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


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.7 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

Touring (E46) Overview:

Alpina B3 (Touring (E46)). With 362 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1525 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 car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

3.3 i 24V B3S (305 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Combines the potent B3S engine with the convenience of an automatic transmission, offering strong, effortless acceleration for comfortable high-speed cruising.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption of 11.8 l/100 km is slightly higher than the manual B3S, reflecting the automatic transmission's characteristics, but still competitive for its power.

Best Use Case: Grand touring / Comfortable performance

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional performance and handling for a station wagon.
  • • High build quality and luxurious interior.
  • • Exclusivity and unique Alpina styling.
  • • Practicality of a touring body with sports car dynamics.
  • • Smooth and powerful naturally aspirated engines.

Cons:

  • • Higher running costs and maintenance compared to standard BMW E46 models.
  • • Alpina-specific parts can be expensive and difficult to source.
  • • Fuel economy, while reasonable for performance, isn't class-leading.
  • • Rear-wheel drive models can be challenging in adverse weather without AWD.
  • • Aging technology compared to modern vehicles, especially in infotainment.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E46): 2001 - 2006).

General:
Brand:Alpina
Model:B3
Generation:Touring (E46)
Modification (Engine):3.3 i 24V B3S (305 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2003
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
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
Piston Stroke:93.8 mm
Compression ratio:10.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:18.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.8 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 kg/Hp, 200 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.2 kg/Nm, 237.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1525
Max. weight:2065
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1345 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:435 l
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Size:
Length:4478 mm [Same length.]
Width:1739 mm [Same width.]
Height:1409 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2725 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1471 mm
Rear (Back) track:1481 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
Tires size225/40 R18; 255/35 ZR 18
Wheel rims size8J x 18; 9J x 18
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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