2004 BMW Alpina B3 3.3

Lot details
Registration No: B3 NGD
Chassis No: WAPB334003HE50124
Mot Expiry: May 2010

Following the oil crisis of 1973, there was a thirst for cars that offered both prestige and economy. Launched in 1975, BMW's first member of the 3-Series family (chassis code E21) filled the void to perfection and has been setting the standard for other manufacturers to follow ever since. With 3-Series assembly plants in no less than six different countries, the model is successfully sold all over the world and frequently outsells cheaper alternatives, such as the Mondeo in the UK. The fourth iteration of the car (chassis code E46) was made from 1998-2005. It featured rack and pinion steering, independent suspension all round with MacPherson struts at the front and semi-trailing arms and coil springs at the rear. There was a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines from which to choose, topped by the 333bhp M3 unit. The record year for the E46 was 2002 when over 560,000 examples were sold. Since 1983 Alpina has been offering a range of highly desirable alternatives to BMW's own performance models. The only company to develop BMW chassis and engines with BMW's approval, the company aims its products at experienced drivers who combine a love of power and performance with a taste for extreme luxury. The Alpina B3 `S' offered features Alpina's silky smooth 3.4-litre straight-six engine that endows these fine cars with a 170mph top speed and a 0-60mph acceleration time of under 6 seconds. This is mated to Alpina's own version of the Switchtronic transmission, complete with switch buttons on the reverse of the steering wheel.

Finished in a special hi-gloss oak green metallic paint with cream Nappa leather upholstery, this hi-spec B3 is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly costing over £50,000 when new, it features: full screen sat/nav with TV, bluetooth preparation and voice control, Xenon headlights, tracker system, Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi, electric window blind and electric memory seats. The car apparently comes with "a stamped up service log" and is MOT'd and taxed until May 2010. An interior plaque confirms that it is number 124 of just 200 examples of its type and the appropriate registration B3 NGD is included in the sale. Alpina BMWs are a rare and much admired breed and the chance to acquire a good one is always a valued opportunity. With just 52,800 miles showing on its odometer, this example would appear to be little more than run-in and should be capable of giving years of unbridled pleasure to its next owner.