2015 Alpina D3 BiTurbo

Highlights

• Fabulous BiTurbo Alpina
• Full service history
• Alpina Certificate of Conformity to confirm ULEZ compliance
• Original specification readout
• Excellent overall condition

Overview

If you want a fast BMW but an ‘M’ car is just a little bit too flashy, then an Alpina is the more mature and arguably grown-up alternative. But mature doesn’t necessarily mean better behaved… far from it, in fact.

This one is especially fascinating by dint of the fact it’s an Alpina D3 BiTurbo. What that means is that it’s an F30 3-Series with a diesel engine – but no matter how much of a petrolhead you are, don’t let that put you off. Indeed, think of it as a selling point. More torque, colossal thrust and, if you’re in a subdued mood, 50mpg. It’s an inexpensive way of going very, very quickly indeed, and we like that concept rather a lot.

It’s also an Alpina, which is one of those brands that instantly marks you out as someone who knows more than a little bit about cars. Nobody in the history of time has bought an Alpina by accident - the Bavarian tuning firm, which has its HQ in Ostellbau, about 100km from BMW’s Munich head office, enjoyed a semi-official relationship with the car maker from 1965 to 2022, when they were acquired by BMW, building what are officially called (and warranted as) ‘performance-enhanced’ models to distinguish them from BMW’s own M-cars, all finished on a bespoke production line at Ostellbau. There, they arrive as standard models and get the Alpina three-stripe treatment, some bespoke interior adornments, alloy wheels that look like jet turbines and healthy turning up of the power wick. Cerebral, under-the-radar M-Car alternatives for the discerning, thinking buyer.

The F30 generation of D3 came along in 2014, using the 3.0-litre straight-six from the 335d allied to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but with Alpina’s tuning pack and the addition of an extra turbo, a power output of 350bhp and jowl-jiggling 701Nm of torque.

The improvements don’t come solely from the second turbo, either. The intercooler on the D3 is 20 percent larger than on a 335d and tweaks to the air intake system reduce induction air pressure by 30 per cent. Bespoke springs are 40 per cent stiffer than standard and Alpina claimed around 20 percent of the gearbox was new thanks to development with ZF, helping it to cope with the phenomenal torque.

It’s the torque curve that really defines this car, too. Drive it on a gentle throttle and it’ll do what all diesel BMWs do, insofar as it’ll behave like a civilised, responsive and refined companion with impressive fuel economy. Bury the traditional BMW organ pedal accelerator, though, and it’ll belt along towards the horizon with startling gusto. 0-60mph is despatched in just 4.8 seconds, and derestricted it’ll top out close to 180mph. Then there’s the handling – it’s stiff and well-planted without the go-kart ride you’ll find in the hardcore M models.

It's no wonder, then, that this 2015 example’s three owners have taken it up to 150,000 miles over the past nine years. It’s too much fun and far too frugal not to exploit – and the great news is that it has been properly maintained throughout, with a full BMW main dealer service history.

History and documentation

• UK registration document in the name of the private vendor
• Owned by vendor since 2020, two owners prior to him
• Original handbook and owner’s pack
• Selection of invoices and receipts for consumable parts
• Full digital BMW service history showing current healthy status
• Next engine service is due in 8,700 miles
• Front brakes have another 87,000 miles, rear brakes 49,700, according to onboard data which sounds a little optimistic in our opinion, but probably says something for the longevity of the brakes!
• Alpina Certificate of Conformity
• Full specification data printout
• Numerical Alpina build plaque

Interior

• Dakota Black with contrasting stitching leather sports seats with enamelled, stitched-in Alpina badges
• Heated seats with electrically adjustable bolsters
• Bespoke Alpina multifunction Alcantara steering wheel
• Area 2 DVD player
• Genuine Alpina carpet mats
• Premium Harman/Kardon surround sound speakers
• Colour display screen
• DAB
• Bluetooth and hands-free phone integration
• Cruise control
• Rain sensing wipers
• Automatic air conditioning
• Parking distance control
• Additional Alpina /Awron gauge in dash. Controlled from steering wheel and provides a host of driving-related information
• Vendor reports that the air con will require a re-gas

Exterior

• Glacier Silver Metallic paint – good paint finish all over
• High gloss shadow line pack
• Alpina side graphics
• Alpina body kit with lower spoiler ‘chin’ badge
• 19-inch Alpina ‘Turbine’ alloys, one with slight kerb marks
• Matching Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres all-round with good tread
• Bi-Xenon headlights
• Some minor paint damage and stone chips commensurate with mileage and use
• No body damage or recorded previous accident damage
• Small scuff mark on front chin spoiler

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre BiTurbo diesel straight-six
• Rated at 350bhp
• Factory figures also show a not inconsiderable 517lb ft of torque
• Eight-speed ZF auto, uprated to Alpina specification
• 0-60mph in 4.8 secs
• Searing performance and impressive economy
• Well-maintained and main dealer serviced
• Reported by the vendor to be ‘very quick’ and to drive without any known faults
• The vendor informs us that the recent main dealer service costs are £405.89, and road tax is £210 for 12 months. 

Summary

Whisper it, but there’s a school of thought that leans towards Alpina making a better M-Car than BMW itself…

Still bothered about the D3 not having a petrol donk up front? No, nor are we. This car is simply epic. You’ll not find anything else with comparable performance, fuel economy or presence for the price. It’s a fabulous, fabulous car and one that marks you out as a BMW connoisseur. Sure, it’s seen some use, but it has been impeccably maintained.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This car is located in Berkshire.