Alpina B3 Touring 2021 - The Best Barried-up Bimmer?
Discussion
Jonny Wishbone said:
Fantastic 
Do follow up with some more pics and info. What interior options have you gone for?
Also do consider dropping in the The Alpina Register forum; you'll probably increase the G2x Alpina owner numbers on there up by about 20%
I will - I hope that you will forgive my minor thread hijack?!Do follow up with some more pics and info. What interior options have you gone for?
Also do consider dropping in the The Alpina Register forum; you'll probably increase the G2x Alpina owner numbers on there up by about 20%
The interior is Vernasca Mocha, the leather does feel slightly more 'robust' than I had in my C63, but the general ambience is of much greater quality. The brown is a great compliment to the green.I have the heads up display, but I have not found it difficult to read the dash as you had commented earlier, perhaps this is only in certain conditions?
Worries about leaving the V8 behind were quickly dispelled - The straight 6 is silky smooth, I am eager to explore the torque as soon as everything has bedded in.
It also has an electric towbar which is an engineering masterpiece, I suspect that is pure BMW rather than Alpina genius.
I am not relishing the wheels from both a cleaning and kerbing perspective.........
On a final note, just to add to your very enticing intro at the beginning of this thread, I was told yesterday that more Rolls Royces are registered in the UK than Alpina's, rare beasts indeed!
Tin Hat said:
I will - I hope that you will forgive my minor thread hijack?!
The interior is Vernasca Mocha, the leather does feel slightly more 'robust' than I had in my C63, but the general ambience is of much greater quality. The brown is a great compliment to the green.I have the heads up display, but I have not found it difficult to read the dash as you had commented earlier, perhaps this is only in certain conditions?
Worries about leaving the V8 behind were quickly dispelled - The straight 6 is silky smooth, I am eager to explore the torque as soon as everything has bedded in.
It also has an electric towbar which is an engineering masterpiece, I suspect that is pure BMW rather than Alpina genius.
I am not relishing the wheels from both a cleaning and kerbing perspective.........
On a final note, just to add to your very enticing intro at the beginning of this thread, I was told yesterday that more Rolls Royces are registered in the UK than Alpina's, rare beasts indeed!
I welcome the thread hijack; in fact if every G21 Alpina owner jumped onto this post simultaneously it wouldn't be that much busier. Having said that the number of current generation B3's has already surpassed the F31 generation from only a fraction of the production run, which still only represents low double figures. The Alpina Archive is a good resource for cataloguing the Alpinas produced over the years and gives you an idea of the relative rarity of your car and others.The interior is Vernasca Mocha, the leather does feel slightly more 'robust' than I had in my C63, but the general ambience is of much greater quality. The brown is a great compliment to the green.I have the heads up display, but I have not found it difficult to read the dash as you had commented earlier, perhaps this is only in certain conditions?
Worries about leaving the V8 behind were quickly dispelled - The straight 6 is silky smooth, I am eager to explore the torque as soon as everything has bedded in.
It also has an electric towbar which is an engineering masterpiece, I suspect that is pure BMW rather than Alpina genius.
I am not relishing the wheels from both a cleaning and kerbing perspective.........
On a final note, just to add to your very enticing intro at the beginning of this thread, I was told yesterday that more Rolls Royces are registered in the UK than Alpina's, rare beasts indeed!
Brown and green is a great combination and suits this car perfectly.
I haven't kerbed a wheel in years (honest!) but my N/S front already has a stone chip and a rim scrape most likely from a pothole given that my locale appears to be twinned with The Moon. Cleaning the wheels really is a monumental pain in the arse (and generally I enjoy cleaning the car) and whilst I would usually recommend sealing the wheels, I did so and it seems to have made little difference!
What version of the C63 did you trade in? Obviously a completely different car but comparable because of size, cost and ballisticness so I'd be interested, once you've run the B3 in and done some proper driving, how the cars compare.
Tin Hat said:
I will - I hope that you will forgive my minor thread hijack?!
The interior is Vernasca Mocha, the leather does feel slightly more 'robust' than I had in my C63, but the general ambience is of much greater quality. The brown is a great compliment to the green.I have the heads up display, but I have not found it difficult to read the dash as you had commented earlier, perhaps this is only in certain conditions?
Worries about leaving the V8 behind were quickly dispelled - The straight 6 is silky smooth, I am eager to explore the torque as soon as everything has bedded in.
It also has an electric towbar which is an engineering masterpiece, I suspect that is pure BMW rather than Alpina genius.
I am not relishing the wheels from both a cleaning and kerbing perspective.........
On a final note, just to add to your very enticing intro at the beginning of this thread, I was told yesterday that more Rolls Royces are registered in the UK than Alpina's, rare beasts indeed!
