Alpina D3

YvesD · 07-05-2011, 06:55 AM

Colleague of mine has the previous Gen single Turbo D3 and thats a real old banger.

Really flat low down, nasty sharp clutch, rough and grumbly, not nice.

Surre the Bi-turbo would be better, especially with Auto.

Never worth £44k though, Crumbs, you can buy a pre-loved GTR for that money!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGM

I am quite lusty for a D3.. what are peoples opinions of this car?

I really just want something a bit different to a normo 3er coupe, but am unsure if it is 'worth' the extra expense..

The new car i have specced up (lux pack [nav], switchtronic, dab, usb socket etc) is around £44k..

Quite apprehensive on ordering a new car tho, especially with the F30 coming soon, but a used one is a flier (but hard to find with the right options)..

i doubt there will be any discount on a new one either?

hmmm..

thoughts? :s

Falmouthboy · 07-05-2011, 07:04 AM

I think the 5th gear comment about "only £750 more" is a bit 'off' when you consider the spec of the 2 cars. That said - I like them a lot and they are far more individual and better riding than a 'normal' 3. I'm just not convinced that you are better off with this over a 325d.

Dave_3 · 07-05-2011, 08:05 AM

The main factor that would make me consider an Aplina is the fact that they actually setup the suspension to use normal tyres, giving a much better ride/handling balance. Not just replacing the tyres.

Doesn't seem like this is mentioned much in this thread ...

D.

creepy coupe · 07-05-2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

The main factor that would make me consider an Aplina is the fact that they actually setup the suspension to use normal tyres, giving a much better ride/handling balance. Not just replacing the tyres.

Doesn't seem like this is mentioned much in this thread ...

D.

Given fitting Non Shite flats, does improve things so much, how much extra difference can be had from the Alpina set-up?

BGM · 07-05-2011, 08:28 AM

the ride quality was another league compared to the M Sport when i drove it

Dave_3 · 07-05-2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Given fitting Non Shite flats, does improve things so much, how much extra difference can be had from the Alpina set-up?

It is more like the M3 mods people make.

Replacing your RFTs still reatains the squishy hydraulic bushing. Sure replacing RFTs will make a standard E9x ride better but the slop and float will remain. Look at how much difference people were quoting when they had the rear sub frame bushes replaced with the solid M3 ones. (e.g. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346245 and from doughboy : http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=61)

Did you not notice the diffrence in suspension feel and ride comparing an M3 to a M sport on RFTs. [granted it seems BMW have been continually tweaking the ride and seems to have improved things with the 2011 LCIs]

Some people will notice it. If you don't - solution is easy buy a standard E9x.

D.

creepy coupe · 07-05-2011, 10:02 AM

I went from M Sport with non RF's to M3. The M3 was noticeably noisier and harsher in the front end, on roads with larger grade aggregates.

stuartfoster · 07-05-2011, 12:15 PM

I own a 2009 D3 bi-turbo saloon with the auto box. Having owned a number of 3 series previously including 2 M3's this is the longest I have kept a car so that will give you some idea how good it is.

The ride and handling are perfect, the autobox is a perfect match to the engine always feels very powerful 0-60 is 6.9secs. My commute to work is 2miles and im averaging 38mpg and will get over 50 on any kind of run. I have more people stop me in this car with positive comments than any other car I have owned. The residuals are a lot higher than any other BMW. Negatives well still sounds like a diesel from outside, equipment is basic but to be honest has everything i need I have fitted a garmin sat nav. Insurance is more expensive than a normal M sport. If I would you i would get a long test drive, maybe over a weekend as it is a car that grows on you. Go over to the alpinaregister.com forum if you want to know more about these cars.

Saying all that im not sure i would spend 44k on a car mine was 32k brand new and one final thing is you do go new you can have factory collection which i did and was a fantastic experience

Fx1 · 07-05-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartfoster

I own a 2009 D3 bi-turbo saloon with the auto box. Having owned a number of 3 series previously including 2 M3's this is the longest I have kept a car so that will give you some idea how good it is.

The ride and handling are perfect, the autobox is a perfect match to the engine always feels very powerful 0-60 is 6.9secs. My commute to work is 2miles and im averaging 38mpg and will get over 50 on any kind of run. I have more people stop me in this car with positive comments than any other car I have owned. The residuals are a lot higher than any other BMW. Negatives well still sounds like a diesel from outside, equipment is basic but to be honest has everything i need I have fitted a garmin sat nav. Insurance is more expensive than a normal M sport. If I would you i would get a long test drive, maybe over a weekend as it is a car that grows on you. Go over to the alpinaregister.com forum if you want to know more about these cars.

