F31 -D3 Touring #38

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DannyM
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F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by DannyM » Wed Apr 07, 2021 2:35 pm

Hi all, I'm brand new to the Forum, thanks for having me.
I'm considering purchasing the D3 bi-turbo F31 #38 which is for sale at James Paul

Before I jump in with both feet, does anyone have any advice for me on common issues, things I should be wary of, or further info on the car in question, whether it's been ragged or coddled by previous owners?

I'm hoping to trade in my current ride for it, as my 9 year old daughter has outgrown the rear seats of my 997.1 C4S, and I'm anticipating the need to stow camping gear this summer, and love the idea of the Alpina badge and all that torque getting me around and about Sussex and beyond.

Any and all help / advice / warnings / encouragement appreciated. Cheers!
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Bob
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Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by Bob » Wed Apr 07, 2021 3:06 pm

Welcome to the forum Danny. A previous thread on #038 can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=25053&hilit=%23038

Last owner was on one of the FB groups and seems to have enjoyed his time with the car. Spec is pretty basic, but depends what is important for you.

#012 is also for sale privately, might be worth considering: viewtopic.php?f=56&t=25197
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churchie386
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Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by churchie386 » Wed Apr 07, 2021 3:20 pm

I'm not aware of common issues specific to F3x Alpinas (but I'm no expert). Normal used car checks apply.

I would suggest you inspect the wheels and tyres with care. Ask JP to put it up on the ramps and look at the inside of the rims for cracks, buckles or deforamtions, and cuts on the tyre sidewalls. If you find issues with these after you buy it, you're the one who is paying.
Present & Past: Alpina D3BT (F31); Alpina D3 S (G21); Subaru Forester XT (SG 2.0); Porsche 718 Cayman; Golf R (Mk7); 911 (997.2); 911 (996); Subaru WRX STI (Hatch); Alpina D3BT (E90); BMW 330i (E91); Elise (S1); Skoda Fabia VRS (Mk1); Peugeot 106 GTi; Skoda Octovia VRS (Mk2 estate); Subaru Impreza WRX (Wagon); Subaru Impreza Turbo (Wagon); Lancia Delta Integrale Evo; Golf VR6; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; BMW M3 (E30); Peugeot 106 GTi; Renault Clio 16v; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; Escort Mk3; Escort Mk1

DannyM
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Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by DannyM » Wed Apr 07, 2021 3:57 pm

CaesarBob wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 3:06 pm
Welcome to the forum Danny. A previous thread on #038 can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=25053&hilit=%23038

Last owner was on one of the FB groups and seems to have enjoyed his time with the car. Spec is pretty basic, but depends what is important for you.

#012 is also for sale privately, might be worth considering: viewtopic.php?f=56&t=25197

Thanks for this - I did see #012 in the Forum, unfortunately I'm completely adverse to red leather.... and really looking to px my current ride :)
Incoming F31 D3 Bi-Turbo?
current 997.1 C4S
history
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Audi A6
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Triumph Herald 13/60
VW Beetle 1302S
Mini Cooper Clubman

DannyM
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Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:03 am

Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by DannyM » Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:01 pm

CaesarBob wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 3:06 pm
Welcome to the forum Danny. A previous thread on #038 can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=25053&hilit=%23038

Last owner was on one of the FB groups and seems to have enjoyed his time with the car. Spec is pretty basic, but depends what is important for you.

#012 is also for sale privately, might be worth considering: viewtopic.php?f=56&t=25197
Would you be kind enough to point me at the FB group you mention?
Ta very much
Incoming F31 D3 Bi-Turbo?
current 997.1 C4S
history
Audi A8
Audi A6
Lotus Elise mk1
Ford Cortina Mk2 Burton
Triumph Herald 13/60
VW Beetle 1302S
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James_G
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Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by James_G » Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:05 pm

Regarding F3x D3s in general two of us experienced one with a boost issue on test drive last year that only manifested itself in the upper rev range. Have a look here for more detail, but in short, make sure you give it a proper run through the revs:

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=24381&p=205252

I've not heard of this with any other cars and that particular example is now back out on the road having got stuck in the auction network for a while, but so far I don't believe anybody knows "exactly" what the issue was.

Regarding James Paul, I've never bought a car from them but have often enquired, as they aren't too far away. They are a marque specialist and have always found their pricing is at the upper end of acceptable. Nothing wrong with that if they are doing lots of remedial or prep work but IMHO unjustified if they are just buying from private sellers at trade, giving it a wash and then knocking them out at retail.

