How are you settling into life with the B3 now its been a few months?
I'm seriously considering taking the plunge.
Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
E39 B10 V8/1 #81
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
-
Jonnywishbone
- ALP
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:45 pm
- Location: London
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Thanks for reminding me; I recently updated a readers cars thread on PH and meant to post a modified version of it here then promptly forgot.
The TL;DR is that the car is simply phenomenal. I’d love to know how it compares to a modern M-car - you’ll be able to let us know if you do jump in to one - but it’s hard to imagine, perhaps with the exception of the B5, how an alternative could be better as a “go anywhere, do anything” car.
A copy of the aforementioned, unmodified post below.
—————————————
Thought I’d post an update, having had the car four months, having run the engine in and having done some longer trips alongside the short daily commute. Being a bit special I’ve tried to organise my thoughts under relevant headings. Don’t judge.
Aesthetics
I went through some back and forth on the colour before settling on Alpina Blue and I don’t regret the choice at all. Firstly, because it’s Alpina specific; secondly, it’s effectively two colours in one, appearing to be a fetching mid blue on overcast days but purple in the sunlight, as demonstrated below. I’ve had folk who appear to know nothing about cars comment positively on the colour. On that note, the car really does get noticed a lot. I’ve never owned anything that attracted any significant attention but this does, much more than I expected; all of it positive so far. Certainly it’s not really a sleeper at all.
Interior
I mentally dismissed the reviews and G2x owner comments complaining about the digital display as being picky for the sake of it, however living with the car day to day I can confirm that for whatever reason the display is not easy to read at a glance. Though the display is clear enough and it tells you everything you need to know, it takes my eye a fraction of a second longer to pick up the speed (even though the number is displayed) and engine RPM than it would with a traditional display. If anybody is speccing this car or indeed any other new BMW I would definitely recommend the HUD and it’s the only additional option box I would tick if I were to order again.
Whilst I was never too bothered about the choice of leather in the car, I’m pleasantly surprised by Vernasca. Though it’s supposedly the new Dakota it doesn’t feel anywhere near as plasticky as the latter. In fact in feel it seems to split the difference between Dakota and Merino; it’s softer to the touch than Dakota but still markedly grainy and not smooth like Merino. Given the choice again I still wouldn’t pay to upgrade.
Engine
The powerplant feels like the B58 on steroids. Which I guess makes sense in one way since the B58 forms the basis of the S58 though on the other hand the two engines don’t share that many parts in common. I’ve seen it suggested that the version of the S58 in the G8x M3/4 is a bit of a disappointment in some quarters, with the somewhat nebulous claim that it’s “soulless”. In that application specifically I can understand the point, to a degree (allowing for the fact the Alpina version is not quite the same). There are no real fireworks from the engine in that there’s not much encouragement to chase the redline (partly because of the absolutely ridiculous amount of torque it generates at more accessible revs) nor is the redline as high as some M engines of old. In an M3 I understand that that matters to some. In this car it doesn’t. The right foot asks; the engine delivers. Pretty much any gear, any revs. No fuss.
As far as pace goes this thing is ridiculous. It’ll beat almost anything at the start line of the traffic light GP (not that I’ve tried; it just doesn’t feel like the done thing in an Alpina) but what’s more noteworthy is the in-gear acceleration. You can just tell the car was crafted with the Autobhan in mind when you put your foot down whilst trundling along at the NSL. A quick flex of the right big toe and whatever was in your mirrors is gone. Because the cabin is well isolated and because, as mentioned the sound is relatively muted I’ve found myself driving faster than I thought I was in no time (another reason to get the HUD). In truth the car is too fast for our roads. There is no situation in which planting your foot to the floor wouldn’t result in license losing speed within a couple of seconds at most.