Saying all that im not sure i would spend 44k on a car mine was 32k brand new and one final thing is you do go new you can have factory collection which i did and was a fantastic experience

the saloon version for 32k new isnt a bad deal.

but 44k for an E92 2.0L D is silly money.

A 335D would be better for that money regardless.

stuartfoster · 07-05-2011, 02:44 PM

Funny enough when when I went to buy my Alpina the dealer was offering me a 330d fully loaded for the same price but its all about the drive and yes the 330d and the 335d would have a lot more power but lets be honest how often do we use all that power. When I picked up my Alpina i was able to do 140+ on the autobahn and can't remember the last time I had to put my foot flat to the floor.

But at 44k I think I would be paying a few grand more and getting an Alpina
B3s which comes with all the toys

BGM · 07-05-2011, 03:25 PM

cheers for the info stu,

one major thing for me is the mpg and tax band that the car is in, the B3s is a non starter on that front i'm sad to say as yes you're right it's a much better option!

i've started looking at A5s now

oops!

stuartfoster · 07-05-2011, 03:35 PM

Ahh not an audi

I did test drive an A4 and and A5 before I bought the Alpina as they are good looking cars and very well built but to drive not good at all in the a5 the pedals are offset so gets tiring after a few miles and at the time dealer was saying no discounts!

Have you considered a used D3BT? I know it probably wont have all the options you want but would certainly be less that £44k. I am waiting for the new D3 based on the F30 (hopefully they will build one)

BGM · 07-05-2011, 03:40 PM

any used D3 (whichever variant) must have iDrive.. and not the older DVD style

that pretty much narrows it down to one with the lux pack, i.e. an LCI model and obv. not many used ones of them knocking around (yet)

yes yes i know i'm a picky bugger :/

stuartfoster · 07-05-2011, 04:03 PM

No I dont think your fussy at all, idrive would be nice but they didnt offer the lux pack when i ordered mine and would have had to pay the £1500 surcharge. So i have hard wired a garmin and I think it looks quite good not as good as idrive but probably a better sat nav. Anyway here is a link to mine

http://www.thealpinaregister.com/pho...rbo/saloon/126

gIzzE · 07-05-2011, 05:10 PM

Looks great, needs black grilles though.

gIzzE · 07-05-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGM

i've started looking at A5s now

oops!

Well lets hope it stops there then, looking at Audis is like being in Amsterdam, looking soon turns to doing and then you wake up in the morning skint and feeling sick inside, you then realise what you had before is far better and come running back with your tail between your legs.

chrisbin · 07-06-2011, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

Looks great, needs black grilles though.

Agreed!

BGM - sorry, missed this thread originally...

However, stu has really given you all the answers that I would have!! Having had numerous variants of the E9* series it is by far the best one, and I couldn't agree more about all the positive comments you get (young and old, enthusiasts or not) - that really was a surprise!!

As an enthusiast myself it is nice to have something a bit "special" without breaking the bank....mine has lux pack and retro-fitted leather and came in at about £34k. I run it on the company and I couldnt find anything else that could beat it while being BIK tax efficient.

Negatives? Only two so far. Unfortunately it suffers from the BMW 4-pot diesel clutch judder. Tyre wear is a bit high - c.15k from the fronts, and 10k from the rears is a bit on the costly side...

hth!

chrisbin · 07-11-2011, 05:33 AM

Decided on an Audi after all.....??

BGM · 07-11-2011, 05:50 AM

haha, no.. i can't find anything that fits my want/need combo

all the Audi's seem stupidly underpowered and under equipped for the money.. back to the 'lets scour autotrader daily' phase again it would seem *sigh*

