Thinking of upgrading from B3 Touring

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Metrics
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Post by Metrics » Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:54 pm

I haven't Dave, but heard they're amazing. I was comparing with modern day BMWs and I suspect that the E46 and E39 is still modern enough to get by, while retaining the character we all look for. Of course older cars are even more soulful!
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo No.299
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
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E24man
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Post by E24man » Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:54 pm

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Last edited by E24man on Mon Dec 21, 2020 11:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Elan
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Post by Elan » Sat Mar 10, 2018 5:31 pm

simon13 wrote:i can't wait to get back into my e46 touring. With its new manual gearbox
If the gearbox needs any work on mine, I would definitely consider swapping it to a manual. Your car is going to be great!

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Post by simon13 » Sun Mar 11, 2018 12:27 am

greenelekta wrote:
Metrics wrote:you cannot compare the E46/E39 era of BMW with any other IMO, it was BMW at their prime and cars after while good just don't the soul or character of a proper organic drivers car. More modern variants are still good and highly effective cars don't get me wrong, just heavier, bigger and more anaesthetised.
E34 has more soul and is a better drivers car than E46/E39, have you tried an E34?
We've not even started with E30 greatness!
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Elan
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Post by Elan » Mon Mar 19, 2018 1:02 am

Back on the subject, from E30/E34 greatness :). We have upgraded (or downgraded according to the Mrs) from the X5 to an Alpina B3-BiTurbo #133.

We were in two minds as the X5 is flexible (apart from the M sport suspension) and great for driving to see the outlaws in France. After driving the B3, we were both really impressed with the performance and comfort, so put a deposit down on the car. Touring would have been ideal but not many F30/31 around and this car is well specced with HUD, LSD, 20" alloys,..

It’s very understated, fully de-badged so wondering if we should get the boot badges reinstated?
Current Collection:
F30 B3 BiTurbo #133, C2 2.7 #515, B3 3.3 Touring #113
E46 M3 manual, E92 M3 manual
Porsche 997.1 Turbo Manual, 997 GTS, 996 C4S, 911SC Targa
Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Lamborghini LP560-4 Manual

ali
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Post by ali » Mon Mar 19, 2018 1:06 am

Understated is best look IMVHO
Congratulations on the purchase
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D3 2.0 Biturbo Touring #098

hap
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Post by hap » Mon Mar 19, 2018 4:28 pm

Congrats lovely motor

simon13
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Post by simon13 » Mon Mar 19, 2018 9:15 pm

X5's are pony, you've made the right choice! I'm more of a debadged man these days but its personal choice
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Elan
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Post by Elan » Mon Mar 19, 2018 11:51 pm

Thanks guys, looking forward to collecting the car. I am going to get the badges but hold off from putting them on.

Gary Lott
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Post by Gary Lott » Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:51 pm

Elan, if you are ever passing Nottingham, call in and I'll take you on a test drive of a F30/F31 D3 Touring with pleasure.

Hope you enjoy the X5 in the meantime. Gary

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Post by Gary Lott » Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:54 pm

Apologies Elan, enjoy the B3 in the meantime! Gary

Elan
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Post by Elan » Tue Mar 27, 2018 10:36 pm

Thanks for the offer Gary, I will keep that in mind if I am passing Nottingham.

We have collected #133 and really enjoying it so far. It makes the E46 B3 feel slow but also softer ride. The sound from the Akrapovic exhaust is lovely but not sure the neighbors appreciate the cold start rumble!

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Post by hap » Tue Mar 27, 2018 10:44 pm

Look forwards to the pics

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robmarrs
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Post by robmarrs » Thu Mar 29, 2018 11:26 pm

simon13 wrote:
greenelekta wrote:
Metrics wrote:you cannot compare the E46/E39 era of BMW with any other IMO, it was BMW at their prime and cars after while good just don't the soul or character of a proper organic drivers car. More modern variants are still good and highly effective cars don't get me wrong, just heavier, bigger and more anaesthetised.
E34 has more soul and is a better drivers car than E46/E39, have you tried an E34?
We've not even started with E30 greatness!
Having had, E30 M3, E36 M3, E46 M3, E46 B3S and E34 RD K38, the E34 wins hands down for driver enjoyment and feedback on road and track, it's not the quickest but is very satisfying. Key criteria for enjoyment for me being ABS, LSD, & a manual box..... don't like modern traction control.
Alpina B6S Convertible
BMW E46 M3 SMG Coupe - Track Car - Gone
TVR Chimaera 400 - Turbocharged - Gone
Porsche Cayenne GTS 4.8, Oops, the dark side has landed!
BMW E34 Racing Dynamics K38 - Gone
Alpina B3S Convertible - Gone due to B6S
BMW X5 4.6is - Gone
Alpina Roadster 3.4S - Gone
BMW E46 330d M Sport Touring - Gone
BMW M3 Evo E36 - Gone due to B3S
BMW 840 Ci Sport - Gone, but what a car
BMW M3 E30 - sadly departed

Too little time...Too many cars!

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