In March 1991 at the Geneva Motorshow, Alpina introduced this car, the B6 2,8 based on the third-generation 3-series.

When the third-generation BMW 3-series was introduced, the old 12-valve six-cylinder engines were replaced by new 24-valve units. The 325i - the top of the line car in the E36 3-series range at that time - had a 2,5 liter engine which produced 192 bhp.

Alpina increased the displacement on the BMW engine to 2.8 liter. They also fitted new camshafts, Mahle pistons and a new exhaust system. Together with some other minor changes, the Alpina engine produces 240 bhp. The torque is up to 293 Nm from 240 Nm. The 5-speed manual gearbox is made by ZF however as an option a 5-speed Automatic was also available.

The e-36 is a very fine-riding car thanks to it´s advanced rear axle. It is also a fine-handling car and is rewarding to drive. But here Alpina has gone at least two steps further. They have fitted new Bilstein gas-pressure spring units at front and Bilstein gas-pressure shocks at rear. The B6 handles like a performance car should and rides nearly as good as an ordinary 3-series. The grip is great thanks to the wide tires, 235/40 17 at front and 265/35 17 at rear. The brakes are uprated at front with bigger, ventilated discs.

Inside the car, Alpina has fitted new seats with blue and green stripes, a new leather steering-wheel, a gear-lever made of wood and new instruments. The exterior changes include a new front spoiler, rear spoiler and the Alpina wheels. The stripes, in gold or silver, are optional and so are the Alpina colours, the beautiful blue metallic or the green one.

Alpina claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 6,9 seconds and a top speed of over 250 km/h. But Auto Motor und Sport´s test showed that the B6 was even faster. 0-100 km/h in 6,4 seconds, 0-160 km/h in 15,7, 0-200 km/h in 28 seconds and a top speed of 253 km/h.

The first car was delivered in March 1992 and the production lasted until July 1993. A total of around 180 Limousines and 40 Coupes were built.

Between 1996 and 1998, a Japan-only version of the B6 2.8 was built - the B6 2.8 Touring.