2000 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 3.3 COUPE

This rare E46-shape Alpina B3 3.3 Coupe is a striking modern classic, offering exclusivity, style and impressive performance in a beautifully styled package. Believed to be one of just 60 right-hand-drive B3 Coupes delivered to the UK, the car is powered by a 3.3-litre straight-six petrol engine that sends its power to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox. The odometer shows 75,995 miles.

Alpina created the B3 3.3 by taking a 3.2-litre S52B32 engine and adding its own modifications. A new cylinder head was fitted, along with a new crankshaft and camshafts, upgraded connecting rods and pistons, and a new intake and exhaust manifold. The suspension was upgraded, too, with stiffer springs and modified dampers, plus 330i brake discs with upgraded pads.

This car was registered in the UK on 11 November 2000, and has five previous registered keepers on the log book, before the current owner acquired the car seven years ago. DVLA data shows the car was previously registered overseas, and the pre-delivery stamp is from Alpina GmbH in September 2000, so it is assumed that this car was perhaps a factory collection initially registered in Germany for the drive home.

The car’s bodywork is generally in good condition, with the original Midnight Blue paint remaining largely free of blemishes. A few stone chips can be found on the front bumper and bonnet, and there are some spots of oxidisation on the boot sill and under the rear number plate lights – a fairly common issue with the E46 model. The trademark multi-spoke alloy wheels are also in good order for their age, with just a few marks dotted around the centres and rims.

Inside, this Alpina presents very well, with the original black Dakota leather accented by smart wood veneers. There is some crazing on the steering wheel and a little wear on the driver’s seat bolster, but the cabin is otherwise in great condition for its age. The build plaque confirms this is number 113 of the B3 3.3 Coupes. There are no known electrical faults and no warning lights on the dashboard.

This car’s last service was carried out by BMW specialist West4 Autos in September 2020, at 75,992 miles. The car received a full oil service with new filters and new spark plugs, as well as fresh brake fluid and a gearbox service.

That work followed services in December 2018 and November 2017. Both services included new oil, air and pollen filters and fresh oil, while the 2018 service also saw the brake fluid changed and the front stabiliser links replaced. The owner also had a full BMW inspection carried out in 2015, when the front brake callipers and brake lines were replaced and the air-conditioning serviced.

The most recent MOT test was on 16 December 2019 at 75,941 miles. Initially the car failed on an ABS warning light; though this was evidently rectified as the car subsequently passed on a same day re-rest. A blown offside rear registration plate bulb was noted and replaced, and advisories included pitting on the brake discs – all of which have since been replaced with BMW brake discs and pads. Slight corrosion was also noted on the brake hoses and pipes, the front steering shaft, and the coil springs. The tyres are in good condition, having covered around 5,000 miles since they were fitted in March 2017.

Accompanying the car is the original Alpina B3 3.3 handbook, BMW user guides, and a stamped service book. The car also comes with receipts for every service and MOT since 2009, as well as a certificate marking its appearance at the Silverstone Classic in 2015, where it was one of 50 Alpinas to parade around the track to celebrate the marque’s 50th anniversary. There is also a commemorative pin badge and car sticker marking the event.

This Alpina B3 3.3 Coupe is a rare modern classic, presented in good order, and ready to enjoy as intended. Capable of crossing the continent at speed or turning heads at car shows, this bespoke E46 wears its age and mileage very well, and is sure to delight its next owner.

Summary of service history:

• 07/09/2000 – Pre-delivery check (Alpina GmbH)
• 28/12/2000 – 1,365 miles (running-in)
• 11/09/2002 – 11,722 miles (Oil service)
• 21/12/2005 – 23,066 miles (Inspection I)
• 16/09/2008 – 34,270 miles (Oil service)
• 08/12/2009 – 47,348 miles (Inspection II)
• 30/04/2010 – 51,260 miles (Brake fluid only)
• 24/11/2010 – 54,000 miles (Oil service)
• 08/08/2014 – 60,745 miles (Oil service)
• 03/07/2015 – 63,431 miles (Inspection II)
• 28/11/2017 – 72,731 miles (Oil service)
• 19/12/2018 – 74,934 miles (Oil service)
• 29/09/2020 – 75,992 miles (Oil service)
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• All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.