2001 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 3.3 COUPE

This Alpina B3 is a rare and refined alternative to the M3 of the E46 model era. Featuring a 3.3-litre straight-six engine coupled to a five-speed Switch-Tronic gearbox, the B3 combines reserved styling with effortless pace. The odometer shows 105,541 miles from new.

First registered on 29 January 2001, this Alpina has had four owners from new. The vendor has owned the vehicle for nearly 12 years, building up a comprehensive service history with this sporting coupe.

The attractive Atlantis Blue metallic paintwork retains its bright metallic shine and is believed to be entirely original, while the body also has tight factory shut lines. The front Alpina splitter and bumper have been marked by stone chips, while there are minor bonnet chips. Some paint bubbling is present along the sills and around the wheel arches, and has broken through in one place. There is also a light scratch ahead of the passenger side rear wheel.

The original fitment Alpina alloy wheels are in excellent condition, and the car has been fitted with aftermarket rear light clusters and front indicator housings, which are also in good order.

Moving inside, this B3 wears beige leather with turquoise piping. The electrically-adjustable seats are in good condition, though the driver’s side bolster has some visible wear and tear, and could also benefit from re-connolising.

Alpina features including the branded sill kick plates, branded carpets, and numbered plaque are present, and the burr walnut wood trim is unmarked. The seller reports that all electrical items including the optional sunroof are operational. There is a minor mark noted on the driver’s door card near the window.

As befitting a car with the same owner for more than a decade, this B3 has benefited from extensive maintenance throughout its life. Its most recent service was carried out by Corten-Miller Automotive of Boston in January 2020 at 105,175 miles. During this time, new front dampers were fitted, along with a nearside front caster bush. Four new tyres were fitted and a full wheel alignment carried out, as well as an oil and filter service.

Prior to this, a mechanical overhaul was carried out in August 2018. New rear dampers were fitted, and the front brakes were stripped, cleaned and lubricated, with new discs and pads supplied. The seller notes that the brake fluid was also replaced, with new flexi hoses, thermostat housing and auxiliary belt installed.

Following this work, a coolant change was performed, with a replacement mass air flow meter, air filter and camshaft sensor. At present, the seller notes that the oil level sensor light illuminates momentarily after starting the car, but that it has done this for the last 12 years with no issues.

With an MOT valid until 19 January 2021, the vehicle achieved a pass at the first time of asking in January 2020, with only minor play in the steering rack noted.

The car is fitted with matching Toyo tyres in the staggered sizes of 235/40/ZR18 front and 255/35/ZR18 rear, and the seller reports that less than 50 miles has been travelled on this set of tyres since fitment.

The Alpina will reach its next owner with a thorough and extensive history of invoices, stamped service book and original handbooks. Included in the sale will be the original BMW tool kit, as well as a full list of the car’s specification and optional extras when ordered from the factory. Furthermore, the appropriate ‘B3 KMK’ registration is included in the sale.

Featuring strong performance, an engaging chassis and understated design, this Alpina B3 3.3 is an exceptionally well-maintained example of the firm’s compelling interpretation of the E46 3-Series, offered from cherished 12-year ownership.

Summary of service history:

• ·      20/01/2020 - 105,154
• ·      31/07/2018 - 103,680 (SORN from 30/07/2019 till 20/01/2020 )
• ·      25/07/2017 - 103,490
• ·      01/06/2016 - 103,335 (SORN December 2015 till 01/06/2016)
• ·      05/12/2014 - 102,802
• ·      14/12/2013 - 100,781
• ·      12/12/2012 - 98,925
• ·      05/12/2011 - 95,571
• ·      19/11/2010 - 91,735
• ·      07/12/2009 - 86,295
• ·      06/11/2008 - 80,997
• ·      12/09/2007 - 72,243
• ·      14/09/2006 - 62,441
• ·      13/09/2005 - 54,135
• ·      20/04/2004 - 41,501

All 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.