Alpina and me

So what have  the last 22 months and 27,000 miles been like with the thinking persons M3? I would say it’s exactly that. It’s fast, comfortable, nicely balanced and easy on the eye. Even the fuel economy is good (29 mpg average). it really is a thinking persons M3. 

It is a really great all rounder but excels at nothing. The engine is eager and torquey but lacks the proper straight six howl and joy. The gear box is slick but slow to downshift. The steering is positive and feeds back but is heavy and a bit dull. It accelerates positively (0-60 in about 5) but is tiring to drive for hour after hour. 

The ride however, is the best I have experienced in a sporty coupe. It really is spot on.

I marvel at what Alpina have done with the 335i to make it into a super coupe and it is a special car, it really is. As a GT car it almost works but it doesn't win. BUT then again, it's just to short and too small to be a really great GT. It's also a bit old fashioned - a big engined small coupe with a lazy gearbox and heavy steering. It's either retro or old or maybe both. 

It's lovely to look at though. the Alpina kit is subtle but effective. it makes the E92 into a really good looking motor car

It’s not been trouble free to live with though..

It eats tyres (yes ok, I have something to do with that) and during my tenure it’s needed a partial suspension rebuild (again, I had something to of with that being such a fuss-pot), new coolant pump and some new coil packs and plugs.  20 years ago I would have been ok with that but these days I have become used to German cars which want for nothing except gas.

So there you have it. The Alpina B3 bi-turbo. Jack of all trades and master of none, except perhaps being the almost master of everything !