Nearly cancelled M3 to buy one of these,...

dar2008 · 06-23-2008, 06:55 AM

I'm still another week away from my week27 build of an e93 M3. I went to the dealers on Saturday for 'yet another test drive', which was fine. Then in the showroom, I saw an Alpina B3. Wow, it looked great in there, with the roof down. The interior oozed class compared to the interior of the M3. I wavered, and was convinced (at the time) that I preferred the B3 over the M3. They took it out the showroom to allow me a test drive. It drives beautifully, and the switchtronic gearbox surprised me, especially with its steering wheel controls. At the end, the dealer said he would enquire whether I could have it (they aren't supposed to be selling this one), and would let me know today (Monday).

I took a few photos, and went on my way home.

On Saturday night I was convinved to make the switch. All day Sunday I was convinced that the B3 would be the better option. Then I loaded the photos onto my computer from my mobile and looked at them. The B3 looks just like a plain 335i MSport, with an Alpina badge and different wheels. The M3 looks a beast. If only I could have the M3 with the Alpina interior!? Aaarggh, dicisions, dicisions.

The dealer called just now to say that I could have the B3 by the end of the week (as opposed to another month before the M3). I wavered, apologised profusely, and said I'll stick with the M3.

I feel like a man who's flirted before his wedding day, but happy with my final decision.

Zirenz2006 · 06-23-2008, 06:58 AM

Nice write up. I agree about how the B3 looks. The M3 looks much more aggressive.

DonM3 · 06-23-2008, 07:00 AM

You made the right decision.
Yes the Alpina is nice, but it aint no M. Simple as that.

monsta · 06-23-2008, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonM3

You made the right decision.
Yes the Alpina is nice, but it aint no M. Simple as that.

+100000000000000000000000....

sg///M3 · 06-23-2008, 08:00 AM

Good choice. BTW, do you have the specs on the Alpina?

dar2008 · 06-23-2008, 08:05 AM

You can try this link here...

http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/co...3biturbo/index

Basically they take a 335i and Alpinarise it. Reprogramming the 3.0l V6 engine, changing the exhaust, suspension, wheels. And redoing the interior - which is the best this.

It's delimited, and has a 0-60mph of 5.0secs, a 10th quicker than the M3 cabrio. It's combined MPG is 28 as opposed to 23ish for the M3.

But very happy with my decision. I woke up this morning thinking to myself "What am I doing, what have I done!". Very fortunately, it wasn't too late

Phew.

mkoesel · 06-23-2008, 09:11 AM

Alpina cars always just look old or outdated to me. I guess its those wheels. You made the right choice with the M.

valeram · 06-23-2008, 09:16 AM

Build 27 may go even earlier. Mine was build 26 but went in on the 24th. Just hang in there and you won't regret your decision.

ideliver · 06-23-2008, 09:17 AM

good choice...alpina is what my future ex-wife will buy with my $$$...

BLITZ · 06-23-2008, 12:13 PM

But the Alpina is a different car to the M3. B3 with Dynamic wheels looks better.

Romo · 06-23-2008, 01:14 PM

Now, the Alpina isn`t that bad. The beautifull 3.0 L TTengine delivers a proud 360 HP.
In tests (German AM&S) between the M3 and the Alpina the difference between the 2 is marginal. Straight accelleration the M3 is a little bit faster ( just a blink off an eye), from 80 km/h to 120 km/h the Alpina is much faster, aslo fuell consumption is far more better with the Alpina.
AM&S did call the Alpina the better buy..............FWIW

inmotion · 06-23-2008, 03:33 PM

Alpina's do not get too aggressive with their aerokits and side moldings. The wheel well gap is a bit much for my taste as well.

TheBry · 06-23-2008, 04:22 PM

You made ABSOLUTELY the right decision. Had you chosen the B3, you'd have regretted it every time you saw an M3 convertible pass you on the highway. The M3 looks much more muscular / aggressive than the B3, and has the pedigree to boot!

