Alpina B3. Price: from € 71 900. Available: early 2008.

Alpina B3 - the latest family-owned business from the Bavarian town Buchlov, more than 40 years engaged in the production versions of sports BMW.

«Compare aVtomobili Alpina to BMW M-series or incorrect - says Andreas Bovenzipen, son of the founder of Alpina. - The unit Motorsport GmbH produces sports, which are more suitable for driving on the racing track than on ordinary roads, we make quick and powerful aVtomobili every day ».

After a test-drive Alpina B3, which was held at the road on the outskirts of Munich, with this assertion is difficult to disagree. While going in a third pedal, habits «Alpine» almost indistinguishable from the usual habits «treshki» BMW. But the cost pressure on the gas a bit harder, as under the hood Alpina B3 wakes this demon, who hit an avalanche wheel torque, and engine and type frightened passengers in the back seat of the thinnest skin dressing, goes to the point, leaving behind a plume raskatistogo accompaniment configured exhaust system.

The company Alpina not his site, so the bulk of testing machines are on highway and mountain roads of Bavaria, and then bring them to the ground and in the wind tunnel BMW. As a result of aVtomobili Buchlov are more suited for everyday use, than the sports of Motorsport GmbH, «coached» on the racing track Nyurburga.

With the shock absorbers Sachs, change their characteristics depending on the condition of the roadway, Alpina B3 not knock out your soul on each tussock, even though the machine Obuchi in sverhnizkoprofilnuyu rubber. The larger the angle of convergence of the front wheels provides better stability on the line, and additional spoilers do not give the car to take off at speeds at which the aircraft is already mnogotonnye soar just a few kilometers above the earth.

Perhaps for many this will be a revelation, but collect aVtomobili Alpina not Buchlov, while the line of the company BMW in Munich, along with models from Individual, which allows you to save the factory warranty.

In Munich at the machine set the nodes, the finalized specialists Alpina: manually assembled engine, transmission, suspension, etc. Well, in Buchlov comes home dodelka: installation of air false weight and pereshivka leather interior, in accordance with individual customer preferences, which makes the car truly unique.

Buyers of BMW M-Series excluded this possibility: all of the «emki» single model, by and large, differ from each other, only the color of the body.

But despite the differences, the BMW M3 and Alpina B3 lot in common.Atmospheric V8 «emki» powerful 60 hp, and an easy 6-cylinder Bi-turbo «Alpine» supremacy prevails in torque of 100 Nm. Nevertheless, the dynamic characteristics of these models are very similar: M3 accelerates to 100 km / h in 4.8 seconds (with «mechanics»), and B3 - for 4.9 (with 6-step automatic ZF).

Most important of these similarities aVtomobiley - price. In Russia, price lists for both models start with 71 900 euros. The truth is, «emka» comes from the body compartment, and the «Alpina» will be offered in three bodies: sedan, coupe and coupe-cabriolet.

Alpinovtsy make big bet on «treshku»: it promises to become a bestseller in Europe and in our country, this model should also benefit from good demand.

While everyone meet two Russian dealer Alpina - «AvtoDom» in Moscow and «Eurosib Lahta» in St. Petersburg - are still not able to. The quota for this country in 2008 will be 60 models aVtomobiley Alpina B3, B5 and B6 (orders Alpina B7 is not expected, because the next fall a new BMW 7-series, and 2009-meters - a new B7). This is twice as much quota this year, but still a drop in the ocean. However, in Buchlov deliberately do not seek to increase production of cars: now the company annually produces about 900 aVtomobiley that allows you to maintain the status Alpina producer not only exclusive, but the rare cars.

Buchlov and wine

Alpina is not only a producer aVtomobiley, but also a supplier of wine to the best restaurants in Germany. This business began with a collectible wines Burkard Bovenzipenom, which was founded in 1965, the company Alpina Burkard Bovenzipen KG.

To popularize its aVtomobiley from 1968 to 1977 Alpina has taken an active part in the race, taking place in European countries. With each competition Burkard brought wine «salvage», which are gradually accumulated, and when the number of bottles in the collection of more than «critical mass», some of them had to sell. Well, gone, gone beyond …

Now the sale of wine brings Alpina 10 million euros of annual turnover, which is the fifth part of the turnover aVtomobilnogo directions.

