Alpina B3 e46

[AndyWoo]

Can anyone tell me anything about the e46 B3 3.3 2001 model. ie How rare they are? how comparable are they to the M3? I was wondering what 'improvement' options are available ie upgrade exhaust (or are alpina exhausts better than aftermarket)? any info appreciated
tar...

[mustard]

www.thealpinaregister.com

www.alpina.de

>> Edited by mustard on Wednesday 29th March 17:16

[Monster26]

I have a B10 e39 and enjoying being one of only 4 I've ever seen in Bristol. If the e46 B3 (Only 126 made in 2001) is like the B10 then the exhaust is Stainless and requires no upgrade. Post on the forum above and you get some good advice.

Mark

[AndyWoo]

Thanks for the help.

[bigandclever]

I had a 2000 B3.3 for a couple of years. Nice coupe, with the switchtronic. All the toys, loved it.

Much cheaper insurance than an M3 for me, but comparing something like 280bhp against 320bhp, maybe that's why. Or the profile of Alpina drivers

Bought it from Sytner in Nottingham, if Tony Pass is still there he did a good deal for me. Serviced at BMW Oxford, didn't really have any complaints (except the extortionate rates, but there you go).

Not as fast to get to 60 and onwards as the M3, but I always thought of the B3 as more of a sporty cruiser, than an out and out performance car. Got mid 20's usually, down to high teens when pressing on.

Only thing that broke was the power steering pump, replaced under warranty. And it drank a lot of oil - prob a litre every 3000 miles. But apparently, they all do that sir.... Tyres were expensive, about £150 a corner, had to be flown in from Germany, though that might have been KwikFit taking the p1ss.

Any specific questions I can try and answer... it's been a while though!

Oh, and I think PetrolTed has / had one too.

>> Edited by bigandclever on Wednesday 29th March 17:56

[AndyWoo]

Thanks
This one's also from Sytner in Nottingham (guessing from reg plate) originally

I'll keep an eye on the oil every 3k !

Question re the exhaust... is this the standard 330 exhaust or do alpina replace it with something better ?

[PetrolTed]

Yep, I've got one (B3 3.3 Saloon). Fabulous car. Less power than an M3 but much more refined. Really, really smooth engine, much plusher interior etc.

I suspect the exhaust is bespoke.

Either 250 or 500 made, can't remember.

[fluffnik]

AndyWoo said:

Thanks This one's also from Sytner in Nottingham (guessing from reg plate) originally I'll keep an eye on the oil every 3k ! Question re the exhaust... is this the standard 330 exhaust or do alpina replace it with something better ?

Sytner is the importer; they all come from them these days.

The engine, exhaust, autobox program, wheels, springs and dampers are all ALPINA specific and most have custom interiors too. There should be a pdf of the ALPINA specific parts catalogue on the register's downloads page.

There's a friendly forum too.