Alpina D3 BiTurbo or 330d - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Milvic · 01-16-2013, 05:12 PM

Hi guys just wondering if there was a clear justification for getting an Alpina D3 BT over a 330d. Apart from the badge! Mainly for motorway driving no track/handling courses that all i have been lectured on so far. 330 offers better spec and price so far the alpina has good styling less power lower spec and harder to find.
any opinions welcome.
Thanks

Russ G · 01-16-2013, 05:17 PM

You just cant beat a 6 cylinder

Not a Diesel!!! · 01-16-2013, 05:42 PM

Was recently looking at this myself.

The other thing is the Alpina comes on 19 inch wheels with no Run-flats from the factory and the ride/handling is supposed to be very good.

The other consideration was if you planned on tuning the D3 is pretty much at its limit of tune but 330d seems to have much more to give.

I got over the dilema by getting a petrol instead!!

Bungle009 · 01-17-2013, 03:58 AM

330d.

Squintstream · 01-17-2013, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Not a Diesel!!!

The other thing is the Alpina comes on 19 inch wheels with no Run-flats from the factory and the ride/handling is supposed to be very good.

It's just a shame the wheels look gash (IMO)

And don't even get me started over the Alpina sticker on front

For me, it would have to be the 330d in M Sport guise.

verysideways · 01-17-2013, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ G

You just cant beat a 6 cylinder

This.

chrisbin · 01-17-2013, 04:45 AM

330d is a nice version, probably the best real world compromise, of the 3 series.......but thats all it is, another 3 series BMW.

D3BT is sooooo much more, and its only when you own one that you really find this out. The ride/handling balance is fantastic and waay ahead of any other e90. It just feels "right"... and it definitely feels a bit "special"..

If you like all your mod-cons in your car then its probably not for you. If the driving experience is the most important part, then its definitely worth considering. If you will enjoy 100% positive attention from people, whether they know what an Alpina is or not, then its definitely for you!!

Real world mpg should be no less than 39/40 average. If you do lots of motorway miles then it will be usefully more.

Beware they only have a 2 year warranty from new. Also, they have a fair appetite for tyres - I managed c.15k on fronts and c.10k on rears - which given the sizing starts to get expensive....

All other things being equal, I would choose an Alpina over a "normal" BMW every day of the week!

hth

Edited to add: If you are looking at manuals then beware of the dreaded clutch judder - effects D3BT's just the same as the standard cars. I had the "fix" done on mine and it was fine for 10k miles until I sold it, but whether it stayed like that I don't know...

chrisbin · 01-17-2013, 05:04 AM

PS(!) I know of an EXCELLENT black D3BT for sale, but its fairly basic spec. I also know of a blue one for sale at the moment.

Laney · 01-17-2013, 05:10 AM

My step dad has just PX'd is D3BT for the new 330D. I have the E90 330D. I'd never swap my 330D for the alpina.

The handling on the 330D can be improved upon a lot easier and cheaper than increasing the power of the alpina.

verysideways · 01-17-2013, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisbin

If the driving experience is the most important part, then its definitely worth considering.

At this point i'd be buying a six cylinder petrol...

chrisbin · 01-17-2013, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verysideways

At this point i'd be buying a six cylinder petrol...

...fair point, but then you would still be missing the set up of the D3BT.....

verysideways · 01-17-2013, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisbin

...fair point, but then you would still be missing the set up of the D3BT.....

Didn't Alpina make a B3S? Probably stretching the budget a bit

smithers-jones · 03-01-2013, 04:36 PM

Chrisbin is spot-on....and oddly I know the D3BT in black of which he speaks

The D3BT weeees all over the 6-cyl in the handling stakes, including my new B3SBiturbo. For handling and sheer driving enjoyment, D3BT by a country mile. The standard Msport suspension setup is dire in comparison. I'd have another D3BT tomorrow: class car in all respects.

Jedimindtrix · 03-01-2013, 04:45 PM

I was in the same situation 1.5 yrs ago, the Alpina is definitely a head turner and I've received numerous positive comments from other drivers when filling up at the petrol station.

It took me a year to find a decent one.

