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Alpina B3 E46 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp)
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)
E46 Overview:
Alpina B3 (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 excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.7 s). The top speed reaches 266 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Based on the BMW 3 Series (E46) Euro NCAP test, the Alpina B3 offers a solid, albeit older, safety performance for adult occupants, typical for its era.
3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong, linear power delivery and an engaging driving experience, especially with the manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a naturally aspirated 3.3L inline-six, but not class-leading by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional blend of performance and luxury
- • High-quality interior and bespoke Alpina touches
- • Comfortable ride for long journeys
- • Exclusivity and rarity compared to standard BMWs
- • Engaging driving dynamics, especially in manual B3S trims
Cons:
- • Running costs can be high (fuel, insurance, specific parts)
- • Alpina-specific parts can be difficult to source and expensive
- • Subtle styling might be too understated for some performance enthusiasts
- • Fuel economy, while decent, is not a strong point for performance models
- • Older platform means less advanced safety and infotainment features
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E36): 1996 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | E46 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 6200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 84.8 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| 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: | 5.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 266 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: | 5.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1950 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 440 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4471 mm mm |
| Width: | 1739 mm mm |
| Height: | 1395 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm |
| 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 | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 ZR18; 255/35 ZR18 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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