Alpina D3 or 325D M Sport?

[boyoM3]

So i started looking around and i realised i could probably stretch my budget to an Alpina D3 and i thought my search was over but from scouring the ads it looks as though i could also get a 325d M Sport for similar (or less) money. One offers individuality, the offer serious potential if remapped. I'm sure there's loads of you who have owned either (or both!) so please could you help me make up my mind. :-)

Cheers!

[excel monkey]

PH heresy here, but I'm not a great fan of the Alpina "look" on the E90 D3, and I think the price premium over a 320d M Sport is a bit excessive.

I'd rather go for the 325d M Sport (or a 330d SE) and enjoy the extra power.

[MidlandDan84]

Must admit, after seeing a few D3's in the flesh then they do look a bit OTT.

[Deerfoot]

D3 all the way.

Looks aside, they ride so much better than a 325 M Sport.

[stabbed rat]

I don't know what the 325d engine is like to drive but I was told on here the twin turbo of the alpina was sublime.

[Roman]

Had a look at these recently and I think the 325 is good value compared to the D3 & 330D - especially if you're remapping.

Superchips claim greater remap gains for the 325 than the 330:

325 = +60bhp & 120nm (254bhp + 520nm)
330 = +49bhp & 78nm (280bhp + 578nm)

These guys are highly rated:
http://tuning-diesels.com/BMW/bmw.htm

[antspants]

You could also tune the D3 to around 250bhp, definitely on the twin turbo as it's the same engine as mine, not sure on the older model as that's based on the 2.0d and remapped FL 1/320d owners tend not to see more than 215bhp.

Personally I think the the earlier D3's are better looking than their M-Sport counterpart, but that is reversed with the latest models.

[va1o]

325d M Sport for me

The Alpina D3 has a good engine, but it looks too yobbish and in your face

Shame BMW don't do a factory 323d, would roll the best of both into one

[W00DY]

The D3 holds its money very well, but they aren't well specced, the suspension set-up is reportedly better than that of the M Sports (which is pretty horrific) so if those were my 2 options then the Alpina would get my cash.

[aka_kerrly]

D3 for me. they look great, have a engine configuration not normally available in the 3 series, are a dam site rarer an are holding their value well.

The Alpina suspension and lack of runflat tyres make them far nicer to drive than the M-Sport equiped cars.

[boredofmyoldname]

D3 for me too, the M sport suspension is too hard for old aged me and the Alpina is a bit more special while the 325d just makes you look like you couldn't afford a 330d (and yes I do know they have the same motor in differing states of tune).

[ajsmith9870]

Well as a D3 Bi-Turbo owner I'd have to say the D3. I don't think the styling is OTT, but I would say that! But really, OTT compared to what? If anything it's understated compared with M offerings. You can argue for and against, but for me, the ride, handling, performance and economy can't be matched by anything else in the BMW range, and it's exclusive and has great residuals. For the 325 - it's got the same 6 pot 3 litre as the 330 and 335 so there's plenty more to squeeze out with remapping, and you'll get more toys for your money. The 6 pot however is a much heavier unit than the 4 pot in the D3 and that has an impact on all sorts of things. Each to their own, we all have our own reasons for the choices we make, but the Alpina is always a joy to drive and can't help put a smile on my face each time I get behind the wheel. See if you can get a decent test drive in both options and then let your heart decide :-)

Edited by ajsmith9870 on Tuesday 15th February 20:41