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M3 or Alpina B3S?

Discussion of other cars non-Z4
Pondrew
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M3 or Alpina B3S?

Post by Pondrew » Thu Feb 11, 2021 8:08 pm

What do you reckon? I have always revered anything with an Alpina badge.

The two cars here are options for me but I know little (read nothing) about the Alpina makeover. Just on rarity value the Alpina has got to be the better bet, no?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... dal=photos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... ars&page=2
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M3 or Alpina B3S?

Post by LeeZ4MR » Thu Feb 11, 2021 8:41 pm

I do like how rare the Alpina is, but the M3's V8 holds a lot of appeal(especially roofdown). My brother in law has had his E93 V8 M3 for 9 years this year, and he's been really happy with it. I've enjoyed a few drives in it too! :driving:

I've never seen one of those Alpina Convertibles...mega rare for sure. 8)
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M3 or Alpina B3S?

Post by Pondrew » Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:09 pm

LeeZ4MR wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 8:41 pm I've never seen one of those Alpina Convertibles...mega rare for sure.
According to the advert, only 25 UK examples. It's a 335i engine though, whereas the M3 has a v8! Both are bl00dy expensive!
As it will be a garage queen doing very little mileage, I'm trying to ascertain which is the best "investment". It's got to be the Alpina in my eyes just for rarity.
Look at the Alpina E85! How much are they holding their value?
I do wish Alpina wouldn't splash their insignia all over the back, though. Less is more, no?
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.

F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!

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M3 or Alpina B3S?

Post by Mr Tidy » Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:32 pm

I'd buy the M3 for the V8 (and the red interior)!

I know Alpinas tend to hold their value, but over time most M models do too and at the end of the day surely it's more about which you are going to enjoy more than which is going to depreciate less?
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M3 or Alpina B3S?

Post by Pondrew » Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:52 pm

Mr Tidy wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:32 pm I know Alpinas tend to hold their value, but over time most M models do too and at the end of the day surely it's more about which you are going to enjoy more than which is going to depreciate less?
I sort of agree. It's just that I may also enjoy the "exclusivity" as much as the drive. Let's face it, these are heavy BMWs with no roof, they ain't racing cars. I found another https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Alpina-B ... SwHF1f8GYp
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.

F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!

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M3 or Alpina B3S?

Post by Argyll Andy » Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:57 pm

Before opening the links it was going to be M3 all day long, particularly with that engine, but on seeing them I prefer the look of the Alpina.

Rarity may hold the money better in the Alpina and the V8 might not be everyone’s cup at resale time. Almost everyone who’s into cars fancies a V8 but most folk baulk and don’t buy one at the end of the day, mostly down to running costs

Both bl00dy expensive as you say.
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    M3 or Alpina B3S?

    Post by MerBrook » Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:46 pm

    You may find information about the Alpina that helps you in your decision making from the Alpina register site.
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    M3 or Alpina B3S?

    Post by Pondrew » Thu Feb 11, 2021 11:14 pm

    MerBrook wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:46 pm You may find information about the Alpina that helps you in your decision making from the Alpina register site.
    Thanks I'll have a look.
    Argyll Andy wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:57 pm Rarity may hold the money better in the Alpina and the V8 might not be everyone’s cup at resale time. Almost everyone who’s into cars fancies a V8 but most folk baulk and don’t buy one at the end of the day, mostly down to running costs
    I've read a couple of reviews on the B3. Opinion seems good, as Alpina worked their magic well on the 3 litre six. Also they have a custom exhaust which emulates the V8 quite well apparently.
    I do like the idea of something "different". The price difference for same age and mileage car is about 3-5k. There are only 2 Alps for sale, though.
    All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.

    F31 320i. Good car.
    E89 20i Now fully dried
    Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
    Mazda3 sold
    Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!

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    M3 or Alpina B3S?

    Post by Argyll Andy » Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:09 am

    Pondrew wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 11:14 pm
    MerBrook wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:46 pm You may find information about the Alpina that helps you in your decision making from the Alpina register site.
    Thanks I'll have a look.
    Argyll Andy wrote: Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:57 pm Rarity may hold the money better in the Alpina and the V8 might not be everyone’s cup at resale time. Almost everyone who’s into cars fancies a V8 but most folk baulk and don’t buy one at the end of the day, mostly down to running costs
    I've read a couple of reviews on the B3. Opinion seems good, as Alpina worked their magic well on the 3 litre six. Also they have a custom exhaust which emulates the V8 quite well apparently.
    I do like the idea of something "different". The price difference for same age and mileage car is about 3-5k. There are only 2 Alps for sale, though.
    Based on that then, I think you’re answering your own question. Would need to be the white one for me. The black is too much black and IMO a pita to keep clean any longer than the end of the driveway :headbang:
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      M3 or Alpina B3S?

      Post by Silverstar » Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:05 am

      Normally I would take the Alpina over it's equivalent M car but in this that V8 :wub:
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      M3 or Alpina B3S?

      Post by mmm-five » Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:47 am

      Alpina for me - only because the e90 M3 seems a bit chavvy and common...and for the extra grunt the Alpina has (less HP, but over 100lbft extra due to the twin-turbos).

      The Alpina is also unrestricted from the factory :P
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      M3 or Alpina B3S?

      Post by brillomaster » Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:09 am

      according to wikipedia...

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpina_B3_(E90)

      i think i'd stick with the regular M3, because V8. also, the wheels, bodykit, badging and pinstriping look too fussy for me on most Alpinas.

      Actually, i'd probably just go for a standard 335i, source some M3 wheels for it and remap it up to Alpina levels.

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      M3 or Alpina B3S?

      Post by Pondrew » Fri Feb 12, 2021 11:36 am

      mmm-five wrote: Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:47 am Alpina for me - only because the e90 M3 seems a bit chavvy and common.
      I have the same opinion. The Alpina has a "gentleman's M3" feel about it. I am 53, not 23.
      All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.

      F31 320i. Good car.
      E89 20i Now fully dried
      Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
      Mazda3 sold
      Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!

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      M3 or Alpina B3S?

      Post by Huzee4 » Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:58 pm

      That Alpina ......
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      M3 or Alpina B3S?

      Post by lucasxdiniz » Fri Feb 12, 2021 1:12 pm

      Huzee4 wrote: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:58 pm That Alpina ......
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      Screen_Shot_2017_07_13_at_1.09.20_PM.0.jpeg (77.43 KiB) Viewed 771 times
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