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Alpina B3 E36 3.0i 24V (250 Hp) SwitchTronic
Overall Rating
Alpina B3:
The Alpina B3 are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina, which is based on the BMW 3 Series of the car manufacturer BMW. As of 2021, it is produced as a sedan and station wagon. Up to and including the E90 series, two-door sedans, coupes and convertibles were also offered. With the exception of the convertible, every model was optionally available with all-wheel drive. The current diesel variant runs under the Alpina D3 Biturbo....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E36 Overview:
Alpina B3 (E36). With 320 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1330 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.4 s). The top speed reaches 255 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The E36 generation received a modest 2-star Euro NCAP rating in 1997, reflecting older safety standards compared to modern vehicles. While adequate for its time, it lacks contemporary active and passive safety features.
3.0i 24V (250 Hp) SwitchTronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and capable performance for daily driving, offering a comfortable ride with the convenience of an automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for an automatic performance sedan, suitable for everyday use without excessive consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional performance and handling for its era
- • Exclusive Alpina styling and luxurious interior touches
- • Refined and powerful naturally aspirated inline-six engines
- • Becoming a desirable modern classic with increasing collector value
- • Good balance of sportiness and everyday comfort
Cons:
- • Parts can be expensive and difficult to source due to Alpina exclusivity
- • Older safety ratings compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially during spirited driving
- • Automatic transmissions are less engaging for pure driving enthusiasts
- • Potential for age-related maintenance issues common with older performance cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E30: 1987 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | E36 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0i 24V (250 Hp) SwitchTronic |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 250 Hp @ 5700 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 83.4 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 320 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2997 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 255 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.3 kg/Hp, 188 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 240.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1330 |
| Max. weight: | 1850 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm mm |
| Width: | 1698 mm mm |
| Height: | 1373 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1410 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1423 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | SwitchTronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/40 R17; 265/35 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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