The Alpina B3 Touring (F31) 3.0 Biturbo, produced between 2013 and 2015, represents a unique blend of high performance and practicality within the BMW 3 Series (F30) lineage. Alpina, a renowned German automotive engineering company, took the already capable F30 Touring and elevated it with significant powertrain and chassis upgrades. This variant, equipped with a 3.0-liter biturbocharged inline-six engine producing 410 horsepower, occupied the top echelon of performance-oriented wagons, offering a compelling alternative to traditional sports sedans. It was positioned as a more exclusive and refined option compared to the standard BMW 335i or 340i Touring models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | B3 |
| Generation | B3 Touring (F31) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 (410 Hp) BITURBO |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg, 27.2 UK mpg, 9.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 179 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 302 km/h (187.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.1 kg/Hp, 244.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.8 kg/Nm, 358.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 410 Hp @ 5500-6250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 137.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 3000-4000 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4000 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 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Kerb Weight | 1675 kg (3692.74 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2225 kg (4905.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 495 l (17.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1500 l (52.97 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal, 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4628 mm (182.2 in.) |
| Width | 1811 mm (71.3 in.) |
| Height | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2810 mm (110.63 in.) |
| Front track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1556 mm (61.26 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 | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
INTRODUCTION
The Alpina B3 Touring (F31) emerged as a compelling alternative to the standard BMW 3 Series Touring. Built on the F30 platform, which debuted in 2012, the B3 Touring combined the practicality of a wagon with the performance of a sports car. Alpina’s modifications weren’t merely cosmetic; they involved substantial upgrades to the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking systems. Production ran from 2013 to 2015, making it a relatively rare and sought-after vehicle, particularly in Europe where the wagon body style remains popular. The F31 chassis provided a solid foundation for Alpina’s enhancements, resulting in a vehicle that offered a unique driving experience.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the B3 Touring lies Alpina’s version of the BMW N55 engine. This 3.0-liter inline-six is significantly upgraded with two turbochargers, larger intercoolers, a revised cooling system, and a custom engine map. The engine code is often associated with Alpina’s internal designations rather than BMW’s. Unlike the standard N55, Alpina’s version prioritizes low-end torque and a broader powerband. The direct injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, while the twin-turbo setup minimizes turbo lag and maximizes power output across the rev range. The engine is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, specifically tuned by Alpina for quicker shifts and more responsive performance. This transmission features Alpina’s “Switch-Tronic” system, allowing for manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The exhaust system is also unique to the B3, featuring quad exhaust outlets and a tuned sound signature.
Driving Characteristics
The B3 Touring 3.0 Biturbo delivers a remarkably refined yet potent driving experience. The 410 horsepower and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque provide effortless acceleration, with 0-60 mph times consistently around 4.1 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a key contributor to this performance, offering smooth and rapid gear changes. Compared to the standard 335i Touring, the Alpina B3 feels significantly more responsive and powerful, particularly in the mid-range. The suspension, while retaining the BMW’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear setup, is enhanced with Alpina-specific springs and dampers, resulting in a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling precision. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provides a balanced and engaging driving experience, although traction can be a concern in wet conditions. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Alpina B3 Touring came exceptionally well-equipped as standard. Interior appointments included Alpina-specific leather upholstery, often in a unique Lavalina leather, with contrasting stitching. The dashboard featured Alpina badging and a bespoke instrument cluster with Alpina-branded gauges. Standard features included a premium sound system, navigation, heated front seats, and a sunroof. Optional extras included a full leather interior, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The overall interior ambiance was one of understated luxury and refinement, setting it apart from the more sporty interior of a standard BMW M3.
Chassis & Braking
The B3 Touring’s chassis benefits from Alpina’s expertise in suspension tuning. While the basic architecture remains similar to the BMW 3 Series, Alpina engineers recalibrated the springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars to optimize handling and ride comfort. The B3 Touring typically featured larger stabilizer bars than the standard 3 Series, reducing body roll during cornering. The braking system was also upgraded with larger rotors and multi-piston calipers, providing ample stopping power. The rear suspension retained the standard BMW multi-link setup, but with revised bushings and dampers for improved control and stability. The vehicle rode on staggered alloy wheels, typically 8J x 20 in the front and 9J x 20 in the rear, fitted with high-performance tires (245/30 ZR20 front, 265/30 ZR20 rear).
Market Reception & Comparison
The Alpina B3 Touring was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It was often positioned as a more usable and comfortable alternative to the BMW M3, while still offering comparable performance. Fuel economy, while not a primary focus, was respectable for a high-performance wagon, averaging around 30.5 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although the complex twin-turbo system required diligent maintenance. Compared to the 335i Touring, the B3 offered a significant performance upgrade and a more exclusive ownership experience. Compared to the 340i Touring (which arrived later), the B3 offered a more unique character and a higher level of bespoke engineering.
Legacy
The Alpina B3 Touring (F31) remains a desirable vehicle in the used car market. Its rarity, combined with its performance and refinement, has helped it maintain its value. The N55 engine, while known for some potential oil leaks and cooling system issues, is generally considered reliable when properly maintained. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is also known for its durability. The B3 Touring represents a high point in Alpina’s history, showcasing the company’s ability to create truly special and engaging automobiles. It continues to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate a unique blend of performance, luxury, and practicality in a wagon format.