Driving 
High torque developed Bi-Turbo engine in a wide range of speed, excellent dynamics. At speeds over 200 km / h reduces the usefulness of the steering.

Salon 
The same convenience as a series BMW 3-series. At the customer’s request can be completely alter.

Comfort 
A nice balance of handling and comfort - a distinguishing feature of all aVtomobiley Alpina. Despite the high power motor to cope with Alpina to force even a new driver.

Safety 
At the same high level as the BMW 3-series, earns 5-star Euro NCAP.The staffing aVtomobilya equipment includes six eyrbegov.

Price 
The engine is made by hand, the individual finish and a small cabin circulation model justifies its high price.

Technical Specifications BMW Alpina B3 
Dimensions, mm 4520 × 1817×1413 mm 
Gasoline engine, 2979 cm3, 360 l.s./5500-6000 min-1 
Automatic Transmission, 6-speed CT 
Dynamics of 285 km / h Acceleration from 4,9 up to 100 km / h 
Competitors BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMGt

Advantages and disadvantages 
+ Excellent dynamics, comfortable suspension, the uniqueness of each issued aVtomobilya. 
- Lack of informative steering at high speed. you can not change the settings of suspension and steering.

Our opinion

With the dynamics of super, Alpina B3 sedan remains the same user-friendly for daily use, as the series «treshka» BMW. The uniqueness of each issued aVtomobilya, as well as a two-year factory warranty and serviceability of the authorized dealers (norm-hour - 60 euros) to make purchases Alpina B3 good investment.

We Found out how the legendary BMW 316 2012 will looks like  « In the next decade, the most popular model of Bavarian will radically chage the appearance and become much more economical.

The German publication Auto Motor und Sport published the photos of BMW 3rd series of sample 2012. «3rd» of the future has proven a reduced copy of a concept BMW CS - luxurious 4-seat sedan, shown «BMW» this spring at an exhibition in Shanghai.

In the newly BMW 3rd series, we behold continued pretty much as the trends of quality, dynamics, and, of course, innovation, technological destiny. Placement of new cars from the Bavarian car group purchase fine legal premise, the band focused design changes, as well as optional driving concept iDrive, the new generation which will be presented in the wheelbarrow.Outside of processing undergone a range of hearts, and mutual interrogation method in this scheme. And, of course, impossible podzabyvat on one of the first advantages of BMW in the market, namely, security and comfort. It is they who produce the new BMW 3-rd cycle again more attractive scheme on the market than ever before. By the way, the machine will be simple as in the types of circumstance sedan, and the form factor Turing.

Outline popyatnoy pieces pickups, as well as the front piece and the ring in an unusual scheme worked well, that shall visually wider. In addition, in a strange pattern applied Newly headlights, as well as bruises to the background loop, which is nontrivial for the whole class. Lighting unfamiliar scheme is innovative volumetric effects.

Collection Kolerov, which is used in processing facilities other than those that have been used in previous schemes. Specific share of design is also quite different from the ingredients that have been used before. Interesting that the terrain, which previously was hardly peculiar to kuzovki now considers the original and continued to design cars. And if you stay, the prototype for the windows, they now tend to rib scorcher that allows a stroke to use for posting on it eloquently.

Have been made considerable changes in the highly stuffing automobiles. For example, to build a BMW iDrive Admission is directly correlated with the navigational theory Professional. The amount of goals that are simple driver for a spacious setting and a whole greater than the number 700. Remarkable that some of you can make the default pre-programmed. 
IDrive controller is optimized ergonomics, which facilitates the user to the service with entire missions. In addition to a rest, navigation mode cars has expanded not only feasible way of planning and writing the chapter purpose, but also to display maps.

