Alpina B3 E90 3.0i Biturbo (360 Hp) Switch-Tronic


Overall Rating

9 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.9 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

E90 Overview:

Alpina B3 (E90). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1645 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.8 s). The top speed reaches 285 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.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2005
Adult Occupant 95%
Stars 5
Expert Note:
Based on the BMW 3 Series (E90) platform, the Alpina B3 benefits from a strong safety structure, achieving a top 5-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.

3.0i Biturbo (360 Hp) Switch-Tronic Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Exceptional performance for a luxury sedan, with a potent 360 Hp biturbo inline-six delivering rapid acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.8s) and a high top speed, characteristic of Alpina's smooth power delivery.

Fuel Economy

Given the high performance, a combined fuel consumption of 9.8 l/100 km is respectable, though spirited driving will significantly increase this figure.

Best Use Case: Spirited Driving / Highway Cruising

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional performance and smooth power delivery from the biturbo engine.
  • • High level of exclusivity and bespoke luxury compared to standard BMWs.
  • • Superb ride comfort and handling balance, suitable for daily driving and spirited runs.
  • • Distinctive Alpina styling cues and interior enhancements.
  • • Strong safety credentials based on the BMW E90 platform.

Cons:

  • • Fuel consumption can be high, especially under enthusiastic driving.
  • • Maintenance and parts can be more expensive due to Alpina-specific components.
  • • The N54 engine, while powerful, can be prone to certain common issues (e.g., high-pressure fuel pump, wastegates).
  • • Limited availability makes finding specific models challenging.
  • • Rear-wheel drive models can be challenging in very slippery conditions without AWD.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (E46): 2003 - 2006).

General:
Brand:Alpina
Model:B3
Generation:E90
Modification (Engine):3.0i Biturbo (360 Hp) Switch-Tronic
Start of production:2007
End of production:2013
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:360 Hp @ 5500-6000 rpm.
Power per litre:120.8 Hp/l
Torque:500 Nm @ 3800-5000 rpm.
Engine displacement:2979
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm
Piston Stroke:89.6 mm
Compression ratio:9.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.8 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:4.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:4.8 sec
Maximum speed:285 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.6 kg/Hp, 218.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.3 kg/Nm, 304 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1645
Max. weight:2090
Max load:445
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:450 l
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Size:
Length:4545 mm [57mm more]
Width:1817 mm [60mm more]
Height:1422 mm [55mm more]
Wheelbase:2760 mm [35mm more]
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1513 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size245/40 R18ZR; 265/40 R18ZR
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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