I absolutely love that, and it's the exact colour combo I would choose. If you ever want to sell it, please email me, even if its in 5 or 10 years time. I've currently got an F31 335d bought because I couldn't get the B3 or D3 in AWD at the time, only for them to bring this monster out 3 months later. The interior is Vernasca Mocha, the leather does feel slightly more 'robust' than I had in my C63, but the general ambience is of much greater quality. The brown is a great compliment to the green.I have the heads up display, but I have not found it difficult to read the dash as you had commented earlier, perhaps this is only in certain conditions?
Worries about leaving the V8 behind were quickly dispelled - The straight 6 is silky smooth, I am eager to explore the torque as soon as everything has bedded in.
It also has an electric towbar which is an engineering masterpiece, I suspect that is pure BMW rather than Alpina genius.
I am not relishing the wheels from both a cleaning and kerbing perspective.........
On a final note, just to add to your very enticing intro at the beginning of this thread, I was told yesterday that more Rolls Royces are registered in the UK than Alpina's, rare beasts indeed!
Apologies if this is an inappropriate proposition for your new pride and joy, but there was someone on 911uk who sold my dream spec Gen 2 997 straight to a dealer, and I wish I had been as presumptuous in making the same offer to him!
LeopoldStotch said:
Tin Hat said:
I will - I hope that you will forgive my minor thread hijack?!
The interior is Vernasca Mocha, the leather does feel slightly more 'robust' than I had in my C63, but the general ambience is of much greater quality. The brown is a great compliment to the green.I have the heads up display, but I have not found it difficult to read the dash as you had commented earlier, perhaps this is only in certain conditions?
Worries about leaving the V8 behind were quickly dispelled - The straight 6 is silky smooth, I am eager to explore the torque as soon as everything has bedded in.
It also has an electric towbar which is an engineering masterpiece, I suspect that is pure BMW rather than Alpina genius.
I am not relishing the wheels from both a cleaning and kerbing perspective.........
On a final note, just to add to your very enticing intro at the beginning of this thread, I was told yesterday that more Rolls Royces are registered in the UK than Alpina's, rare beasts indeed!
I absolutely love that, and it's the exact colour combo I would choose. If you ever want to sell it, please email me, even if its in 5 or 10 years time. I've currently got an F31 335d bought because I couldn't get the B3 or D3 in AWD at the time, only for them to bring this monster out 3 months later. The interior is Vernasca Mocha, the leather does feel slightly more 'robust' than I had in my C63, but the general ambience is of much greater quality. The brown is a great compliment to the green.I have the heads up display, but I have not found it difficult to read the dash as you had commented earlier, perhaps this is only in certain conditions?
Worries about leaving the V8 behind were quickly dispelled - The straight 6 is silky smooth, I am eager to explore the torque as soon as everything has bedded in.
It also has an electric towbar which is an engineering masterpiece, I suspect that is pure BMW rather than Alpina genius.
I am not relishing the wheels from both a cleaning and kerbing perspective.........
On a final note, just to add to your very enticing intro at the beginning of this thread, I was told yesterday that more Rolls Royces are registered in the UK than Alpina's, rare beasts indeed!
Apologies if this is an inappropriate proposition for your new pride and joy, but there was someone on 911uk who sold my dream spec Gen 2 997 straight to a dealer, and I wish I had been as presumptuous in making the same offer to him!
So, 400 miles ‘in’ and I’m utterly addicted
The young engine needs to be treated gently, but with plenty of heat in the fluids I have explored the torque which is as hoped - fuss free and extremely plentiful.
The comparison between my old C63s and the new Alpina is interesting, I suspect that in a straight line the C63s would be ahead, but not by much. The C63s was a bit rabid, the power delivery was quite boosty and whilst the gearbox always seemed to be awaiting instruction, it was often then taken by surprise once that instruction was given - Scrabbling down the cogs and then throwing itself full pelt forward, it let you know it was there. The RWD struggled to contain the power, which was fun, but you need to be Ken Block to explore that regularly.
The Alpina takes everything in its stride, need more power? Just push on the pedal and it’s there, no drama, the gearbox and engine just work together to provide what is required. The straight 6 is as sweet as a nut, the rotational mass of the engine does not influence the car in the same way as the V8
The steering in the Alpina is lighter than I was expecting, I would prefer if it were heavier, but that is the only mild negative.
Infotainment wise, the Alpina is simply twice as good as the C63, and mine had the Burmeister upgrade, the difference is quite significant.
