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Alpina B3 E36 3.2 i 24V (265 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 330 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 247 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.
3.2 i 24V (265 Hp) SwitchTronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong and smooth performance with the convenience of an automatic SwitchTronic gearbox, ideal for comfortable high-speed cruising and grand touring.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for its power output, typical for a performance inline-six with an automatic transmission of its era.
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(Cabrio (E36): 1994 - 1996).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | E36 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.2 i 24V (265 Hp) SwitchTronic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 265 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 84.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 330 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3152 |
| 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: | 86.4 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.6 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 247 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5 kg/Hp, 199.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4 kg/Nm, 248.1 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: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1698 mm [12mm less] |
| Height: | 1373 mm [45mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 |
What’s the best feature of the Alpina B3? Tell us in the comments!