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  • B3 BiTurbo B3 S BiTurbo B3 GT3 D3 D3 BiTurbo
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  • Introduction

    In March 2007 at the Geneva Motorshow, Alpina launched the B3 BiTurbo, based on the BMW 335i sedan. A few months later the B3 BiTurbo Coupe was seen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and in September, during the IAA in Frankfurt, the E93 B3 BiTurbo Cabrio was introduced. After the E90 facelift in October 2008, the B3 BiTurbo also became available as Touring.

    At the Geneva Motorshow in March 2008, the B3 Coupe Allrad was presented with BMW´s xDrive 4wd-system. As is traditional with Alpina, the 4wd version was given the designation “Allrad”. After the E90 facelift in October 2008, the B3 Allrad also became available as Limousine and Touring.

    In 2010, the B3 BiTurbo was replaced by the B3 S BiTurbo

    Engine/Gearbox

    Before the B3 BiTurbo was launched, there was a lot of speculation regarding the engine it would receive. Since Alpina had bought a stake in ASA, the manufacturer of the radial charger found in the B5, B6 and B7, the most likely alternative seemed to be a six-cylinder engine with the same type of radial charger. But then the BMW 335i came along, BMW´s first turbocharged petrol car since the E23 745i. The BMW 335i has a twin turbocharged 3 litre straight six producing 306 bhp. It´s a very nice engine and, of course, a perfect base for the B3 BiTurbo.

    The B3 BiTurbo’s engine is heavily based on BMW´s N54 engine. Alpina fitted lower compression Mahle pistons and reprogrammed the software extensively to make the engine more powerful, increased boost pressure to 1,1 bar, but without using more fuel. The result is 360 bhp at 5500-6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 500 NM available from 3800-5000 rpm. The bhp-figure is exactly the same as the iconic B10 BiTurbo, however according to Alpina, that is just a coincidence.

    The B3 BiTurbo was only available with a 6-speed ZF 6HP19TÜ Switch-Tronic gearbox. It´s the same as used in the stock 335i but with reprogrammed Alpina-specific software.

    The rear axle carrier of the 335d with heavy-duty mounting rubbers is installed.

    As an option, the B3 BiTurbo was offered with a limited slip differential based on the 215LW rear axle.

    Suspension/Brakes/Wheels

    The suspension of the B3 BiTurbo is based on the M sports suspension. Alpina has fine tuned it though with new specifications on the dampers to make it work perfect with the non-runflat Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. Worth noticing is that the Coupe version has a bit stiffer suspension settings than the saloon or the convertible.

    As standard all B3 BiTurbo´s come with 18” wheels in Alpina classic design, fitted with 245/40 tires at front and 265/40 at rear. 19″ wheels are optional, either in Classic design or in the newer Dynamic design.

    The brakes are sourced from the BMW 335i.

    Interior/Exterior

    Exterior changes include new front and rear spoiler lips for better aerodynamics. From the rear the B3 BiTurbo is easily recognizable due to the four exhaust pipes. The traditional stripes, in gold or silver, are a no-cost option.

    Inside the B3 has BMW sport seats as standard, leather in Alpina design, new instruments with blue background and red needles, ”Rüster Maser” wood trim, a hand-stitched leather steering-wheel, Alpina floor mats, Alpina door sills and a silver-plated production plaque.

    Performance

    According to Alpina, the B3 BiTurbo Coupe and sedan accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4,8 seconds, 0-1000 meters in 23,5 seconds and have a top-speed of 285 km/h. Because of its higher weight, the B3 Cabrio is a little bit slower. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5,0 seconds and has a top-speed of 280 km/h. From a standing start one kilometer is reached after 23,7 seconds.

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