Driving
The balance this car achieves between comfort and dynamic handling is unreal. I just didn’t expect, despite some of the critical fanfare the car has received, for it to be as genuinely pointy, stable and flat through corners as this is. I’d go as far as to say I’d honestly struggle to imagine an M3 can substantially best it (I’m sure it can, but I doubt it’d be by much and the cost would be some ride comfort). I know it’s a cliche to say it doesn’t feel it’s weight, but it genuinely doesn’t. It sounds vaguely ridiculous to describe a family estate as “chuckable” but that’s how it feels. I’m absolutely certain if you were transported directly into the cabin without knowing what you were in you’d think you were driving a very well sorted, 1.5-ish tonne sports coupe. I know they’re not comparable in any way in terms of price or class of car but I go back to the stock M240i as my most recent frame of reference and the B3 embarrasses the baby BMW in all areas as far as cornering goes (and obviously the Alpina has several extra warp factors in a straight line n’all).
Yet when you’re not in the mood for throwing, it’ll convey you smoothly, quietly and serenely to your destination. To be clear, the B3 is not an S-Class and it certainly doesn’t waft; the texture of the road can absolutely be felt through the seat, such that you will sense various imperfections and ruts. However, virtually none of those actually translate into harshness within the cabin, let alone unsettle the car. I suspect the aforementioned sensation of road texture is a function of the black rubber bands my car has for tyres and I can only imagine how nicely the car would ride on 18” wheels as opposed to 20’s.
The dual character of the B3 is accentuated by the different driving modes and there is a very noticeable difference between Comfort and Sport/Sport Plus which was not apparent to me initially but is obvious a couple of thousand miles in. The Alpina verges on being unremarkable in Comfort when not pressing on; it just feels like a well damped medium-sized BMW and you almost have to provoke the throttle in order to get it to remember how much grunt it has. The suspension is not slack enough to ruin the control of the car’s mass but it doesn’t matter because in this configuration the car doesn’t really encourage you to do much more than pootle along or cruise, depending on whether you’re in town or on a motorway. One thing of note for anybody familiar with modern BMW’s and despite my comment about having to provoke it is that the car is perfectly drivable in the slackest setting; I’ve previously driven Beemers exclusively in Sport because the throttle/engine response was too sluggish even when not pushing on. That is not the case here and I default to Comfort. Also note there is no Eco Pro mode, a configuration which makes cars I have driven in the setting genuinely feel broken. In Sport Plus though the B3 is a completely different beast. The first noticeable change is in the sound which is markedly louder and deeper. I am aware that this is in part fake noise; I still like it. The sound overall is one thing that is, if not a disappointment, something that could be improved. It doesn’t sound bad at all to be fair and the regulations are mostly to blame, but I’d say it’s roughly equivalent to the B58 paired with a pre-OPF OEM exhaust. The throttle is substantially more sensitive and, with the gearbox knocked across into Sport and manual mode, the response is I would guess as close to feeling like that of an NA car as you’re likely to get in a turbocharged one, at least this side of more exotic machinery like a 488 or 911 Turbo. The flat and long torque peak likely helps in this regard. One thing I wasn’t expecting was a genuine kick in the back on every up shift through the gears. The ZF is known to be a good ‘box and it’s hard to imagine it can shift much faster than in this application.
Efficiency
I’ll include a word on efficiency for the sake of thoroughness because to be clear, I don’t give a monkeys! If you buy a 460BHP petrol daily driver and worry about fuel consumption then you bought the wrong car and in that case, look at the D3S instead. That being said, it ain’t great, though again, what else to expect from 460BHP and two tonnes up when laden with meat and paraphernalia? 15mpg in urban stop start traffic and that’s driving at leisure. I’ve done a few longer trips, the longest being a 500 miler to and from Wales and mixed motorway and A road driving has returned 30-ish mpg. Bearing in mind that the car is still new to me I’d imagine that with effort, the engine loosening up a bit with some more miles on the clock and a decent chunk of 50mph “roadworks” mid 30’s is achievable, if you want.
Negatives
I mentioned the display above and the muted soundtrack and besides those I’m well into nitpicking territory. There’s been a persistent wind whistle above 50mph coming from the roof just above the mirror since new. I assume this is baked into the design of the car where the windscreen interfaces with the roof panel. I’d be genuinely interested in time if owners with the pan roof, which come equipped with a spoiler at the leading edge of the roof, report the same phenomenon. In fact I’d be interested if any BMW G2x owners report the same. Additionally and as promised by the Alpina veterans the wheels really are a gigantic pain in the arse to clean, and that’s despite me sealing them with a ceramic coating. I’m hoping against hope that as the pads fully bed in the amount of dust seemingly produced will diminish.
