Alpina B3 Biturbo (E92) | Spotted

It’s easy now to overlook how seismic the move to V8 power for the M3 was with the launch of the E9x generation. It wasn’t the first time BMW shoehorned an eight-cylinder block into a 3er, with the hyper-limited M3 GTR road car being powered by the race-grade P60 motor (while a modified version of the E39 M5’s S62 engine was dropped into an E46 CSL as a one-off prototype). But after two generations of straight-six power, the prospect of an M3 with two more cylinders seemed a bit, well, uncouth.

Yet, we all know how things panned out. While it matched the more brutish formula of the Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG of the era, the M3’s 4.0-litre V8 was notably more rev-hungry and was paired with a sublime chassis. It really was a special thing, even if the initial reception was lukewarm as some reviewers felt the increase in power came at the expense of the E46’s purity. It’s still held in immensely high regard, of course, but those after a straight-six E92 with M3-matching performance weren’t completely left in the dark, as proven by this exquisite-looking Alpina B3 Biturbo.

Granted, the only thing linking the B3 and M3 together were the 3 Series underpinnings, with the former retaining the standard car’s slender silhouette over the more muscular appearance of the latter. Subtly has always been more Alpina’s style anyway, though a deeper front bumper, boot spoiler, quad exhausts and those signature 19-inch wheels add a touch of flair to an otherwise understated design. As does the Deco-pack’s silver pin striping, which won’t be to everyone’s taste but it does complete the look of this Carbon Black example. 

As for performance, the M3 may have it beat but the B3 runs it mighty close. Power comes from the 335i’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, which was upgraded with lighter pistons, a new oil cooler and Alpina’s own engine management. That brought power up to 360hp, which isn’t quite as punchy as the M3’s V8 but the Alpina developed considerably more torque at 369lb ft. Most of the suspension was plucked from the 335 lineup, albeit tied together with Alpina’s own setup, which inevitably leaned toward the softer side. An M3 may be a touch quicker, but the B3’s arguably easier to live with – and that’s before you consider the running costs of that S65 engine. 

Inside, the cabin is mostly the same as the 335i’s, including the striking Coral Red leather seats and trim. The Alpina touches are suitably subtle, amounting to a retrimmed steering wheel with buttons (not paddles) at the back to flick through the six-speed Switchtronic gearbox, as well as badges on the seats and a plaque with the car’s build number, this one being number 240. Nailing producing numbers for the B3s is difficult, but a bit of Googling would suggest around 60 B3 coupes were registered in the UK – though feel free to correct me on that.

Incredibly, this example has only covered 46,000 miles, which is delivery mileage by Alpina standards. It seems to have been meticulously cared for as well, looking sublime inside and out, with a full service history to boot. It’s not completely stock, mind, as one of the two previous owners fitted a GruppeM carbon air filter, though that should bring it a touch closer the M3 on pace. The asking price is £19,995, making this one of the cheaper Alpinas available at the time of writing. If it’s M3 or bust, however, this E92 with fewer miles is headed to auction soon. And it’s a manual…

Engine: 2,979cc straight-six, twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 360@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 369@3,800rpm
MPG: 32
CO2: 232kg
Year registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 46,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £19,995