Alpina D3 v BMW 320d M Sport

[simonburton]

Looking at a 'sporty' diesel and was considering the above two cars - having rarely driven a diesel, and not having booked a test drive yet, has anyone any experience / opinions on them a daily driver for a mix of motorway and towns. Is there anything else I should be considering?

Cheers

[wackojacko]

Why not a 330D ?

[jsg612]

Only other modern alternative I can think of is some sort of Audi A4/A6 with the 2.0/3.0 TDI?

[simonburton]

Loking at 2 litre engine for lower emisions / running costs, but will look at 330d / 335d, which I imagine will tick all the relevant performace boxes...for a diesel anyway! I will probably look at the Audi 3 litre diesel too - thanks

[terry tibbs]

can’t see further than the 330d

then mine is sat at the docks in hamburg waiting to be shipped, i had the same dilemma alpina or 330 Msport, whatever you chose you’ll always wonder

[David87]

Can't help but think the Alpina's a bit more special and unique.

[anonymous-user]

if you are going to be in it a long time, the Aplina looks a bit basic in terms of toys to me.

[Bungleaio]

I've not driven any of them but I'm currently eyeing up my next car and an e92 is what I'm really looking at.

The Alpina are very low spec as far as toys go, however there is a lux pack which adds sat nav, climate and blue tooth. But from what I've read once you've driven the alpina you won't care about the toys. The D3s are very rare, I think 100 new ones were sold last year.

The 330d has the 6 pot engine which is supposed to sound better and be smoother and it has more power. Downsides are it comes with runflats and is not as economic as the D3.

Also worth noting is that if you are buying new Alpina's only come with a 2 year warranty.

[Matt UK]

David87 said:

Can't help but think the Alpina's a bit more special and unique.

I wonder how many parts are special and unique?

[Zwoelf]

New one or used one? D3 or D3 Bi-turbo?

[David87]

Matt UK said:

I wonder how many parts are special and unique?

Probably not many, but it says Alpina on the steering wheel and has blue dials. That's enough for me.

Am I right in saying that with a new Alpina you can spec it as you would any other BMW, but you first have to pay a £1500 'non-standard' charge? Could make it quite expensive next to a normal 3 Series.