The seats might be an issue for some. I mention this partly because I was made aware that there’s chatter on the BMW forums from some G2x M340i and 3- Series M-Sport owners about the seats being too firm. As far as I’m concerned they’re perfectly comfortable and I get out after a 2-3 hour stretch with no discomfort at all. The wife on the other hand does not like the seats at all, finds them firm and also can’t get in a comfortable position, especially with the headrest; this may be at least in part because she’s quite short. It’d be worth an extended test drive if you have back issues and are considering this car or an M340i.
Summary
Best car I’ve ever owned.
The TL;DR is that the car is simply phenomenal. I’d love to know how it compares to a modern M-car - you’ll be able to let us know if you do jump in to one - but it’s hard to imagine, perhaps with the exception of the B5, how an alternative could be better as a “go anywhere, do anything” car.
A copy of the aforementioned, unmodified post below.
—————————————
Thought I’d post an update, having had the car four months, having run the engine in and having done some longer trips alongside the short daily commute. Being a bit special I’ve tried to organise my thoughts under relevant headings. Don’t judge.
Aesthetics
I went through some back and forth on the colour before settling on Alpina Blue and I don’t regret the choice at all. Firstly, because it’s Alpina specific; secondly, it’s effectively two colours in one, appearing to be a fetching mid blue on overcast days but purple in the sunlight, as demonstrated below. I’ve had folk who appear to know nothing about cars comment positively on the colour. On that note, the car really does get noticed a lot. I’ve never owned anything that attracted any significant attention but this does, much more than I expected; all of it positive so far. Certainly it’s not really a sleeper at all.
- 80CD3944-FBA9-4572-82D3-1049CFAFAF93.jpeg (2.54 MiB) Viewed 1628 times
I mentally dismissed the reviews and G2x owner comments complaining about the digital display as being picky for the sake of it, however living with the car day to day I can confirm that for whatever reason the display is not easy to read at a glance. Though the display is clear enough and it tells you everything you need to know, it takes my eye a fraction of a second longer to pick up the speed (even though the number is displayed) and engine RPM than it would with a traditional display. If anybody is speccing this car or indeed any other new BMW I would definitely recommend the HUD and it’s the only additional option box I would tick if I were to order again.
Whilst I was never too bothered about the choice of leather in the car, I’m pleasantly surprised by Vernasca. Though it’s supposedly the new Dakota it doesn’t feel anywhere near as plasticky as the latter. In fact in feel it seems to split the difference between Dakota and Merino; it’s softer to the touch than Dakota but still markedly grainy and not smooth like Merino. Given the choice again I still wouldn’t pay to upgrade.
Engine
The powerplant feels like the B58 on steroids. Which I guess makes sense in one way since the B58 forms the basis of the S58 though on the other hand the two engines don’t share that many parts in common. I’ve seen it suggested that the version of the S58 in the G8x M3/4 is a bit of a disappointment in some quarters, with the somewhat nebulous claim that it’s “soulless”. In that application specifically I can understand the point, to a degree (allowing for the fact the Alpina version is not quite the same). There are no real fireworks from the engine in that there’s not much encouragement to chase the redline (partly because of the absolutely ridiculous amount of torque it generates at more accessible revs) nor is the redline as high as some M engines of old. In an M3 I understand that that matters to some. In this car it doesn’t. The right foot asks; the engine delivers. Pretty much any gear, any revs. No fuss.
As far as pace goes this thing is ridiculous. It’ll beat almost anything at the start line of the traffic light GP (not that I’ve tried; it just doesn’t feel like the done thing in an Alpina) but what’s more noteworthy is the in-gear acceleration. You can just tell the car was crafted with the Autobhan in mind when you put your foot down whilst trundling along at the NSL. A quick flex of the right big toe and whatever was in your mirrors is gone. Because the cabin is well isolated and because, as mentioned the sound is relatively muted I’ve found myself driving faster than I thought I was in no time (another reason to get the HUD). In truth the car is too fast for our roads. There is no situation in which planting your foot to the floor wouldn’t result in license losing speed within a couple of seconds at most.
