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

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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!

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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.

[WCZ]

really nice, surprised at just how low the depreciation is !

I had an alpina several years ago and lost an absolute fortune

[BFleming]

Pistonheads said:

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

You're right... 335i, 330d... ;-)

[only1ian]

That's holding its value a tad better than my old e39 B10 V8! Was a great thing when it worked! The problem with alpina and why I wouldn't go back to the brand, too much of the car was unique and therefore mega bucks to fix! I would however add alpina to the list of brands a true petrol head should own before they smoke backwards through the pearly gates!

[Matt Bird]

BFleming said:

Pistonheads said:

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

You're right... 335i, 330d... ;-)

I thought this might come up! I'll change it to fast 3 Series now...

[DegsyE39]

Oh god.. that interior

This b3 makes me moist.

[Mr_Yogi]

Regarding the low depreciation, assuming it's not on SOR, I bet the poor sod who sold it didn't benefit from it's apparent low depreciation

[MrwReckless]

Can anyone tell me what is going on with the one central aircon vent? Seems it's been replaced with a screen of some sorts?

[2pad]

MrwReckless said:

Can anyone tell me what is going on with the one central aircon vent? Seems it's been replaced with a screen of some sorts?

AWRON data display I believe.

[Rich255]

I was lucky enough to go to Le Mans in one of these in 2014. It is a stunningly capable machine. I have seen the odd one advertised in Europe at north of Euro 90K, so this might just be a bargain! Wonder how many of the 99 are rhd ?

[Oddball RS]

Mr_Yogi said:

Regarding the low depreciation, assuming it's not on SOR, I bet the poor sod who sold it didn't benefit from it's apparent low depreciation

Quite right! and depreciation and what something is up 'for sale' at are different animals.

[daveco]

As capable as that thing is it looks pants compared to the E92 sport coupe.

Also the side mirrors changed with the facelift and now look the same as the saloon, was this a cost cutting measure by BMW??

Normally facelift models look more sorted.

[Leins]

MrwReckless said:

Can anyone tell me what is going on with the one central aircon vent? Seems it's been replaced with a screen of some sorts?

Vent gauges - they're a bit of an Alpina 3-series thing, as previously seen in various E30 C2s & B6s

Also cool as IMO (no need to point out the irony of that though thanks )

[Motormatt]

Wow - I completely missed this one and I thought I knew my BMW's! Great recipe and worth it for the rarity alone.

Something just doesn't look quite right about it, maybe its the wheels, or does it just need to be lower?

[big_rob_sydney]

The discussion on how little its lost in depreciation is a little premature, dont you think? I mean, you wont know how much its lost until its actually been sold. Until then, this is only an asking price.

And a previous poster to me has already explained that they've lost a lot in depreciation, so make of that what you will.

As for the car itself? Capable, sure. But it looks like its crashed through the front of a Halfords and come out the other side with a ton of crap affixed. And those wheels. Urrrrgh.

[foxhounduk]

What a beauty. If only it was £30k. I'd be at the dealer tomorrow. What a special motor.

[Nickbrapp]

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

[Dubmaster77]

I normally love an Alpina, don't quite get this one.. Race suspension and rear wing with a slush box :-/ not digging those wheels either..

[bigvanfan]

Motormatt said:

Wow - I completely missed this one and I thought I knew my BMW's! Great recipe and worth it for the rarity alone.

Something just doesn't look quite right about it, maybe its the wheels, or does it just need to be lower?

I think your right about the wheels, alpinas look best with a decent rim , these flush ones just don't look special enough , I thought they were c63 wheels !

[f1nn]

As a 335i owner, I should have a semi on about now, but this car is a weird old thing isn't?

I thought Alpina's USP was making relatively subtle, capable versions of BMW's cars?

This is a lairy version of the subtle alternative to the lairy version of BMW's subtle car....

I'll keep my 9k 370bhp 335i and 51k in the bank I think, well if I had 51k that is.....