Hello fella's

Dherm · Post by **Dherm** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 11:54 am

Hi guy's I'm looking to buy my first Alpina and have seen a couple of B3's D3's and B5's.I have always loved the looks of the Alpina's and admired them from afar. I have always owned a BMW of some sort and currently have a 2007 E90 320d (wife's) a 1996 E38 that's a B12 rep and a 1987 E28 M535 ( project) on the drive. What are the hidden dangers of buying an Alpina? I understand having a good service history is important and just wanted to pick your brains as Alpina owners and afficionados' . I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys a little better. Dherm

ade and liz flint · Post by **ade and liz flint** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 12:50 pm

Hi Dherm and welcome

Which era of D3 are you looking at? Pre-LCI monoturbo, or Post-LCI Biturbo. They are very different under the bonnet, but generally reliable. Once we know which you're looking at, we can give more accurate feedback for you.

B5's - superchargers are a worry. Most have been exchanged by ALPINA with uprated units with an improved clutch arrangement, and that needs checking before purchase. They also have weak alternators, too, so watch out for that as they can cost Â£Â£Â£'s to replace.

B3 - again, which one? E9x, E46?? Very different, and in E46 mode, there are a number of engine options which need seperate comment.

Cost-wise, an ALPINA doesn't sting much more than your average BMW, except for the bespoke parts....and all of that depends on model. Running costs of the D3 and D3BT are very good, indeed, and the BT benefits from CO2-based emissions for tax.

HTH

Estoril Sport · Post by **Estoril Sport** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:11 pm

Hi Dherm and welcome

As for a B3 BT the costs are no more than a 335i, plus the added benefit the road tax is Â£220. The tyres may cost a bit more!

Dherm · Post by **Dherm** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:32 pm

Thanks for the welcome guys. The D3's that I've seen have been E90's they were both pre facelift neither was Biturbo. they were an 07 and a 58 plate. The B3 was an E46. Im leaning towards the E90 at the moment. It's going to be my everyday car.

ade and liz flint · Post by **ade and liz flint** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 9:04 pm

Can you show us the cars you've looked at?...we may know them and/or may be able to guide you further. If you need any help loading them up, pm me.

As an aside, if you're looking top-end pre-LCI (ie, monoturbo) there are a few early D3BT coupes around the same price-point which may warrant consideration.