Driving
The balance this car achieves between comfort and dynamic handling is unreal. I just didn’t expect, despite some of the critical fanfare the car has received, for it to be as genuinely pointy, stable and flat through corners as this is. I’d go as far as to say I’d honestly struggle to imagine an M3 can substantially best it (I’m sure it can, but I doubt it’d be by much and the cost would be some ride comfort). I know it’s a cliche to say it doesn’t feel it’s weight, but it genuinely doesn’t. It sounds vaguely ridiculous to describe a family estate as “chuckable” but that’s how it feels. I’m absolutely certain if you were transported directly into the cabin without knowing what you were in you’d think you were driving a very well sorted, 1.5-ish tonne sports coupe. I know they’re not comparable in any way in terms of price or class of car but I go back to the stock M240i as my most recent frame of reference and the B3 embarrasses the baby BMW in all areas as far as cornering goes (and obviously the Alpina has several extra warp factors in a straight line n’all).
Yet when you’re not in the mood for throwing, it’ll convey you smoothly, quietly and serenely to your destination. To be clear, the B3 is not an S-Class and it certainly doesn’t waft; the texture of the road can absolutely be felt through the seat, such that you will sense various imperfections and ruts. However, virtually none of those actually translate into harshness within the cabin, let alone unsettle the car. I suspect the aforementioned sensation of road texture is a function of the black rubber bands my car has for tyres and I can only imagine how nicely the car would ride on 18” wheels as opposed to 20’s.
The dual character of the B3 is accentuated by the different driving modes and there is a very noticeable difference between Comfort and Sport/Sport Plus which was not apparent to me initially but is obvious a couple of thousand miles in. The Alpina verges on being unremarkable in Comfort when not pressing on; it just feels like a well damped medium-sized BMW and you almost have to provoke the throttle in order to get it to remember how much grunt it has. The suspension is not slack enough to ruin the control of the car’s mass but it doesn’t matter because in this configuration the car doesn’t really encourage you to do much more than pootle along or cruise, depending on whether you’re in town or on a motorway. One thing of note for anybody familiar with modern BMW’s and despite my comment about having to provoke it is that the car is perfectly drivable in the slackest setting; I’ve previously driven Beemers exclusively in Sport because the throttle/engine response was too sluggish even when not pushing on. That is not the case here and I default to Comfort. Also note there is no Eco Pro mode, a configuration which makes cars I have driven in the setting genuinely feel broken. In Sport Plus though the B3 is a completely different beast. The first noticeable change is in the sound which is markedly louder and deeper. I am aware that this is in part fake noise; I still like it. The sound overall is one thing that is, if not a disappointment, something that could be improved. It doesn’t sound bad at all to be fair and the regulations are mostly to blame, but I’d say it’s roughly equivalent to the B58 paired with a pre-OPF OEM exhaust. The throttle is substantially more sensitive and, with the gearbox knocked across into Sport and manual mode, the response is I would guess as close to feeling like that of an NA car as you’re likely to get in a turbocharged one, at least this side of more exotic machinery like a 488 or 911 Turbo. The flat and long torque peak likely helps in this regard. One thing I wasn’t expecting was a genuine kick in the back on every up shift through the gears. The ZF is known to be a good ‘box and it’s hard to imagine it can shift much faster than in this application.
Efficiency
I’ll include a word on efficiency for the sake of thoroughness because to be clear, I don’t give a monkeys! If you buy a 460BHP petrol daily driver and worry about fuel consumption then you bought the wrong car and in that case, look at the D3S instead. That being said, it ain’t great, though again, what else to expect from 460BHP and two tonnes up when laden with meat and paraphernalia? 15mpg in urban stop start traffic and that’s driving at leisure. I’ve done a few longer trips, the longest being a 500 miler to and from Wales and mixed motorway and A road driving has returned 30-ish mpg. Bearing in mind that the car is still new to me I’d imagine that with effort, the engine loosening up a bit with some more miles on the clock and a decent chunk of 50mph “roadworks” mid 30’s is achievable, if you want.
