£50k alpina B3 or M3 and why
Discussion
Thanks for the input so far
As with all these things, I will need to drive both back to back if possible - sure Sytner can sort that.
I too think the Alpina might do a bit better on residuals than an M3... not that it won't lose a lot, but that it might lose a bit less
My expectation is that the Alpina is going to be better for normal and spirited driving on 'normal' roads, but that the M3 would be better the closer to the top of the performance things got....
Any other input welcome and, if I get any further towards a decision, I will update
As with all these things, I will need to drive both back to back if possible - sure Sytner can sort that.
I too think the Alpina might do a bit better on residuals than an M3... not that it won't lose a lot, but that it might lose a bit less
My expectation is that the Alpina is going to be better for normal and spirited driving on 'normal' roads, but that the M3 would be better the closer to the top of the performance things got....
Any other input welcome and, if I get any further towards a decision, I will update
shibby! said:
But i did see autocar did a test on a typical back road and found the alpina to be faster and more composed.
That was with the D3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRAeL8qgSMI think your plan of back to back test drives is absolutely the way to go! Being honest neither car is what you'd call an investment (being realistic both will just lose a packet over two or three years) so I think it's a case of deciding which you prefer and then you pays your money and takes your choice. Nice dilemma to have, will be very interested to hear your views on the merits of each after the test drives!
4941cc said:
shibby! said:
But i did see autocar did a test on a typical back road and found the alpina to be faster and more composed.
That was with the D3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRAeL8qgSMMakes it a little more surprising now!
JPJPJP said:
the alpina was the press car...
am I wrong to be put off (just a little) by that
It wouldn't put me off: if the journo's can't break it, doubt you will. By press, they mean it's had the S17NER number on it: lots will, that plate goes on whichever car is ordered for demo next. It'll be a decent spec & colour combo, rather than some of the more exotic customer choices, so if it's properly warranted, not an issue.am I wrong to be put off (just a little) by that
Edited by MarkwG on Monday 30th March 20:55
I would be tempted by the Alpina IF it had the full Lavalina leather, but most don't (actually I haven't seen one B3/4 for sale with it) so they just look like a standard 3 series inside, crappy dakota leather, standard sports seats which aren't great and sharing the interior with a 25k 316d sport would grate if I'd spent 50k.
So on balance the M3 would be my choice it has much better seats, nappa leather as standard, great chassis, lots of power, wider body and track etc....
So on balance the M3 would be my choice it has much better seats, nappa leather as standard, great chassis, lots of power, wider body and track etc....
Edited by Wills2 on Tuesday 31st March 21:57
Looking at some of the posts on other threads it sounds like you could get a brand new M4 for low £50k's which does seem to make over £50k for a used B4 look a touch expensive. However, I still think driving the two back to back is the only way to decide; if you're going to keep a car for two or three years the initial purchase price is soon forgotten and it's what it's like to drive day to day that's important. Interior ambience and comfort of the seats are obviously an important part of that equation but so too is composure over give and take UK roads and maybe the B4 would hold sway in that department? Could be talking rubbish though as sadly I haven't driven either of them!
JPJPJP said:
the jun14 metallic B3 bi turbo coupe at styler nottingham
or a £50k M3
which would your money head to and why?
I've said before I think the B3/4 is the pick of the bunch IMO after buying a D3 for the OH having had an M3 & not got on with it I believe the Petrol Alpina is the pick of the Three. The ride on the D3 is better than the M3 the interior feels more special than the M3 long term the Alpina will depreciate less.or a £50k M3
which would your money head to and why?
Also the Alpina is a lot rarer they only make around 2000 cars a year, the M3 did look more aggressive we had an overlap of Four weeks before the M3 was sold.
Go for a test drive
Watch this review of the B4 by Harris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=740gShZJF1M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XBZeCGOQVw
D3 vs M3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRAeL8qgSM
So in my totally biased opinion get the Alpina
kith said:
Although for only £810 or so there's an option on the B3 configurator to have the dashboard top leather covered thereby lifting it above the 3-series norm.
Same option available on a boggo 3 series for the same money, like I said the interior is pure 3 series apart from blue dials and some stitching on the steering wheel. It's an utter myth that they have a better interior, unless you spend big money on it.
I like them they are good cars and I was tempted to get a B3/4 but the cost of making in an real Alpina inside is expensive and some people try perpetuate the myth that it comes as standard.
Edited by Wills2 on Wednesday 1st April 19:07
kith said:
Wills2 said:
You're looking at an additional 7-8k for a full interior treatment.
Although for only £810 or so there's an option on the B3 configurator to have the dashboard top leather covered thereby lifting it above the 3-series norm.If you want a *real* Alpina interior, the Lavalina is a small fortune.
If I was buying one again, I wouldn't buy one without Lavalina - it's what makes an Alpina imo.
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