Discussion
Some bits of the Alpina experience from the driver's seat. Obviously I couldn't photograph the effortless smooth power and supple suspension aspects, so restrained myself to the bits they tarted up in Buchloe. Thank you to the original buyer for your judgement (jet black and extended champagne Nappa) and excellent options choosing.
Edited by Polynesian on Friday 16th September 19:20
Patina
Parked next to this today. Said it was a 2002tii, I don't know enough about then to be sure, but it was lovely, in a needs-every-bit-of-rubber-replaced way. On the next road down is a 635csi with 4 flat tyres and a Kew Gardens' worth of moss. A real shame. The 2002 looked daily driver great!
ETA- is there any way to correct the autorotate on thumbs nap? It doesn't like portrait layout pics.
Parked next to this today. Said it was a 2002tii, I don't know enough about then to be sure, but it was lovely, in a needs-every-bit-of-rubber-replaced way. On the next road down is a 635csi with 4 flat tyres and a Kew Gardens' worth of moss. A real shame. The 2002 looked daily driver great!
ETA- is there any way to correct the autorotate on thumbs nap? It doesn't like portrait layout pics.
Edited by Polynesian on Saturday 17th September 15:42
Edited by Polynesian on Saturday 17th September 15:43
Polynesian said:
How are you finding the M3? Which gearbox? Have you got a thread up?
Little by little, and with an incredibly irrational financial approach to it, the car is getting more and more sorted. I'm always trawling the interwebs for E32 750is, E31s, 90s Mercedes, all sorts, but I still own this after 3 years. I've either "invested" too much in it or I like it quite a lot.
the parts prices are funny. They do seem to fluctuate quite a bit, generally resulting in me wishing I had acted quickly on a quote (where else is there now- I use cotswold but did use BMMiniparts until they disappeared), as the price increases when I re-enquire.
Few more bits to do before autumn settles in properly, let's see how it goes!
Honestly? It depends on the day. I guess the spares prices for some things do annoy me but I guess when you buy an M3 these things are to be expected. I am bracing myself for the bill of an Inspection I, although I'll be doing that myself and two new rear tyres which will be £360 for the pair. Ouch!Little by little, and with an incredibly irrational financial approach to it, the car is getting more and more sorted. I'm always trawling the interwebs for E32 750is, E31s, 90s Mercedes, all sorts, but I still own this after 3 years. I've either "invested" too much in it or I like it quite a lot.
the parts prices are funny. They do seem to fluctuate quite a bit, generally resulting in me wishing I had acted quickly on a quote (where else is there now- I use cotswold but did use BMMiniparts until they disappeared), as the price increases when I re-enquire.
Few more bits to do before autumn settles in properly, let's see how it goes!
That said I really really do like the car. As a package it does pretty much everything I want. A refined GT car for those long trips? Definitely. OK on fuel for the performance? Yes. Practical and surprisingly spacious? You bet. 3 of us went to Southampton this weekend with the car generally getting along very well.
As for the gearbox I went with the SMG. I thought long and hard about which 'box and drove a few cars along the way and after. I initially looked at manuals from what the forums said, but I wondered about trying the SMG as well. In the end the SMG won so that was done
. It's probably about the second 'auto' car I have owned (yup, I am aware it is an automated manual but you know what I mean). I have to say that I do like the 'box now and wonder where the hate comes from.As for the thread, you can find it right here.
SebringMan said:
...As for the gearbox I went with the SMG. I thought long and hard about which 'box and drove a few cars along the way and after. I initially looked at manuals from what the forums said, but I wondered about trying the SMG as well. In the end the SMG won so that was done . It's probably about the second 'auto' car I have owned (yup, I am aware it is an automated manual but you know what I mean). I have to say that I do like the 'box now and wonder where the hate comes from.
As for the thread, you can find it right here.
