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Alpina B3 Cabrio (E46) 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp)
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 (E46) Overview:
Alpina B3 (Cabrio (E46)). With 335 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1620 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.1 s). The top speed reaches 260 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong, linear acceleration with the engaging manual gearbox, characteristic of Alpina's refined power delivery and excellent road manners.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is reasonable for a performance convertible of its size and power, especially with the manual transmission, balancing performance with daily usability.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional blend of performance and luxury
- • Refined Alpina-tuned inline-six engines
- • High-quality interior materials and craftsmanship
- • Engaging driving dynamics for a convertible
- • Exclusivity and strong enthusiast appeal
- • Timeless E46 design with Alpina enhancements
Cons:
- • Higher running costs and maintenance compared to standard BMWs
- • Rear seat space is limited for adults
- • Older platform means fewer modern safety/tech features
- • Some automatic variants have significantly higher fuel consumption
- • Finding specific Alpina parts can be challenging due to exclusivity
- • Potential for age-related maintenance issues
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (E46): 1999 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | Cabrio (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 6200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 84.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 335 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3300 |
| 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: | 93.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 260 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.8 kg/Hp, 172.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.8 kg/Nm, 206.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1620 |
| Max. weight: | 2040 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 300 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4488 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1757 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1352 mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1471 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1472 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/40 ZR18; 255/35 ZR18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J X 18; 9J X 18 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Your first impression of the Alpina B3 in one word? Go!