Here's hoping your car is built this week (instead of next). Mine was actually built a few days early and is now sitting in Bremerhaven waiting to be assigned to a ship. Keeping my fingers crossed I'm on the Grande Napoli.

Kadarin · 06-23-2008, 04:47 PM

I agree in that I absolutely love the muscular look of the M3.

Davinhci · 06-23-2008, 05:12 PM

good choice, although the Alpina looks good also

Sedan_Clan · 06-23-2008, 06:06 PM

Uhhh...I'll take the ///M

e46e92love · 06-24-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dar2008

I'm still another week away from my week27 build of an e93 M3. I went to the dealers on Saturday for 'yet another test drive', which was fine. Then in the showroom, I saw an Alpina B3. Wow, it looked great in there, with the roof down. The interior oozed class compared to the interior of the M3. I wavered, and was convinced (at the time) that I preferred the B3 over the M3. They took it out the showroom to allow me a test drive. It drives beautifully, and the switchtronic gearbox surprised me, especially with its steering wheel controls. At the end, the dealer said he would enquire whether I could have it (they aren't supposed to be selling this one), and would let me know today (Monday).

I took a few photos, and went on my way home.

On Saturday night I was convinved to make the switch. All day Sunday I was convinced that the B3 would be the better option. Then I loaded the photos onto my computer from my mobile and looked at them. The B3 looks just like a plain 335i MSport, with an Alpina badge and different wheels. The M3 looks a beast. If only I could have the M3 with the Alpina interior!? Aaarggh, dicisions, dicisions.

The dealer called just now to say that I could have the B3 by the end of the week (as opposed to another month before the M3). I wavered, apologised profusely, and said I'll stick with the M3.

I feel like a man who's flirted before his wedding day, but happy with my final decision.

Flirting is one thing, but as long as you didn't stray, you're fine. No harm no foul.......had you done more than flirt, we would have to end this forum's relationship with you because we just can't have cheaters. Don't make me have to say anything again

, everyone is allowed one slip.....

SlammedR8 · 06-24-2008, 08:36 AM

Eww
The Alpina Wheels On That 335 Are Disgusting!
A Sin!!!!!!!!!!

BRDHNTR · 06-24-2008, 08:54 AM

You made the right choice my friend. You probably would have regreted that decision as soon as you saw an M3 drive by as you were in your B3. Alpina does good work, but I think that they are more comfort and less sport orientated on the 3 than M.

Samifumi · 06-24-2008, 09:08 AM

For some reason, this is a no-brainer for me. I'd stick with the M3. I am not particularly impressed with the Alpina cars. I drove the B7 at the Ultimate Drive and found the regular 750li more interesting and the B7 interior chintzy. I'm not a big fan of aftermarket anything though.

dar2008 · 06-24-2008, 09:19 AM

Thanks for all the comments. I am totally convinced and utterly relieved that it wasn't too late to reconfirm my M3 choice! For one awful moment yesterday morning my mind was doing overtime telling me that they'd already allocated my M3 to someone else etc etc. Fortunately my SA was very understanding and assured me that the M3 is still very much mine.

I think it's the long wait that's affected my mind, so here's hoping it gets built and arrives soon.