Negatives
I mentioned the display above and the muted soundtrack and besides those I’m well into nitpicking territory. There’s been a persistent wind whistle above 50mph coming from the roof just above the mirror since new. I assume this is baked into the design of the car where the windscreen interfaces with the roof panel. I’d be genuinely interested in time if owners with the pan roof, which come equipped with a spoiler at the leading edge of the roof, report the same phenomenon. In fact I’d be interested if any BMW G2x owners report the same. Additionally and as promised by the Alpina veterans the wheels really are a gigantic pain in the arse to clean, and that’s despite me sealing them with a ceramic coating. I’m hoping against hope that as the pads fully bed in the amount of dust seemingly produced will diminish.
The seats might be an issue for some. I mention this partly because I was made aware that there’s chatter on the BMW forums from some G2x M340i and 3- Series M-Sport owners about the seats being too firm. As far as I’m concerned they’re perfectly comfortable and I get out after a 2-3 hour stretch with no discomfort at all. The wife on the other hand does not like the seats at all, finds them firm and also can’t get in a comfortable position, especially with the headrest; this may be at least in part because she’s quite short. It’d be worth an extended test drive if you have back issues and are considering this car or an M340i.
Summary
Best car I’ve ever owned.
- Attachments
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- 714502F0-F469-4982-897B-7E67A3A08877.jpeg (5.16 MiB) Viewed 1628 times
Sal
2021 G21 B3 #115
2021 G21 B3 #115
-
ScooBeeFive
- ALPINA
- Posts: 1225
- Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2020 3:40 pm
- Location: Shropshire
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Great write up Sal, enjoyed that. Your experience is so similar to mine with the B5. Being amazed at the colour, and having non car people comment on it. Loving how the suspension manages to be so compliant yet retain so much body control. The effortless performance, and the fact it's just the ultimate every day family car.
Paul
2013 F11 B5 BiTurbo Touring #135 - Alpina Blue
2017 F33 B4S BiTurbo Cabrio #235 - Tanzanite Blue
2013 F11 B5 BiTurbo Touring #135 - Alpina Blue
2017 F33 B4S BiTurbo Cabrio #235 - Tanzanite Blue
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Beautiful and stunning a great specification and I am sure the daily drive will be soooo rewarding.
2021 D3S G20 #014
2016 D3BT F30 #339
2013 D3BT F30 #028
2010 D3BT E90 #068
2007 D3MT E90 #289
2016 D3BT F30 #339
2013 D3BT F30 #028
2010 D3BT E90 #068
2007 D3MT E90 #289
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Brilliant update Sal, a great read.
I also took the time to find the thread on PH and read your post from when you first got the car, also an excellent read, thanks!
Great to hear how much you are enjoying the car, as you point out there are other valid options at significantly less money but there's just something special about Alpina isn't there?
To highlight the rarity factor, i've now covered almost 5k miles in my Alpina, and although i've spotted the odd one in a carpark here and there, have yet to see another on the road coming in the opposite direction. Bizarrely only last weekend i had a Lotus Carlton pass me going the opposite way! Rarer than i Lotus Carlton i think not but the fact is i've seen more of them on the road these last few months than Alpinas haha!
I also took the time to find the thread on PH and read your post from when you first got the car, also an excellent read, thanks!
Great to hear how much you are enjoying the car, as you point out there are other valid options at significantly less money but there's just something special about Alpina isn't there?
To highlight the rarity factor, i've now covered almost 5k miles in my Alpina, and although i've spotted the odd one in a carpark here and there, have yet to see another on the road coming in the opposite direction. Bizarrely only last weekend i had a Lotus Carlton pass me going the opposite way! Rarer than i Lotus Carlton i think not but the fact is i've seen more of them on the road these last few months than Alpinas haha!
F11 D5 BiTurbo #049
1990 Escort Series 2 RS Turbo
1983 Escort 400bhp Time Attack Car
1990 Escort Series 2 RS Turbo
1983 Escort 400bhp Time Attack Car
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Thanks for the reply. An interesting insight into the car now you have spent time with to get to know it properly.
