How desirable are Alpina BMWs?
Discussion
I've always been fascinated by them as they seem a nice choice for the more discerning BMW driver. I know of a few on here who have E90 D3 and seem quite impressed.
It's the petrols that confuse me a little, what exactly do they offer? I remember delivering a nearly new beautiful E46 B3 3.3 Coupe (it really was, Estoril Blue with the usual Alpina wooden inlays, and super soft leather) to a customer when they were new about ten years ago, I see the same car can now be picked up for handy money. Other than a slightly flashier interior and not forgetting that badge, I couldn't see a great deal of 'real word' difference between that and a 330ci auto, it was certainly nowhere near M3 territory.
How 're-worked' are the Alpinas to make a real difference?
I've had my eye on an LPG converted one on ebay for a while - must be a one off, alas; it's still for sale: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-51-BMW-ALPINA-B3-3-...
What exactly is the deal with Alpinas?
It's the petrols that confuse me a little, what exactly do they offer? I remember delivering a nearly new beautiful E46 B3 3.3 Coupe (it really was, Estoril Blue with the usual Alpina wooden inlays, and super soft leather) to a customer when they were new about ten years ago, I see the same car can now be picked up for handy money. Other than a slightly flashier interior and not forgetting that badge, I couldn't see a great deal of 'real word' difference between that and a 330ci auto, it was certainly nowhere near M3 territory.
How 're-worked' are the Alpinas to make a real difference?
I've had my eye on an LPG converted one on ebay for a while - must be a one off, alas; it's still for sale: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-51-BMW-ALPINA-B3-3-...
What exactly is the deal with Alpinas?
Ask the question in the "The best///M/barge..." thread, or in the BMW or MPower sections and I'm sure you'll get lots of replies. Look at review pages of Car, Evo, Autocar etc for an idea, too. It would be wrong to think of them as merely a stock BMW with a badge on the boot.
I've never driven one but I understand them to be re-engineered to a very significant level with much improved interiors to boot. If it aint your thing it aint your thing.
I've never driven one but I understand them to be re-engineered to a very significant level with much improved interiors to boot. If it aint your thing it aint your thing.
I'm quite taken by the E46 3.3. Had enough of the 530d and all the associated diesel issues I see looming. Want to get behind the wheel of 3.0 petrol Beemer again, really fancy a Z4 but know the headache of only 2 seats will start to grate. The Alpinas seem a nice choice and a little more inspiring than just another 330 Sport...
I'll do some homework!
I'll do some homework!
E46 330i: nice, but very much underwhelming in terms of performance.
E46 B3 or B3S: Much faster, torquier and better sounding than a 330i. B3S conservatively rated at 305bhp, some owners have dyno'd 320bhp or so (the 330i is 231bhp). A very special car. I still can't bear to remove the picture of my (sadly departed) B3S from my profile.
E46 B3 or B3S: Much faster, torquier and better sounding than a 330i. B3S conservatively rated at 305bhp, some owners have dyno'd 320bhp or so (the 330i is 231bhp). A very special car. I still can't bear to remove the picture of my (sadly departed) B3S from my profile.
I had an E46 B3 and they are good cars. However, I don't think they are suited to the UK as they are clearly built for the Autobahns (as I found out in Germany).
One thing I could never figure out is exactly what the car is trying to be. For example a standard E46 330ci Sport feels more sporty but the Alpina is faster. It isn't as fast as an E46 M3 and doesn't handle as well due to the softer setup of the suspension. The E46 M3s I've driven have felt light and nimble in comparison. I think it's a real shame that they didn't offer a manual in the UK as I think that would of transformed the car. The Switchtronic box is good but still a bit too slow when trying to make progress. All imo of course
One thing I could never figure out is exactly what the car is trying to be. For example a standard E46 330ci Sport feels more sporty but the Alpina is faster. It isn't as fast as an E46 M3 and doesn't handle as well due to the softer setup of the suspension. The E46 M3s I've driven have felt light and nimble in comparison. I think it's a real shame that they didn't offer a manual in the UK as I think that would of transformed the car. The Switchtronic box is good but still a bit too slow when trying to make progress. All imo of course
I had the chance to drive an E46 B3 3.3 and I initially thought it was just a 330i with a more beefy noise, but very shortly you realise that the engine feels a like it has a lot more torque and the difference with the gearbox was amazing, it was so smooth and the kickdown was noticeably quicker than a standard car.
I would definitely consider one especially with LPG
I would definitely consider one especially with LPG
I had one a couple of years back (E90 D3 BiTurbo). Was seduced by a Porsche and immediately regretted selling it.
I'm collecting my new one on Friday (giving up an S4 which is going to the wife).
They are so, so much more than the sum of their parts. Discreet, quick, they ride so well that you have to drive one to believe it. Rare too, and they always elicit positive comments.
They're not for everyone - people will often say "but you could have got a 335d M-Sport iSE Deluxe Business Edition with in-built microwave for the same money"... but if you like cars, driving, exclusivity and "that" quality that makes you want to look back at it as you walk up the drive, then you'll really "get" Alpina.
As you can tell... I'm a bit of a fan
I'm collecting my new one on Friday (giving up an S4 which is going to the wife).
They are so, so much more than the sum of their parts. Discreet, quick, they ride so well that you have to drive one to believe it. Rare too, and they always elicit positive comments.
They're not for everyone - people will often say "but you could have got a 335d M-Sport iSE Deluxe Business Edition with in-built microwave for the same money"... but if you like cars, driving, exclusivity and "that" quality that makes you want to look back at it as you walk up the drive, then you'll really "get" Alpina.
