The Alpina B3 (E90) 3.0i Biturbo Switch-Tronic, produced between 2007 and 2013, represents a unique blend of luxury, performance, and exclusivity within the BMW 3 Series (E90) generation. Alpina, a renowned German automotive engineering company, independently refined the BMW platform, creating a vehicle that offered a more potent and refined driving experience than the standard 3 Series models. This particular variant, equipped with the 3.0-liter biturbo inline-six engine and the Switch-Tronic automatic transmission, occupied a performance-oriented niche within the B3 lineup, positioned above the naturally aspirated models but below the more track-focused, higher-output versions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | B3 |
| Generation | B3 (E90) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0i Biturbo (360 Hp) Switch-Tronic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.1 l/100 km (16.7 US mpg, 20 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 285 km/h (177.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.6 kg/Hp, 218.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 304 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 360 Hp @ 5500-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 120.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 3800-5000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 3800-5000 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 | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2090 kg (4607.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 445 kg (981.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal, 13.86 UK gal) |
| Length | 4545 mm (178.94 in.) |
| Width | 1817 mm (71.54 in.) |
| Height | 1422 mm (55.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1513 mm (59.57 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 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/40 R18ZR; 265/40 R18ZR |
INTRODUCTION
The Alpina B3 (E90) 3.0i Biturbo Switch-Tronic emerged as a compelling alternative to the standard BMW 335i, offering a significant power increase and a more luxurious, refined experience. Built on the E90 3 Series platform, the B3 was meticulously engineered by Alpina to deliver enhanced performance without sacrificing everyday usability. Production spanned from 2007 to 2013, during which time it established itself as a sought-after vehicle for enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of German engineering and bespoke customization. The Switch-Tronic transmission, a modified ZF 6HP21Z automatic, was a key component of this variant, offering both convenience and the ability to manually shift gears for a more engaging driving experience.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the B3 3.0i Biturbo lies the Alpina-tuned version of BMW’s N54 inline-six engine. This 3.0-liter powerplant utilizes twin turbochargers, intercooling, and direct injection to produce 360 horsepower and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque. Alpina’s modifications included optimized turbocharger mapping, a revised engine management system, and a stainless steel exhaust system. The engine code is generally associated with the N54 platform, but with Alpina-specific calibrations. The fuel injection system is a direct injection setup, providing precise fuel delivery for optimal combustion. The valvetrain features double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, ensuring efficient airflow. The Switch-Tronic transmission is a six-speed automatic based on the ZF 6HP21Z, but with Alpina’s proprietary software and steering wheel-mounted Shift-Tronic paddles. This allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection, providing drivers with greater control over the vehicle’s performance.
Driving Characteristics
The B3 3.0i Biturbo Switch-Tronic delivers a noticeably different driving experience compared to the standard 335i or the naturally aspirated 3 Series models. The twin-turbocharged engine provides a broad torque curve, resulting in strong acceleration across the rev range. The Switch-Tronic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively, and the manual shift mode allows drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. While not as raw or focused as a dedicated sports car, the B3 offers a compelling balance of performance and comfort. The gear ratios are tuned for both acceleration and highway cruising, making it a capable all-rounder. Compared to the six-speed manual version of the B3, the Switch-Tronic offers greater convenience, particularly in urban driving, but may sacrifice a small degree of driver engagement.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Alpina B3 3.0i Biturbo Switch-Tronic came standard with a comprehensive list of features, reflecting its positioning as a premium performance sedan. Interior appointments included Alpina-specific leather upholstery, wood trim, and unique badging. Standard equipment also included a premium sound system, automatic climate control, and power-adjustable seats. Optional extras included a navigation system, heated seats, and a sunroof. Alpina offered a high degree of customization, allowing customers to personalize their vehicles with a wide range of interior and exterior options. The exterior featured subtle but distinctive Alpina styling cues, such as a unique front spoiler, rear spoiler, and wheels.
Chassis & Braking
The B3 3.0i Biturbo utilized the standard E90 3 Series chassis, but with Alpina-specific suspension tuning. The suspension was designed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent handling characteristics. The front suspension featured spring struts, while the rear suspension utilized coil springs. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. The B3’s increased weight compared to the standard 335i necessitated the upgraded braking system to maintain comparable stopping distances.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Alpina B3 3.0i Biturbo Switch-Tronic was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its performance, refinement, and exclusivity. It was often seen as a more compelling alternative to the BMW 335i, offering a more potent engine and a more luxurious interior. Fuel economy was comparable to the 335i, despite the increased power output. Reliability was generally good, although the twin-turbocharged engine required more frequent maintenance than the naturally aspirated engines. Compared to the B3’s with manual transmissions, the Switch-Tronic version appealed to buyers prioritizing convenience and ease of use.
Legacy
The Alpina B3 (E90) 3.0i Biturbo Switch-Tronic has established a strong following among enthusiasts. The N54 engine, while known for some potential maintenance issues related to the fuel injectors and cooling system, remains a capable and tunable powerplant. The Switch-Tronic transmission, when properly maintained, is generally reliable. Today, these vehicles are sought after in the used car market for their unique combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity. Well-maintained examples command a premium price, reflecting their rarity and desirability. The B3 3.0i Biturbo represents a high point in Alpina’s history, showcasing the company’s ability to transform a mainstream BMW into a truly special and engaging driving machine.
