BMW ALPINA B3 BITURBO AUTO 2016

Stand out from the M3 crowd! This Alpina B3 Biturbo is the only facelift F30 B3 in the UK and one of just 8 saloons and 8 touring B3s of this generation. A superb all-rounder that can go toe-to-toe with an M3, and cruise in more comfort than any other 3-series BMW.

The car is offered from the three-year ownership of its third private keeper, benefitting from full BMW service history and a transferrable and extendable BMW warranty, with fresh tyres, a recent major service and 12m MOT.

Powered by an Alpina-tuned 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six, producing 410hp and 44lb-ft of torque, coupled with the highly regarded ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip differential. The B3 can accelerate from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, and push on for a top speed of 190mph. Alpina gave the ‘N55’ engine two smaller variable-geometry turbos in place of the standard single turbo, with a forged steel crankshaft, NGK spark plugs, a high-performance fuel pump, larger intercooler, an Alpina-specific ECU and a new wiring loom.

The car sits as standard on Alpina’s adjustable dampers, stiffened Eibach springs and specially designed anti-roll bars. In comfort mode it rides softer than a 340i, while in sport mode it’s as firm as an M3. It also features adjustable transmission settings separate to the dampers. Comes as standard with larger brake discs and aluminium callipers, and a quad-pipe Akrapovič stainless steel exhaust system with electrically controlled valves.

This example is finished in Xirallic Imperial Blue, a very dark blue with electric blue highlights in the sun, over Oyster Dakota leather with Alpina roundels, and piano black interior highlights. It rides on silver 20-inch multi-spoke Alpina wheels with concealed tyre valves, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

Equipment includes the all-important and rarely specified limited slip diff, blue Alpina-specific dials, tinted glass, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory and lumbar support, heated front seats, cruise control, multifunction ‘Lavalina’ leather-trimmed Alpina steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, satnav, the Harman/Kardon sound system, and electric windows.

This facelift version adds a larger infotainment screen, and better lighting inside and out vs. pre-facelift.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original owner’s manuals, service receipts and original build-sheet, and two Alpina keys. The original paintwork is in excellent condition, previously ceramic coated. There are some minor stone chips on the front bumper and bonnet in-keeping with the mileage, and some light scratches on the front alloys. Inside, aside from minor creasing on the leather, condition is A-1.

With a major service completed over the summer including spark plugs, oil, filters, brake fluid, and a fresh MOT last week, the car needs nothing except another MOT in 12m and a minor service in 2yrs. Tyres fitted 3k miles ago and all with 5-6mm of tread.

An excellent example of this sought-after and rare performance saloon, priced to sell, just above the more common D3 and older non-warranty B3s, barely half the price of a slightly newer G20 B3.