[F31-340i]

Not sure what its about yet.....

[F31-340i]

...it was a back to back test - 335d M Sport on 18" wheels versus Alpina D3 BiTurbo (with 123d engine) on 19" wheels.

Alpina - faster on track, better handling, better car, better buy etc.

Conclusion - put some big wheels on your BMW and even a 4 pot will spank a 335d.

[dxb335d]

That's interesting, especially as a 335d ain't far off
an E92 M3 on track?!

Sounds a little staged to me!

Same driver and same day!?

[Carrera RSR]

http://fwd.five.tv/fifth-gear/videos...d-vs-alpina-d3

[Em135eye]

320d vs Alpina (both on 18s I think but D3 could be on 19s?) actually but methinks there was some wee wee taking involved from ajd!

That Alpina actually sounds okay for a four pot soot chucker.

[buckethead]

320 d msport vs alpina d3

[F31-340i]

Foiled!!

Most surpising was that a D3 was only £800(?) more than the 320d MSport.

8mpg shy, but you'd still go for the Alpina given the choice.





Or a 2nd hand 330d/335d everytime.

[Em135eye]

Indeed I'd get the Alpina over the 320d any time.

I think (prepared to be corrected) that the Alpina is a bit shorter on standard fit items? I could be wrong though. I know they are a bit anti i-drive for example (more reason to get one IMO ;-) )

[buckethead]

the d3 was a lux £33500 i think

[F31-340i]

True, but then again a 320d MSport with no options is not laden with toys.

Can't find UK prices anywhere, but the German site has the usual options specable. Not sure whether these still need the £2000+ customisation price that D3s used to carry when speccing ANY non standard options - which basically made them too expensive.


Interesting stuff on their site about runflats. They say they are crap in a don't-want-to-rock-the-boat-with-BMW kind of way.




---------


Runflat

Run-flat tyres offer a variety of advantages, primarily that they allow a vehicle to continue to be driven for some distance despite a loss of pressure. On the other hand, conventional tyres tend to weigh less (less unsprung mass) and have better dampening capabilities.



There are currently no run-flat tyres available with the speed index required for some BMW ALPINA models, often capable of top speeds over 300 km/h.



In addition, many BMW ALPINA models come with 19", 20" or 21" wheels as standard. These dimensions dictate very low side-profiles, whose dampening qualities would be negatively impacted by the use of run-flat technology.


Tyres fitted on your BMW ALPINA:

Every BMW ALPINA comes with conventional tyres and a Mobility System fitted as standard.



The tyres, developed in cooperation with Michelin specifically for use on our automobiles, not only contribute significantly to the typical sporty but comfortable ALPINA handling, but also help ensure maximum safety at high speeds.

To ensure that our customers are guaranteed absolute mobility even in cases of a puncture or sudden loss of tyre pressure, every BMW ALPINA comes with a Mobility System fitted as standard. This system allows you, by means of injecting a sealant into the damaged tyre and subsequently re-inflating it with the help of a compressor, to continue on your journey or to the next service facility with minimum complications.

[kaishang]

If Alpina can do that much tuning and mods, you think they could hollow out the under-boot area a little bit and make room for a full size spare....

[BanziBarn]

OMG, Fifth Gear back on and I didn't know?! I've missed 4 Episodes, unheard of! Thanks god for On-demand TV!