Alpina B3 Coupe (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)
Coupe (E46) Overview:
Alpina B3 (Coupe (E46)). With 335 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 6.6 s). The top speed reaches 261 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.
3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers robust performance with smooth power delivery, though the automatic transmission slightly dulls the raw acceleration compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Similar fuel economy to the manual, making it a practical choice for daily driving without significant compromise on efficiency.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

3.7 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 25 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional performance and handling for a luxury coupe
- • Exclusive and rare status, offering unique appeal
- • High-quality interior and build, typical of Alpina refinement
- • Understated yet purposeful styling, avoiding overt aggression
- • Comfortable for a performance coupe, suitable for long journeys
Cons:
- • High running and maintenance costs, especially for Alpina-specific parts
- • Limited availability of Alpina-specific parts can lead to long waits
- • Fuel consumption can be high, particularly during spirited driving
- • Ride can be firm for some preferences, though well-damped
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E36: 1996 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | Coupe (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 261 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.2 kg/Hp, 193.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 231 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1950 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4488 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Width: | 1757 mm mm [59mm more] |
| Height: | 1367 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [25mm more] |
| 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; 255/35 ZR18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |











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