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Curated Auction

2008 BMW Alpina B3 BiTurbo

At a Glance

Rare Car | Alpina Refinement | Twin-Turbo | Power and Comfort | Keen Reserve

  • Mileage~132,600 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.0L Twin-turbocharged
  • LocationFolkestone

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£9,500
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£9,500

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Video #2

Introduction

Alan Stuart
Professional Consigner

A rare blend of exclusivity, effortless performance, and refined everyday usability.

Officially recognised as a standalone manufacturer, Alpina takes BMW’s core foundations and transforms them at its Buchloe factory, where engines are hand-assembled and interiors are custom-trimmed. By combining BMW’s hallmark refinement and reliability with Alpina’s signature torque-rich performance, the brand occupies a distinctive niche within an already highly capable range of vehicles.

Having tuned and converted the 3 Series since 1987, Alpina has built a prestigious relationship with BMW, offering discerning customers a high level of exclusivity. Following a philosophy of understated elegance, the fourth-generation 3 Series (E9X platform) is widely regarded as a sweet spot between modern reliability and classic driving dynamics.

The B3 BiTurbo is propelled into near-supercar territory by its 3.0L N54 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, enhanced with Mahle pistons, uprated cooling, and the intuitive Switch-Tronic gearbox. This delivers a driving experience that is both responsive and refined, while retaining the practicality and ergonomics of the 3 Series.

First introduced in this generation in 2008, this example represents one of the earliest iterations of the model, and showcases Alpina’s unique blend of performance and refinement. It is understood that production numbers remained highly limited across this period, particularly in right-hand-drive form.

This car comes to market after just over one year of ownership, with only 4 former keepers, and presents in great condition, is highly specified, and comes with a substantial history file.

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

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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.

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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

One of the quickest E90-based models ever produced, yet remarkably composed, comfortable, and understated on the road.

Fabian purchased this desirable 2008 BMW Alpina B3 BiTurbo approximately 1.5 years ago, where it has served as a highly enjoyable weekend car - he also owns three other Alpinas and had always wanted a convertible.

Due to a lack of recent use, Fabian has decided to part with the car and hopes to find a new custodian who is just as passionate, and will continue to enjoy ownership of this well-sorted Alpina.

Fabian notes that the BMW is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately, and will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Fabian
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Smartly presented throughout, finished in Black Sapphire Metallic with signature gold Alpina pinstripes.

Wheels and Tyres

This example is fitted with 19" Alpina 20-spoke silver alloy wheels. They appear to be in great overall condition overall, Fabian reports having had the refurbished around 6 months ago.

The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport on the front and back, dated 2021 which also appear to be in good visual condition, with a good amount of tread remaining and no visible cracking on the outside walls.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

The bodywork appears to be in great overall condition, with panel gaps aligning visually well around the car.

There are, however, some minor age-related marks including light blemishes and stone chips, as you would expect from a car of this age and mileage.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. 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.

image

Paint

Finished in ‘Black Sapphire' metallic, the paintwork presents in good condition with even colour and coverage across all panels.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

image

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition for the car’s age - during our visit we didn’t notice any obvious cracks or discolouration.

The window seals appear good and consistent with the overall condition of the car.

The door handles and window surrounds also present well.

We did notice the 'i' was missing from the 'BiTurbo' badge on the rear.

image
VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

A well-maintained cabin, elevated by Alpina’s bespoke craftsmanship and finished in Champagne Merino leather.

Seats and Carpets

The Champagne Merino leather seats, featuring Alpina crests embossed into the seat backs, have retained their shape well over the years, with only light creasing and minor age-related wear visible. In April 2025, Fabian had the offside front seat professionally repaired, followed by a deep clean and recolouring of the interior.

The door cards and carpets present in a similar manner, showing consistent condition throughout the interior.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

image

Dashboard

The dashboard in this Alpina shows no major damage or scuffs during our visit.

The odometer displayed ~132,615 miles at the time of consignment.

We did notice the 'Service' light came on in the cold start video.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The handstitched Alpina leather steering wheel was in good condition on our visit.

