The Alpina B3 Coupe (E92) GT3 3.0, produced from 2012 to 2013, represents a high-performance iteration of the BMW 3 Series Coupe (E92). Alpina, a renowned German automotive engineering company, independently refined the E92, creating a vehicle that bridged the gap between a luxury grand tourer and a track-focused sports car. This variant, equipped with the 3.0-liter bi-turbocharged inline-six engine and Alpina’s Switch-Tronic six-speed automatic transmission, occupied the top echelon of the B3 Coupe lineup, offering a significant performance upgrade over the standard 3 Series and even the 335i. It was primarily marketed in Europe and select international markets, appealing to enthusiasts seeking exclusivity and a unique driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | B3 |
| Generation | B3 Coupe (E92) |
| Type (Engine) | GT3 3.0 (408 Hp) Switch-Tronic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.7 l/100 km (17.2 US mpg, 20.6 UK mpg, 7.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 224 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed | 300 km/h (186.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.8 kg/Hp, 265.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.8 kg/Nm, 351.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 408 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 137 Hp/l |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 4500 rpm (398.28 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2979 cm3 (181.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.6 mm (3.53 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1535 kg (3384.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2040 kg (4497.43 lbs.) |
| Max load | 505 kg (1113.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal | 13.86 UK gal) |
| Length | 4668 mm (183.78 in.) |
| Width | 1782 mm (70.16 in.) |
| Height | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1503 mm (59.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1502 mm (59.13 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Switch-Tronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 380×35 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 355×32 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 245/35 R19 Rear wheel tires: 265/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5J x 19 Rear wheel rims: 9.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the B3 Coupe GT3 3.0 lies Alpina’s meticulously engineered 3.0-liter inline-six engine, based on BMW’s N55 powerplant. However, Alpina significantly modified the engine with twin turbochargers, a larger intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, and a bespoke engine management system. This resulted in an output of 408 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a substantial 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque available from 4500 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a double-VANOS variable valve timing system for optimized performance and efficiency. The ‘Switch-Tronic’ transmission is a heavily modified ZF 6HP21Z automatic, featuring Alpina’s proprietary software for faster shift times and a more engaging driving experience. Drivers could also manually shift gears using steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Driving Characteristics
The B3 Coupe GT3 3.0 delivered a compelling blend of performance and refinement. The twin-turbocharged engine provided strong, linear power delivery throughout the rev range, eliminating turbo lag. Acceleration was brisk, with 0-60 mph times consistently around 4.3 seconds and a top speed limited to 300 km/h (186 mph). The Switch-Tronic transmission, while an automatic, offered a degree of control and responsiveness that rivaled many manual transmissions of the time. Compared to the standard 335i, the Alpina B3 offered a noticeably more powerful and refined driving experience. While not as raw or track-focused as the BMW M3, the B3 provided a more comfortable and usable daily driving experience without sacrificing significant performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Alpina B3 Coupe GT3 3.0 was generously equipped as standard. Interior features included Alpina-specific leather upholstery, unique wood trim, and Alpina-branded instrumentation. Standard equipment also included a premium sound system, navigation system, and bi-xenon headlights. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather options, and a variety of exterior styling enhancements. The interior was designed to be luxurious and comfortable, reflecting Alpina’s commitment to grand touring excellence.
Chassis & Braking
The B3 Coupe featured a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard 3 Series. Alpina also fitted larger brakes with ventilated discs at all four corners (380mm front, 355mm rear) to provide ample stopping power. The car retained the E92’s aluminum suspension components and utilized a hydraulic power steering system. While not equipped with the adaptive suspension found on some BMW models, the B3’s suspension provided a good balance between comfort and handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Alpina B3 Coupe GT3 3.0 was well-received by automotive critics, who praised its performance, refinement, and exclusivity. It was often positioned as a compelling alternative to the BMW M3, offering a more comfortable and luxurious driving experience without sacrificing significant performance. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for buyers of this vehicle, was respectable for its performance level, averaging around 24.5 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, benefiting from Alpina’s meticulous engineering and quality control. However, maintenance costs were higher than those of a standard 3 Series due to the specialized components and Alpina-specific servicing requirements.
Legacy
The Alpina B3 Coupe (E92) GT3 3.0 remains a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts. Its combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity has ensured its continued desirability in the used car market. The powertrain, while complex, has proven to be relatively reliable when properly maintained. Today, these cars represent a unique and compelling alternative to the more common BMW M3, offering a distinctive driving experience and a touch of understated elegance. The B3 Coupe exemplifies Alpina’s ability to create uniquely refined and high-performing automobiles that stand apart from the mainstream.
