Wednesday, 17 September 2008

The new BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo

The new BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo Coupé has arrived

All of our Dealerships will have a demonstrator in the showroom from September onwards. In the mean time, before you get to experience it in the flesh, here are some FAQ's that may help you...

The stats:

2 Door Coupé, four cylinder 16v in-line diesel engine with common-rail technology and twin variable turbochargers

MAX POWER: 214hp @ 4,100 rpm

MAX TORQUE: 450 NM (332lb ft) @ 2,000 – 2,500rpm

0-62MPH: 6.9sec

TOP SPEED: 152mph

ECONOMY (COMBINED) 52.3mpg (50.4)

EMISSIONS: 143g/km (148g/km)

OTR PRICE: £32,950 (£34,540)

( ) = Auto

Where does it fit in to the range? What is the philosophy behind the car?

The car has been designed to give performance approaching that of the 330d six-cylinder diesel, whilst benefiting from the excellent fuel consumption and lower emissions associated with the four cylinder engines. The exceptional handling and quality of ride which was evident in the previous D3 (Saloon) has been maintained.

How has this been achieved?

ALPINA have used a variant of the twin turbo engine used in the BMW 123d. This has then been up rated. Extra power is achieved with very little degradation in fuel consumption from what is already a very efficient unit. The four cylinder engine does not carry the weight penalty of the six-cylinder cars meaning the Power-To-Weight ratio is improved considerably; up to the same levels as the 330d Coupe. (This is expressed below in Horsepower Per Tonne).

What car in the BMW range can I make comparison, and (apart from the engine), what significant features are standard on the ALPINA, but not on the BMW?

A good benchmark to compare might be a BMW 320d M Sport Coupé. Some key differences are:

19” alloys with conventional tyres (320d M Sport Coupe = 18” + run flat tyres)
ALPINA Spoilers inc boot spoiler (320d M Sport Coupe = M Aerodynamic; no boot spoiler)
Bigger Brakes
ALPINA Suspension (320d M Sport Coupe = M Sports suspension)
Up-rated Gearbox (Manual and Automatic models)
ALPINA Exhaust

What about the other way round; what significant things are standard on the BMW 320d M Sport, but not the ALPINA?

3 Year Warranty (ALPINA = 2 Year)
Automatic Air Conditioning (ALPINA = Manual Air Conditioning)
Electric front seat height & side bolster adjustment (ALPINA = Manual height; Electric side bolster)

Why only a 2 Year Warranty?

ALPINA cars are supplied with the same unlimited mileage European 2-Year warranty as any other BMW. They do not benefit from the 3rd Year warranty normally associated with BMW UK supplied vehicles.

Apart from all of the above, why shouldn’t I just buy a normal BMW?

Many people will do exactly that; the waiting list will be shorter, and the existing BMW 3 Series range is already considered the benchmark product in its class. The D3 Bi-turbo is an interesting alternative and offers an excellent overall package - but it is very much a ‘niche’ product, and there won’t be many around (we will deliver less than 100 in the UK this year). Our advice is to consider the facts, try both the BMW and ALPINA models, and make your own decision. We are equally proud to sell either brand.

Is there a long waiting list? When can I have a demonstration?

Most Sytner dealers are running a demonstrator. Please refer to your dealer for availability.

When will the D3 Bi-Turbo Saloon and Touring be available? Will there be a Convertible?

Saloon and Touring models are in the pipeline and we are likely to see the first cars early 2009. There are currently no plans for a Convertible.