Timeless Elegance: 1996 Alpina B3 Touring

Timeless Elegance: 1996 Alpina B3 Touring

The Last of Its Kind: 1996 Alpina B3 3.0 Touring

Ah, the 1996 Alpina B3 3.0—an automotive unicorn if there ever was one. Rumor has it that this beauty is the last of a mere 24-unit run of Touring models produced. Nestled under the hood is an Alpina-modified 3.0L inline-six, blissfully paired with a Switch-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission. And let’s not forget the aesthetic marvel—this machine flaunts a stunning Alpina Blue Metallic exterior draped over a meticulously patterned Graphite Alpina cloth interior. Oh, but the list of goodies doesn’t end there; it proudly rolls on 17″ Alpina wheels, comes equipped with anti-lock disc brakes, roof rails, and a rear window wiper, not to mention dual-zone automatic climate control and a classic Blaupunkt Bremen stereo system with power windows. Imported to the U.S. in May 2022 by the dealer selling it now, it has seen quite a journey: after a change of hands, the dealer reacquired it in September 2024.

Post-import, a considerable amount of work has been put into this ride since 2022, including refinishing the wheels, changing the engine oil and transmission fluid, and swapping out the water pump, thermostat, and radiator, along with the rear shocks, belts, mounts, and air-conditioning compressor. This B3 Touring has clocked a respectable 162k kilometers (translate that to about 101k miles) and is ready to hit the road again, complete with service records, a first-aid kit, tool kits, and Connecticut registration.

A Closer Look at the Exteriors

Now, let’s talk about the allure of the exterior—this car is drenched in Alpina Blue Metallic, boasting striking silver-tone Alpina stripes. The exterior retails plenty of charm with features like a front spoiler integrated with fog lights, power-adjustable mirrors, black-finished roof rails, a rear window wiper, and dual exhaust outlets. If that doesn’t make you weak at the knees, hold on—not to be outdone, LED headlight bulbs have been fitted for that extra touch of modern flair. The 2022 refresh also included new front-spoiler decals and a fresh brake-light switch. Admittedly, the gallery has thrown up some evidence of its history—scrapes on the front lip and a few blemishes in the finish. But hey, we love a car with character, don’t we?

Rolling on Refreshed Wheels

The Alpina 17” alloy wheels underwent a spa treatment in 2022 and are clad in Yokohama Advan Fleva tires—235/40 up front and 255/40 out back—that carry production-date codes from 2022 and 2021, respectively. When it comes to stopping power, four-wheel discs fitted with ABS ensure that this beast can come to a halt when it needs to. The suspension got some loving care, too, with replacement sway-bar links and rear shocks also installed in 2022.

Step Inside, Comfort Awaits

Inside this Alpina wonder, it’s all about comfort and luxury. The manually adjustable front sport seats and the split-folding rear bench are decked out in that stylish Graphite Alpina cloth. Matching the seats, door panels are equally appealing, featuring a drive-mode selector switch, a leather-wrapped gear selector, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the ever-reliable Blaupunkt Bremen multimedia receiver. For those tech-savvy travelers, you’ll also find an onboard computer, power windows, and some stylish Alpina-branded door sill plates and carpeted floor mats. The air-conditioning system saw some upgrades in 2022, as did the radio-antenna adapter—this car doesn’t just look good, it’s functional too!

Touching Future Classics

A charming plaque nestled above the glovebox proudly displays: BMW/Alpina B3 Touring 024. This car isn’t just a drive; it’s a piece of automotive history. Holding the leather-wrapped steering wheel, complete with two-tone stitching and an Alpina-crest center button, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a tasteful dash displaying a 185-mph speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer, complete with an inset fuel-efficiency meter—because who doesn’t want to know how many miles they can squeeze out on a tank?

Heart and Soul Under the Hood

Now, let’s rattle that engine—this Alpina-modified 3.0L inline-six was factory-rated at a sprightly 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The last oil change was in October 2023, but that’s not all. A slew of components have been replaced since 2022, ensuring that everything is running smoothly:

  • Engine mounts
  • Right-side engine support
  • Water pump
  • Thermostat and housing
  • Coolant-expansion tank
  • Coolant-level sensor
  • Cooling fan
  • Spark plugs
  • Accessory belts and pulleys
  • Radiator and hoses
  • Idle-control valve hose and connector
  • Breather connector

Transmission and Title Status

As for the driving experience, power flows seamlessly to the rear wheels thanks to that smart Switch-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission. The mounts were replaced in 2022, and the fluid and filter were refreshed in 2023, with the selector-shaft seal replaced the following year. One important detail to note: this car isn’t sporting a title. It’s registered in a state that doesn’t issue titles for vehicles of such vintage.

In summary, this 1996 Alpina B3 3.0 Touring is not merely a car; it’s an experience, an adventure waiting to be taken. But remember, with such unique history and charm comes responsibility—are you ready for the ride?