E46 Alpina B3 3.3 Convertible?
Discussion
Opinions from those who've owned one please - in a nutshell - are they any good??
I've owned a 330 Convertible manual and would sum it up as having reasonable performance (though hardly earth shattering) but feeling quite heavy/cumbersome.
I quite like the idea of the exclusivity of a B3, and the soft top for the summer, but generally dislike autos/tips. (I know about scuttle shake) but...
Do they feel genuinely quicker than a standard 330?
Does the tip box respond rapidly (does it have a sport setting on the box?)
Do they feel 'heavy' or with different suspension are they a bit more responsive on steering and suspension?
In short - do they feel like a sports car or are they just a glorified 330 and therefore more of a 'cruiser'
?
I've owned a 330 Convertible manual and would sum it up as having reasonable performance (though hardly earth shattering) but feeling quite heavy/cumbersome.
I quite like the idea of the exclusivity of a B3, and the soft top for the summer, but generally dislike autos/tips. (I know about scuttle shake) but...
Do they feel genuinely quicker than a standard 330?
Does the tip box respond rapidly (does it have a sport setting on the box?)
Do they feel 'heavy' or with different suspension are they a bit more responsive on steering and suspension?
In short - do they feel like a sports car or are they just a glorified 330 and therefore more of a 'cruiser'
?
msh said:
They can be a bit naughty on insurance-- group 20 i think.
Very exclusive and should sound ok too.
I used to work for Sytners in Nottingham, the home of Alpina. They are special cars and would go for it myself if i were you.
Yep - I was about to buy a B3 Coupe, found the car, had money ready. I then got an insurance quote.........Very exclusive and should sound ok too.
I used to work for Sytners in Nottingham, the home of Alpina. They are special cars and would go for it myself if i were you.
It was 4 times what I was paying on my 350z - so decided against it. Although I have to say - I do kind of regret that!
One insurer said they have to cover the cost of the wheels getting stolen - as these are commonly stolen.
If you can go for the B3S, this a more powerful version of the B3 with over 300bhp compared to 280bhp.
I owned one for a while and was impressed with the performance and handling.
Alpina really know how to set up a suspension, the B3S has a much more compliant ride than the M3, and is nowhere near as hard and uncomfortable
IMHO the Alpina version of the E46 is much better built than any other version.
The attention to detail is excellent, with the unique Alpina touches.
The auto box doesn't need a sport button, using the steering wheel buttons to change gear gives you all the power you require.
I averaged 28 mpg with mine, which is not too bad with over 300bhp under your right foot.
Also the Alpina exudes class, and will give you the feeling that you are driving something exclusive
Can't really comment on insurance matters, as once one reaches a certain age the premiums seem to drop
Also with the Alpina you usually find that it has all the options, heated electric seats, Sat Nav, PDC etc.
My old B3S with fitted hardtop
I owned one for a while and was impressed with the performance and handling.
Alpina really know how to set up a suspension, the B3S has a much more compliant ride than the M3, and is nowhere near as hard and uncomfortable
IMHO the Alpina version of the E46 is much better built than any other version.
The attention to detail is excellent, with the unique Alpina touches.
The auto box doesn't need a sport button, using the steering wheel buttons to change gear gives you all the power you require.
I averaged 28 mpg with mine, which is not too bad with over 300bhp under your right foot.
Also the Alpina exudes class, and will give you the feeling that you are driving something exclusive
Can't really comment on insurance matters, as once one reaches a certain age the premiums seem to drop
Also with the Alpina you usually find that it has all the options, heated electric seats, Sat Nav, PDC etc.
My old B3S with fitted hardtop
Edited by B10BRW on Wednesday 3rd February 00:32
I've got a B3S cab, it's so good I can't bring myself to sell it. Longest I've ever had a car for (2.5 years). Go for the BS (3.4) over the 3.3. 25bhp and more accessible power/torque make quite a difference, especially with the weight of the cab.
Same servicing intervals/costs as a 330, 24-28mpg average.
Some reasons I bought it over an M3:
Too many M3's about in London
M3 Cab gives the wrong impression...
M3 suspension not suited to roads inside M25
Servicing costs too high
Every other f
ker's got one
I quite like the fact that Alpina haven't changed their styling much/if at all over the years! Sorry PH
Having said all that, this year with a bit of luck it will be replaced with a 4200/Gransport... hopefully...
Same servicing intervals/costs as a 330, 24-28mpg average.
Some reasons I bought it over an M3:
Too many M3's about in London
M3 Cab gives the wrong impression...
M3 suspension not suited to roads inside M25
Servicing costs too high
Every other f
ker's got oneI quite like the fact that Alpina haven't changed their styling much/if at all over the years! Sorry PH
Having said all that, this year with a bit of luck it will be replaced with a 4200/Gransport... hopefully...
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