VERY VERY nearly finally bought another car

[Pondy]

If you get a chance, have a look at the E90 version of the Alpina B3 BiTurbo - unless you're a driving god, they're as fast as the M3 but much easier to live with and won't have been abused by '57 owners'

Looked at those. They are very few and far between, and owners have jumped on the "M3s are worth a fortune" bandwagon, so are even more. With the trendy postscript of "investment car" added for good measure.
This one has been for sale for months. I like it a lot and like the idea of something a bit different; but £25k is too much money:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107285546498?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&make=BMW&include-delivery-option=on&model=Alpina%20B3%20S&radius=1501&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&postcode=pe111xn&page=1

 

[Mr Tidy]

Actually, Ian, It's about the only time I'm not one

That's fair.

Although it's probably the same sort of time I get tempted to be one!

 

[BeeEmm]

How about a survey to match a car to your personality. Whatever you think of survey's, relates to your personality, so it might work. Ignore the adverts. It would be good to know if the survey suggests a BMW Isetta or a Mercedes SLR.
https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/what-kind-car-matches-your-personality

 

[Deleted member 32480]

How about a survey to match a car to your personality. Whatever you think of survey's, relates to your personality, so it might work. Ignore the adverts. It would be good to know if the survey suggests a BMW Isetta or a Mercedes SLR.
https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/what-kind-car-matches-your-personality

Thanks for that. I am what I hate...

Although, if it's got the 6.2 I could possibly live with this.

 

[Pondy]

How about a survey to match a car to your personality. Whatever you think of survey's, relates to your personality, so it might work. Ignore the adverts. It would be good to know if the survey suggests a BMW Isetta or a Mercedes SLR.

Did that. Mercedes G-wagon

Edit after mgrlane's reply: Anybody think they are sponsored by MB?

 

[PerryGunn]

How about a survey to match a car to your personality. Whatever you think of survey's, relates to your personality, so it might work. Ignore the adverts. It would be good to know if the survey suggests a BMW Isetta or a Mercedes SLR.
https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/what-kind-car-matches-your-personality

Apparently, I'm a bit of a dick...

 

[BeeEmm]

Apparently, I'm a bit of a dick...
penismobile.png

 

[BeeEmm]

Although, if it's got the 6.2 I could possibly live with this.

I know you love that engine.

 

[Deleted member 32480]

Although, if it's got the 6.2 I could possibly live with this.

I know you love that engine.

May have mentioned it a few times

 

[Pondy]

If you get a chance, have a look at the E90 version of the Alpina B3 BiTurbo - unless you're a driving god, they're as fast as the M3 but much easier to live with and won't have been abused by '57 owners'

I've been thinking about the Alpina. I did visit this itch when I was buying a car earlier in the year, but discounted it.
I like the exclusivity (only 25 UK B3S E93s were ever registered); I like the familiarity of the E93 (it's basically a bigger E89 and I am getting good at replacing microswitches and relays). I also like the idea of a 'gentleman's M3'. The only question mark is that they have a re-worked N54, which seem to all need major surgery sooner or later.
Also Alpina spares are even more costly than BM!

 

[PerryGunn]

If you get a chance, have a look at the E90 version of the Alpina B3 BiTurbo - unless you're a driving god, they're as fast as the M3 but much easier to live with and won't have been abused by '57 owners'

I've been thinking about the Alpina. I did visit this itch when I was buying a car earlier in the year, but discounted it.
I like the exclusivity (only 25 UK B3S E93s were ever registered); I like the familiarity of the E93 (it's basically a bigger E89 and I am getting good at replacing microswitches and relays). I also like the idea of a 'gentleman's M3'. The only question mark is that they have a re-worked N54, which seem to all need major surgery sooner or later.
Also Alpina spares are even more costly than BM!

It's only Alpina-specific parts that are more expensive, the rest are the same as the BMW parts

 

[Pondy]

It's only Alpina-specific parts that are more expensive, the rest are the same as the BMW parts

So it's only most of the interior, all exterior plastics, exhaust, wheels, half the engine and the gearbox.
Sorry being facetious, yes I know what you mean, thanks

It is quite strange that the Alpina E9xs seem to have been left behind by the price rises. A really low mileage ltd edition 500 M3 (the last run out models) was £25k back in February. Now the same car would be £30k plus. Any B3S Alpinas have actually reduced in price since February, as not in demand.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Come on Les you know that M4 vert is the way to spend that wedge

 

[Ole gits rule]

640D in white - https://www.carshop.co.uk/used-car/BMW/6%20SERIES/DK14GAX

Performance and economy for you in your favourite colour

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Sorry but that looks like an inside out Jaffa Cake. No offence.

