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In-depth reviews

Alpina B3 Convertible

Carbuyer Rating

2.7 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Great performance with decent running costs
  • Exclusivity of Alpina badge
  • Can be serviced at BMW dealerships

Cons

  • Auto gearbox only
  • Subtle makeover is at odds with convertible body
  • Road noise from larger wheels and tyres

The Alpina B3 S Biturbo Convertible adds a folding metal hard-top to the B3's already long list of talents. It uses the BMW 335i Convertible as its base, but Alpina strips the car down to rebuild it with a subtle bodykit, luxury interior, new wheels and tyres, a more powerful twin-turbo engine and updated suspension. The end result is a four-seat convertible that's nearly as fast as a BMW M3 Convertible, but is cheaper to buy and has lower running costs. However, the B3 S is only offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox, and Alpina's philosophy of subtle performance seems to be at odds with the inherent 'look at me' nature of owning a convertible.

MPG, running costs & CO2

Engines, drive & performance

Interior & comfort

Practicality & boot space

Reliability & safety

Price, value for money & options

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Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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