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Alpina B3 Cabrio (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)
Cabrio (E36) Overview:
Alpina B3 (Cabrio (E36)). With 320 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1450 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.8 s). The top speed reaches 251 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.0i 24V (250 Hp) SwitchTronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers the same strong engine performance as the manual, with the convenience of Alpina's unique SwitchTronic automatic, providing smooth shifts and a more relaxed yet still sporty driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the manual, fuel consumption is reasonable for a performance car of its era, potentially slightly higher in urban driving due to the automatic transmission's characteristics.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional blend of performance and luxury unique to Alpina
- • High build quality and bespoke interior appointments
- • Rare and highly collectible, appreciating in value
- • Refined driving dynamics suitable for touring and spirited drives
Cons:
- • Maintenance can be costly due to specialized Alpina parts
- • Fuel economy is not a strong point by modern standards
- • Rear seats are cramped, typical for a 2-door cabriolet
- • Safety features are basic compared to contemporary vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E36): 1993 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | Cabrio (E36) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0i 24V (250 Hp) SwitchTronic |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 251 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.8 kg/Hp, 172.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 220.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1895 |
| Max load: | 445 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 230 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4433 mm |
| Width: | 1710 mm |
| Height: | 1328 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 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 | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Alpina B3? Tell us in the comments!