Unrealistic Gas-Mileage Ratings Widen Gap With...

Alpina D3 biturbo: a 3-series with the heart of a 1-series

 
3 4,833 views Mar 16, 2009
Follow Nelson

Alpina D3 biturbo: a 3-series with the heart of a 1-series

Alpina D3 biturbo: a 3-series with the heart of a 1-series

Enlarge Photo
German tuner Alpina has given the world some fantastically tweaked BMWs over the years, from the AWD B3 Biturbo to the new B7, based on the latest 7-series and shown at this year's Geneva Auto Show. Finding places in the BMW lineup that aren't covered from the factory is the tuner's specialty, and the latest from Alpina doesn't disappoint: the diesel D3 Biturbo is the 3-series we never had. Alpina released a previous version of this car last year, but they have updated it this year with better performance and efficiency.

Yanking the twin-scroll four-cylinder oil-burner from the heart of a 123d, the Germans put their arts to work and raised output for the D3 to 214hp from the stock 204hp. But like all diesels, the fun lies in the low-end rather than the high-end, and with 450Nm on tap, the fun should be in ample supply. Sprinting from rest to 100km/h in just 6.9s and topping out at 152mph, the D3 combines speed and efficiency. The performance puts the D3 in good standing with the likes of the six-cylinder 325d and 330d - while only burning the fuel required to power four cylinders.

The donor engine gets an impressive 5.2L/100km (45mpg US) in its application in the 123d. While the slightly heavier 3-series chassis and more sport-oriented tuning cut into that number somewhat, it still manages 5.4L/100km (43.5mpg US) and 143g/km CO2. Available in saloon or touring (wagon) form factors, the D3 could be one of the best daily-drivers around.



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (3)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/16/2009 3:36pm PDT

    I would buy one
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_justinhk2000 avatar justinhk2000 Posted: 3/16/2009 4:16pm PDT

    i wouldn't im guessin its gona cost like 40 large. i want a little more than 214 hp
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/16/2009 7:02pm PDT

    i wouldn't im guessin its gona cost like 40 large. i want a little more than 214 hp

    Hp is low, but not what counts with a diesel anyways, as the article says the low end torque is the sweet spot.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.