They do come in other colours though!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?model=IS%20F&make=LEXUS&advertising-location=at_cars&price-from=500&onesearchad=Used

But if you are set on a Coupe the RCF would fit the billl better.

Although as a serial BMW fan I couldn't look past an E92 M3. :worshipbmw:

Plus I could have manual gearbox to go with the V8.

I think someone already put forward a pretty good case for these, but prices seem to be staying strong - possibly because they are getting towards the end of the N/A V8 era. We'll never see the like again sadly.

I didn't totally fall for mine(manual model), but I'm chuffed that I got to experience 10k miles in it though. They are definitely a dying breed of car now for sure.

 

[Pondy]

Thanks for all the replies, and patience, with my insufferable lack of decision making.
Could people give me their feedback on this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109297940255?sort=relevance&include-delivery-option=on&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&model=Alpina%20B3&radius=1501&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=pe111xn
I really like the fact it is different, 1 owner, low miles and a very rare car. I am just struggling with £17k for a 13 year old, pre-LCI E92.

 

[Argyll Andy]

Thanks for all the replies, and patience, with my insufferable lack of decision making.
Could people give me their feedback on this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109297940255?sort=relevance&include-delivery-option=on&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&model=Alpina%20B3&radius=1501&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=pe111xn
I really like the fact it is different, 1 owner, low miles and a very rare car. I am just struggling with £17k for a 13 year old, pre-LCI E92.

I’ll skip over the patience bit as it’s not something I’m known for, seemingly

I meant to respond to a previous post where you said something along the lines of own for a year, thrash and pass on (or words to that effect)

So I was going to suggest even paying a premium for a low owner/older car and as if by magic…………….

This would fit the bill, lost most of it’s money it’s going to. One owner so obviously looked after, matching premium tyres etc. obviously you’d need to check out the history etc but don’t see someone buying that, keeping it that long and not looking after it properly

On the car, black meh (personal preference), wood double meh the rest of it

If you can cope with the black paint fine, I’d be buying a 2nd hand set of trims which you could get trimmed/covered/dipped and replace the originals which could go back on at sale point (in 3 months :wink: ) and enjoy a very rare car. Don’t really see you loosing money on it.

 

[tiglon]

Thanks for all the replies, and patience, with my insufferable lack of decision making.
Could people give me their feedback on this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109297940255?sort=relevance&include-delivery-option=on&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&make=BMW&model=Alpina%20B3&radius=1501&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=pe111xn
I really like the fact it is different, 1 owner, low miles and a very rare car. I am just struggling with £17k for a 13 year old, pre-LCI E92.

Seems like excellent value for what it is. That wood would be a problem for me, although given the rarity you probably can't be quite as fussy as that.

Buy it and, if you don't love it, you can probably sell it in 6 months and break even at the very least.

 

[Pondy]

wood double meh

That wood would be a problem for me,

You two are heathens. It's an Alpina; that wood trim is hewn from a single tree of a very exotic and rare species. Seriously, though the wood trim is part of the Alpina 'treatment'. It woodn't (get it?) be a good idea to change it even if it does look like a 1935 Rover. I actually quite like it as it's different to the fake carbon or plastic aluminium of all other cars.
As these cars are so rare (less than 50 UK E92 B3s), can't really wait for one of a specific colour and I don't mind black cars.
The selling dealer seems to have good reputation with the Alpina Register guys too.

 

[Argyll Andy]

wood double meh

That wood would be a problem for me,

You two are heathens. It's an Alpina; that wood trim is hewn from a single tree of a very exotic and rare species. Seriously, though the wood trim is part of the Alpina 'treatment'. It woodn't (get it?) be a good idea to change it even if it does look like a 1935 Rover. I actually quite like it as it's different to the fake carbon or plastic aluminium of all other cars.
As these cars are so rare (less than 50 UK E92 B3s), can't really wait for one of a specific colour and I don't mind black cars.
The selling dealer seems to have good reputation with the Alpina Register guys too.

Us two have taste

You’ve pretty much answered your own questions. The wood is acceptable to you, you like black, there’s very limited numbers and the dealer has a good rep with that marque

Also with new turbos and fuel pump two of the known very high cost items have already been taken care of. FBMWSH probably also means that anything it’s needed has been done by the main dealer. Wiyldyou be able to take out an extended BMW warranty or is it too old? What sort of warranty is the dealer offering? Maybe better than norm if they’re a known Alpina dealer