2003 Alpina B3S Convertible (E46)

Highlights

• Desirable colour combination

• ‘The thinking man’s M car’

• Recently serviced

• Very rare, fewer than 300 produced worldwide

• Great summer cruiser

Overview

Alpina as a brand is the definition of ‘if you know, you know’ amongst the car enthusiast fraternity. To a passer-by, most Alpinas look like a BMW with some bodywork, perhaps some nicer wheels, but otherwise they fly under-the-radar. For those in the know, the driver is clearly someone of taste, someone that wants all the fun of a BMW M product, but with the kind of refinement and class that only an Alpina can provide. 

The B3 range was based upon the E46-era 3-series, in convertible, coupe, saloon and touring format. For those that wanted a little extra gusto, the B3 S was unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Building on the refinements offered in the B3 (3.3) the S model had near-identical performance to the E46 M3, thanks to its updated Alpina 3.3 engine, which was lightly bored-out and featured an upgraded intake and exhaust manifold.

Alongside its under-the-radar and performance appeal, rarity is also a factor to consider. When owning an Alpina, you’re joining a prestigious club. For example, only 292 B3 S cabriolets (as seen here) were produced - numbers far smaller than most ultra-prestigious supercars!

This particular example is chassis 070, finished in Stahlgrau Metallic over a Carmine interior, and boasts a strong history and desirable specification. We’re now in the throes of summer, and what better way to enjoy it than at the wheel of an Alpina with the roof down?

History and documentation

• Registered 08 Sep 2003

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Sep 2003 (PDI), Oct 2003 @ 960 miles, May 2005 @ 12,558 miles, Oct 2006 @ 25,542 miles, Jul 2009 @ 38,191 miles, Oct 2012 @ 57,081 miles, Aug 2014 @ 64,018 miles, Apr 2017 @ 70,087 miles, Jan 2020 @ 81,049 miles, May 2025 @ 103,186 miles

• Document / Handbook pack

• Collection of invoices

• Two keys

• Current MOT expires 12 May 2026 with advisories for corroded rear suspension arms and a worn offside rear tyre

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Punchy red leather interior in good order, benefitting from a high factory specification as well as numerous Alpina-specific upgrades

• The seller notes that the driver’s seat has been repaired in his ownership

• The other seats and leather areas have been conditioned 

• As far as we can see, the leather seats are lightly patinated but free of any rips or damage

• The high-traffic areas such as the lower door cards, rear of the front seats, seat bases and touchpoints such as the shifter and steering wheel are commensurately worn

• There are a few areas of scuffing / scratching visible on the soft-touch plastic items, such as the ashtray ahead of the shifter

• Looking closer, there is a larger scuff/scratch noticeable on the nearside door card, and a heavier area of patination visible on the driver’s seat backrest area

• The washer fluid level warning light was illuminated at the time of the photo shoot

• Original BMW Business headunit

• Heated front seats

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Stahlgrau bodywork in good overall condition

• Some stone chips and road rash visible to exposed areas such as the front bumper/bonnet, rear of the arches and the mirror caps

• The seller notes that the bonnet, bumper and front wings have been repainted

• We note a few larger chips to the front bumper and the offside wheel arch, a scuff above the exhaust tailpipes, another to the offside rear bumper lower, and a light abrasion to the nearside rear bumper corner

• Both mirror caps exhibit a number of scratches

• The lower rear bumper valence is cracked around the exhaust aperture

• Scratches visible on the lower side skirt areas

• The recently powder coated wheels are in great condition, though some bubbling is noted on the Alpina centre caps 

• Overall, a presentable example of the B3S Cabriolet that would benefit from a little TLC to bring it back to its absolute best

Mechanical

• Alpina 3.3-litre (3,346cc) inline-six engine producing 305bhp and 267 lb ft of torque

• Five-speed ‘Switchtronic’ gearbox, sending drive to the rear wheels

• We’re told that the discs and pads have been recently replaced

• No reported modifications from factory specification

• The seller notes that the electric fan requires a new bearing

• Other than the above, there are no reported faults or issues, with the seller telling us that the car “is a pleasure to drive and sounds great”

Summary

If you’re looking for a modern classic summer convertible with a little more exclusivity, then you’d be hard-pushed to beat an Alpina B3 S. Taking all the best parts of the E46-era BMW but with some Alpina magic sprinkled over the engine and drivetrain, along with Alpina bodywork and wheels, this Stahlgrau example would make for a fine daily driver or weekend cruiser, whether you’re lapping the streets of London or winding your way through the countryside with the roof down.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Malton, North Yorkshire.