My sentiments on the instrument cluster are pretty much the same, what's wrong with some round dials?! So far its the only thing im not keen on with the B3 in particular (we wont get started on some of the things you have to pay extra for!)
Have you got a link to the thread on PH please?
E39 B10 V8/1 #81
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
-
Jonnywishbone
- ALP
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:45 pm
- Location: London
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Thread is here though from memory my contributions are mostly mirrored in this thread.
Sal
2021 G21 B3 #115
2021 G21 B3 #115
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Thanks, I'll have a read later.Jonnywishbone wrote: ↑Sat Jul 24, 2021 4:22 pmThread is here though from memory my contributions are mostly mirrored in this thread.
As one fast touring owner to another you might be interested in an E39 M5 touring I have built.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... 922614&i=0
E39 B10 V8/1 #81
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
The best part was "the best car I ever owned". I can still feel that and I have had mine 10 years, the longest I ever owned or kept any car.
E65 B7 4.4 V8 supercharged No 106 (1 of 11 B7 built for UK)
F22 M235i - everyday driver
E 39 523i sold May 2023
E92 325i - written off by X5 I was not driving!
E92 335D Twin Turbo - sold to Sytner Alpina
E 60 - 525D new - sold to Cooper BMW
E 60 - 530D new - sold at auction
E 39 - 520i new - sold at auction
E 30 - 316i new Touring - sold at auction
Audi A6 2.5 Tdi had 2
Audi Coupe GT 1986 new
Mitsubishi Gallant & Sigma
Honda accord 2.2 coupe
Ford Escort 1.6 worst car in the world
F22 M235i - everyday driver
E 39 523i sold May 2023
E92 325i - written off by X5 I was not driving!
E92 335D Twin Turbo - sold to Sytner Alpina
E 60 - 525D new - sold to Cooper BMW
E 60 - 530D new - sold at auction
E 39 - 520i new - sold at auction
E 30 - 316i new Touring - sold at auction
Audi A6 2.5 Tdi had 2
Audi Coupe GT 1986 new
Mitsubishi Gallant & Sigma
Honda accord 2.2 coupe
Ford Escort 1.6 worst car in the world
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Grumpyjohn1957
- ALP
- Posts: 258
- Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2020 10:53 pm
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Truly fascinating write up, eloquent, concise and thoughtful, great read, just wish I could write that well! 
Glad you're liking the car.
No 205 is lurking in Sytner Notts looking for a home and I'm very tempted.
Dealer spec'd though, I'd prefer your route, dark & practical.
Slightly shocked reading the section entitled Efficiency!
"
Brunhild is a good 250kg heavier at kerb weight, has two extra pistons and 1.4 litre greater displacement.
Stop/start heavy urban traffic I see 18-22mpg, A/B road nipping along 23-25mpg, fast motorway cruise 27-30mpg, long steady hauls on M.way/dual A road 32 to 36.
Hooning 13-15mpg and on track days 7-8-9 mpg when absolutely full on.
Chatted with a couple of M4 pilots at Cadwell who reckoned they were seeing 6mpg on circuit.
That kind of suggests the mpg is a characteristic of the base engine?
It will probably improve overtime as it loosens up or the right foot might become lighter!
Like you say when you've got lots of fiery galloping horses. Who gives a stuff - Keep us posted.
Glad you're liking the car.
No 205 is lurking in Sytner Notts looking for a home and I'm very tempted.
Dealer spec'd though, I'd prefer your route, dark & practical.
Slightly shocked reading the section entitled Efficiency!
"
"what else to expect from 460BHP and two tonnes up when laden with meat and paraphernalia? 15mpg in urban stop start traffic and that’s driving at leisure. I’ve done a few longer trips, the longest being a 500 miler to and from Wales and mixed motorway and A road driving has returned 30-ish mpg.
Brunhild is a good 250kg heavier at kerb weight, has two extra pistons and 1.4 litre greater displacement.
