BMW Alpina B3 S

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

How do you make ‘the ultimate driving machine’ even better? Simple, you hand it over to Alpina.

Compared to BMW’s in-house M Division, Alpina vehicles place more emphasis on luxury, higher torque and more sophisticated automatic transmission. Higher quality materials are used inside along with extra sound proofing, a more aerodynamic bodykit, tuned suspension, 20-spoke alloy wheels, custom exhausts and more paint options.

Based on the standard BMW 330i E46, the B3 S uses BMW's legendary straight-six, enlarged to 3,346cc. The engine purrs at idle yet delivers just under 300bhp in the smoothest manner (compared to 228bhp in the standard 330i). Blip the throttle at idle and the exhaust will rasp at you giving a cheeky hint of its alter-ego.

It uses a ZF Switchtronic five-speed automatic gearbox with manual operation available via buttons behind the steering wheel. All these tweaks add up to an incredibly quiet and relaxed environment and you'll find yourself cruising at highly illegal speeds very easily.

This smart and very rare 2002 Alpina B3 S coupe has covered just under 113,000 miles and comes with a comprehensive service history including ten service stamps, the owners manuals encased within the Alpina wallet and a folder of maintenance history.

Finished in Sapphire black metallic with a grey hide interior and walnut trim, it has all the usual Alpina features plus widescreen sat nav, heated electric memory seats, cruise control, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, sunroof, rear blind, automatic Xenon lights and Alpina build plaque showing it to be number 007.

MOTd until July 2020 with three minor advisories for tyre wear, it’s been in the current lady ownership since 2005 and had just two previous owners before that. It is excellent order and is said to drive beautifully. The private plate pictured has been retained and the car returned to its age-related registration.