2004 Alpina B3S Convertible (E46)

Highlights

• In current ownership for seven years
• Low owners
• Cabrio chassis 178
• No modifications from factory spec
• Very good overall condition

Overview

Introduced at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, the Alpina B3 3.3 built upon the then-fledgling E46-era 3-Series chassis, with extensive (but wonderfully subtle) upgrades that boosted the power and performance of the B3 compared to its BMW cousin, without sacrificing reliability or sticking on too many outlandish modifications. This less-is-more approach is exactly the ethos of Alpina’s target market - those that like a little extra rarity or ‘spice’ in their vehicles, without attracting the wrong sort of attention.

For those that like the wind in their hair, Alpina introduced the B3 3.3 convertible in 2000, meaning you can make the most of that wonderful soundtrack that accompanies the Alpina-modified S52B32 engine.

This particular example is the B3S and is finished in the classic shade of Silvergrau metallic, meaning it is even more subtle than most Alpinas, and is all the better for it. Having spent a large part of its life on the island of Jersey, this car has covered just shy of 65,000 miles from new with a total of just 4 owners (a low number, especially when compared to the average ownership of similar-era M3s). It presents very well throughout, yet still offers the next owner one or two areas to further fettle and improve this already excellent B3 convertible.

History and documentation

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Jan 2004 (PDI), Sep 2004 (running in service) @ 1,443 miles, Aug 2005 @ 14,599 miles, Sep 2006 @ 29,704 miles, Jan 2009 @ 42,437 miles, Oct 2010 @ 47,764 miles, Mar 2013 @ 50,306 miles, Mar 2015 @ 58,075 miles
• Brake fluid change stamps as follows: Aug 2005 @ 14,599 miles, Jan 2009 @ 42,437 miles, Oct 2010 @ 47,764 miles, Apr 2024 @ 63,994 miles
• Full document pack
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 18 Mar 2026
• V5 present in owner’s name
• The private plate will not come with the car and it will revert to an age-appropriate registration
• HPI clear

Interior

• Black leather Alpina-branded interior with gloss ‘Myrtle’ wooden inlays and trims
• The interior looks to be in very good overall condition for its age and mileage
• Driver’s seat with memory function
• The high-traffic areas such as the door card arm rest, switchgear and steering wheel show some light usage patina
• Specifically, the steering wheel contrasting coloured stitching is beginning to dull and stain slightly, there is a scuff on the driver’s door card arm rest, and the soft-touch covering on the dashboard is showing some scratches (typical of an E46-era BMW)
• Elsewhere, the soft-touch covering on the seat folding lever surrounds is also wearing, there are some scuffs and scratches to the seat backs, and some typical scuffs on the centre console and door jamb areas
• The rear seats look to be in excellent condition, with no signs of any rips or tears
• Chassis plaque on dashboard
• Complete fold-down tool kit in boot
• Up above, the headliner of the soft top is in very good condition
• Aside from some dead pixels on the display, no reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Silbergrau metallic paintwork with Alpina-specific body kit
• The exterior of this B3 appears to be in excellent condition, having benefitted from a low number of careful owners over the years
• We’re told by the seller that there are no signs of any corrosion or rusting to the arches, and nothing to worry about underneath, which is backed up by the recent MOT exam
• The front end exhibits the usual stone chips from years of use
• We note a scuff on the nearside rear corner along with some lacquer damage on the rear bumper, a very light graze on the nearside front corner, and a light impact to the offside mirror casing
• Both headlights have misted up slightly from moisture ingress
• The glass in the nearside mirror is beginning to age and delaminate on the edges
• The twin ‘shotgun’ exhaust tips are corroded and scratched
• We note a small bubble under the paintwork on the lower offside side skirt, ahead of the rear wheel
• All four wheels are free of any kerb damage or large blemishes, and are wrapped in Uniroyal RainSport tyres
• The folding soft top is in full working order, and devoid of any rips, tears or damage
• Overall, a very smart and well-kept example of the limited-run roadster

Mechanical

• 3.3-litre Alpina S52B32 engine, derived from the US-specification E36 M3
• Alpina-specific tuned cylinder head, increased cylinder bore and Alpina exhaust manifolds
• Lightweight pistons, Alpina crankshaft and other works take the power output up to 280bhp
• Five-speed ‘switchtronic’ automatic gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• No modifications from factory specification
• The engine bay itself looks to be in good order, with Alpina’s build plaque present and correct
• No reported mechanical faults, with the seller stating the car drives smoothly and responsively, the gearbox shifting well and with no untoward rattles, vibration or noises to report

Summary

Alpina are considered the ‘thinking man’s M car’ for a reason; here you have a subtly-styled convertible with M-competitive performance, able to fly under the radar for all but the most in-the-know enthusiasts, and all with legendary BMW reliability and engineering. What’s not to like?

This B3 3.3 convertible looks to be in excellent condition for its age with only one or two slight blemishes to attest to a life well-lived, meaning you can drive and enjoy it without worry of adding stone chips or ‘stories’ to the vehicle - just how we like it.

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 near Cockermouth.