06-23-2008, 06:55 AM	#1
dar2008 Major 303 Rep 1,171 Posts Drives: E93 M3 and E92 M3 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Nearly cancelled M3 to buy one of these,... I'm still another week away from my week27 build of an e93 M3. I went to the dealers on Saturday for 'yet another test drive', which was fine. Then in the showroom, I saw an Alpina B3. Wow, it looked great in there, with the roof down. The interior oozed class compared to the interior of the M3. I wavered, and was convinced (at the time) that I preferred the B3 over the M3. They took it out the showroom to allow me a test drive. It drives beautifully, and the switchtronic gearbox surprised me, especially with its steering wheel controls. At the end, the dealer said he would enquire whether I could have it (they aren't supposed to be selling this one), and would let me know today (Monday). I took a few photos, and went on my way home. On Saturday night I was convinved to make the switch. All day Sunday I was convinced that the B3 would be the better option. Then I loaded the photos onto my computer from my mobile and looked at them. The B3 looks just like a plain 335i MSport, with an Alpina badge and different wheels. The M3 looks a beast. If only I could have the M3 with the Alpina interior!? Aaarggh, dicisions, dicisions. The dealer called just now to say that I could have the B3 by the end of the week (as opposed to another month before the M3). I wavered, apologised profusely, and said I'll stick with the M3. I feel like a man who's flirted before his wedding day, but happy with my final decision. Attached Images
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06-23-2008, 06:58 AM	#2
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1542 Rep 4,558 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	Nice write up. I agree about how the B3 looks. The M3 looks much more aggressive.
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06-23-2008, 07:00 AM	#3
DonM3 Captain 8 Rep 629 Posts Drives: AW e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London iTrader: (1)	You made the right decision. Yes the Alpina is nice, but it aint no M. Simple as that.
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06-23-2008, 08:00 AM	#5
sg///M3 Lieutenant 6 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 DCT Join Date: May 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	Good choice. BTW, do you have the specs on the Alpina?
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06-23-2008, 08:05 AM	#6
dar2008 Major 303 Rep 1,171 Posts Drives: E93 M3 and E92 M3 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	You can try this link here... http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/co...3biturbo/index Basically they take a 335i and Alpinarise it. Reprogramming the 3.0l V6 engine, changing the exhaust, suspension, wheels. And redoing the interior - which is the best this. It's delimited, and has a 0-60mph of 5.0secs, a 10th quicker than the M3 cabrio. It's combined MPG is 28 as opposed to 23ish for the M3. But very happy with my decision. I woke up this morning thinking to myself "What am I doing, what have I done!". Very fortunately, it wasn't too late Phew.
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06-23-2008, 09:11 AM	#7
mkoesel Moderator 7512 Rep 19,368 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	Alpina cars always just look old or outdated to me. I guess its those wheels. You made the right choice with the M.
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06-23-2008, 09:16 AM	#8
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	Build 27 may go even earlier. Mine was build 26 but went in on the 24th. Just hang in there and you won't regret your decision.
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06-23-2008, 09:17 AM	#9
ideliver Major 240 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: E60 M5, E71 X6M, E46 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: At the gas station iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW E46 M3 'vert [0.00] 2008 BMW M5 [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 [0.00] 2012 BMW X6M [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 [0.00]	good choice...alpina is what my future ex-wife will buy with my $$$... __________________ Current: 2006 E46 M3 'vert 6-sp 2008 E60 M5, 2011 E92 328 6-sp, 2011 E70 N55, 2012 E71 X6M
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06-23-2008, 12:13 PM	#10
BLITZ Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 223 Posts Drives: E34 525i M-Technik Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London iTrader: (0)	But the Alpina is a different car to the M3. B3 with Dynamic wheels looks better. __________________
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06-23-2008, 01:14 PM	#11