Stop/start heavy urban traffic I see 18-22mpg, A/B road nipping along 23-25mpg, fast motorway cruise 27-30mpg, long steady hauls on M.way/dual A road 32 to 36.
Hooning 13-15mpg and on track days 7-8-9 mpg when absolutely full on.
Chatted with a couple of M4 pilots at Cadwell who reckoned they were seeing 6mpg on circuit.
That kind of suggests the mpg is a characteristic of the base engine?
It will probably improve overtime as it loosens up or the right foot might become lighter!
Like you say when you've got lots of fiery galloping horses. Who gives a stuff - Keep us posted.
John
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo Touring #336 - Sophisto Grey
(Brunhilda)
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo Touring #336 - Sophisto Grey
(Brunhilda)
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Jonnywishbone
- ALP
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:45 pm
- Location: London
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
Thank you for the kind words John, and to Paul, Marc and BB above.
I got worse fuel consumption in my previous car compared to what other owners were reporting. No two commutes are the same and mine is I suspect particularly inefficient. Also whilst I don’t think I’m that lead-footed, my only frame of reference is the missus who could chauffeur for Miss Daisy. Plus one man’s leisurely cruise might be another’s white knuckle ride.
Like for like and for the reasons you mentioned I think it’s highly improbable B3 #115 is inherently less fuel efficient than Brunhild and I agree with you that mine will probably loosen up a bit in time. The right foot, maybe not so much!
I got worse fuel consumption in my previous car compared to what other owners were reporting. No two commutes are the same and mine is I suspect particularly inefficient. Also whilst I don’t think I’m that lead-footed, my only frame of reference is the missus who could chauffeur for Miss Daisy. Plus one man’s leisurely cruise might be another’s white knuckle ride.
Like for like and for the reasons you mentioned I think it’s highly improbable B3 #115 is inherently less fuel efficient than Brunhild and I agree with you that mine will probably loosen up a bit in time. The right foot, maybe not so much!
Sal
2021 G21 B3 #115
2021 G21 B3 #115
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
My F82 has certainly got better with miles having covered 9500 now and managing 350 miles to a tank over a few tanks on a recent trip to the Highlands where on the same trip last year where it had just been run in at 1200 miles was doing 250-300 miles to a tank.Jonnywishbone wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 10:13 pmThank you for the kind words John, and to Paul, Marc and BB above.
I got worse fuel consumption in my previous car compared to what other owners were reporting. No two commutes are the same and mine is I suspect particularly inefficient. Also whilst I don’t think I’m that lead-footed, my only frame of reference is the missus who could chauffeur for Miss Daisy. Plus one man’s leisurely cruise might be another’s white knuckle ride.
Like for like and for the reasons you mentioned I think it’s highly improbable B3 #115 is inherently less fuel efficient than Brunhild and I agree with you that mine will probably loosen up a bit in time. The right foot, maybe not so much!
I also have a lead foot.
As you say, you don't buy these sorts of cars for economy,
E39 B10 V8/1 #81
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
E28 B9 3.5 #536
plus a few other BMW's.
Previously enjoyed
E46 B3 3.3 coupe #274
E60 B5 #329
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #450
E92 B3 Biturbo #185
E46 B3 3.3 Saloon #114
E34 B10 Biturbo #445
E36 B3 3.0 switchtronic coupe #185
E46 B3S convertible #34
Many other BMW's
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Jonnywishbone
- ALP
- Posts: 271
- Joined: Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:45 pm
- Location: London
Re: Finally joined the club with a G21 B3
I might be driving a glorified milk float in 10 years so I’ll enjoy combusting hydrocarbons whilst I can.bss325i wrote: ↑Sun Jul 25, 2021 10:26 pm
My F82 has certainly got better with miles having covered 9500 now and managing 350 miles to a tank over a few tanks on a recent trip to the Highlands where on the same trip last year where it had just been run in at 1200 miles was doing 250-300 miles to a tank.
I also have a lead foot.
As you say, you don't buy these sorts of cars for economy,
That being said, it’s good to get confirmation of the potential for improvements to the range over time
Sal
2021 G21 B3 #115
2021 G21 B3 #115