Alpina B3 or 330CI
Discussion
Thinking of getting either of these (e46 330ci or alpina b3 3.3) but i've heard different things about the Alpina just wondered if theres any owners that can clear up a few questions ?
is the servicing cost of the b3 the same as the 330 ?
is the mpg any worse ?
is the depracation like on these compared to the 330 ?
is it much quicker is it and does it have a louder exhaust?
is the servicing cost of the b3 the same as the 330 ?
is the mpg any worse ?
is the depracation like on these compared to the 330 ?
is it much quicker is it and does it have a louder exhaust?
Edited by Loafer on Sunday 25th May 23:17
Loafer said:
is the servicing cost of the b3 the same as the 330 ?
is the mpg any worse ?
is the depracation like on these compared to the 330 ?
is it much quicker is it and does it have a louder exhaust?
More or less, although the B3 gets through consumables a bit quickeris the mpg any worse ?
is the depracation like on these compared to the 330 ?
is it much quicker is it and does it have a louder exhaust?
Edited by Loafer on Sunday 25th May 23:17
Actually it's fractionally better
It'll hold onto it's money longer, but they're harder to sell
It's a bloody sight quicker - a healthy B3 will keep up with an E46 M3 (just).
belleair302 said:
The Alpina is for those who really know their cars, the BMW is for those who want to pose and are happy with just fitting in. Running costs are similar but the Alpina will reward the soul as well as putting a smile upon your face every time you drive. The BMW won't....
Jesus, bit unfair those comments.Had a bad experience somewhere?
Not really. You see too many BMW's as the default choice in the sector...many are not driven well or enjoyed. The Alpina is something a little different.
If you buy a Hugo Boss or Armani Suit for £800 it looks great, puts a smile upon your face but is still a suit made in the 100's or 1000's a year.
Buy a Saville Row suit for £900 you are buying something handmade, unique which may not attract the same attention because of the label, but will last and last and satisfies more tactile desires than the others.
Thus BMW against Alpina.
If you buy a Hugo Boss or Armani Suit for £800 it looks great, puts a smile upon your face but is still a suit made in the 100's or 1000's a year.
Buy a Saville Row suit for £900 you are buying something handmade, unique which may not attract the same attention because of the label, but will last and last and satisfies more tactile desires than the others.
Thus BMW against Alpina.
belleair302 said:
The Alpina is for those who really know their cars, the BMW is for those who want to pose and are happy with just fitting in. Running costs are similar but the Alpina will reward the soul as well as putting a smile upon your face every time you drive. The BMW won't....
Have you driven a 330? How can an automatic Alpina be noticeably more involving to drive than a manual 330?daveco said:
belleair302 said:
The Alpina is for those who really know their cars, the BMW is for those who want to pose and are happy with just fitting in. Running costs are similar but the Alpina will reward the soul as well as putting a smile upon your face every time you drive. The BMW won't....
Have you driven a 330? How can an automatic Alpina be noticeably more involving to drive than a manual 330?Dunk76 said:
daveco said:
belleair302 said:
The Alpina is for those who really know their cars, the BMW is for those who want to pose and are happy with just fitting in. Running costs are similar but the Alpina will reward the soul as well as putting a smile upon your face every time you drive. The BMW won't....
Have you driven a 330? How can an automatic Alpina be noticeably more involving to drive than a manual 330?
I suggest trying an Alpina on your favourite roads and in traffic. Then do the same in a 330i let us know which one ticks more of your boxes overall. Switchtronic is marvellous, Alpina damping is stunning and you can just jump into the car and go, no need to mess around with fancy electronics etc. The build quality and sound are also one step beyond the BMW.
belleair302 said:
I suggest trying an Alpina on your favourite roads and in traffic. Then do the same in a 330i let us know which one ticks more of your boxes overall. Switchtronic is marvellous, Alpina damping is stunning and you can just jump into the car and go, no need to mess around with fancy electronics etc. The build quality and sound are also one step beyond the BMW.
Your really making me want to go and find an Alpina for a blat now, and see how it fares back to back againt my current 3 series coupe.I just hope when I do, your not talking ballcocks!
Trust me, a B3 3.3 as it comes on VANOS at 4500rpm is a glorious thing... the final last surge of power at 5750rpm is also pretty nice.
The noise, the flexibility, the 252lb-ft and 293bhp (quoted of 250 and 280), the 34mpg when driven (very gently), the old skool airdam and wheels...
Oh, and the fact you'll see another one on the road perhaps twice a year is also pretty nice.
The noise, the flexibility, the 252lb-ft and 293bhp (quoted of 250 and 280), the 34mpg when driven (very gently), the old skool airdam and wheels...
Oh, and the fact you'll see another one on the road perhaps twice a year is also pretty nice.
brum said:
I have been considering similar but i don't think i could live with the auto box which is a real shame as I love Alpina's - a mate of mine has a B8 Coupe -E46 with a 4.6L V8 - manual box, eats up the road like nothing else i have driven.
Switchtronic in manual mode behaves more like a manual than an auto thanks to it's torque-converter locking - you can use the throttle to adjust balance just the same - and in auto is a dawdle in stop-go traffic.Win-win.
ALPINAs manage to be both more supple on broken surfaces and sharper handling too; not much will stay with them on poorly maintained undulating B-roads.
Buy a B3.
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