2003 BMW Alpina B3 S (E46) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

2003 BMW Alpina B3 S (E46)

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Mileage~158,807 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.3-litre
LocationWisbech, Cambridgeshire

AUCTION CLOSED

2003 BMW Alpina B3 S (E46)

Introduction

Ashley Dawson

Professional Consigner

Alpina transforms this hand-finished 3 Series into something truly exceptional, wrapped in subtle and refined elegance.

The BMW Alpina B3 S (E46) represents the perfect intersection of Bavarian engineering and Alpina’s bespoke craftsmanship. Based on BMW’s revered E46 3-Series, the B3 S is not just another performance saloon - it’s a finely tuned statement of refinement and exclusivity.

Under the bonnet lies Alpina’s hand-built 3.3-litre straight-six, a masterpiece derived from BMW’s M54 engine but reworked with larger pistons, a rebalanced crankshaft, and unique Alpina internals.

The result? A smooth, free-revving ~305 BHP and ~362 Nm of torque - delivered with the kind of effortless surge that defines Alpina’s philosophy of power with poise.

Externally, subtle cues set it apart: the trademark multi-spoke Alpina wheels, discreet spoilers, and signature pin-striping hint at the car’s potential without shouting for attention. Inside, it’s pure craftsmanship — hand-stitched Lavalina leather, bespoke instrumentation, and Alpina badging throughout remind you that this is not a mass-produced M3 rival, but a rare, hand-finished creation.

Recent servicing works have included, alternator and control arm replacement, rear shock absorbers updated and power steering hoses replaced. The car has previously been marked as a cat c insurance loss in November 2013.

In a world of loud sporty cars, the Alpina B3 S remains the ultimate express - understated, exclusive, and beautifully engineered. Available for the right owner, this one is ready to go and sure to pack a performance punch. It comes from ~16 years with our vendor and has a current MOT valid until 08.08.2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Chris the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The B3 S mixes the raw power of the M3 with Alpina’s bespoke signature - it's effortless, comfortable, and rare!

We met with the current owner Chris, to hear about his experience with the car, "I've wanted to get my own Alpina for some years now. Before I bought the car, one of my friends had an Alpina 535, I was so fetched by his car I promised myself that one day I would have one to call my own".

When an opportunity came up, Chris bought the car he had wanted for many years. "It's a very comfortable car and really responsive, especially in its ability to get up to speed when required. I couldn't say no when this came up for sale originally".

With less time on his hands, the BMW reluctantly comes to market, Chris says, "I'll be gutted to part ways with the car, I really love it, but, I just haven't got the time to enjoy it anymore".

Chris will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Chris

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The B3 S refines the classic 3 Series with Alpina’s signature touch - bespoke elegance with quiet performance intent.

Wheels and Tyres

The 18” multi-spoke Alpina alloy wheels and centre caps appeared in good overall condition. The centre caps did show with some slight wear and there was signs of age across the wheels. The passenger side front wheel had evidence of kerbing on the edge.

The front of the BMW is fitted with Hankook Ventus tyres with date codes from 2023 and a spec of 225/40. To the rear, Hankook Ventus tyres were also in place, with a spec of 225/35 and date codes from 2016.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the B3 S and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The shut lines look good, with all doors, bonnet and boot opening and closing well.

We noted a mark to the driver side lower trim and a mark to the rear bumper.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The 'Estoril Blue Metallic' finish looks in nice shape overall.

We did spot a few stone chips across the front and front bumper, and a handful of paint marks across the body of the car. There was also a hairline scratch on the rear passenger side and quarter panel.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen, rear and side windows all displayed really well. All glass except the windscreen showed with BMW etching.

Front lights showed a few signs of fogging and the rear lights faired a little better, although did show some age to the glass.

Badges and emblems are present and correct.

The seals on the exterior showed well although we noted some wear to the windscreen surrounds. A small section of the upper seal was missing on the edge of the rear drivers side door.

To the interior: door cards presented in good condition, with a few minor marks on the trim.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Deep leather seats, subtle Alpina accents and a signature production plaque reminds you this isn’t just another 3 Series.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are finished in grey leather with Alpina branded centre motif and were showing nicely with the bespoke styling, although would benefit from a clean over. There was signs of wear to the drivers bolster, although fairly common for a car a little older.

The rear seats show a few marks on the seat bases which would benefit from some valeting.

Looking over the carpet sections, the mats showed to be in reasonable condition to the front, although the drivers side carpet had a small wear hole. To the rear we noted no concerning issues, just in need of a clean over. Looking underneath these, the main floor sections showed without worry.

Checking over the boot, this section showed no concerns and was clean and tidy although had no spare wheel in the storage area.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The black dash appeared in good shape overall, with no cracks or splits. The wooden inlay was a lovely touch of detail to the centre section.

Black dials with orange needles looked excellent and were all functioning as expected. The odometer showed with ~158,807 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all appear to be in good overall condition, but we noted wear to some of the switches.

Gauges and digital interfaces were functioning without concern when starting up the car and out on the road and all dial surfaces were free from fogging or scratching.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel looks in good condition, although had some wear to the edges.