Keep us posted.
Currently:
1992 Alpina B2.5 #026, Lagoon Green with Parchment Cloth

Previously:
2013 BMW M135i 3dr, Mineral Grey with Red Leather
2001 Alpina B3 3.3 Coupe #170, Orient Blue with Grey Leather
2006 Z4MC, Silver Grey with Red Leather
2001 E46 330i Sport, Silver with Red Leather
1997 E36 323i SE Touring, Calypso Red with Grey Cloth

DannyM
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Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:03 am

Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by DannyM » Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:32 pm

James_G wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:05 pm
Regarding F3x D3s in general two of us experienced one with a boost issue on test drive last year that only manifested itself in the upper rev range. Have a look here for more detail, but in short, make sure you give it a proper run through the revs:

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=24381&p=205252

I've not heard of this with any other cars and that particular example is now back out on the road having got stuck in the auction network for a while, but so far I don't believe anybody knows "exactly" what the issue was.

Regarding James Paul, I've never bought a car from them but have often enquired, as they aren't too far away. They are a marque specialist and have always found their pricing is at the upper end of acceptable. Nothing wrong with that if they are doing lots of remedial or prep work but IMHO unjustified if they are just buying from private sellers at trade, giving it a wash and then knocking them out at retail.

Keep us posted.
Many many thanks for the time and effort James - and I hear you with the view of the dealer and their tactics..... I'll see what I can do with them.
Also really useful to get that link to the many times auctioned second turbo issue....

I'll be sure to post progress reports as and when things happen... they are still trying to work out what stupidly low price they want to offer me for my car....
Incoming F31 D3 Bi-Turbo?
current 997.1 C4S
history
Audi A8
Audi A6
Lotus Elise mk1
Ford Cortina Mk2 Burton
Triumph Herald 13/60
VW Beetle 1302S
Mini Cooper Clubman

Bob
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Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by Bob » Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:55 pm

DannyM wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:01 pm
Would you be kind enough to point me at the FB group you mention?
Ta very much
It was the "Genuine ALPINA Owners Group"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALPINAO ... 2728479421
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churchie386
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Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by churchie386 » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:04 am

DannyM wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:32 pm
I'll be sure to post progress reports as and when things happen... they are still trying to work out what stupidly low price they want to offer me for my car....
... a 997.1 C4S. That will be very interesting. Is is a manual or tiptronic? Have you tried phoning Portiacraft (often has 997.1) and RSJ (used to sell a lot of 997.1) and, if its exceptional condition, history and spec, 911 Virgin. For a good 911 the specialists will likely bid you higher than a non-specialist (e.g. James Paul). I sold my 996 C2 privately via PH (within a day); 997.2 C2 to a local dealer (general sports cars); and 718 Cayman to (WBAC ... who massively over paid!).
Present & Past: Alpina D3BT (F31); Alpina D3 S (G21); Subaru Forester XT (SG 2.0); Porsche 718 Cayman; Golf R (Mk7); 911 (997.2); 911 (996); Subaru WRX STI (Hatch); Alpina D3BT (E90); BMW 330i (E91); Elise (S1); Skoda Fabia VRS (Mk1); Peugeot 106 GTi; Skoda Octovia VRS (Mk2 estate); Subaru Impreza WRX (Wagon); Subaru Impreza Turbo (Wagon); Lancia Delta Integrale Evo; Golf VR6; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; BMW M3 (E30); Peugeot 106 GTi; Renault Clio 16v; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; Escort Mk3; Escort Mk1

DannyM
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Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:03 am

Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by DannyM » Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:24 am

churchie386 wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:04 am
DannyM wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:32 pm
I'll be sure to post progress reports as and when things happen... they are still trying to work out what stupidly low price they want to offer me for my car....
... a 997.1 C4S. That will be very interesting. Is is a manual or tiptronic? Have you tried phoning Portiacraft (often has 997.1) and RSJ (used to sell a lot of 997.1) and, if its exceptional condition, history and spec, 911 Virgin. For a good 911 the specialists will likely bid you higher than a non-specialist (e.g. James Paul). I sold my 996 C2 privately via PH (within a day); 997.2 C2 to a local dealer (general sports cars); and 718 Cayman to (WBAC ... who massively over paid!).
It's a manual, Black, black leather, Bose, Dansk sports exhaust, has had everything done to it that needed doing, and some that didn't 'need' doing in the last 5 years.... I'll have a gander at Portiacraft - never done Piston Heads... maybe I should!
Incoming F31 D3 Bi-Turbo?
current 997.1 C4S
history
Audi A8
Audi A6
Lotus Elise mk1
Ford Cortina Mk2 Burton
Triumph Herald 13/60
VW Beetle 1302S
Mini Cooper Clubman

churchie386
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Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by churchie386 » Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:58 am