The only disadvantage of D3 ownership is that 95% of D3's out there are 'poverty spec' but what you don't have you don't miss

Jedimindtrix · 03-01-2013, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smithers-jones

Chrisbin is spot-on....and oddly I know the D3BT in black of which he speaks

The D3BT weeees all over the 6-cyl in the handling stakes, including my new B3SBiturbo. For handling and sheer driving enjoyment, D3BT by a country mile. The standard Msport suspension setup is dire in comparison. I'd have another D3BT tomorrow: class car in all respects.

Hi Ade, have you put the toys back in your pram yet?

Squintstream · 03-01-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smithers-jones

For handling and sheer driving enjoyment, D3BT by a country mile. The standard Msport suspension setup is dire in comparison.

Really? The D3 suspension is not THAT GOOD to warrant such comments, is it? Please don't get me started over "those" looks again please FTLOG!

Jedimindtrix · 03-01-2013, 05:16 PM

It's not 'dire' in comparison

not sure how Ade can justify such a comment.

The D3 suspension is very very good though, but it has to be as the car is riding on 19" alloys that are wrapped in Michelin PS2's.

Apl320d · 03-02-2013, 05:18 AM

would be the 330d for me all the way.

I am not a fan of the looks of the alpina at all. The wheels just tool 90's to me.

But each to their own!

Just be sure before you buy, otherwise you may be changing it in a few months......

ariskar · 04-24-2013, 09:59 AM

330d ftw

ukbeemerboy · 04-25-2013, 04:59 PM

330d with a good spec and you can't go far wrong.

01-16-2013, 05:12 PM	#1
Milvic New Member Drives: Arctic e90 320d Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Midlands UK Posts: 22 iTrader: (0)	Alpina D3 BiTurbo or 330d Hi guys just wondering if there was a clear justification for getting an Alpina D3 BT over a 330d. Apart from the badge! Mainly for motorway driving no track/handling courses that all i have been lectured on so far. 330 offers better spec and price so far the alpina has good styling less power lower spec and harder to find. any opinions welcome. Thanks __________________ Arctic E90 320d - Diesel POWER.!!
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01-17-2013, 04:45 AM	#7
chrisbin Colonel Drives: M-Benz C250CDi Est Join Date: May 2005 Location: S.Wales, UK Posts: 2,300 iTrader: (1)	330d is a nice version, probably the best real world compromise, of the 3 series.......but thats all it is, another 3 series BMW. D3BT is sooooo much more, and its only when you own one that you really find this out. The ride/handling balance is fantastic and waay ahead of any other e90. It just feels "right"... and it definitely feels a bit "special".. If you like all your mod-cons in your car then its probably not for you. If the driving experience is the most important part, then its definitely worth considering. If you will enjoy 100% positive attention from people, whether they know what an Alpina is or not, then its definitely for you!! Real world mpg should be no less than 39/40 average. If you do lots of motorway miles then it will be usefully more. Beware they only have a 2 year warranty from new. Also, they have a fair appetite for tyres - I managed c.15k on fronts and c.10k on rears - which given the sizing starts to get expensive.... All other things being equal, I would choose an Alpina over a "normal" BMW every day of the week! hth Edited to add: If you are looking at manuals then beware of the dreaded clutch judder - effects D3BT's just the same as the standard cars. I had the "fix" done on mine and it was fine for 10k miles until I sold it, but whether it stayed like that I don't know... __________________ Current - M-Benz C250Cdi Sport Plus Auto Est. Previous - Alpina D3 BiTurbo E90 LCI Manual, 320d M Sport E92 Auto, 330i M Sport E92 courtesy of BMW UK....320i M Sport E92 Auto, 320d SE E90 Manual. Last edited by chrisbin; 01-17-2013 at 05:00 AM.

01-17-2013, 05:04 AM	#8
chrisbin Colonel Drives: M-Benz C250CDi Est Join Date: May 2005 Location: S.Wales, UK Posts: 2,300 iTrader: (1)	PS(!) I know of an EXCELLENT black D3BT for sale, but its fairly basic spec. I also know of a blue one for sale at the moment. __________________ Current - M-Benz C250Cdi Sport Plus Auto Est. Previous - Alpina D3 BiTurbo E90 LCI Manual, 320d M Sport E92 Auto, 330i M Sport E92 courtesy of BMW UK....320i M Sport E92 Auto, 320d SE E90 Manual.

