Alpina B3 History
Alpina's 3 Series-based cornerstone — a refined, high-output compact spanning six generations from the E30 to the current G20.
Photo: “Alpina B3 2.7 (E30) Retro Classics 2025 DSC 7733” by Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
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The B3 nameplate launched in 1987 with the E30-based B3 2.7, a naturally aspirated inline-six producing 204 hp in just 257 examples. It evolved through the E36 (B3 3.0 / 3.2, 1993–1998), E46 (B3 / B3 S, 1999–2006), and on into the turbocharged era with the E90/E91-based generations before landing on the current G20 platform.
The sixth-generation G20 B3 (introduced 2020) uses a BMW S58-sourced 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six tuned by Alpina to 462 PS — later raised to 495 PS in the 2022 facelift — in both sedan and Touring body styles with standard xDrive all-wheel drive. It represents the highest-performing production B3 in the nameplate's history.
Throughout its life the B3 has been Alpina's calling card: slightly softer in character than BMW's own M3 but with broader engine torque, more usable everyday manners, and the hand-finished details (distinctive multi-spoke wheels, colour-coded accents, numbered build plaque) that define every Alpina product.
Generations
First generation (E30) · E30 B3 2.7
Photo: “Alpina B3 2.7 (E30) Retro Classics 2025 DSC 7733” by Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
204 hp naturally aspirated inline-six; 257 units built — the B3 nameplate's low-volume, high-craftsmanship debut.
Second generation (E36) · E36 B3 3.0 / 3.2
Moved to the E36 platform with a larger 3.0-litre engine, then updated to the 3.2 B3 in 1996.
Third generation (E46) · E46 B3 / B3 S
Photo: “2000 Alpina B3” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
E46-based pair: the B3 and the uprated B3 S (from 2002), marking the transition to higher output via the S54-related engine.
2000 Photo: “2000 Alpina B3” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2001 Photo: “2001 Alpina B3 3.3 Black” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2004 Photo: “2004 BMW Alpina B3” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Sixth generation (G20) · G20 B3
Photo: “2021 Alpina B3 BiTurbo G21” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
S58-derived twin-turbo six, 462–495 PS, standard xDrive — the most powerful B3 ever; sedan and Touring.
2021 Photo: “2021 Alpina B3 BiTurbo G21” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2022 Photo: “2022 Alpina B3 Touring White” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2023 Photo: “2023 Alpina B3 BiTurbo Auto” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2024 Photo: “2024 BMW Alpina B3 BiTurbo Auto 3” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2025 Photo: “2025 Alpina B3 GT Purple Silk Metallic CMS” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- Sedan
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Touring (wagon)
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