Alpina B3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i 24V (250 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 4.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion 3.8 / 5

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)

Coupe (E36) Overview:

Alpina B3 (Coupe (E36)). With 320 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 6.1 s). The top speed reaches 258 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

3.0i 24V (250 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The naturally aspirated 3.0-liter engine delivers exceptional linear power, offering strong acceleration and a highly engaging driving experience, characteristic of Alpina's meticulous tuning.

Fuel Economy

With a combined fuel consumption of 9.4 l/100 km, it's respectable for a high-performance coupe of its era, balancing power with reasonable efficiency for spirited driving.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving, spirited highway cruising, and occasional track days.

reddit Community Verdict

This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

Allowed: 57% Neutral: 25% Issues: 18%
rating
3.8 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 28 discussions

Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
Wow the B3 really puts into perspective just how much of an uncohesive mess the M3 design is.
👍 POSITIVE
Wow that B3 front end looks so much better. IMO for most people needing a wagon the B3 would be the way to go. Too bad we can’t get either stateside.
👍 POSITIVE
How good the Isle of Man Green is almost entirely offsets how bad the nostrils look. I've been thinking about performance cars with backseats, and it's hard to ignore the M3.
👎 NEGATIVE
BMW only allowing Alpina to bring in the B8 and XB7 is a crime. There’s only one understated reasonably low wagon left that isn’t a hybrid. God help you if you buy a V60 Recharge.
👍 POSITIVE
Just bring any of these over as wagons with the mid-level engine(S4 or M340i, although if a B4 Estate ever came over I would try to stretch for it. Those wheels).
👎 NEGATIVE
That screen set up is ATROCIOUS what a mess of a vehicle.
👍 POSITIVE
That green is magnificent and every car manufacturer should offer it on every model.
😐 NEUTRAL
TIL the rear window on the M3 opens like that. Does the B3 do that too?
😐 NEUTRAL
Can you buy the Alpina front bumper as a kit to replace the M3's snout?
👍 POSITIVE
I really like how the bmw m3 touring looks. One of the best wagon out there


Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exquisite Alpina craftsmanship and exclusivity
  • • Superb naturally aspirated engine with linear power delivery
  • • Balanced chassis offering both comfort and engaging handling
  • • Timeless E36 design with subtle Alpina enhancements

Cons:

  • • Rarity of parts and specialized maintenance can be costly
  • • Rear suspension design (Z-axle) can be challenging for extreme performance modifications
  • • Interior, while luxurious, shows its age compared to modern cars
  • • Not officially crash-tested by Euro NCAP

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E30): 1987 - 1992).

General:
Brand:Alpina
Model:B3
Generation:Coupe (E36)
Modification (Engine):3.0i 24V (250 Hp)
Start of production:1993
End of production:1996
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
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 mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.1 sec
Maximum speed:258 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:5.3 kg/Hp, 188 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.2 kg/Nm, 240.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1330
Max. weight:1850
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:405 l
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Size:
Length:4433 mm mm
Width:1710 mm mm
Height:1346 mm mm
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm
Front track:1410 mm
Rear (Back) track:1423 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.4 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/40 ZR17; 265/35 ZR17
Wheel rims size17
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Alpina B3 rank in your book?