01-17-2013, 05:10 AM	#9
Laney First Lieutenant Drives: E90 330d M Sport auto Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Selby, North Yorkshire Posts: 331 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330d [4.00]	My step dad has just PX'd is D3BT for the new 330D. I have the E90 330D. I'd never swap my 330D for the alpina. The handling on the 330D can be improved upon a lot easier and cheaper than increasing the power of the alpina. __________________

03-01-2013, 04:36 PM	#13
smithers-jones New Member Drives: Alpina B3S Biturbo E92 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: WALES :-) Posts: 9 iTrader: (0)	Chrisbin is spot-on....and oddly I know the D3BT in black of which he speaks The D3BT weeees all over the 6-cyl in the handling stakes, including my new B3SBiturbo. For handling and sheer driving enjoyment, D3BT by a country mile. The standard Msport suspension setup is dire in comparison. I'd have another D3BT tomorrow: class car in all respects. __________________ Sapphire Black E92 Alpina B3S BiTurbo no.285 riding on 19" new Classics & 2004 Sapphire Black Alpina Roadster S lux no.168 with Dream Red leather for sale Previous: E90 ALPINA D3 BiTurbo #097 and a variety of BMW stuff.

01-16-2013, 05:17 PM	#2
Russ G Private Drives: E92 330d M Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Worcestershire Posts: 89 iTrader: (0)	You just cant beat a 6 cylinder

01-16-2013, 05:42 PM	#3
Not a Diesel!!! Enlisted Member Drives: LCI 330i Sport Touring Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: UK Posts: 40 iTrader: (0)	Was recently looking at this myself. The other thing is the Alpina comes on 19 inch wheels with no Run-flats from the factory and the ride/handling is supposed to be very good. The other consideration was if you planned on tuning the D3 is pretty much at its limit of tune but 330d seems to have much more to give. I got over the dilema by getting a petrol instead!!

01-17-2013, 03:58 AM	#4
Bungle009 Lieutenant Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Alton Posts: 579 iTrader: (0)	330d.

03-01-2013, 04:45 PM	#14
Jedimindtrix Private First Class Drives: Alpina D3 MT Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Washington, North East Posts: 192 iTrader: (0)	I was in the same situation 1.5 yrs ago, the Alpina is definitely a head turner and I've received numerous positive comments from other drivers when filling up at the petrol station. It took me a year to find a decent one. The only disadvantage of D3 ownership is that 95% of D3's out there are 'poverty spec' but what you don't have you don't miss __________________ Currently driving an Alpina-D3 MT, Sapphire black, Classic Alloys wrapped in PS2's, Full Alpina interior trim, Black Grilles, Blackline tail lights and zymol'ed once a month.

03-01-2013, 05:16 PM	#17
Jedimindtrix Private First Class Drives: Alpina D3 MT Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Washington, North East Posts: 192 iTrader: (0)	It's not 'dire' in comparison not sure how Ade can justify such a comment. The D3 suspension is very very good though, but it has to be as the car is riding on 19" alloys that are wrapped in Michelin PS2's. __________________ Currently driving an Alpina-D3 MT, Sapphire black, Classic Alloys wrapped in PS2's, Full Alpina interior trim, Black Grilles, Blackline tail lights and zymol'ed once a month.

03-02-2013, 05:18 AM	#18
Apl320d Private First Class Drives: 320d Sport Plus Coupe Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Putney, London Posts: 105 iTrader: (0)	would be the 330d for me all the way. I am not a fan of the looks of the alpina at all. The wheels just tool 90's to me. But each to their own! Just be sure before you buy, otherwise you may be changing it in a few months......

04-24-2013, 09:59 AM	#19
ariskar / / / M Drives: E90 330d Manual Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Westminster, London Posts: 35 iTrader: (1)	330d ftw

04-25-2013, 04:59 PM	#20
ukbeemerboy Private First Class Drives: BMW 330d M Sport Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Somerset UK Posts: 157 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 330d M ... [0.00]	330d with a good spec and you can't go far wrong.

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