Alpina B3 Coupe (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S (305 Hp)


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 362 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 excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 271 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 B3S (305 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The B3S manual is the pinnacle of performance for this generation, offering blistering acceleration and an even more potent power band for ultimate driving thrills.

Fuel Economy

Slightly higher fuel consumption reflects its increased power output, a small trade-off for superior performance and exclusivity.

Best Use Case: Performance enthusiasts, track days, and those seeking the ultimate driver's car experience.

reddit Community Verdict

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

Allowed: 52% Neutral: 30% Issues: 19%
rating
3.7 / 5

Based on AI analysis of 27 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(E46: 2001 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Alpina
Model:B3
Generation:Coupe (E46)
Modification (Engine):3.3 i 24V B3S (305 Hp)
Start of production:2003
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:305 Hp @ 6300 rpm.
Power per litre:91.2 Hp/l
Torque:362 Nm @ 4800 rpm.
Engine displacement:3346
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:87 mm mm
Piston Stroke:93.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.4 sec
Maximum speed:271 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:5.3 kg/Hp, 188.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.5 kg/Nm, 223.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1620
Max. weight:2040
Max load:420
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:410 l
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Size:
Length:4488 mm mm [17mm more]
Width:1757 mm mm [18mm more]
Height:1367 mm mm [47mm less]
Wheelbase:2725 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
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 gears6
Transmission typeManual
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
Tires size225/40 ZR18; 255/35 ZR18
Wheel rims size8J x 18; 9J X 18
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

What’s the best feature of the Alpina B3? Tell us in the comments!