RESERVE LOWERED: 2001 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 TOURING

This BMW Alpina (E46) B3 3.3 Touring is a well-maintained performance estate, which has been driven as intended but kept in good mechanical order. It is powered by a 280bhp 3.3-litre straight-six engine coupled to a five-speed Switch-Tronic gearbox driving the rear wheels, to deliver smooth and effortless pace. The odometer currently indicates 179,075 miles from new.

First registered in the UK on 1 May 2002, this B3 has been in the hands of its current keeper for ten years, with four previous keepers on the V5C. DVLA data shows the car was previously registered overseas, and the pre-delivery stamp is from Alpina GmbH in May 2001, which indicates a factory collection, initially registered in Germany for the drive home.

The vendor reports that both bumpers have been repaired by BMW-approved body shops after sustaining minor damage from parking bumps, while both rear wheel arches have been replaced due to corrosion. However, the exterior panels now present with flush shut lines, and no obvious evidence of the work carried out. Its Orient Blue paintwork has been described as being in fair condition, and the vendor has pointed out some bubbling to the bonnet edges, nearside front arch, inside the rear door apertures and above the rear number plate.

The vehicle rides on a set of 18-inch Alpina wheels, with some clear damage to the nearside front rim, while the other three are in generally good order. New original equipment Alpina wheel centre cover locks with matching keys were fitted in 2020. A factory-supplied front Alpina script in silver is also available should the next owner wish to fit it.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed with black leather upholstery, which presents with some discolouration on both front seats, both door cards and the front armrest, alongside some age-related creasing. The vendor has also reported a small tear in the rear bench where a child seat fixture pierced the leather, and the steering wheel is also discoloured – though of course a professional re-connolising treatment would make a significant improvement.

A matching set of Alpina wood trim was sourced and fitted in 2020 due to the original items showing age, though the original trim set is included in the sale. The switchgear is in very good order, and the only known faults are an inoperative rear wiper, and an intermittent issue with the automatic front wiper setting.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in February 2021 at 179,042 miles, where technicians at independent BMW specialist Manor Garages in Broadheath carried out an Inspection 1 service, and changed the engine oil and filter. Prior to this, in March 2019 at 178,345 miles, technicians changed the rear brake pipes and hoses, before bleeding and checking the system. In July 2017 at 177,797 miles, the rear shock absorbers were replaced with Bilstein B6 items, while the front shock absorbers were replaced with Alpina factory-sourced items in September 2016 at 175,118 miles.

The most recent MOT test was on 19 June 2020 at 178,599 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects following repairs to the rear suspension and headlights. The wheels come wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, which are reported to have between 4-6mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original service book and options list, along with a raft of maintenance invoices and MOT certificates.

This BMW Alpina (E46) B3 3.3 Touring is a desirable modern classic, which has been kept in sound mechanical condition, but which would now benefit from some cosmetic TLC. Of course, the car could just as easily continue to be used as-is, and either way, it will no doubt impress its next owner with Alpina’s inimitable combination of style, comfort, and speed.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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.