M3 or Alpina B3S?

[Pondy]

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-details/202011156150346?body-type=Convertible&radius=1500&postcode=pe111xn&sort=relevance&make=BMW&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&include-delivery-option=on&model=ALPINA%20B3%20BI-TURBO&page=1&modal=photos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012317537362?body-type=Convertible&radius=1500&postcode=pe111xn&sort=relevance&make=BMW&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&model=M3&year-from=2011&include-delivery-option=on&advertising-location=at_cars&page=2

 

[LeeZ4MR]

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!

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

 

[Pondy]

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?

 

[Mr Tidy]

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?

 

[Pondy]

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-B3-Bi-Turbo/184586411532?hash=item2afa351e0c:g:7FkAAOSwHF1f8GYp

 

[Argyll Andy]

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.

 

[MerBrook]

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

 

[Pondy]

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.

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.

 

[Argyll Andy]

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.

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

 

[Silverstar]

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

 

[mmm-five]

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

 

[brillomaster]

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.

 

[Pondy]

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.

 

[Huzee4]

That Alpina ......

 

[lucasxdiniz]

That Alpina ......

 

[Huzee4]

Yes I am an old fart

 

[Pondy]

Yes I am an old fart

Me too, matey, me too!
So it would seem M3 for the whippersnappers and Alpina for the more mature of us?

 

[hopz121]

M3 but not that one, thats a lot of money for an M3 Convertible. You'd be better off in a sub 20k one IMO.

You have M4's in that price point too which may be worth considering

 

[Pondy]

I have found out quite a bit of information about the black Alpina from the Alpina Register guys (thanks for the heads up MerBook).
It was advertised on there privately late last year but he obviously didn't want to wait around so it was sold via a BCA auction to the crowd selling it now. It has full main dealer service history and was owned for the last 6 years by an enthusiast. The Alpine Register keep tabs on pretty much every car and it would seem to be a good 'un!

 

[Pondy]

M3 but not that one, thats a lot of money for an M3 Convertible. You'd be better off in a sub 20k one IMO.

You have M4's in that price point too which may be worth considering

Only looking at that M3 because it's one of the last 500 with really low mileage, so might be an "investment car". Looked at loads of M4s, £25k is entry level money and they are going to keep losing lots of money for a while IMO. It's the rarity of the Alpina I can't get away from; every man and his dog has an M3 or M4.