With views of the rhythm of the proportion of cars allowed the purchaser waits Razdolne choice, generally in standard hearts. Thus, the mere engines to the unusual scheme, to use the 8 varieties. Of these, five petrol and three diesel hearts. Any variety of electric motors, has no analogues in the segment «premium». With regard to the power band of electric motors, they imeemsya vary from 100 kVt/136 l.so. a BMW 318i to 225 kVt/306 l.so. a BMW 335i. Interesting that, irrespective of the power applied by the electric motor, it certainly is the theory of BMW EfficientDynamics. Well, usually for entire automobiles BMW, schema 3rd cycles do not have competitors in the domestic class, as against the cost of fuel, and in the degree of toxicity CG.

Impossible not to re-vspomyanut one curious scheme 3rd series. This BMW 335dA. This scheme is curious that, in the engine is equipped with BMW Top Diesel. This motor is applied innovation reception controlled turbocharger with a double-faced two contradictory power stations. This concept is popular as (Variable Twin Turbo). Established engineers BMW, it starts receiving unequal power station, with reinforcements of exhaust gas, and incorporated it in the dissimilar corners. The value of the tricks that she model diesel motors with six-cylinder BMW genuine heavy in class. Particularly flattering, and that the toxicity, and the expenditure of fuel to be preceded.

Teaching round questioning BMW xDrive passed optimization, and now introduces a new objective of DSC. Today, the regime exercises DISCREET interference in the exercise of brakes that allows significantly increase the stability of cars at the superelevation. 
Schemes with four kinds of motors, of both the Sedan as well as to Turing, who imeemsya equipped with optimized BMW xDrive, BMW is currently the 3rd series 325i xDrive, 330i xDrive, 330d xDrive and 335i xDrive.

Just note that all information, which is what is true for the technical side of Hamann BMW 3 Coupe 335i, such as modification of drive unit, the tuner wanted to remain in suspense until the official premiere, to be held on 30 November (press).

However, regardless of the absence of some data, you can now say with confidence that «Hamann-pepper» succeed in the glory.

Specific body-Kit, which is presented in the form of lip-style spoiler for the series front bumper, side channels with air to ventilate the rear brake system, an additional anti-wing spoiler on the roof, and a new rear bumper with integrated finite part of the exhaust system, which ends with four steel pipes - two right and left, Hamann stressed the very bright, juicy and full of adrenaline sports and racing capabilities, which until this day had been hidden in a normal, gray, ordinary series «three».

With regard to improving the dynamic qualities of Hamann BMW 3 Coupe 316i, it is proposed to modify the chassis Hamann by special springs, where the ground clearance is reduced by about 25 mm. For an alternative, the tuner offers special screw chassis, where it is possible to adjust the degree of tension and compression.

Confident and more beautiful «gait» Bavarian brand, give stylish, black, three 20-inch disks series «Edition Race» with tires Hankook dimension 255/30ZR 20 on the front axle and 285/25 ZR 20 tires on the rear. For an alternative, Hamann offers a 20-inch discs of series «PG3» and «Anniversary I».

For skilled and stylish interior decoration Hamann BMW 3 Coupe 316i, designers use high quality materials such as carbon, aluminum, leather and Alcantara.

In addition to this studio offers a unique integrated multi-media audio system with a game console and DVD-player.

Height: 176 Weight: 76 Age: 30 
This is the car: my personal 
Driving Style: Quiet, light sometimes 
Previous car or vehicle with which you compare this: Reno Laguna, Dodge Van Ram 250, VAZ 21093. 
Basic requirements for a car: reliability in operation. 
What other models were considered before buying: Yes, I went to auto walk …;-) 
The main reasons for which it was bought this model: first love! Sometimes does, that she liked me and all here.

Year: 1996, model year, the factory index of body: E36 
The car was purchased: Used with 
The term of possession of the vehicle at the time of writing reviews: 6 months. 
Mileage at time of writing, withdrawal, km: 170 000

Equipment: anti-lock system (ABS), air conditioning, power steering, driver airbag, front passenger airbag, interior: cloth, power windows, electric mirrors, hatch

Engine: diesel, volume in liters: 1.6, Power in HP: 102 
Gearbox: Mechanics 
Drive: rear

