2002 Alpina B3 3.3

As if the e46 needed an introduction, the e46 M3 needs even less, as it is held in such high regard these days, the Alpina B3 3.3 however is a rare beast, so rare in fact that only 38 have a current UK MOT, 130 worldwide were convertibles and of those, this is the only known car in Imola Red 2! So, this is an insanely rare car, then there is the condition and mileage, 41k mile Alpina’s tend not to exist much after their first year of being registered as they beg to be driven and are proven to tackle star-ship mileages with aplomb.

 

This particular car was specified with some mightily rare options from the factory, from the paintwork itself (BMW individual), through to a list over an A4 sheet long of additions, this car has every conceivable option, more than I’ve ever seen on an e46 of any type! The spec still stands up to today’s cars, with the legendary Alpina build quality, fit and finish taking the already good interior to a level that far surpasses any competition it had in the day. The thinking man’s M3 as they were known!

 

On the road the car comes alive past 5,000RPM, surging towards the horizon. The pace with which an Alpina can destroy a backroad is simply stunning, on their custom suspension, the car feels lotus-esque in how planted it is, taking all of the big hits as though you were running balloon tyres, however with precise handling and turn in that you can only liken to an M car. It really is the full package.

 

If you wanted one special machine to do the job of many cars, this could be the ideal one car stable, a comfortable and refined automatic for daily driving and an efficient inline six, which begins to howl as you build the revs in manual mode using the shift buttons behind the wheel, the car transforms and becomes an impressively fast and nimble B-road weapon.

This car was last serviced in 2021 having also received new front shocks and springs to original specification and has covered very few miles since. The book pack has 9 stamps in it, which is impressive considering the mileage all from BMW or BMW specialists, showing that the car has been in the hands of avid collectors and enthusiasts all of its life.

 

The list of optional extras on this car is one of the largest I’ve seen, as a basic e46 spec didn’t get you very much, so over and above all of the Alpina adornments you also have; Harmon Kardon sound system, heated seats, tinted front screen, Navigation system, piped seats, the factory hardtop, xenon headlamps, plus even a tyre pressure control system, which was simply unheard of 20 years ago! It belies its age completely with how it appears, performs and drives, timeless BMW design mated with the best options around, mean that this little time machine will keep taking you back to Sytner’s in 2002 every time you step in it.

 

The car is supplied with all 3 keys, plus the valet key and the original and beautiful Alpina lavalina leather book pack. It also comes with the original chrome grilles for those of you who prefer originality. You simply won’t find better.

 

Come and find out for yourself just how good these special machines can be!

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS: 6

TRANSMISSION: 5 speed automatic switch-tronic & shift buttons behind the wheel.

ENGINE CAPACITY: 3300cc

ENGINE SPECIFICATION:

Maximum speed  165 mph

Power   280 hp @ 6300 rpm.

Torque  335 NM. @ 4800 rpm.

0 – 62  5.7 seconds

PRICE: £20,995.00