Alpina B3 Coupe (E46) 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp)
Overall Rating
Alpina B3:
The Alpina B3 are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina, which is based on the BMW 3 Series of the car manufacturer BMW. As of 2021, it is produced as a sedan and station wagon. Up to and including the E90 series, two-door sedans, coupes and convertibles were also offered. With the exception of the convertible, every model was optionally available with all-wheel drive. The current diesel variant runs under the Alpina D3 Biturbo....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe (E46) Overview:
Alpina B3 (Coupe (E46)). With 335 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1450 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.7 s). The top speed reaches 267 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers exhilarating performance with strong, linear power delivery and precise manual control, making it highly engaging for spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is typical for a high-performance 3.3L inline-six, acceptable given its capabilities and driver-focused nature.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

3.7 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 25 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional performance and handling for a luxury coupe
- • Exclusive and rare status, offering unique appeal
- • High-quality interior and build, typical of Alpina refinement
- • Understated yet purposeful styling, avoiding overt aggression
- • Comfortable for a performance coupe, suitable for long journeys
Cons:
- • High running and maintenance costs, especially for Alpina-specific parts
- • Limited availability of Alpina-specific parts can lead to long waits
- • Fuel consumption can be high, particularly during spirited driving
- • Ride can be firm for some preferences, though well-damped
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E36: 1996 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B3 |
| Generation: | Coupe (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.3 i 24V (280 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 6200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 84.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 335 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3300 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 267 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.2 kg/Hp, 193.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 231 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1450 |
| Max. weight: | 1950 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4488 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Width: | 1757 mm mm [59mm more] |
| Height: | 1367 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [25mm more] |
| Front track: | 1471 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1472 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18; 255/35 ZR18 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |











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