The response from fellow motorists has been great - Obviously the new car was quite shiny, so it has garnered more attention than most, but generally those that recognise an Alpina are eager to tip their hats, which is a nice experience
The only real concern is where I can get some fuel - The C63s was, possibly to everyone’s surprise, relatively frugal with mpg in the high 20’s and low 30’s on a long run, I suspect the Alpina will struggle to match that
The young engine needs to be treated gently, but with plenty of heat in the fluids I have explored the torque which is as hoped - fuss free and extremely plentiful.
The comparison between my old C63s and the new Alpina is interesting, I suspect that in a straight line the C63s would be ahead, but not by much. The C63s was a bit rabid, the power delivery was quite boosty and whilst the gearbox always seemed to be awaiting instruction, it was often then taken by surprise once that instruction was given - Scrabbling down the cogs and then throwing itself full pelt forward, it let you know it was there. The RWD struggled to contain the power, which was fun, but you need to be Ken Block to explore that regularly.
The Alpina takes everything in its stride, need more power? Just push on the pedal and it’s there, no drama, the gearbox and engine just work together to provide what is required. The straight 6 is as sweet as a nut, the rotational mass of the engine does not influence the car in the same way as the V8
The steering in the Alpina is lighter than I was expecting, I would prefer if it were heavier, but that is the only mild negative.
Infotainment wise, the Alpina is simply twice as good as the C63, and mine had the Burmeister upgrade, the difference is quite significant.
The response from fellow motorists has been great - Obviously the new car was quite shiny, so it has garnered more attention than most, but generally those that recognise an Alpina are eager to tip their hats, which is a nice experience
The only real concern is where I can get some fuel - The C63s was, possibly to everyone’s surprise, relatively frugal with mpg in the high 20’s and low 30’s on a long run, I suspect the Alpina will struggle to match that
Thanks for the update. I only just realised you had posted up thread a few months ago having chosen the Merc over the Alpina initially.
My experience of the fuel economy is that it has noticeably improved past a couple of thousand miles in. If you’re minded to try to do low 30’s on a run it is perfectly possible. If you can resist the urge to flex the right ankle, that is.
My experience of the fuel economy is that it has noticeably improved past a couple of thousand miles in. If you’re minded to try to do low 30’s on a run it is perfectly possible. If you can resist the urge to flex the right ankle, that is.
Adding to this thread as there's so little info about these cars, that these posts formed part of my pre-purchase info gathering.
Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
andy-integrale said:
Adding to this thread as there's so little info about these cars, that these posts formed part of my pre-purchase info gathering.
Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
What a great colour.Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
Enjoy those clean wheels, I took mine off yesterday to clean them ( I am prepared to do this once a year) and the brake calipers - 2 hours ( this may actually be the quickest way !)
andy-integrale said:
Adding to this thread as there's so little info about these cars, that these posts formed part of my pre-purchase info gathering.
Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
Excellent. I feel like between the Register and the various Alpina FB groups I’m on I may have seen your car. Is it Tanzanite with Fjord blue interior? If so throw up some pics of the interior if you get a chance and are inclined. I vaguely regret going with doom black, no matter how kid friendly it is. Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
Pace really is silly isn’t it? If anything it feels quicker than the numbers suggest, because of the torque and go in any gear no doubt.
Jonny Wishbone said:
andy-integrale said:
Adding to this thread as there's so little info about these cars, that these posts formed part of my pre-purchase info gathering.
Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
Excellent. I feel like between the Register and the various Alpina FB groups I’m on I may have seen your car. Is it Tanzanite with Fjord blue interior? If so throw up some pics of the interior if you get a chance and are inclined. I vaguely regret going with doom black, no matter how kid friendly it is. Only a few days in but absolutely love it so far. The pace is staggering yet it's just a lovely thing in which to tootle about. Already done a tip run in it!
Pace really is silly isn’t it? If anything it feels quicker than the numbers suggest, because of the torque and go in any gear no doubt.
Quick update, 6500 miles in.
My opinion hasn’t changed. It remains the perfect car for my requirements. I haven’t even had to invest in a roof box, though as the kids get older I can see one in my future. Especially as they’re girls, if they’re anything like the missus they’ll pack for a weekend away like they’re moving to Mars.
The wheels are an issue though. And not just because of the finger cramp induced by trying to get them spotless. I just got my third puncture (NSR) and whilst my local roads could be twinned with the moon, it’s not something I’ve had to put up with in other cars. Fortunately as I only replaced both rears 1000 miles ago, there was enough life in the OSR for me to not have to replace both. Which is a relief at £350 a pop for the OEM rubber.
Personally it hasn’t made me regret having the 20” Classics on the car (and at the very least since they’re forged it’s only the tyres that have failed me thus far rather than the metal) but I’ve no doubt that the very low profile tyres are puncture magnets. Worth a ponder for anybody considering one of these.