DannyM wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:24 am
churchie386 wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:04 am
DannyM wrote:
Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:32 pm
I'll be sure to post progress reports as and when things happen... they are still trying to work out what stupidly low price they want to offer me for my car....
... a 997.1 C4S. That will be very interesting. Is is a manual or tiptronic? Have you tried phoning Portiacraft (often has 997.1) and RSJ (used to sell a lot of 997.1) and, if its exceptional condition, history and spec, 911 Virgin. For a good 911 the specialists will likely bid you higher than a non-specialist (e.g. James Paul). I sold my 996 C2 privately via PH (within a day); 997.2 C2 to a local dealer (general sports cars); and 718 Cayman to (WBAC ... who massively over paid!).
It's a manual, Black, black leather, Bose, Dansk sports exhaust, has had everything done to it that needed doing, and some that didn't 'need' doing in the last 5 years.... I'll have a gander at Portiacraft - never done Piston Heads... maybe I should!
Look on PH at prices of similar age, mileage and spec cars. Note the specialists traders and give 'em a call for a bid. You can use that with James Paul for a P/Ex ("JP your bid is low, but XXX porsche are offering me £££. So to by your Alpina I'll need to first sell to XXX ... but if you match we can deal today :-)". Another idea, once you have the specialist trade bid on your Porker is to advertise it on PH with a price half way between the trade bid and trade retail; if you're at the lower end of the other private adds for similar car then it should move fairly swiftly.
Present & Past: Alpina D3BT (F31); Alpina D3 S (G21); Subaru Forester XT (SG 2.0); Porsche 718 Cayman; Golf R (Mk7); 911 (997.2); 911 (996); Subaru WRX STI (Hatch); Alpina D3BT (E90); BMW 330i (E91); Elise (S1); Skoda Fabia VRS (Mk1); Peugeot 106 GTi; Skoda Octovia VRS (Mk2 estate); Subaru Impreza WRX (Wagon); Subaru Impreza Turbo (Wagon); Lancia Delta Integrale Evo; Golf VR6; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; BMW M3 (E30); Peugeot 106 GTi; Renault Clio 16v; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; Escort Mk3; Escort Mk1

DannyM
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:03 am

Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by DannyM » Thu Apr 08, 2021 1:33 pm

churchie386 wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:58 am
DannyM wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:24 am
churchie386 wrote:
Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:04 am


... a 997.1 C4S. That will be very interesting. Is is a manual or tiptronic? Have you tried phoning Portiacraft (often has 997.1) and RSJ (used to sell a lot of 997.1) and, if its exceptional condition, history and spec, 911 Virgin. For a good 911 the specialists will likely bid you higher than a non-specialist (e.g. James Paul). I sold my 996 C2 privately via PH (within a day); 997.2 C2 to a local dealer (general sports cars); and 718 Cayman to (WBAC ... who massively over paid!).
It's a manual, Black, black leather, Bose, Dansk sports exhaust, has had everything done to it that needed doing, and some that didn't 'need' doing in the last 5 years.... I'll have a gander at Portiacraft - never done Piston Heads... maybe I should!
Look on PH at prices of similar age, mileage and spec cars. Note the specialists traders and give 'em a call for a bid. You can use that with James Paul for a P/Ex ("JP your bid is low, but XXX porsche are offering me £££. So to by your Alpina I'll need to first sell to XXX ... but if you match we can deal today :-)". Another idea, once you have the specialist trade bid on your Porker is to advertise it on PH with a price half way between the trade bid and trade retail; if you're at the lower end of the other private adds for similar car then it should move fairly swiftly.
Dude, great advice! Portiacraft are swinging by me tomorrow to make a bid....
Incoming F31 D3 Bi-Turbo?
current 997.1 C4S
history
Audi A8
Audi A6
Lotus Elise mk1
Ford Cortina Mk2 Burton
Triumph Herald 13/60
VW Beetle 1302S
Mini Cooper Clubman

churchie386
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Posts: 308
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 12:16 am
Location: Essex/Suffolk

Re: F31 -D3 Touring #38

Post by churchie386 » Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:00 pm

Did Portiacraft make you a bid on your 997? Are you any nearer to an Alpina?
Present & Past: Alpina D3BT (F31); Alpina D3 S (G21); Subaru Forester XT (SG 2.0); Porsche 718 Cayman; Golf R (Mk7); 911 (997.2); 911 (996); Subaru WRX STI (Hatch); Alpina D3BT (E90); BMW 330i (E91); Elise (S1); Skoda Fabia VRS (Mk1); Peugeot 106 GTi; Skoda Octovia VRS (Mk2 estate); Subaru Impreza WRX (Wagon); Subaru Impreza Turbo (Wagon); Lancia Delta Integrale Evo; Golf VR6; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; BMW M3 (E30); Peugeot 106 GTi; Renault Clio 16v; Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9; Escort Mk3; Escort Mk1

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