Romo Lieutenant Colonel 1759 Rep 1,668 Posts Drives: GR Yaris GT4RS Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Now, the Alpina isn`t that bad. The beautifull 3.0 L TTengine delivers a proud 360 HP. In tests (German AM&S) between the M3 and the Alpina the difference between the 2 is marginal. Straight accelleration the M3 is a little bit faster ( just a blink off an eye), from 80 km/h to 120 km/h the Alpina is much faster, aslo fuell consumption is far more better with the Alpina. AM&S did call the Alpina the better buy..............FWIW
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06-23-2008, 03:33 PM	#12
inmotion Lieutenant 10 Rep 528 Posts Drives: where do I start? Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Newport Coast, CA iTrader: (0)	Alpina's do not get too aggressive with their aerokits and side moldings. The wheel well gap is a bit much for my taste as well. __________________ E60 M5 Silverstone, Balloon White Gallardo Spider, Rosso Corsa F430, Audi CG Q7 Sportline, IS R8 before and DG R8 now, Basalt Black Carrera GT, SG M3 DCT, Orange GT3RS, IS CLK63 Black Series On order: 2010 R8 V10
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06-23-2008, 04:22 PM	#13
TheBry Major 139 Rep 1,020 Posts Drives: 2016 G12 750i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco, California iTrader: (0)	You made ABSOLUTELY the right decision. Had you chosen the B3, you'd have regretted it every time you saw an M3 convertible pass you on the highway. The M3 looks much more muscular / aggressive than the B3, and has the pedigree to boot! Here's hoping your car is built this week (instead of next). Mine was actually built a few days early and is now sitting in Bremerhaven waiting to be assigned to a ship. Keeping my fingers crossed I'm on the Grande Napoli. __________________ Past: 2008 M3 (E93) naturally aspirated V8 realness! Past: 2012 740Li (F02) M-Sport (European Delivery) Present: 2016 750i (G12) M-Sport
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06-23-2008, 04:47 PM	#14
Kadarin Ambassador of Crunk 17 Rep 606 Posts Drives: SG/blk '08 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	I agree in that I absolutely love the muscular look of the M3.
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06-23-2008, 05:12 PM	#15
Davinhci Colonel 55 Rep 2,484 Posts Drives: 08 M3 E92 & 08 E70 X5 4.8 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	good choice, although the Alpina looks good also __________________ 08 E92 AW M3 \| HRE P40 19" \| APE Air Filter \| BMW Performance Grills \| White Side Gills \| CF Mirror Covers \| BMW Performance Pedals \| F1 Pinnacle Tint \| V1 Hardwire \| Dinan Performance Software \| Gintani Exhaust \| H&R Sports Springs \| RPI Scoops \| BMW CF Spoiler \| Challenge Diffuser \| Lux H8 V3 \| LCI Tail Lights \|
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06-23-2008, 06:06 PM	#16
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 25090 Rep 22,283 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	Uhhh...I'll take the ///M
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06-24-2008, 08:36 AM	#18
SlammedR8 Major General 521 Rep 5,483 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i/2020 R8 V10 Spyder Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	Eww The Alpina Wheels On That 335 Are Disgusting! A Sin!!!!!!!!!! __________________ Current: 2019 BMW X5 40i - Carbon Black/Tartufo Individual Leather 2020 Range Rover HSE - Black/Black 2020 Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder 6MT - Ascari Blue/Black
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06-24-2008, 08:54 AM	#19
BRDHNTR Ground Pilot 41 Rep 548 Posts Drives: e92 BMW M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Waverly, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 M3 [0.00] 2008 e92 M3 [0.00]	You made the right choice my friend. You probably would have regreted that decision as soon as you saw an M3 drive by as you were in your B3. Alpina does good work, but I think that they are more comfort and less sport orientated on the 3 than M. __________________ "The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC." - BMW Owner's Manual
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06-24-2008, 09:08 AM	#20
Samifumi Private First Class 6 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Nederland, Texas iTrader: (0)	For some reason, this is a no-brainer for me. I'd stick with the M3. I am not particularly impressed with the Alpina cars. I drove the B7 at the Ultimate Drive and found the regular 750li more interesting and the B7 interior chintzy. I'm not a big fan of aftermarket anything though.
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06-24-2008, 09:19 AM	#21
dar2008 Major 303 Rep 1,171 Posts Drives: E93 M3 and E92 M3 Comp Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the comments. I am totally convinced and utterly relieved that it wasn't too late to reconfirm my M3 choice! For one awful moment yesterday morning my mind was doing overtime telling me that they'd already allocated my M3 to someone else etc etc. Fortunately my SA was very understanding and assured me that the M3 is still very much mine. I think it's the long wait that's affected my mind, so here's hoping it gets built and arrives soon.
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