contemplating a saloon D3 now, but it might take some convincing on my part

arghhh! :s

07-05-2011, 07:04 AM	#24
Falmouthboy Squadron Leader (Ret'd) 25 Rep 627 Posts Drives: E91 330d SE & Mini Coupe JCW Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cornwall iTrader: (0)	I think the 5th gear comment about "only £750 more" is a bit 'off' when you consider the spec of the 2 cars. That said - I like them a lot and they are far more individual and better riding than a 'normal' 3. I'm just not convinced that you are better off with this over a 325d.
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07-05-2011, 08:05 AM	#25
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	The main factor that would make me consider an Aplina is the fact that they actually setup the suspension to use normal tyres, giving a much better ride/handling balance. Not just replacing the tyres. Doesn't seem like this is mentioned much in this thread ... D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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07-05-2011, 08:28 AM	#27
BGM Colonel 58 Rep 2,398 Posts Drives: F20 M140i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Farnborough, UK iTrader: (0)	the ride quality was another league compared to the M Sport when i drove it
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07-05-2011, 10:02 AM	#29
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1867 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	I went from M Sport with non RF's to M3. The M3 was noticeably noisier and harsher in the front end, on roads with larger grade aggregates.
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07-05-2011, 12:15 PM	#30
stuartfoster New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE R Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: south wales iTrader: (0)	I own a 2009 D3 bi-turbo saloon with the auto box. Having owned a number of 3 series previously including 2 M3's this is the longest I have kept a car so that will give you some idea how good it is. The ride and handling are perfect, the autobox is a perfect match to the engine always feels very powerful 0-60 is 6.9secs. My commute to work is 2miles and im averaging 38mpg and will get over 50 on any kind of run. I have more people stop me in this car with positive comments than any other car I have owned. The residuals are a lot higher than any other BMW. Negatives well still sounds like a diesel from outside, equipment is basic but to be honest has everything i need I have fitted a garmin sat nav. Insurance is more expensive than a normal M sport. If I would you i would get a long test drive, maybe over a weekend as it is a car that grows on you. Go over to the alpinaregister.com forum if you want to know more about these cars. Saying all that im not sure i would spend 44k on a car mine was 32k brand new and one final thing is you do go new you can have factory collection which i did and was a fantastic experience
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07-05-2011, 02:44 PM	#32
stuartfoster New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE R Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: south wales iTrader: (0)	Funny enough when when I went to buy my Alpina the dealer was offering me a 330d fully loaded for the same price but its all about the drive and yes the 330d and the 335d would have a lot more power but lets be honest how often do we use all that power. When I picked up my Alpina i was able to do 140+ on the autobahn and can't remember the last time I had to put my foot flat to the floor. But at 44k I think I would be paying a few grand more and getting an Alpina B3s which comes with all the toys
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07-05-2011, 03:25 PM	#33
BGM Colonel 58 Rep 2,398 Posts Drives: F20 M140i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Farnborough, UK iTrader: (0)	cheers for the info stu, one major thing for me is the mpg and tax band that the car is in, the B3s is a non starter on that front i'm sad to say as yes you're right it's a much better option! i've started looking at A5s now oops!
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07-05-2011, 03:35 PM	#34
stuartfoster New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE R Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: south wales iTrader: (0)	Ahh not an audi I did test drive an A4 and and A5 before I bought the Alpina as they are good looking cars and very well built but to drive not good at all in the a5 the pedals are offset so gets tiring after a few miles and at the time dealer was saying no discounts! Have you considered a used D3BT? I know it probably wont have all the options you want but would certainly be less that £44k. I am waiting for the new D3 based on the F30 (hopefully they will build one)
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07-05-2011, 03:40 PM	#35
BGM Colonel 58 Rep 2,398 Posts Drives: F20 M140i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Farnborough, UK iTrader: (0)	any used D3 (whichever variant) must have iDrive.. and not the older DVD style that pretty much narrows it down to one with the lux pack, i.e. an LCI model and obv. not many used ones of them knocking around (yet) yes yes i know i'm a picky bugger :/
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07-05-2011, 04:03 PM	#36
stuartfoster New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE R Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: south wales iTrader: (0)	No I dont think your fussy at all, idrive would be nice but they didnt offer the lux pack when i ordered mine and would have had to pay the £1500 surcharge. So i have hard wired a garmin and I think it looks quite good not as good as idrive but probably a better sat nav. Anyway here is a link to mine http://www.thealpinaregister.com/pho...rbo/saloon/126
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07-05-2011, 05:10 PM	#37
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Looks great, needs black grilles though.
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07-11-2011, 05:33 AM	#40
chrisbin Colonel 112 Rep 2,333 Posts Drives: 640i MSport Coupe Join Date: May 2005 Location: S.Wales, UK iTrader: (1)	Decided on an Audi after all.....?? __________________ Current: F13 640i MSport, e85 Z4 3.0i 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.
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07-11-2011, 05:50 AM	#41
BGM Colonel 58 Rep 2,398 Posts Drives: F20 M140i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Farnborough, UK iTrader: (0)	haha, no.. i can't find anything that fits my want/need combo all the Audi's seem stupidly underpowered and under equipped for the money.. back to the 'lets scour autotrader daily' phase again it would seem sigh contemplating a saloon D3 now, but it might take some convincing on my part arghhh! :s
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