Bi turbo Alpina D3

[Rossco196x]

Hi I have a D3 Alpina bi turbo 90k miles. Sadly it doesn't feel that quick as the claimed 211 bhp and sub 7 seconds 0 - 60 claim . Any thoughts on what too look at. Air filter change made an improvement but thought the car should have a lot more grunt than my old GTSport golf TDI 170. Any thoughts on terra cleaning the DPF etc. Can anyone recommend a decent indy in the SE or SW that knows this model as I'd like to get the car running correctly. Thanks

[helix402]

Why not get your car tested on a rolling road first to see what power/torque it makes?

If you let us know where you are people may be able to suggest good rolling roads and independent specialists.

[Rossco196x]

I'm either in Kent near Maidstone. Gosport Hampshire or west of exeter

[Mr Tidy]

A good starting point may be to get fault codes read from the OBD.

Not exactly in the right area for you, but I've been going to TWG Automotive in Camberley for the last 5 years (link here:- http://www.twgautomotive.co.uk/).

Will, the principal, is ex-Sytner so knows his way around BMWs of this era.

Actually please ignore that recommendation - it's probably why I get a date 3/4 weeks on when I try to book in!

[Rossco196x]

Thanks for the update, my body shop are booked up 2 months in advance also and the last visit has made my D3 look showroom fresh.

Is there any affordable software i can get to read all the fault codes. There isn't an ECU light on. I was thinking of getting the DPF Terra cleaned for circa £50-£60

[helix402]

Don’t bother cleaning the Dpf. If there are any problems with it you’ll get a warning light.

[Rossco196x]

What about all the grunge that gets in the EGR and inlet manifold / swirl flaps etc.

How quick are these cars meant to be compared to a GTD VW Golf etc

Thanks

[smashy]

Interesting so did a hunt,.... https://fastestlaps.com/models/vw-golf-gtd-mk-vii

v https://fastestlaps.com/models/alpina-d3-biturbo ok the Alpina is quicker all round re all the parameters but not a lot in it

Edited by smashy on Tuesday 2nd July 18:04

[Rossco196x]

Smashy

Thanks for the links, this does kinda make me think my D3 is a little down on power hence where do i start with the investigation

I was expecting to feel a bit more of a kick when the turbos spool up and hence are these prone to wastgates sticking open etc any advice or should i just take it too a trusted indy and let them have a look

Thanks

[smashy]

Hello Rosco ......you will need bigger brains than me to come up with some ideas sadly ,but just a heads up well reccod remapper Simon of Emaps has done these and got them to 250bhp while keeping the torque curve the same. Alpina always said they never cranked the bhp right up as the Torque curve was the main thing with this engine.

Another find https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpbfALeTJSA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhIKPTKOaTY the 330i is convertible mind


Strange you arent feeling the love ,I have only seen great reviews on the engine

[Rossco196x]

Thanks very interesting, i definately think my D3 is down on power then so will have a look about and see where i can get it checked out. Don't get me wrong i really like the car but just want to know its running correctly

[BFleming]

helix402 said:

Don’t bother cleaning the Dpf. If there are any problems with it you’ll get a warning light.

You'll get a warning light when it's too late! There are codes that will prevent a DPF regen happening, but you only get to know there's an issue when you get the DPF light (afterwards, when the DPF is near full).
Anyhow, this is all speculative until you get the codes read. I'd recommend going to Cableshack's site & ordering a DCan cable; it comes with the software too, so for less than a diagnostic visit at a specialist, you're sorted.
If there's no codes, then rolling road it.

[Mr Tidy]

smashy said:

Hello Rosco ......you will need bigger brains than me to come up with some ideas sadly ,but just a heads up well reccod remapper Simon of Emaps has done these and got them to 250bhp while keeping the torque curve the same. Alpina always said they never cranked the bhp right up as the Torque curve was the main thing with this engine.

Another find https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpbfALeTJSA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhIKPTKOaTY the 330i is convertible mind


Strange you arent feeling the love ,I have only seen great reviews on the engine

I had a 123d with twin-turbos and 201 bhp which I believe is similar to the D3 and was impressed - until I got a 3 litre petrol Z4 Coupe.

[B3ALP]

helix402 said:

Don’t bother cleaning the Dpf. If there are any problems with it you’ll get a warning light.

I didn't on the wife's X3 35D. It was just down on power. (Short Journeys) a forced re-gen sorted it.