The black leather over aluminium automatic gear selector also looked in good shape too, but showed some wear to the aluminium trim.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Explosive performance and sharp agility are seamlessly balanced with refinement and engineering sophistication.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.0L twin-turbocharged straight-six based on the BMW N54 engine is at the heart of the B3 BiTurbo. Alpina didn't just increase the boost pressure, they installed Mahle forged pistons, revised ECU calibration, fitted a larger intercooler, optimised the cooling system and fitted bespoke intake and exhaust tuning with the B3.

On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road - the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran well.

Fabian reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the B3.

image

Suspension and Brakes

On the drive, Fabian took us along some of the roads around Folkestone. We heard no obvious knocks, bangs, or squeaks from the suspension, and overall, the car performed as expected with no observed issues.

We cover the underside of the B3 BiTurbo exterior in our "Mechanical" gallery section. Head over to our video section, where we've summarised our visit in more detail for you to view for yourself.

image

The Drive

Fabian has always loved driving the B3 BiTurbo whenever he gets the chance. He mentions that the effortless performance is truly eye-opening, with the abundance of power giving him confidence in almost any driving situation.

It really does strike the perfect balance, being practical enough for everyday use while offering the exceptional performance and refinement that Alpina is renowned for.

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Electrics and Other

Fabian reports that everything is functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

The hard-top hood appeared to be in good condition.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Well-specced BMW Alpina B3 BiTurbo examples like this are increasingly hard to find, making this a standout opportunity for any Alpina enthusiast.

Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports, servicing, and parts this BMW Alpina has received over its life.

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.

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
08.07.2026 MOT - No Advisories 132,636
21.07.2026 BMW - Air Bag Recall
06.08.2025 MOT 132,476
06.01.2025 MOT 132,119
21.12.2023 MOT 131,174
22.11.2022 MOT 123,623
10.12.2021 MOT 114,353
09.11.2020 MOT 110,211
17.05.2019 Service 102,664
17.05.2019 MOT 102,664
30.05.2018 MOT 95,677
30.05.2017 MOT 87,073
22.03.2016 Service (MD) 77,432
27.05.2016 MOT 78,579
08.07.2015 Service (MD) 71,603
16.04.2015 MOT 69,452
01.04.2014 MOT 61,324
31.03.2014 Service (MD) 61,319
18.12.2013 Service (MD) 55,387
11.04.2013 MOT 51,415
16.04.2012 MOT 47,161
13.04.2012 Service (MD) 47,157
23.11.2011 Service (MD) 45,809
16.05.2011 Rear Brakes service (MD) 41,025
12.04.2011 MOT 40,589
14.04.2010 Service (MD) 30,206
09.07.2009 Service (MD) 17,824
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Alpina B3 BiTurbo
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 18.04.2008
  • CC 2979CC
  • Mileage ~132,600 on clock
  • History Present
  • Colour Black Sapphire Metallic
  • Interior Colour Champagne Merino
  • Interior Trim Leahter
  • Chassis # WAPB330008EK20040
  • Engine # 08906765
  • MOT Yes. Exp: 05.08.2026
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 4
  • Tyre Brand Michelin
  • Tyre Age 2021
  • Security Sys Yes
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 1 year
  • Key Feature Rarity
  • Vehicle Registration S333 ALP
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Convertible
  • Auction ID 3794
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Folkestone

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £9,500
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    Countdown Timer
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    Auction Ends Thu 23rd Jul at 7.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  5
    £9,500 bid by syd23.07.26 @ 11:27:26
    £9,000 bid by Steve23.07.26 @ 11:21:28
    £8,500 bid by syd23.07.26 @ 11:03:34
    £6,500 bid by syd18.07.26 @ 11:11:12
    £3,000 bid by bexboy13.07.26 @ 22:05:44
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    2353
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    3 Comments
    FA81AN
    FA81AN
    Seller
    1 hour ago

    Hi Arjan
    I’m uncertain on the rules with trade classic around this, I’ve only purchased another car directly via the auction

    Arjan
    Arjan
    3 hours ago

    Hi I may be interested in the car if it doesn’t sell at auction

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      Arjan
    38 minutes ago

    Hi Arjan,

    If the auction doesn’t meet reserve the highest bidder is given first refusal on a post auction deal, so its always worth having a bid in.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a BMW like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Folkestone

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    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

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