Tanzanite Blue Alpina B3 Touring daily (G21)
Discussion
As there's a big imminent change in my professional life, I decided to buy myself a gift in the shape of a new daily driver.
(part of the change is that I'll be in control of that, instead of having a lease budget).
I had done the mental exercise of 'choosing' a daily often over the last years, so when the time came, I went for a test drive in one close to where I live.
It was a pre-facelift (or LCI as BMW call it) G21 (so last generation 3-series) Alpina B3 touring in Alpina green with a rather nice set of options - as most of them do - but surprisingly without the Harman Kardon sound system nor the acoustic glass I'd ideally have.
Never mind, the test drive was sufficiently convincing: the torque (as soon we went past 2 - 2.5k rpm), the steering feel, the combination of comfort and sportiness, the rarity... All I had to do was use my brain for a little bit, so I told them I'd consider.
Less than a week later, on the way to the dealer to finalise negotiations, I called them up only to be told that the car'd been sold that morning... Back to the drawing board.
A second, better equiped, green B3 was tested in Germany (spent 8hr on the road for a 20 min test drive). Despite being rather high in mileage, it felt as sharp as nimble as the first. Sadly, in the paperwork, I found evidence of body damage repairs, despite being told adamantly that there had never been any damage. That was enough to tank my confidence level in the dear and subsequently also the car.
More days of scouring the web (which in itself is part of the fun), a blue B3 turned up - where I was still on the hunt for a green one.
Very low mileage (14k miles approx), fabulous spec incl full Lavalina leather and M3 seats.
While initially very much smitten with the Alpina green, the Tanzanit blue on this one won me over.
Next to a great spec, I really like how almost discrete this one looked.
After some faster consideration, I put down a deposit this week - I am still to see the car in the flesh but the dealership information and reputation is sufficient for now.
Now, where are the pictures?
Well, I was a bit slow and by the time I considered downloading the pics of the ad (both on the website of the selling dealer as on the usual websites), they had been taken down. I've gently asked the dealer if they can share them to me...
(part of the change is that I'll be in control of that, instead of having a lease budget).
I had done the mental exercise of 'choosing' a daily often over the last years, so when the time came, I went for a test drive in one close to where I live.
It was a pre-facelift (or LCI as BMW call it) G21 (so last generation 3-series) Alpina B3 touring in Alpina green with a rather nice set of options - as most of them do - but surprisingly without the Harman Kardon sound system nor the acoustic glass I'd ideally have.
Never mind, the test drive was sufficiently convincing: the torque (as soon we went past 2 - 2.5k rpm), the steering feel, the combination of comfort and sportiness, the rarity... All I had to do was use my brain for a little bit, so I told them I'd consider.
Less than a week later, on the way to the dealer to finalise negotiations, I called them up only to be told that the car'd been sold that morning... Back to the drawing board.
A second, better equiped, green B3 was tested in Germany (spent 8hr on the road for a 20 min test drive). Despite being rather high in mileage, it felt as sharp as nimble as the first. Sadly, in the paperwork, I found evidence of body damage repairs, despite being told adamantly that there had never been any damage. That was enough to tank my confidence level in the dear and subsequently also the car.
More days of scouring the web (which in itself is part of the fun), a blue B3 turned up - where I was still on the hunt for a green one.
Very low mileage (14k miles approx), fabulous spec incl full Lavalina leather and M3 seats.
While initially very much smitten with the Alpina green, the Tanzanit blue on this one won me over.
Next to a great spec, I really like how almost discrete this one looked.
After some faster consideration, I put down a deposit this week - I am still to see the car in the flesh but the dealership information and reputation is sufficient for now.
Now, where are the pictures?
Well, I was a bit slow and by the time I considered downloading the pics of the ad (both on the website of the selling dealer as on the usual websites), they had been taken down. I've gently asked the dealer if they can share them to me...
Congratulations! I have got a pre-LCI G21 D3 S Touring. Glad to see another Alpina pop up on here. I need to sort me a thread, too!
Your spec sounds a bit more interesting than mine, which is rather bog standard (but has the big brakes and a bit of a provenance). The M Sports seats are much better than the standard sports seats which mine sadly came with.
Your spec sounds a bit more interesting than mine, which is rather bog standard (but has the big brakes and a bit of a provenance). The M Sports seats are much better than the standard sports seats which mine sadly came with.
