Alpina B3 Coupe (E46) 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.3 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.6 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.7 / 5
Comfort 4.2 / 5
People\'s Opinion 3.7 / 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 (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:

Rating 4 stars

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.

Best Use Case: Comfortable daily commuting, long-distance touring, and relaxed spirited driving.

reddit Community Verdict

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

Allowed: 56% Neutral: 24% Issues: 20%
rating
3.7 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 25 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.
😐 NEUTRAL
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.
😐 NEUTRAL
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:

  • • 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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/40 R18; 255/35 ZR18
Wheel rims size18
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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