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BMW Alpina B3 Bi-turbo Saloon 3.0 (A) Review
24 Jan 2014|28,821 views
Motoring enthusiasts, or more specifically Alpina fans, will have you believe that Alpina is not just a Bimmer. They will also try to convince you that it is more than a car tuner, and that the B3 is more capable than an M3.
The last phrase may be a tall hat for Alpina, considering that M cars sit right at the top of Bimmer's family tree. But theoretically, it isn't wrong.
For the first time, Alpina's iconic 20-inch multi-spoke rims are fitted on a 3 Series model
For starters, the B3 has more torque than its M3 (and M4) cousin - even when the latest iterations of M cars will bear no less than 550Nm of nut wrenching power. The B3 has 600 of it.
There is little doubt that M cars are increasingly popular with the affluent locals, with 125 units sold in the past year. On this point, the B3 - with no more than five units allocated for our shores - is certainly more rare.
Having said that, we have to put things straight - Alpina and BMW M cars may often be considered close rivals, or even substitute for each other, but they are very different cars altogether.
The last phrase may be a tall hat for Alpina, considering that M cars sit right at the top of Bimmer's family tree. But theoretically, it isn't wrong.
For starters, the B3 has more torque than its M3 (and M4) cousin - even when the latest iterations of M cars will bear no less than 550Nm of nut wrenching power. The B3 has 600 of it.
There is little doubt that M cars are increasingly popular with the affluent locals, with 125 units sold in the past year. On this point, the B3 - with no more than five units allocated for our shores - is certainly more rare.
Having said that, we have to put things straight - Alpina and BMW M cars may often be considered close rivals, or even substitute for each other, but they are very different cars altogether.
 |
Exterior
While the B3 shares identical components with the 3 Series sedan, such as headlamps and grille, it easy to tell that this isn't your usual Bimmer.
The aerodynamic kit is loud by any standard. And even if you look beyond the body kit, the screaming 20-inch multi-spoke rims will easily catch your attention.
The larger-than-life wheels may be an acquired taste to some, but we have to credit Alpina for the tastefully done body decals and subtle-looking rear spoiler. Both of these add immense character to the B3. The quad tailpipes from Akrapovic also add a 'silent' touch to the package.
 |
Interior
To differentiate itself from the more down-to-earth 3 Series, the B3 uses special leather on its seats and steering wheel. Standing proud of its heritage, Alpina's badges are prominently displayed at a number of places. There are also coloured stitching on the steering to tell of the car's unique identity.
Dark blue dials constantly remind you about the car's exclusivity
And if all these are not enough, there is a plaque, engraved with the production serial number of your B3, placed conspicuously on the lower centre console.
To differentiate itself from the more down-to-earth 3 Series, the B3 uses special leather on its seats and steering wheel. Standing proud of its heritage, Alpina's badges are prominently displayed at a number of places. There are also coloured stitching on the steering to tell of the car's unique identity.
And if all these are not enough, there is a plaque, engraved with the production serial number of your B3, placed conspicuously on the lower centre console.
These decorations may require a keen eye to spot, but we reckon those owning one of these exquisite pieces of art on wheels will appreciate the subtle presence of the ornaments.
The good thing about Alpina's treatment is the 'add-on' rather than 'replacement'. This means you can expect modern luxuries in the B3, such as the intuitive iDrive system. Practicality for five on board and a boot to loot aren't harmed in any way too.
Serialised plate tells you this is not your usual mass production car
The good thing about Alpina's treatment is the 'add-on' rather than 'replacement'. This means you can expect modern luxuries in the B3, such as the intuitive iDrive system. Practicality for five on board and a boot to loot aren't harmed in any way too.
 |
The Drive
Alpina has done extensive works to the 335i's straight-six block, which includes the addition of a second turbocharger. The result is a 3.0-litre unit that is capable of 404bhp and 600Nm of torque.
As soon as the enormous boost builds up, the tuned powerplant will deliver a mind-blowing acceleration, despatching the century sprint in just over four seconds. And unleashing the full force from the unit at the lights will easily make other cars look slow and tired.