Picked the car up today with thr selling dealer in Germany. Check didn't take too long, I knew it was a properly cared for car. The original owner sold it as he had too many cars apparently. Car is in very good nick and superbly specced imho.
There was a LOT of this as it likes a drink.
On the way home, made a pitstop at Alpina Classic. Very warm welcome.
The car has 2 faces. One the one hand it is incredibly comfortable and effortless, the trip was long but the car made it very bearable. On the other hand, it's a hooligan and a brute if you want it to be.
Sorry for the brief update, properly knackered after 1000km.
Thanks! Will go and take some interior pics in a moment.
It has the full Lavalina interior (I think it is also called Lavalina 2), in Cuoio (i.e. tan) with black for the lower parts, and the leather really is of a stupendous quality. Very rare as an option apparently, as confirmed by an 'official' dealer in my area when I was making some practical arrangements with them.
The M3 seats are very supportive and very comfortable for long distances at the same time, definitely happy it has those as well.
In fact, apart from the wheels (which I might have taken in anthracite rather than silver, I think - not entirely certain), the car is specced exactly as I would have done. I'm very grateful to the PO
It has the full Lavalina interior (I think it is also called Lavalina 2), in Cuoio (i.e. tan) with black for the lower parts, and the leather really is of a stupendous quality. Very rare as an option apparently, as confirmed by an 'official' dealer in my area when I was making some practical arrangements with them.
The M3 seats are very supportive and very comfortable for long distances at the same time, definitely happy it has those as well.
In fact, apart from the wheels (which I might have taken in anthracite rather than silver, I think - not entirely certain), the car is specced exactly as I would have done. I'm very grateful to the PO
Well spotted, it has a panoramic roof indeed, and the little spoiler in front of it to avoid that it gets sucked out at 180 plus mph.
Some interior pics as promised
Needless to say that I'm smitten.
I am still gobsmacked about how it can be a fabulously comfortable long distance cruiser one minute, and a supercar baiting weapon of speed the next,
Exquisite engineering by the people at Alpina.
Some interior pics as promised
Needless to say that I'm smitten.
I am still gobsmacked about how it can be a fabulously comfortable long distance cruiser one minute, and a supercar baiting weapon of speed the next,
Exquisite engineering by the people at Alpina.
Edited by Church of Noise on Friday 19th December 12:40
jackcactii said:
Congratulations! I have got a pre-LCI G21 D3 S Touring. Glad to see another Alpina pop up on here. I need to sort me a thread, too!
Your spec sounds a bit more interesting than mine, which is rather bog standard (but has the big brakes and a bit of a provenance). The M Sports seats are much better than the standard sports seats which mine sadly came with.
Very curious to hear and see more about yours!Your spec sounds a bit more interesting than mine, which is rather bog standard (but has the big brakes and a bit of a provenance). The M Sports seats are much better than the standard sports seats which mine sadly came with.
I guess a D3S must feel smoother, with the torque coming in a lot sooner!
Congratulations! A worthy addition to your fleet.
I'm also encouraged that although you picked the wrong marque - AGAIN!! - at least this time you got the first 2 letters right. There's still hope for you!
P.S. I hear that if you want a really fast car there's a guy in Germany selling a VW Polo...
I'm also encouraged that although you picked the wrong marque - AGAIN!! - at least this time you got the first 2 letters right. There's still hope for you!
P.S. I hear that if you want a really fast car there's a guy in Germany selling a VW Polo...
For those not involved, sunbeam alfapine was a much appreciated partner in crime in yesterday's pickup. For instance, he was very good in procuring coffee from young, blond, German baristas 
One of the memorable parts of the return trip was - allegedly - an episode when a bog standard looking VW Polo was challenging a certain Alpina pilot at speeds between 120 and 150 leptons (German autobahn). That certain pilot might have spent some time today looking for sleeper 600hp German registered Polo's today...
Thanks for the positive notes BTW, they are appreciated.
One of the memorable parts of the return trip was - allegedly - an episode when a bog standard looking VW Polo was challenging a certain Alpina pilot at speeds between 120 and 150 leptons (German autobahn). That certain pilot might have spent some time today looking for sleeper 600hp German registered Polo's today...
Thanks for the positive notes BTW, they are appreciated.
Edited by Church of Noise on Friday 19th December 19:38
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