My opinion hasn’t changed. It remains the perfect car for my requirements. I haven’t even had to invest in a roof box, though as the kids get older I can see one in my future. Especially as they’re girls, if they’re anything like the missus they’ll pack for a weekend away like they’re moving to Mars.
The wheels are an issue though. And not just because of the finger cramp induced by trying to get them spotless. I just got my third puncture (NSR) and whilst my local roads could be twinned with the moon, it’s not something I’ve had to put up with in other cars. Fortunately as I only replaced both rears 1000 miles ago, there was enough life in the OSR for me to not have to replace both. Which is a relief at £350 a pop for the OEM rubber.
Personally it hasn’t made me regret having the 20” Classics on the car (and at the very least since they’re forged it’s only the tyres that have failed me thus far rather than the metal) but I’ve no doubt that the very low profile tyres are puncture magnets. Worth a ponder for anybody considering one of these.
Not had a puncture yet, but fear I undoubtedly will. When you’re moving along, nice and serenely, then hit a pothole. F—k me! You can’t help but shout obscenities out loud.
Wouldn’t be surprised, even if you avoid punctures, it will be putting the tracking out. £40 to get that checked a couple of times a year might be a good investment.
Can you get the Alpina Pirelli’s fairly easily?
Wouldn’t be surprised, even if you avoid punctures, it will be putting the tracking out. £40 to get that checked a couple of times a year might be a good investment.
Can you get the Alpina Pirelli’s fairly easily?
andy-integrale said:
Not had a puncture yet, but fear I undoubtedly will. When you’re moving along, nice and serenely, then hit a pothole. F—k me! You can’t help but shout obscenities out loud.
Wouldn’t be surprised, even if you avoid punctures, it will be putting the tracking out. £40 to get that checked a couple of times a year might be a good investment.
Can you get the Alpina Pirelli’s fairly easily?
Yes you’re right I was thinking about the alignment thing today. For every puncture there’s been a dozen absolutely bone-jarring crashes over craters. Wouldn’t be surprised, even if you avoid punctures, it will be putting the tracking out. £40 to get that checked a couple of times a year might be a good investment.
Can you get the Alpina Pirelli’s fairly easily?
Surprisingly I’ve had no issues with sourcing the OEM tyres - both Black Circles and Kwik Fit have had them in stock judging by how quickly they could offer an appointment. I couldn’t help but ask the fitter to show me the tyre before starting work each time as I feared they’d stick a regular P-Zero on.
I’ve had the two front wheels refurbed twice, the front offside needs doing again. The Alpina wheels are so easily damaged by the potholes on UK roads it’s alarming - I have never had rims before where you can physically see the distortion. At £130.00 to straighten and to reapply the powder coating it’s not cheap, but at least you don’t have to clean them again for a while! Typically the Local Authority managed to deny liability for the latest damage despite the whopping hole that was apparent for weeks afterwards.
I also had to buy a tyre earlier this year due to a puncture on the edge, from memory it was less than £250.00 from my local independent tyre place - The replacement tyre has the Alp reference moulded in the sidewall, so it must be genuine.
Still loving it to bits!
I also had to buy a tyre earlier this year due to a puncture on the edge, from memory it was less than £250.00 from my local independent tyre place - The replacement tyre has the Alp reference moulded in the sidewall, so it must be genuine.
Still loving it to bits!
Tin Hat said:
I’ve had the two front wheels refurbed twice, the front offside needs doing again. The Alpina wheels are so easily damaged by the potholes on UK roads it’s alarming - I have never had rims before where you can physically see the distortion. At £130.00 to straighten and to reapply the powder coating it’s not cheap, but at least you don’t have to clean them again for a while! Typically the Local Authority managed to deny liability for the latest damage despite the whopping hole that was apparent for weeks afterwards.
I also had to buy a tyre earlier this year due to a puncture on the edge, from memory it was less than £250.00 from my local independent tyre place - The replacement tyre has the Alp reference moulded in the sidewall, so it must be genuine.
Still loving it to bits!
I’ve managed to keep 3 of mine unmarked, somehow. The remaining wheel has a scuff not from kerbing but, rather predictably, a pothole. I also had to buy a tyre earlier this year due to a puncture on the edge, from memory it was less than £250.00 from my local independent tyre place - The replacement tyre has the Alp reference moulded in the sidewall, so it must be genuine.
Still loving it to bits!
Out of curiosity, you’re not far from me. Where do you get your wheels done? I was vaguely considering Lepsons at some point in the future when the rest of the wheels inevitably develop battle scars (it’s conveniently close to KDS Detailing, who have a stellar reputation) but it’d be good to have a decent option closer to home.
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