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Alpina B3 Cabrio (E46) 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Automatic
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 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 255 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) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides smooth, effortless power delivery, though acceleration is slightly less immediate compared to the manual variant, prioritizing comfort and ease of driving.
Fuel Economy
Maintains similar combined fuel economy to the manual, offering a good balance for daily driving and relaxed touring despite the automatic gearbox.
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(E46: 1999 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | Cabrio (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Automatic |
| 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: | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 255 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: | 6.6 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 [17mm more] |
| Width: | 1757 mm [18mm more] |
| Height: | 1352 mm [43mm 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 R18; 225/35 ZR18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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