Thanks for that- I've been following your progress! I'm often tempted by thoughts of an SMG M3, no question a better car for hooning or on track. The Alpina is a lovely, relaxed old thing though, and that's good for my driving and my pulse. If I could change one thing about it, it would be to have a ZF 8 speeder. Oh, and an Alpina v8.... It's probably about the second 'auto' car I have owned (yup, I am aware it is an automated manual but you know what I mean). I have to say that I do like the 'box now and wonder where the hate comes from.As for the thread, you can find it right here.
Edited by Polynesian on Monday 19th September 00:36
This is the 635csi Kew Gardens edition. It's a (nearly) mobile moss display for them. A real shame. I'd like to become its custodian but don't have another entire financial existence to sacrifice on it:
The most forlorn split rim I know:
Not a good day for moss photography. When the monsoon comes I'll take some pics. Painful to see!
The most forlorn split rim I know:
Not a good day for moss photography. When the monsoon comes I'll take some pics. Painful to see!
aka_kerrly said:
I do like Alpina models but love manuals which restricts Alpina ownership somewhat. How do you find the switchtronic gearbox?
Quite a shame to see the 6 series abandoned like that.
Switchtronic- a very good auto box, not a replacement for a manual. You have control of it and it's very well programmed by Alpina, but it doesn't have any of the experience of a manual, of course. For me, at the moment and in London, that's fine. It's the same box and system called tiptronic by Porsche in the 964. Quite a shame to see the 6 series abandoned like that.
If you are talking about modern Alpinas, with the 8 speed ZF, I doubt it can be bettered. You could always take along a manual gear stick to pretend, because the car is likely to be doing a much better job of it. I know that's usually the challenge made about good autos- the car is doing the work. I'd happily have a caterham for manual exercise and live with/ reap the benefits of the switchtronic in an Alpina.
Another amazing update. Alpina V8 supercharged 4.4 being fitted. No, really, just a newer battery tray to replace the rusted mess that was in there. I'm cleaning up the replacement one now and will paint it before it's bolted in.
It looked awful, but all of the 10mm fasteners managed to undo and the bodyshell underneath is completely fine, just needs a clean.
Untitled
Untitled
It looked awful, but all of the 10mm fasteners managed to undo and the bodyshell underneath is completely fine, just needs a clean.
UntitledUntitledAnd the Alpina lives again! Just got the battery connected up again after brushing out the rust/dust from the battery well. There was a little bit of surface corrosion in one corner where the acid had had its most knackering effect in the battery bracket fastener. It's all been cleaned up and sprayed liberally with syntax s50 (it's a void or cavity more or less once the tray is fitted above the battery, the clean and freshly painted bracket fitted and the recharged battery put back. All that for a flat battery! At least I know one more job has been attended to. Wing, bootlid and bumper next. I'm sure the bumper would have rusted if it had any metal content, but in fact it's just a bit cracked and I've sourced another jet black one. The bootlid and wing are, of course, rusty. Not for long!
Thanks to a brilliant guy called Nick Jupp, who specialises in S/h E46 parts, Alpina now has a completely rust free backside, and a new bumper. And some other bits.
Nick has forgotten more about E46s than any BMW dealership ever knew... and had a jet black bootlid and bumper for me. I'm sure someone somewhere is upset that a precious pre lci alpina has a facelift bootlid and a m sport bumper. I am interested that they are BMW parts, rust free and the right paint code. If there was a jet black non m sport one available I'd have been delighted. If I eventually get round to a full derusting and respray it will all be perfect fly exactly the same from the same paint gun at the same time. For now it's great, I quite like the facelift boot handle, and the bumper is a smoother design even if no alpina b3 ever wore an m sport bumper from the factory.
I also came away with the correct warning triangle in the case, a new boot seal, a new bootfloor carpet and that Nick will keep an eye out for good condition coupe door seals.
Just need to clean up the 320cd badge marks (was tempted to keep it) and refit the Alpina badges- something like £300 new...
Some of you might hate this work, or find it understandably boring, but this old not particularly fast car has got under my skin, so there will be plenty more. Nick had his Phoenix yellow M3 there and was saying he should have bought an alpina. I guess they do that to you, until you're on the Nurburgring. Then again, my car's been around there too.
