Alpina E46 B3S - 2003…do I fully refurbish?

[Norse]

Hi all,

Welcome views on above. Gist is my father is considering selling his B3S. It’s been a great car to him for nearly 20 years though he’s at an age now where he leaves it in his garage most of the time. I think it’s a bit of a burden.

He got it from Sytner Nottingham and overtime then maintained all the mechanical stuff through local German specialist garage. It’s FSH and been taken care of properly.
Whilst he’s had some bodywork dealt with, there’s rust to tackle on the tailgate and some arches. I haven’t crawled all over it yet to be honest. Window trims all a bit done too.
It’s sat at about 150k miles. Nothing major been required to date.
So overall it’s prob not worth much despite period M3 stuff going bonkers.

Anyway, I am seriously thinking about fully sorting it out for him - something he can enjoy seeing. The cost on cosmetics alone could be considerable.
So I was hoping some beards can comment on whether any Alpina specific parts, the block and the transmission should make me worry? Are we into engine rebuild? Will the transmission hold up? Would you bother restoring?

I’m a JDM car guy so grateful for an education here!

Many thanks for reading.

[Riek]

the guts of the engine are based on the US-Market E36 M3 engine which is in turn based on the M52 engine, which is fundamentally a solid unit. If it's been serviced well (sounds like it has), 150k miles is not a huge amount

[Collectingbrass]

The Alpina specialist forum is here and would be the best place to ask about specialist bits. https://www.thealpinaregister.com/

I would say it might well be worth doing, for the joy it would give your old man if nothing else. The engine should be fine, if treated carefully when you restart it like any barn find and if the rest is only cosmetic it could well be worth doing.

[helix402]

The gearbox t.c can be troublesome and is an Alpina specific part which can be hard to obtain.

[CB 987]

As others have said, the Alpina register is a great place to start. What body style is it?

I currently own an E46 B3S touring, which I’ve just spent a considerable sum on.

Some of the main points to consider are:

1. Has the gearbox had any work historically. Based on the mileage I would except it might have had some work done. Mine had a valve body at approx. 75k miles.
2. On the 3.4S engines head gaskets are pretty much a consumable item, they usually last 80-100k miles. Mine made it to 117k. The head gasket is Alpina specific part and is in the region of £500. Engines are generally pretty robust.
3. Suspension is likely to be feeling its age. The shocks and springs are Alpina specific. The front shocks are currently on back order unavailable with Alpina. Rear springs are prone to cracking like most E46’s.
4. Then there are other typical E46/BMW weaknesses. Oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket and oil filter housing gaskets. Corroded brake pipes. Radiator/ thermostat/ water pump.

Feel free to ask if you’ve got any questions.

Cheers.

[Norse]

Very helpful - thanks folks. Will head to that site.

On the version - it’s a silver saloon. Can’t remember which number.

Sounds like investing a bit in it isn’t a crazy idea. Thanks again.

[davettf2]

Do it! There are very few saloons, I believe only 20 UK E46 B3S. In addition to the Alpina register, you will also find data at the https://www.alpina-archive.com/ Yes the gearbox control unit is Alpina specific, but providing that is Ok the 5speed ZF unit can be rebuilt. Oh, and do change the gearbox fluid, it is recommended by ZF and at 100,000 plus miles it either needs to be done or check it has been.

I have an E46 B3S coupe and SWMBO prefers it's ride quality to our modern 2 series.

Cheers
Dave

[Fast3000]

Just picking up this thread a month or so later....

Simple answer - Do it! Have been nursing my B3S as a labour of love for a couple of years now - and it still puts a smile on my face everytime I jump in.
As above - items to consider costs for.