The wooden trim gear selector didn't show any issues with its presentation, the surround looked in good shape too.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and check over the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The hand-built 3.3L straight-six produces ~305 BHP and 0–60 in ~5.3 seconds from factory. A perfect fusion of Alpina’s signature refinement and the raw pulse of M-car performance.

Engine and Gearbox

The BMW performed without issue when running and out on the road and felt tight during the drive.

The auto gearbox worked through its paces without any problems.

We took the car on a drive around some local roads with the owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting up and more detail in the engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or other issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. Looking over the underside of the car we noted no major issues during our visit.

The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem and with the kind of stopping power you'd expect. Brake restoration was completed in 2023.

Overall the car performed as to be expected with no concerns.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

Whether cruising effortlessly on the autobahn or carving through twisty UK backroads, the B3 S delivers a uniquely composed driving experience - fast, fluid, and impeccably balanced.

It’s a car for those who appreciate performance with polish, power with restraint, and individuality over flash.

Electrics and Other

The BMW is equipped with a sat nav system. The stereo/radio would need a new amplifier and as there is currently no volume.

We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although Chris told us everything else was in working order as far as he was aware. He told us the airbag light is currently on, it has been an issue in the past, this was looked at many years ago by the dealership in Peterborough which took them 4 goes before they got the light to stay off. Chris said it came on again around 18 months ago, the specialist who services the car managed to get it off but it has come on 4 times since, staying off for a little while.

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History and Paperwork

Rare, quick and plenty of recent service work. With a little attention, the B3 S will be well set for its future owner.

The alternator and control arm was replaced in August 2025, front and rear bumpers were realigned, headlight lower trim refitted and the roof scuttle aligned in April 2025. The drivers door airbag was replaced, idler pulley updated, rear shock absorbers changed, power steering hoses replaced and a heater fault addressed in November 2024 costing over ~£2,400.

The bonnet cable and catch, washer jet, fuel cap and air con compressor pulley were all renewed in August 2024. The drivers door airbag was renewed, mirror housing updated and body control module replaced in June 2024 costing over ~£1,800. The exhaust rubber mounts, thermostat, horn and front coil springs all had works completed in January 2024.

Gearbox work was carried out in December 2023 where the gearbox was replaced, along with the torque converter, gear switch, belts and mounts. Water ingress works were addressed as well as new boot gas struts. Works here cost over ~£2,100.

Previous works through 2023 have included; new nearside front wheel bearings, replacement passenger side airbag, gearbox flushing, new battery, replacement offside track rod, brake rebuild, new brake hoses, oil change, 2 new tyres and ABS sensor work.

The B3 S is supplied with its Alpina owners folio, handbook, supplementary handbook, BMW guides and service booklet.

We cover the history of the BMW in our paperwork gallery. Take a look over the previous records and MOT certificates to see more behind the Alpina.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check, In November 2013, the car was marked as a Category C insurance loss under registration plate number J80 CDS. The car had been damaged but was repairable, although the insurer decided not to repair.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
06.08.2025	MOT	158,577
09.08.2024	MOT	155,034
29.09.2023	Wheel Bearing	152,299
07.08.2023	MOT	152,026
14.06.2022	MOT	152,009
03.10.2017	MOT	150,388
19.04.2017	Service	145,514
05.10.2016	MOT	139,929
22.03.2016	Service	136,841
18.04.2015	MOT	131,337
18.03.2014	Service	118,792
11.02.2014	MOT	118,211
28.09.2013	MOT	114,256
26.03.2013	Service	104,980
18.10.2012	Service	91,068
26.09.2012	MOT	89,516
26.09.2011	MOT	78,146
14.06.2011	Service	74,748
27.09.2010	MOT	62,661
29.07.2010	Service	59,646
09.09.2009	MOT	44,225
20.10.2008	Service	36,790
06.10.2008	MOT	36,349
30.10.2007	MOT	27,492
25.06.2007	Service	22,918
29.08.2006	MOT	14,040

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Key Details

ModelAlpina B3 S
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date09.09.2003
CC3,346
Mileage~158,807 on clock
ColourEstoril Blue Metallic
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WAPB334003HE50058
Engine #16297
Last Service19.04.2017
MOTYes. Exp 08.08.2026
HPi ClearCat C in 2013
Former Keepers4
Tyre BrandHankook
Tyre Age2016 / 2023
# of Keys1
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~16 years, 1 month
Key FeatureRare Car
Vehicle RegistrationFJ53 VRG
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeSaloon
Auction ID3258

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Vehicle Location

Wisbech

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Seller : ChrisB3S

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4 Comments

FredSony

12 days ago

Hi – can you provide further details on the damage that led to the CAT C marker in 2013? Thanks

ChrisB3S

Seller

FredSony

11 days ago

The car was hit on a round-about. The opinion of the repair shop the engineer couldn’t understand why it was marked as a CAT C.
regards ChrisB3S

FredSony

ChrisB3S

11 days ago

Thanks, can you tell me where the impact was on the vehicle, which panels/structure was damaged?

ChrisB3S

Seller

FredSony

10 days ago

The car was hit on the right hand side front and it had new wing and inner wing suspension bits and pieces, front skirt, new tire wheel refurbishment and paint spray to blend-in. ChrisB3S

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Wisbech

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