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DEPOSIT TAKEN
A very rare E92 Alpina B3 BiTurbo (#185) based on the BMW 335i, benefiting from a high specification and a substantial maintenance record. Supplied with the following equipment from new:
Heated Leather Seats with electric operation and memory function
Cruise control & Speed limiter
BMW “HiFi” sound system
Pro Navigation (wide screen) with DAB, Bluetooth
19” Alpina Classic wheels
Xenon lights
Alpina Switchtronic transmission
Park Distance Control
High gloss Shadowline trim
Alpina Roundels in seats and overmats
In addition to the above, a previous owner (more on this below) has retrofitted some rare options, including electric rear blind and a compass mirror. Finished in metallic Space Grey with contrasting black leather interior.
History & Documentation
Reg No: FJ58HCO
Owners: 8
Mileage: 96500, warranted
HPI: Clear
MOT: January 2023, no advisories
Keys: 2
Supplied new by Sytner of Nottingham in September 2008, the car remained in the Sytner dealer network for servicing until April 2015 at 49600 miles supported by stamps in the service book and invoices. The next service was carried out by an independant at 67500 miles in May 2018 and then notably, ownership passed in 2019 to the the proprietor of the renowned BMW/Alpina specialist, BMR Performance. Much of the work done on the car in his ownership is documented in the thread below and also with supporting invoices, which includes the retro fits in addition to some key maintenance items such as gearbox flush, issue 12 injectors, shocks and springs and battery cable upgrade.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=72&t=1812493&i=0
We were actually offered the car when it came up for late 2019 but it wasn’t the right time – however when the opportunity presented itself again in late 2021, we were not going to let it get away and the purchase was made. In February, we took the car back to BMR to check a couple of things over and ended up spending over £2k on a new radiator, water pump (preventative maintenance), rear suspension arms, full geo set up and 2 new tyres. The wastegates on the turbos have recently been checked and given the all clear. The car was also MOT’d in January and passed with no advisories. Oil and inspection are not due for another 9000 miles or until May 2023, which ever comes sooner and we are in possession of the full book pack with Alpina leather wallet and Alpina supplementary documents/books.
Mechanical Condition
The car starts without hesitation and settles to a lovely bassy exhaust note which then quietens as the exhaust flaps close. Moving off, the car feels like a lazy bruiser of a machine and it is a delight just to waft along in. The set-up is quite different from the contemporary M3, relying on lots of low-down torque and road tuned suspension rather than the more highly strung and focussed nature of the M3. However, flick to sport+manual mode and the B3 transforms into a highly capable machine, capable of dispatching the 0-60 yardstick in 4.6 seconds and the Switchtronic gearbox locks up beautifully to further enhance the driving experience. The damping is sublime and is particularly well suited to the UKs bumpy roads, there are no knocks or nasty noises and there is a serious amount of grip available. Given all the big-ticket items have been replaced or checked, there is no reason this car will not give many more years of reliable service.
Exterior Condition
The paintwork is in excellent condition, all panel gaps are even with the original seam sealer in place, indicating an accident-free car. Due to the relatively wide ‘catchment area’, there are frontal stone chips and road rash commensurate with mileage but nothing out of the ordinary. The wheels are also in excellent condition and are adorned in a matching set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, of which the rears have covered less than 3000 miles. This is a very subtle but smart looking car that draws the right kind of attention which can’t always be said of the ‘M’ counterparts.
Interior Condition
The interior of the car is in great condition showing only minor areas of wear to the bolster and some small nicks to the aluminium trim. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and the ‘HiFi’ upgrade is pleasingly capable and quite a surprise for those accustomed to the generally poor BMW sound systems. All dash lights go out as they should, and all electrics work as they should. This is an exceptionally nice environment to be in and is a pleasure to drive whether popping to the shops or going cross continental.
Summary
Alpinas are rare beasts and in the last 15 years, diesel variants have become more common than petrol, but it is the petrol cars that give the greatest rewards and will ultimately prove to be more valuable. The E92 is a particularly handsome which the Alpina upgrades land well upon. Whilst not the lowest mileage of examples, we believe #185 stands up well to any comparisons due to the extensive maintenance carried out in recent years and that it has been in regular use. We are more than happy to provide additional information on request, please don’t hesitate to contact us if required.
