2000 BMW Alpina B3 3.3

Alpina B3 E46 for sale
Exterior: The car is finished in classic Alpina Blue and sits on its original Alpina wheels with good-condition tires. The wheels are in excellent shape with no curb damage at all, which is especially nice given how expensive genuine Alpina wheels are to replace or refurbish.

All the factory Alpina exterior features are present, and the signature Alpina styling looks fantastic on the E46 coupe. Key details that set the Alpina B3 3.3 apart from a regular BMW coupe include the large front spoiler, rear spoiler, signature Alpina wheels, pinstripe decals, and its lower, sportier suspension.

The body is completely rust-free, and the underside of the car is also in great condition, something that's getting rare for E46s these days. Overall, the exterior is in excellent shape with very little to fault. The car has had a full repaint at some point, done professionally with consistent paint measurements all around. Minor stone chips are visible on the front, which is typical for its age.

Interior: Inside, this E46 Alpina B3 features a black leather interior, which is actually a bit rarer, as many Alpinas of this generation came with cloth upholstery. It’s well-equipped for everyday use, with cruise control, memory seats, and heated seats adding to the comfort. One charming detail is the rear quarter windows that open electrically to the side. The only non-original element is the stereo, which has been upgraded to a modern unit with Bluetooth and aux input, more practical today. Everything else works as it should, including the air conditioning. It’s a very inviting and usable cabin that feels special without being over-the-top.

Engine and Mechanics: The E46 Alpina B3 3.3’s drivetrain is based on BMW’s reliable 2.8-liter M52 inline-six, but Alpina re-engineered it extensively. Displacement was increased to 3.3 L with forged high-compression pistons, a reworked head, a high-flow intake, bespoke exhaust, and custom ECU tuning, resulting in around 280 hp and a wonderfully smooth, torquey delivery.

This car has the desirable 6-speed Getrag manual gearbox with Alpina’s shorter-range shift linkage for a sportier, more direct feel. Alpina’s suspension setup uses specially tuned springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars for a perfect compromise between comfort and control.

In short, there’s much more going on mechanically with the Alpina B3 3.3 than meets the eye. It’s a truly rewarding car to drive, with a lovely exhaust note, a comfortable but exciting power delivery, and road-trip-ready suspension that makes you want to keep going. This is real Alpina magic, and in my opinion, it’s superb value for money given how rare and special these cars are.

History and Documentation: This E46 Alpina B3 was sold new in Germany in July 2000. During its time there, it received three service stamps in the original service book from authorized BMW dealers, covering up to 61,382 km. The car was imported to Sweden in 2005 and has been maintained on schedule since, with service work performed by BMW and Alpina specialists. It’s now offered freshly serviced, complete with all its original books, two sets of keys, and accompanying paperwork.