As you can tell... I'm a bit of a fan
RoadToNowhere said:
I had one a couple of years back (E90 D3 BiTurbo). Was seduced by a Porsche and immediately regretted selling it.
I'm collecting my new one on Friday (giving up an S4 which is going to the wife).
They are so, so much more than the sum of their parts. Discreet, quick, they ride so well that you have to drive one to believe it. Rare too, and they always elicit positive comments.
They're not for everyone - people will often say "but you could have got a 335d M-Sport iSE Deluxe Business Edition with in-built microwave for the same money"... but if you like cars, driving, exclusivity and "that" quality that makes you want to look back at it as you walk up the drive, then you'll really "get" Alpina.
As you can tell... I'm a bit of a fan
ThisI'm collecting my new one on Friday (giving up an S4 which is going to the wife).
They are so, so much more than the sum of their parts. Discreet, quick, they ride so well that you have to drive one to believe it. Rare too, and they always elicit positive comments.
They're not for everyone - people will often say "but you could have got a 335d M-Sport iSE Deluxe Business Edition with in-built microwave for the same money"... but if you like cars, driving, exclusivity and "that" quality that makes you want to look back at it as you walk up the drive, then you'll really "get" Alpina.
As you can tell... I'm a bit of a fan
My godfather has a B10 and we swap cars now and again (i have a 987 Boxster S).
I get the Aplina thing and when i'm his age will definitely consider one!
Regarding the B3.3 I can definItley see the appeal.The B3.3 shouldn't be compared to an M3 as they are different creatures. Alpina's are less hardcore then M models, but more luxurious and usually faster than the comparable top range non-M model.I drive a E46 325CI and my father an E46 M3, Its stunningly quick, but harsh and hard. Running costs in particular for a B3.3 will be much less than that of an M3 as it shares many componenets with the 330
I am constantly tempted by B3's as a replacement for my 325 the M3 is just a bit too hard for my liking as a daily. As a weekend beast however it would be a dream car
I am constantly tempted by B3's as a replacement for my 325 the M3 is just a bit too hard for my liking as a daily. As a weekend beast however it would be a dream car
ajb85 said:
Can anyone comment on performance and MPG figures? Can't really find anything 'official'.
Try this site , lots of facts and figures here.http://www.thealpinaregister.com/home
At the risk of coining the most kak cliched phrase ever, an Alpina (to my mind) is a bit of iron fist, velvet glove sort of car.
It doesn't appeal to the boy racer (like cheap M-cars) so they tend not to be bought and thrashed. It likewise isn't trying to be an M-car replacement to the new buyer either.
I never used to get them until recently. Now, I love it. Maybe its an age related thing. I was originally looking at e39 M5's but opted for the slightly softer setup and slushbox which is great around town and still entertaining when punting it and using the switchtronic.
In terms of what they offer, I can't speak for every model but styling aside, my B10 had (I think):
Bespoke enlarged engine block
Bespoke crank
Bespoke cams
Mahle forged pistons
Bespoke suspension
Revised gearbox management
Its one of the best cars I've owned.
And it has stripes
It doesn't appeal to the boy racer (like cheap M-cars) so they tend not to be bought and thrashed. It likewise isn't trying to be an M-car replacement to the new buyer either.
I never used to get them until recently. Now, I love it. Maybe its an age related thing. I was originally looking at e39 M5's but opted for the slightly softer setup and slushbox which is great around town and still entertaining when punting it and using the switchtronic.
In terms of what they offer, I can't speak for every model but styling aside, my B10 had (I think):
Bespoke enlarged engine block
Bespoke crank
Bespoke cams
Mahle forged pistons
Bespoke suspension
Revised gearbox management
Its one of the best cars I've owned.
And it has stripes
As others have said, you either get them or you don't, and anyone who says "But you could get an M3 instead!" really doesn't get them
They can be faster than ///M cars, but are generally more relaxed in nature. A prime example is the E30 B6 3.5S, which is an M3 but with the high-revving 2.3 S14 thrown away and replaced by a 254bhp tuned M30 from the 635 CSi. Or then there's the B8, an E36 with a 333bhp 4.6 V8, even available in Touring form. Magic cars, and very highly sought after
These represent very much the top of the food-chain in terms of 3-series Alpinas, but all of them have a history, style and character to set them apart from any other BMWs
Oh, and they should all have stripes IMO. You really shouldn't wait until you're your grandad's age before getting one
They can be faster than ///M cars, but are generally more relaxed in nature. A prime example is the E30 B6 3.5S, which is an M3 but with the high-revving 2.3 S14 thrown away and replaced by a 254bhp tuned M30 from the 635 CSi. Or then there's the B8, an E36 with a 333bhp 4.6 V8, even available in Touring form. Magic cars, and very highly sought after
These represent very much the top of the food-chain in terms of 3-series Alpinas, but all of them have a history, style and character to set them apart from any other BMWs
Oh, and they should all have stripes IMO. You really shouldn't wait until you're your grandad's age before getting one
Ive always thought they were a bit garish to be subtle cruising machine, but recently Ive been swayed.
There is a silver B10 3.3 manual in the classifieds that has been stealing my eye for the past few weeks. It'd be a tough choice between that and an M5 for similar cash for me though.
There is a silver B10 3.3 manual in the classifieds that has been stealing my eye for the past few weeks. It'd be a tough choice between that and an M5 for similar cash for me though.
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