2002 BMW Alpina B3 3.3 Cabriolet (E46)

Highlights

• Alpina tuned engine
• Two former keepers
• Extensive history file
• Reupholstered leather front seats
• Much recent expenditure on parts and servicing

Overview

The 2000 Birmingham Auto Show saw the introduction of the convertible Alpina B3 3.3. This completed the line-up of body shapes in the range, and allowed fans of the tuned E46 to have a choice between various levels of practicality and styling.

The first owner of this B3 evidently wanted to experience the E46 with a bit more power and tighter handling, while still being able to enjoy the wind in their hair. Alpina upgraded BMW’s offering by tuning the engine with lighter pistons, an improved cylinder head, and a larger bore and stroke. Suspension was stiffened, with improved dampers.

This particular Alpina benefits from only having had two previous owners. It also comes with a large file of invoices detailing the car’s extensive servicing. Since the current owner purchased it in 2016, it has received numerous minor paint repairs, as well as suspension and brake rebuilds.

The interior features reupholstered leather front seats, fine veneers and seating for four. And with the roof down, this makes the perfect car to enjoy the coming summer months.

So if you’re looking for a fast open tourer, then this Alpina certainly has a lot going for it. It takes the increasingly well-regarded E46 platform and tweaks it in just the right ways, producing a capable, fast, and stylish car which still looks good more than 20 years after it was built.

History and documentation

• Registered 24 May 2002
• Stamped service book with services as follows: May 2003 @ 14,462 miles, September 2004 @ 29,649 miles, May 2006 @ 44,545 miles, April 2005 @ 59,280 miles, May 2011 @ 75,250 miles, Feb 2013 @ 91,919 miles, unknown date @ 108,125 miles, August 2017 @ 121,838 miles, unknown date @ 108,125 miles, March 2019 @ 133,542 miles, March 2020 @ 137,347 miles, April 2021 @ 139,119 miles, March 2022 @ 142,154 miles
• Full document pack and leather document wallet
• Large collection of invoices for parts and servicing
• 150,600 miles recorded
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 23 May 2024
• Only two former keepers
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear

Interior

• This Alpina is fitted with luxurious Magnolia leather upholstery with contrasting piping
• In 2016 the front seats were retrimmed in leather at a cost of £1,340
• The rear seats show some signs of use: a little creasing and light staining
• The dashboard is tidy and appears not to have suffered any UV damage
• Burr walnut veneers retain their polished lacquer
• A plaque on the dashboard proudly proclaims this Alpina’s production details
• Automatic climate control
• Heated seats
• The central digital display screen includes GPS and onboard computer, neither of which currently work
• The sound system no longer works, due to a leak (repaired in November 2023) in the boot allowing the amplifier to sustain some water damage
• Analogue instruments, including fuel consumption gauge
• The door cards look clean and tidy
• There is some cracking and wear to the ‘Alpina’ branded steering wheel
• Cruise control and audio buttons on the steering wheel
• The plastic covers for the roof clips are missing
• Spacious, carpeted boot to the rear
• Wind deflector remains in its original carry case
• Full tool kit including towing eye

Exterior

• The classic E46 shape looks great as a convertible
• Black paintwork and a black roof give this car a sharp look
• The paint is well preserved for its age and mileage, with some inevitable scuffs and scratches
• The body panels generally look good, with a couple of small dents that we could see
• The vendor has had some small repairs professionally undertaken
• Colour-matched bumpers with rear parking sensors fitted
• Unfortunately the Alpina front splitter was stolen, but the damage has been repaired
• The headlamp lenses look to be clear
• Alpina alloy wheels all feature new central badges, with a couple of areas of slight kerb damage
• The black roof still looks smart, with no obvious damage, stains or fading
• From what we could see, the underside looks clean and tidy

Mechanical

• 3,300cc six-cylinder petrol engine produces 240hp and 247 lb ft
• The Alpina engine features an increased bore, longer stroke, tuned cylinder head, and lighter pistons than standard
• Five-speed Switchtronic gearbox
• Rear shock absorbers were replaced in 2017
• Front shock absorbers were replaced in May 2021
• Front and rear brake pads and discs were replaced in November 2019
• Rear coil springs replaced in June 2021
• Battery replaced in April 2024
• The vendor tells us that the car is in good mechanical condition, starting easily, and with a great engine noise

Summary

In all, this Alpina B3 represents a great opportunity to get your hands on a quick convertible, which still manages to be an attractive proposition over 20 years after it was built. The extensive history file shows that it has received plenty of care and attention over the years. With only two previous owners and a stack of paperwork, it’s certainly got plenty of miles still to give.

So you could soon be enjoying open-air driving, with the powerfully tuned Alpina engine at your disposal, setting you apart in the sea of boring cars everyone else drives.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.