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Alpina B3 E46 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad (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 1560 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 256 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 Switchtronic Allrad (280 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Capable all-weather performance with the AWD system, though acceleration is slightly dulled compared to RWD variants.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption due to the added weight and drivetrain losses of the Allrad system.
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 (E46): 2000 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | E46 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad (280 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 93.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 256 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.6 kg/Hp, 179.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.7 kg/Nm, 214.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1560 |
| Max. weight: | 2060 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 440 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4471 mm [7mm less] |
| Width: | 1739 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1414 mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1471 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1481 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| 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 ZR18; 255/35 ZR18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J X 18; 9J X 18 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Alpina B3 rank in your book?