[BMWSKI]

Hi All.

Anyone who's been on here over the past couple of months will probably know my car buying troubles ...I won't go into the details again.
However, having met with my dealer this weekend I can now say that I am very happy with how they are compensating / treating me as a customer

Anyway, after our meeting they let me take out their Alpina D3 saloon which had just arrived...Apparently there are only 2 in Britain at the moment!
I've tried to attach a couple of images but this is my first image post so please forgive me if they don't show up correctly.

The ride was softer than my loaner (330d m sport) which was surprising but I much prefer that to be honest. I'm sure others would disagree though.
Such a smooth ride and obviously it was fast. I can't wait for my 335 to arrive now!
I like the look of the D3 and the 19" alloys looked fab although I can imagine cleaning them would be a nightmare.

Only had the car for just over 30mins but nice all the same.

Cheers.

[MWA]

Ooh lucky guy! At this going rate, don't think you would mind the delay for the 335d anymore.. Very much doubt any of the other 49 out 50 as you say waiting for their 335d's are getting such a generouse treatment as you =) enjoy the weekend

[Orjan]

Sweet car! Imperial blue?

[BMWSKI]

Not sure of the colour. Looks like tanzanite but could be called something else. Car goes back later today for a press event somewhere up north...

[d4springer]

Any shots of the interior? Does it have all the multimedia toys?

[d4springer]

They have updated the Alpina configurator: http://www.alpinaconfigurator.co.uk/

Just done a quick config based on the optional extras in my car (even managed Alpine White!), "only" £55,000, I'll need to check my back pockets

[Proftinkerpot]

That is a stunning looking car. I just think those wheels would become a pain to clean on a daily driver. An Alpina would be pretty exclusive too.

[BMWSKI]

Sorry, no interior shots. It was very light though...cross between white and beige. Looked nice with the Alpina embossed seats etc. not a fan of the tombstone style nameplate over the ashtray!
This particular car was £56k I think.

[dopper99]

Although it has a different suspension set-up to an non-D3, I think it would almost feel softer due to the non-run flats. I noticed a difference when I jumped into mine for the first time vs my old E90 on non-run flats.

Maybe not so much "softer", but less bumpier, as felt in the normal F30.

[ukbeemerboy]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Although it has a different suspension set-up to an non-D3, I think it would almost feel softer due to the non-run flats. I noticed a difference when I jumped into mine for the first time vs my old E90 on non-run flats.

Maybe not so much "softer", but less bumpier, as felt in the normal F30.

You've probably got the similar suspension set up as the Alpina due to the xDrive plus the F30 rides a lot smoother than the E90 does anyway. Progress I assume!

[d4springer]

Originally Posted by ukbeemerboy

You've probably got the similar suspension set up as the Alpina due to the xDrive plus the F30 rides a lot smoother than the E90 does anyway. Progress I assume!

For a minute I thought you where suggesting the Alpina D3 had xDrive, that would be terrible news

I think they have Eibach springs but none run-flats, they've done something to make it run smoother, it's supposed to be gentleman's M3 after all!

[ll71]

They run a coilover suspension, not just springs, with Michelin Pilot Super Sports. The B3 I drove was definitely harsher than a standard car, but it's not "harsh". The B3 runs 20" wheels though vs the D3 on the 19". I felt the B3 was over wheeled so the D3 probably drives better.

[Nick the Greek]

Alpina do have a very good reputation for carefully tuning the suspension and gearbox software.

Real favourites of mine these cars and as was previously mentioned they are exclusive.

[BMWSKI]

My dealer told me that only 50 or 60 of these will be built...

[d4springer]

Originally Posted by BMWSKI

My dealer told me that only 50 or 60 of these will be built...

Is that based on how many people they think would buy one? Can't see how they would limit it specifically as such seeing as there is a configurator in the same manner as BMW, just configure your car and send the details through (to Sytner I noticed). Starting to think one of these will be "on the list" in a couple of years anyway, would be annoying if I decide to go for it to be told they have limited the production of them and it's too late etc..

[BMWSKI]

Originally Posted by d4springer

Is that based on how many people they think would buy one? Can't see how they would limit it specifically as such seeing as there is a configurator in the same manner as BMW, just configure your car and send the details through (to Sytner I noticed). Starting to think one of these will be "on the list" in a couple of years anyway, would be annoying if I decide to go for it to be told they have limited the production of them and it's too late etc..

Not sure. Just what he said...

[Cootie]

The 50-60 will be the UK allocation for the year, rather than them being limited edition per se. Alpina only produce slightly over 2000 cars a year worldwide across all their models.

[DaveA]

I do like the look of that, I have too say… No, resist, I cannot be looking at things like this having just ordered my new one..