alpina are typically very well received on PistonHeads, their distinctive style and finely honed dynamics proving popular. Its current range continues that, D3 and B3 Bi-Turbos in particular being refreshing alternatives to the regular fast 3 Series models.

More special than it may first appear

But there's one of Alpina's recent hits that has rather slipped under the radar. A very limited production run won't have helped, neither will the fact that it arrived towards the end of the previous-gen E92's life cycle. Despite that, the B3 GT3 is a car worthy of considerable attention.

Back in 2011, an Alpina won the ADAC GT Masters with its B6 GT3. To mark the success of the 6 Series-based racer, Alpina rather bizarrely built a more focused version of its B3 S Bi-Turbo. Still, who minds that much when it's this good? Just 99 examples of the B3 GT3 were built, with the ad for this one stating that just five are believed to be in the UK.

The changes from the 335i-based B3 were numerous and significant. Power only climbed fractionally to 407hp (thanks to an Akrapovic exhaust, which also reduced weight), but the key improvements were to be found elsewhere. KW adjustable coilovers were fitted, as was a Drexler limited-slip diff, the brakes were uprated with 380mm front discs (plus six-piston calipers) and the forged wheels weighed less than 10kg each, 25 per cent less than the B3 rims. Note the fancy Recaros inside too.

Now there's a pair of seats!

So while most people might see a 3 Series coupe with a slightly apologetic rear wing, those who know will (or should) appreciate what it is. The plaudits came pouring in; see the Autocar review, for example, that suggested it could be "the best handling 3 Series of its generation." This on top of the more practical benefits of using the straight-six turbo as opposed to the V8, including an official claimed combined of 30mpg and considerably more torque.

But there is a catch. There's always a catch. Perhaps unsurprisingly, you will have to pay a premium for this highly acclaimed, limited-run Alpina. When this GT3 was new a couple of years ago, it would have cost £66,950. In 2016 and 4,000 miles later, it is for sale at £60,000. Not only will that buy a delivery mileage F82 M4 (with the DCT gearbox instead of the Alpina's auto), but a V8 M3 with comparable mileage is £20,000 less. But then the B3 probably won't depreciate as much. So does the Alpina's status and 'specialness' (for want of a better phrase) justify the premium? Or would one of more conventional M BMWs suit better? Over to you!

---

ALPINA B3 GT3
Engine: 2,979cc, turbocharged straight-six
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Power (hp): 407@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 398@4,500rpm
MPG: 29.4
CO2: 224g/km
First registered: 2014
Recorded mileage: 4,000
Price new: £66,950
Yours for: £60,000

See the original advert here

[Sources: Autocar, Alpina-Archive]

[MrBarry123]

That is fantastic.

[MrBarry123]

Nickbrapp said:

With that spoiler 4 exhausts and those seats you'de end up looking like a sales rep who's having a serious mid life crisis

To the uneducated and/or partially blind* perhaps.

*I think you're imagining the two extra exhausts!

[MrBarry123]

Not to divert the thread away from the car - as I've already said, I love it - but look at where the humble Golf is?!

Haha!

I bet BMW wouldn't have expected that when they put the GTS round a few years ago.