Alpina

[Apache]

Should there be a separate form? anyhow, I'm intending to purchase a 97 B3 3.2 but can't find any data anywhere to describe, a. how it differs from a standard BMW or, b. how it performs in comparison to an M3

[Roggia]

Try http://www.fastsaloons.com  for stats
and http://www.thealpinaregister.com  for an owners forum.

Edited by Roggia on Friday 7th March 11:07

[Apache]

Thanks, found them but there are no actual reviews, comparisons or road tests to be found

[Roggia]

I see what you mean; there really isn't a great deal of information available on this model. The following is all I could find.

http://www.locomail.com/niko/mycorradoweb/ALPINA/brochure/alpinab3/b33.2touring/ 
http://www.alpina-archive.com/?page_id=58 
http://www.fantasycars.com/sedans/HTML/alpina_b3_e36.html 
http://www.bentleypublishers.com/gallery.htm?code=H739&galleryId=2246 

Roggia

[Apache]

Always liked Alpinas esp B8/9s and have the opportunity to buy a B3 3.2 so, as a novice, am merely trying to glean as much info as possible. Eg:-

are they subject to nikasil problems,
is the switchmatic really that horrible,
are they cheaper to maintain than an M3,
what's the fuel economy like,
are parts easily available,

[belleair302]

Apache said:

Always liked Alpinas esp B8/9s and have the opportunity to buy a B3 3.2 so, as a novice, am merely trying to glean as much info as possible. Eg:-

are they subject to nikasil problems, NOT SO MUCH
is the switchmatic really that horrible, ITS PRETTY GOOD ACTUALLY
are they cheaper to maintain than an M3, YES
what's the fuel economy like, DEPENDS UPON YOUR RIGHT FOOT
are parts easily available,

YES.

[Apache]

[Gimlet]

Drop either Neil or Andy (D4) a line at the Alpina Register.

I'm sure they will be able to answer your questions.

As for Alpinas ... Before getting the E92 I had an Alpina Roadster S.
Great car, great service, great people at Buchloe.
I was lucky enough to visit Buchloe and meet the guy who built my Engine .. treated like royalty whilst there.

If the car you are looking at is a good'un then I'm sure you will love it.