No connection to Nick except as a very happy customer, he lists of eBay and Facebook under German Car Spares Kent. Onto the rusty front wing and an oil change next. Living the E46 dream!
Nick has forgotten more about E46s than any BMW dealership ever knew... and had a jet black bootlid and bumper for me. I'm sure someone somewhere is upset that a precious pre lci alpina has a facelift bootlid and a m sport bumper. I am interested that they are BMW parts, rust free and the right paint code. If there was a jet black non m sport one available I'd have been delighted. If I eventually get round to a full derusting and respray it will all be perfect fly exactly the same from the same paint gun at the same time. For now it's great, I quite like the facelift boot handle, and the bumper is a smoother design even if no alpina b3 ever wore an m sport bumper from the factory.
I also came away with the correct warning triangle in the case, a new boot seal, a new bootfloor carpet and that Nick will keep an eye out for good condition coupe door seals.
Just need to clean up the 320cd badge marks (was tempted to keep it) and refit the Alpina badges- something like £300 new...
Some of you might hate this work, or find it understandably boring, but this old not particularly fast car has got under my skin, so there will be plenty more. Nick had his Phoenix yellow M3 there and was saying he should have bought an alpina. I guess they do that to you, until you're on the Nurburgring. Then again, my car's been around there too.
No connection to Nick except as a very happy customer, he lists of eBay and Facebook under German Car Spares Kent. Onto the rusty front wing and an oil change next. Living the E46 dream!
Great to see the Alpina getting some attention - and importantly being used, really great work. Hopefully just isopropyl to remove the debadging residue. I'm sure those Alpina badges will turn up for less in due course!
I found a good dose of G3 and elbow grease helps to match up parts in the same colour but from different cars - good luck!
Polynesian said:
I also came away with the correct warning triangle in the case, a new boot seal, a new bootfloor carpet and that Nick will keep an eye out for good condition coupe door seals.
The warning triangle makes it all worthwhile.I found a good dose of G3 and elbow grease helps to match up parts in the same colour but from different cars - good luck!
Thanks for the comments and encouragement!
While we do only about 3000 miles a year in the Alpina, it does quite a few short journeys. So it was time for the annual oil change today, BMW filter and Castrol 0W 30. After changing the brakes with me 18 months ago or so, my 7 year old wanted to help out and did much of the job himself with a bit of guidance and basic spannering (oil filter lid) from me. I was really impressed! He siphoned out the old oil, replaced the filter and rubber seal. I poured in the new oil, preferring an Alpina engine full of expensive Castrol rather than an expensively shiny street and minor environmental disaster.
Still, it's done and one more task he can feel growing confidence in. Must just remember to reset the oil service counter now.
While we do only about 3000 miles a year in the Alpina, it does quite a few short journeys. So it was time for the annual oil change today, BMW filter and Castrol 0W 30. After changing the brakes with me 18 months ago or so, my 7 year old wanted to help out and did much of the job himself with a bit of guidance and basic spannering (oil filter lid) from me. I was really impressed! He siphoned out the old oil, replaced the filter and rubber seal. I poured in the new oil, preferring an Alpina engine full of expensive Castrol rather than an expensively shiny street and minor environmental disaster.
Still, it's done and one more task he can feel growing confidence in. Must just remember to reset the oil service counter now.
Good work. Always looks odd seeing an M52 (non tu) in an E46. I think you can probably bin the auxiliary air pump with no engine management light coming on. It's pointless anyway. All you need is a blanking plate for the manifold take off point. I binned mine when I had an M52tu, as did BMW when the M54 was introduced.
helix402 said:
Good work. Always looks odd seeing an M52 (non tu) in an E46. I think you can probably bin the auxiliary air pump with no engine management light coming on. It's pointless anyway. All you need is a blanking plate for the manifold take off point. I binned mine when I had an M52tu, as did BMW when the M54 was introduced.
Thanks for that, yeah, no disa valve, a heavy old iron block, and I have had a blanking plate for ages but not got around to it. Was also worried that it would throw a light on the dash. I might have to try it out. And yes, it is a great usable car. If it was a B3S Touring, even more so, but I'm trying to appreciate what I've got and not covet everyone else's Alpina these days!