Quad-pipe exhaust from Akrapovic is surprisingly quiet at idle, but resonates with a bassy burble at higher revs for a delectable audio experience
Built on the 3 Series, the B3's handling traits have been sharpened to provide quicker steering feedback. There is much fun to be had, even at lower speeds, on any winding stretches of road that you can find in your daily commute.
There are also tweaks to the eight-speed automatic gearbox as well as the differential - though changes to the latter are less noticeable on our restricted public roads.
Alpina has also given the B3 new adaptive suspension, with similar Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes available. Besides firming up the ride, opting for sportier modes will taper the throttle response and open up the exhaust valves for a more eventful drive.
Alpina has done extensive works to the 335i's straight-six block, which includes the addition of a second turbocharger. The result is a 3.0-litre unit that is capable of 404bhp and 600Nm of torque.
As soon as the enormous boost builds up, the tuned powerplant will deliver a mind-blowing acceleration, despatching the century sprint in just over four seconds. And unleashing the full force from the unit at the lights will easily make other cars look slow and tired.
Built on the 3 Series, the B3's handling traits have been sharpened to provide quicker steering feedback. There is much fun to be had, even at lower speeds, on any winding stretches of road that you can find in your daily commute.
There are also tweaks to the eight-speed automatic gearbox as well as the differential - though changes to the latter are less noticeable on our restricted public roads.
Alpina has also given the B3 new adaptive suspension, with similar Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes available. Besides firming up the ride, opting for sportier modes will taper the throttle response and open up the exhaust valves for a more eventful drive.
That said, the experience is not the wild and raucous kind that you expect from a car of this calibre. And unlike the M3, it is very unlikely that you will wake your neighbours up with the B3.
Instead, driven sensibly, the B3's refinement and well-behaved nature give the slightest hint of its hidden power, and can be easily mistaken as its tamer, less potent 3 Series cousins.
With help of an additional turbocharger, the 3.0-litre inline six now develops 404bhp and 600Nm of torque
Conclusion
Building on the accolades of the 3 Series, the B3 charms with sublime handling that is heightened by its more potent powertrain.
At $430,000, it is also a serious piece of kit, and one that requires an equally strenuous amount of decision-making before committing.
We reckon it will take someone who is very convinced of its specialty, and one that fully appreciates its novelty, to put his money where his mouth is.
Instead, driven sensibly, the B3's refinement and well-behaved nature give the slightest hint of its hidden power, and can be easily mistaken as its tamer, less potent 3 Series cousins.
Conclusion
Building on the accolades of the 3 Series, the B3 charms with sublime handling that is heightened by its more potent powertrain.
At $430,000, it is also a serious piece of kit, and one that requires an equally strenuous amount of decision-making before committing.
We reckon it will take someone who is very convinced of its specialty, and one that fully appreciates its novelty, to put his money where his mouth is.
Motoring enthusiasts, or more specifically Alpina fans, will have you believe that Alpina is not just a Bimmer. They will also try to convince you that it is more than a car tuner, and that the B3 is more capable than an M3.
The last phrase may be a tall hat for Alpina, considering that M cars sit right at the top of Bimmer's family tree. But theoretically, it isn't wrong.
For starters, the B3 has more torque than its M3 (and M4) cousin - even when the latest iterations of M cars will bear no less than 550Nm of nut wrenching power. The B3 has 600 of it.
There is little doubt that M cars are increasingly popular with the affluent locals, with 125 units sold in the past year. On this point, the B3 - with no more than five units allocated for our shores - is certainly more rare.
Having said that, we have to put things straight - Alpina and BMW M cars may often be considered close rivals, or even substitute for each other, but they are very different cars altogether.
The last phrase may be a tall hat for Alpina, considering that M cars sit right at the top of Bimmer's family tree. But theoretically, it isn't wrong.
For starters, the B3 has more torque than its M3 (and M4) cousin - even when the latest iterations of M cars will bear no less than 550Nm of nut wrenching power. The B3 has 600 of it.