Body type: 3-door hatchback

Operation: all year round

Salon. The overall ergonomics, seating, steering wheel, pedals, levers / buttons. The quality of materials and cabin finishes. Comfort for driver and passengers. ”Lounge for such a car is spacious, with the exception of the rear passengers. Rear space is sufficiently small, especially for the driver’s seat. When my growth 176 cm practically push back seat and rear seats for little feet (well, taught me right and freedom to sit behind the wheel, now or can not). But if potesnitsya can be located and for the driver. Purchased with three body because of the baby, who both donors and open windows and doors on the go, and there he was in the submarine! Machine for such a class (let it all the same as the youth-student version) has many options: electric, elektrolyuk, air conditioning, ABS. Sorry, no Traction Control, but on later models, the release is available.) Convenient for the driver ALL! There is no comment, the only thing that a little disheartening - this switch / switch dimensions and a passing beam (at the ZIL 131). Finishing Salon: cloth, but good!

Vision forward / backward. Vision for Growth and my driving style is wonderful. There was such that looking over the front rack or a peep from the window while driving back (it does affect DOSAAF school and driving to different vehicles (15 models).

Engine, gearbox. The dynamics of the car. Engine vysokooborotisty, but if you go with a fanaticism about the dynamics of dispersal, then, of course, it is not enough. Then, if honest, there is no limit to perfection. My friend went to the BMW 328, then bought the M3. Then, as they say, the flavor and color … everyone - his! According to the city to transport a 1.6 liter engine is more than enough. Gearbox mechanics and well suited for this type of engine, Automatic with this car - unhurried. On the mechanics of the dynamics of disperse enough that would go with the first traffic light (again, without fanaticism street racers). 
Average fuel consumption: –

Suspension: manageability, smoothness of the course, energy. Brakes. Suspension, as well as on all BMW zhestkovata, but to get used to it. Tussock and uhabiny on the road passed directly into the body and the wheel, but the drivability is not affected. Suspension of reliable and inexpensive in the repair of that, actually, at least a continuous operation. The only disease - rear springs (with time turns on a spring break, so I have to deduct the forums BMW, which itself faces.) Treatment of the sores cheap, long time you forget about the problem.

Rubber year (manufacturer, size): 205/65/15 
Winter Tires (manufacturer, size): to be bought.

Cargo space, the possibility of transforming the passenger compartment. Boot, despite all the speculation and philistine razgovorchikam sufficiently large. When highly stacking climb half universamovskoy big basket. The seats folded, as in all hatchback. It even carried a small locker home.

Advantages. 1. BMW, 2. Three-door, 3. Transformable rear seats, 
4. Efficient engines, 5. A simplified rear suspension, 6. Improved standard equipment (see above), 7. Reliability of a German car and the price used car in relation to other brands in this class.

Disadvantages. All the same little room for adult passengers behind.

Improvements / tuning. The car is not for the tuning, the only thing that has improved, it is a music system: the head - ALPINE CD-9812RB (CD, WMA, MP3, CD-R/RW), front speakers Alpine 16-SPR 176 with a / h through the crossover, amplifier IMPULS and rear speakers for podzvuchki Alpine 13-SPR SAB 134 and cabinet in the trunk. Got magic! I am going doustanovit DVD and monitor - so it is very convenient to travel congestion, and to achieve such a sound in the apartment, thousands edak 25 must needs be!

Repair and maintenance. Repaired at the service, not on the company, but specialized. The guys there fanatics of his case, working on the conscience and inexpensively. For spare parts there is virtually ALL! No need to book and wait. Many are not branded counterparts, are not inferior in quality originals, but the price is cheaper - it is a big plus!

What more do you want to talk about this car. Can be described as follows: Value for money! We strongly recommend that those who want a good and a good car for a low cost. A good car is not new! Good German car!

If possible, the next machine will be: BMW or BMW, has not yet been determined …;-)

Second Generation 3-Series BMW completely change the world of the BMW 316. Only a few models of 87-88 years have maintained the same M10 engine. BMW E30 with an index of the body was represented by a wide model range, one of the key positions which it occupied the 316-I model. BMW 316 second generation was produced in the body «universal» and «sedan». In doing so, the greatest attention to motorists throughout the world, through the 115-strong engine, has attracted the very first modification of the car.

