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An incredible BMW E46 Alpina B3 S Convertible with only 19,661 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
Established as a manufacturer of fine automobiles for the connoisseur, Alpina has thrived since the firm was founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen. Alpina to this day works closely with BMW and their processes are integrated into BMW’s production lines so that Alpina is recognised by the German Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer. The building of special automobiles for demanding clientele in small numbers ensures exclusivity. The total UK production of the BMW ALPINA B3 S convertible is 292 units with tis example being 229.
EQUIPMENT
Heated door mirrors, heated screenwasher nozzles, third high level brake light, front and side airbags, automatic climate control, on-board computer, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, electric memory seats, rear park distance control, tool kit. Alpina Specification; 300bhp 3.4 litre B3 S engine, unique Alpina body styling, Alpina Switch-Tronic, Alpina Classic light alloy wheels with anti-theft protection, Alpina sports suspension 20mm lower, Alpina blue instrumentation with red indicators, Alpina floor mats, Alpina door sills, Alpina hand-stitched steering wheel, Alpina numbered production plaque. Factory Options; Colour coded hard top, Blue hood, Bi-Xenon headlights with wash system, heated front seats, centre armrest, Bluetooth, BMW Professional navigation system with TV, 6CD changer.
EXTERIOR
A sporting and magnificent 2+2 convertible, this example has covered a mere 19,661 miles from new and is finished iconic Avus Blue metallic, (Code 276). A uniform gloss shine from cossetted enthusiast ownership, low mileage and indoor storage is immediately apparent. BMW Main Dealer number plates are fitted and the unique Alpina body styling and all trim, lights and rubber seals are perfect. The underside is very clean and factory component labels to items such as the suspension remain intact. The factory optional hard top has been repainted due to marks acquired in storage. This is a car for the connoisseur.
INTERIOR
Finished in Grey Nappa leather, the pristine upholstery is fully commensurate with the low 19,661 miles covered. Vital Alpina features to establish authenticity are present such as the 180mph blue Alpina instrumentation with red needles and the Alpina plaque confirming this is car number 229. The unique Alpina velour floor mats are present and door apertures are spotlessly clean with factory labels intact. The fascia with wood veneer inserts is as new and hosts fully functioning equipment to include heated seats, sat nav and ice-cold climate control. A complete unused toolkit is correctly housed inside the pristine boot area alongside the factory optional 6CD changer.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The inline 3.4 litre is an evolution of the B3 3.3 litre engine which places much emphasis on reducing the movement of free masses so extremely light pistons, a bespoke crankshaft and a reworked intake system result in a thumping 300bhp and 362Nm of torque. With a raft of other engineering changes expect 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 160mph. The incredibly clean engine bay proudly displays the manufacturer’s information plates, Alpina stickers and both the BMW and Alpina chassis numbers. The revolutionary Alpina Switch-Tronic 5HP19 transmission developed in a joint effort with ZF and Bosch operates flawlessly.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Light alloy wheels with weight-optimised spokes have concealed tyre valves behind lockable Alpina branded light alloy die-cast covers and are in excellent condition with only light aging to the Alpina badges. Matching Michelin Pilot Sport tyres 225/40 ZR18 upfront and 255/35 ZR18 at the rear display the star insignia to confirm they are the especially-for-Alpina designed items, another tick on the checklist for the fastidious Alpina aficionado! The brakes are powerful, well weighted, and have a reassuringly firm pedal feel with new genuine BMW discs and pads fitted all-round with less than 70 miles usage!
HISTORY FILE
To the cognoscenti of British high-performance enthusiasts, the Sytner name is inexorably linked to that of Alpina with this example being registered new on the 1st July 2004 by Sytner Leicester. Build number 229 presented here has covered a fully verified 19,661 miles from new and remains in amazing original condition. A total of nine BMW Main Dealer and Specialist entries are recorded in the service book, the most recent being an Inspection II with additional brake fluid change carried out at BMW Main Dealer Sycamore of Peterborough in February 2023 at 19,661 miles with accompanying invoice. All handbooks, including the rare Alpina supplementary handbook contained in the leather wallet with green and blue striping, often kept back as a souvenir of ownership, are included. Three sets of keys are present as is an original Alpina B3 S range brochure. A highly collectable example of this Bavarian legend.
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