There is little doubt that M cars are increasingly popular with the affluent locals, with 125 units sold in the past year. On this point, the B3 - with no more than five units allocated for our shores - is certainly more rare.
Having said that, we have to put things straight - Alpina and BMW M cars may often be considered close rivals, or even substitute for each other, but they are very different cars altogether.
Exterior
While the B3 shares identical components with the 3 Series sedan, such as headlamps and grille, it easy to tell that this isn't your usual Bimmer.
The aerodynamic kit is loud by any standard. And even if you look beyond the body kit, the screaming 20-inch multi-spoke rims will easily catch your attention.
The larger-than-life wheels may be an acquired taste to some, but we have to credit Alpina for the tastefully done body decals and subtle-looking rear spoiler. Both of these add immense character to the B3. The quad tailpipes from Akrapovic also add a 'silent' touch to the package.
Interior
To differentiate itself from the more down-to-earth 3 Series, the B3 uses special leather on its seats and steering wheel. Standing proud of its heritage, Alpina's badges are prominently displayed at a number of places. There are also coloured stitching on the steering to tell of the car's unique identity.
And if all these are not enough, there is a plaque, engraved with the production serial number of your B3, placed conspicuously on the lower centre console.
These decorations may require a keen eye to spot, but we reckon those owning one of these exquisite pieces of art on wheels will appreciate the subtle presence of the ornaments.
The good thing about Alpina's treatment is the 'add-on' rather than 'replacement'. This means you can expect modern luxuries in the B3, such as the intuitive iDrive system. Practicality for five on board and a boot to loot aren't harmed in any way too.
The good thing about Alpina's treatment is the 'add-on' rather than 'replacement'. This means you can expect modern luxuries in the B3, such as the intuitive iDrive system. Practicality for five on board and a boot to loot aren't harmed in any way too.
The Drive
Alpina has done extensive works to the 335i's straight-six block, which includes the addition of a second turbocharger. The result is a 3.0-litre unit that is capable of 404bhp and 600Nm of torque.
As soon as the enormous boost builds up, the tuned powerplant will deliver a mind-blowing acceleration, despatching the century sprint in just over four seconds. And unleashing the full force from the unit at the lights will easily make other cars look slow and tired.
Built on the 3 Series, the B3's handling traits have been sharpened to provide quicker steering feedback. There is much fun to be had, even at lower speeds, on any winding stretches of road that you can find in your daily commute.
There are also tweaks to the eight-speed automatic gearbox as well as the differential - though changes to the latter are less noticeable on our restricted public roads.
Alpina has also given the B3 new adaptive suspension, with similar Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes available. Besides firming up the ride, opting for sportier modes will taper the throttle response and open up the exhaust valves for a more eventful drive.
That said, the experience is not the wild and raucous kind that you expect from a car of this calibre. And unlike the M3, it is very unlikely that you will wake your neighbours up with the B3.
Instead, driven sensibly, the B3's refinement and well-behaved nature give the slightest hint of its hidden power, and can be easily mistaken as its tamer, less potent 3 Series cousins.
Conclusion
Building on the accolades of the 3 Series, the B3 charms with sublime handling that is heightened by its more potent powertrain.
At $430,000, it is also a serious piece of kit, and one that requires an equally strenuous amount of decision-making before committing.
We reckon it will take someone who is very convinced of its specialty, and one that fully appreciates its novelty, to put his money where his mouth is.
Instead, driven sensibly, the B3's refinement and well-behaved nature give the slightest hint of its hidden power, and can be easily mistaken as its tamer, less potent 3 Series cousins.
Conclusion
Building on the accolades of the 3 Series, the B3 charms with sublime handling that is heightened by its more potent powertrain.
At $430,000, it is also a serious piece of kit, and one that requires an equally strenuous amount of decision-making before committing.
We reckon it will take someone who is very convinced of its specialty, and one that fully appreciates its novelty, to put his money where his mouth is.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo Saloon 3.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.2km/L
Horsepower
306kW (410 bhp)
Torque
600 Nm
Acceleration
4.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo Saloon
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