Alpina B3 Price Guide

The Alpina B3 is the longest-running and most numerous model in Alpina’s history — a continuously evolving interpretation of the BMW 3 Series that has tracked every generation from the E30 to the current G20. It is not a track car. It is the world’s most accomplished grand touring compact, the car you choose when you want the 3 Series to be the very best version of itself rather than the loudest.

The Lineage

The B3 2.7 of 1987 used a 2.7-litre six-cylinder on the E30 platform producing 210bhp, equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential and Alpina’s signature staggered-width alloy wheels. The E36-era B3 3.0 and 3.2 followed between 1993 and 1998. The E46 B3 S used a 3.3-litre supercharged six producing 300bhp — a radical departure from the normally aspirated philosophy. The E90 generation introduced twin-turbocharging with the B3 S BiTurbo producing 400bhp from a 3.0-litre N54 straight-six: this was the point at which Alpina’s refinement approach and genuine supercar pace converged in a single car. The F30-based B3 continued with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre producing 410bhp and later 462bhp in S specification. The current G20 B3 uses the S58-related B58 engine tuned to 462bhp with 700Nm of torque, available as saloon and Touring estate, with xDrive all-wheel drive standard.

What to Know

The twin-turbo E90, F30, and G20 cars all use BMW’s N54 or B58 engine families with Alpina modifications. These are generally reliable but sensitive to oil specification — use only the grade Alpina specifies. The Alpina Zertifikat is the document that confirms specification and build number; any car without it requires verification through Alpina directly. Coolant pipes and hoses on higher-mileage E90 cars can fail. The E46 B3 S supercharger belt requires periodic inspection. Maintaining Alpina service history at an approved centre is important for residual value.

Buying

The E90 BiTurbo in saloon form is the sweet spot for most buyers — sufficient performance, sensible running costs, and enough age to have depreciated meaningfully. The F30 S is the more powerful choice. The G20 is essentially current production. In every generation, the Touring estate commands a premium over the saloon and tends to be rarer. The B3 shares its fundamental platform with the D3, which applies Alpina’s philosophy to a diesel powertrain.