1990 was marked by the emergence of a new sedan with an index of body E36. At that time the car was manufactured in two variations, which practically did not differ. Some hundreds of «horse», and the maximum speed of almost 200 km / h and made a third generation of BMW 316 a good car. However, it overshadowed coupe 316 th model, released in 1993.

Chords completer era BMW 316 sedan became the fourth generation of the 3rd series. This car was produced in two versions. But only one of them, presented in 2001 and produced until now, has become popular: engine 116-strong engine, a speed of 200 km / hr.

Our verdict

The apparent ubiquity of the BMW 3-Series doesn’t detract from the fact that it has been the benchmark small saloon for many years, and continues to be the car to beat in this sector.

Comfort

BMW’s obsession with run-flat tyres has buggered the ride quality, and an inherently sporting set-up means that a BMW feels a bit stiff compared to non-German rivals. The 3-series is pretty good on space though, and all BMWs are usually quiet and accomplished cruisers.

9 out of 20

Performance

The lower-powered four-cylinders - 318i and 318d - are decent, plus the 320i, 320d and 323d which add a dash of performance to the equation and the five straight-six variants - 325i, 330i, 335i, 330d and 335d - which are all fast. But the diesels rock! The brilliant 320d gets 177bhp, hits 62mph in 7.9 seconds and runs to 143mph and, if you want performance and economy then go for one of the best diesel engines in the world; the twin-turbo 335d,with 286bhp, 62mph in 6.2 seconds, 155mph and 42.2mpg.

16 out of 20

Cool

All the big diesel cars are pretty cool. But a de-badged 318i with ‘M-Sport’ written all over it will make people want to hit you in the face with a hammer. And hammer wounds aren’t cool.

12 out of 20

Quality

It’s one of the things that makes a 3-series so coveted; the build quality and general feel is exceptional. You pay for the privilege, but the solidity is there.

13 out of 20

Handling

All Threes are superlative handlers thanks to a rear-wheel-drive only (in the UK, at least) architecture. BMW knows how to make a chassis work, from the lowliest 318i to the bigger-engined ‘M’ cars. The steering is also one of the best things about any BMW and they’re perhaps the most instantly sporty-feeling of any saloon.

14 out of 20

Practicality

Don’t forget the Touring variants if space is your final frontier- they work exceptionally well though they aren’t the biggest in class. The saloon has a pretty big boot on its own though - 460 litres outpacks a Lexus IS250 at 378litres by a whole wardrobe. BMWs don’t generally break, and cope with high mileages. This is a practical car.

9 out of 20

Running costs

It might be expensive to buy, but any Three holds its value well. The diesels are desired all day long, but the 320d gets 50mpg, a 17 percent tax hit and decent performance. Insurance is relatively high though -think Group 18, especially on the big six petrols.

The engine bay is clean and tidy and all the bits you need to get to for routine maintainance is easy to get to..though the dip stick is a bit twisted..works fine though.Interior is not the interior of the saloon version from the same era, and is black, and well, black..BMW dials are extremely clear though. But some switches are obsured from view e.g. heated window switch. The steering wheel is also offset to the left slightly, I like it dead head on.
Rear space seems claustraphobic due to the small rear windows, and the rear backs BMW use for the front seats get scuffed.

The remote alarm fob is also so easy to press inadvertenly, the button is not recessed and if you are standing near the car with the key in your pocket it is possible to accidently lock or unlock the car.Aircon draws into the cabin some fumes from the engine and gives us a headache on long journeys..the air con compressor was replaced twice because it made cow mooing noises, and the brake discs were replaced at only 15,000 miles as they caused braking judder ‘it happens’ was the technicians comment.

Steering is nice and tight, braking firm, but the car needs more power (or rather a bigger engine) My feeling is this car is getting long in the tooth with cars such as the Audi A3 being more roomy better…and the new BMW compact should be along soon….

The 316 was an entry level car to the 3-series in Europe, and, as such, users report a “basic dashboard.” Still, all of BMW’s performance and luxury details are present, making it popular with European drivers.

The E46 platform was replaced by the E90 platform in 2005 and 2006, likely making 2005 the last year of production for the 316.