Has the time finally come?

[Simon B]

Hi all

Long time since I’ve posted on here but I am considering if it is time to sell the Alpina.

It has recently been in for a Vanos refurb and just come back. Waited 5 weeks for the parts and am still waiting for the special washers which we have ordered and paid for but are on back order so couldn’t leave the car at the garage any longer.

Should I still put them in when they arrive and how difficult is that to do yourself?

Anyway that aside it is now back and running lovely again but after 12 years of ownership I started to think is it time for a change. ( I actually feel a bit unfaithful even saying that. Is that stupid? it is a car at the end of the day:shock: )

I have looked at a 4.0 v8 M3 which does look and sound great but not sure.

My question is does anyone have any idea what the V8 M3 is like and how does it compare to the B3 bi turbo (if you could find one)

Also need some idea of value for the B3S.

Current lady owner For 12 years ( the wife! Who incidentally hasn’t completely agreed with letting it go yet)

Carbon black with champagne leather (the best colour combo IMO)

Hard top with cover

64k miles

Apologies if it seems like a garbled rant but I need some input from people who understand what I am on about rather than “it’s just an old car, get a newer one”

[ali]

Leaving an E46 B3 is a very hard thing to do.
I have thought about it several times and it is just too damn good a car to let go of.
Go out on an extended test drive of a V8 M3 and try the Biturbo.
I find the novelty of newer stuff soon wears off and that I actually prefer the B3 to many later cars.
So if I were in your shoes I'd try lots of other cars before deciding whether to let go or not

[simon13]

I've got an e46 so know the appeal. The V8 M3 however is a belter of a car, i'd go and test drive one theres alot to like about them i think - manual gearbox for a start

[hap]

Price wise lots of variations at present with mileage
Certainly be looking at 12k at least depending on condition and service history
I feel you will regret selling it nothing wrong with newer e90 but e46 just feels like a bespoke motor raw power still puts a smile when pushing hard still keeps up with most newer cars

[Fast3000]

Nice choice to go for a v8 e90. Certainly a car I would consider in the future also. It would have to be the saloon version for me, way more cooler! Also recommend EDC dampers as an option. From what little I know of M cars there ride quality is crashy on our uk roads. EDC helps improve this. For what its worth the e90 wont give you as many petrol station conpliments! Goodluck.

[Simon B]

Thanks for the advice gents.

I still don’t know which way to go but will keep you posted

Thanks

[Simon B]

Thought I would put on an update.

I took the car to work the other day just to give it a run. 35 miles each way across the lincolnshire countryside in glorious sunshine.


We are keeping it

[hap]

Good decision Simon
I nearly let mine go but it didnt go and I haven't looked back since

[Simon B]

Thought I would put on an update.

I took the car to work the other day just to give it a run. 35 miles each way across the lincolnshire countryside in glorious sunshine.


We are keeping it

[Simon B]

Good decision Simon
I nearly let mine go but it didnt go and I haven't looked back since

To be honest the main reason I thought about it was that when it does need something I struggle to find anyone to work on it who really understands what it is properly. They think they do and make the right noises but it’s clear that they don’t really.

Is there someone that you use that is localish to me? Or do you know anyone near Lincoln?

[hap]

Mine has full dealer history so intake it to astle aka marshalls for oil and inspection services I had one hiccup on coolant change but other than that it's all 330 stuff obviously if something serious needed doing I would go to some of the specialist down south such as Phil crouch
Other work I take to a lad who worked for a bmw specialist before setting up on his own in scunthorpe he is a specialist but not in title as he looks after all makes of cars but I've used him for well over 15 years ade and Liam 01724 844744 say Hap recommended if you want to have a chat with them
I also recently spoke to laceby motors about some advice and was impressed by them
http://www.lacebymotors.co.uk

Have researched LMBMW in Lincoln I saw another forest motors also who state are bmw specialists

[Simon B]

Thanks HAP

Derek Forrest was the bloke I used to use and like you the main dealer for servicing. Derek Forrest himself was brilliant and knew everything but he died a few years ago.

The people who took over are ok but not the same. I am ok with Sopers for the general stuff but we took it to a performance specialist in Lincoln when the VANOS seals went. Again they did a decent job and are very knowledgable but not Alpina experts.

I will have a look at the others you mention. Thanks for the info.

[DogWagen]

Simon,

Not sure if you've tried Woods Motors (www.woodsmotors.co.uk) at Byards Leap (Junction of High Dyke and the A17). I've used them on and off for the best part of 20 years whenever I have lived in/commuted through the Cranwell area and never had a problem. Family run (3 or 4 generations), specialising in BMW and they look after a few Alpinas including my B3s.

Have a chat with Dan on 01400 261616

Hope that helps,

Mike

[DogWagen]

Simon,

Not sure if you've tried Woods Motors (www.woodsmotors.co.uk) at Byards Leap (Junction of High Dyke and the A17). I've used them on and off for the best part of 20 years whenever I have lived in/commuted through the Cranwell area and never had a problem. Family run (3 or 4 generations), specialising in BMW and they look after a few Alpinas including my B3s.

Have a chat with Dan on 01400 261616

Hope that helps,

Mike

[Simon B]

Thanks Mike

Ironically I drive past there every day on the way to work but never really thought of them.

The roof issue has now come back again so I will give them a try

Great idea many thanks