2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE

This BMW Alpina B3 S Convertible is a rare version of the E46 model, featuring coveted powertrain and performance upgrades from the Buchloe-based tuner, which is presented in excellent condition. Its engine is a 300bhp 3.3-litre straight-six, which is coupled to a five-speed ZF automatic transmission with Alpina’s Switch-Tronic shift buttons. The odometer shows 88,923 miles from new.

Using an evolution of the S52B32 engine taken to a 3.3-litre displacement, the B3 S motor featured a bespoke cylinder head, new crankshaft and camshafts, upgraded connecting rods and pistons, and new intake and exhaust manifolds. It had a redesigned exhaust system and a reprogrammed engine management system.

The suspension of the standard 330i model was uprated with stiffer springs and modified dampers, as well as high-performance brake pads. The rear wheel width was also increased to a nine-inch section, and the bodywork was embellished with a discreet Alpina front splitter and a boot lid spoiler.

The dashboard plaque in this car confirms it as number 89 out of a reputed 168 UK cars built, and it remains in the original Alpina specification. While the pre-delivery inspection was carried out in July 2003, it was not registered until May 2004, which suggests it may have been a dealer demonstrator. There are six previous registered keepers on the log book. Its current owner only acquired the car two months ago, but has decided to offer it for sale to enable the purchase of another vehicle.

Its bodywork and paint are described as being in excellent overall condition, with the seller noting only some small stone chips on bonnet and bumper, and a minor crack in front splitter, which are shown in the gallery below. In general, its Avus Blue metallic finish presents superbly, with a glossy appearance on all the panels.

The car is fitted with the dark blue soft top, which still fits snugly over the frame, and which displays only minimal fading to the fabric. The heated rear window is in good order, with no clouding or cracks, and the inner headlining is in great shape. It rides on the correct 18-inch alloy wheels, which have only a couple of small marks around the rims.

Inside, the front and rear seats are upholstered in smart grey Nappa leather with blue piping. The leather trim also extends to the door card inlays, and there are wood veneer accents in the dashboard, doors, and the gear lever surround. All of the hide presents well, with only modest wear to the driver’s seat, and some surface cracking on the central armrest.

Factory-fitted equipment includes heated sport seats with electric adjustment, a multi-function sport steering wheel, and Alpina tailored floor mats. It also has cruise control, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, climate control, and the BMW Professional media system with satellite navigation and CD changer. There are no electrical faults, and all of the switchgear works as it should.

The car is presented in very good mechanical condition, and the original stamped booklet charts the maintenance from new. It had the important running-in service in July 2004 at 2,088 miles, and there are records of nine further services after that. The last scheduled maintenance was in July 2018 at 88,820 miles, carried out by Pure Cars in Wakefield, which consisted of an Inspection 2 service, oil and filter change, and fresh spark plugs.

Its most recent MOT test was carried out on 29 April 2020 at 88,881 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. Its online MOT history is generally impressive, with only relatively minor notes over the last 13 years, and no alerts about any corrosion. The wheels are fitted with Avon ZZ5 tyres in size 225/40 R18 at the front and 235/40 R18 at the rear, which are all in good condition with approximately 5mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is Alpina leather book pouch, housing the owner’s manual, stamped guarantee and maintenance record, and other user guides. The original jack and tools are also present.

This BMW Alpina B3 S Convertible is a very smart example of a bespoke 3-series, boasting a powerful and refined engine, as well as a great factory specification. The B3 S offers a compelling combination of comfort and performance, and this particular car is sure to delight its next owner.

Summary of service history:

  • 30/07/03 - Pre-delivery
  • 24/07/04 - 2,088 miles
  • 22/08/05 - 12,179 miles
  • 17/01/08 - 36,668 miles
  • 09/01/09 - 46,503 miles
  • 27/07/09 - 57,280 miles
  • 13/05/11 - 68,836 miles
  • 08/10/12 - 77,771 miles
  • 27/08/13 - 82,639 miles
  • 10/15 - 87,807 miles
  • 11/07/18 - 88,820 miles

Car Overview

  • 88,923 miles
  • automatic
  • RHD
  • Individual Avus Blue
  • Grey leather
  • 3.3L straight-six


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #00646
  • private Sale
  • Leeds, United Kingdom

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2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE2003 BMW ALPINA (E46) B3 S CONVERTIBLE
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