It's been a while and loads has happened with the old Alp, including upgraded Gladen speakers, a new Alpina steering wheel, an oil service, new windscreen cowl, silentcoat soundproofing, all sorts. But I'm more excited to share a trip I just completed:
Had a pleasurable drive back from Strasbourg today. After this morning's customs bust on the Alp- 7 douane agents looking for smuggled M&Ms I suppose (I work for Mars)- we had a good day at work, and then I hopped in for the 500 mile drive home.
It's true that the French autoroute network is still a treat, especially for those of us living in the south east where empty roads and 0.9 leptons aren't the stuff of everyday.
After the douane agent asking about the car this morning I experienced further interest in it along the way, of two kinds. The first kind, which came uniquely from 320d and 116d driver's was the "I am faster than you" attention, showcasing the worst of French driving and the desperate plight of people trapped in Diesel s
tboxes, across all borders.
The other kind of attention came from larger engines BMWs including a couple of tuned E46's. This attention was really nice- appreciation and a flash of the lights and a wave, reminding us that mental wellbeing is improved by a large capacity petrol engine. Everything about the car was pleasing. Well, except if my seat went 2 inches lower it would be just about perfect.
We had some incredibly heavy downpours, the ones where you actually think you should pack it in, roll up the autoroute and sit in a field to wait it out. Mad levels of water sat on the road. But nothing the michelins couldn't handle :-)
And then appearing beyond some blonde wheat fields under a black sky that still managed to have bright sunshine beaming through- then the garages of Reims circuit appeared. I've never paid pilgrimage to them before, and I felt lucky to have stunning weather and the place to myself. It genuinely does feel like the ghosts of competitors and spectators, kids with their dads and rich gentleman racers, are there still. It's a must visit site for any petrolhead.
Before I knew it, my rusty 17 year old 158,000 mile car had managed 420 miles in 5hours 15 minutes of driving time. Relaxed, comfortable, sure footed, meaty noise from the peage toll, quiet underway. It was a memorable bonding experience for me and Alp.
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Had a pleasurable drive back from Strasbourg today. After this morning's customs bust on the Alp- 7 douane agents looking for smuggled M&Ms I suppose (I work for Mars)- we had a good day at work, and then I hopped in for the 500 mile drive home.
It's true that the French autoroute network is still a treat, especially for those of us living in the south east where empty roads and 0.9 leptons aren't the stuff of everyday.
After the douane agent asking about the car this morning I experienced further interest in it along the way, of two kinds. The first kind, which came uniquely from 320d and 116d driver's was the "I am faster than you" attention, showcasing the worst of French driving and the desperate plight of people trapped in Diesel s
tboxes, across all borders. The other kind of attention came from larger engines BMWs including a couple of tuned E46's. This attention was really nice- appreciation and a flash of the lights and a wave, reminding us that mental wellbeing is improved by a large capacity petrol engine. Everything about the car was pleasing. Well, except if my seat went 2 inches lower it would be just about perfect.
We had some incredibly heavy downpours, the ones where you actually think you should pack it in, roll up the autoroute and sit in a field to wait it out. Mad levels of water sat on the road. But nothing the michelins couldn't handle :-)
And then appearing beyond some blonde wheat fields under a black sky that still managed to have bright sunshine beaming through- then the garages of Reims circuit appeared. I've never paid pilgrimage to them before, and I felt lucky to have stunning weather and the place to myself. It genuinely does feel like the ghosts of competitors and spectators, kids with their dads and rich gentleman racers, are there still. It's a must visit site for any petrolhead.
Before I knew it, my rusty 17 year old 158,000 mile car had managed 420 miles in 5hours 15 minutes of driving time. Relaxed, comfortable, sure footed, meaty noise from the peage toll, quiet underway. It was a memorable bonding experience for me and Alp.
[url
|https://thumbsnap.com/bQRufoy9[/url][url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/1HCFhJvB[/url][url]
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