Regional ALPINA particular editions are few and much between, making it an important day to see one up shut and private. Launched a couple of weeks in the past, the B3 50 Years of BMW South Africa Version celebrates half a century since BMW Group South Africa arrange store within the nation. This sports activities sedan is certainly one of solely 5 constructed solely for the native market.

All of them have been painted in ALPINA Inexperienced II metallic and sit on the timeless multi-spoke cast wheels — the enduring Traditional set that has been round for so long as we will keep in mind. One other throwback to days passed by is the presence of refined decals on the perimeters of the physique and on the decrease corners of the entrance bumper. Regardless of not being an M3, it nonetheless boasts a quad exhaust system and a big trunk lid spoiler, with the blue brake calipers offering a pleasant distinction to the physique.

One can consider the retro-flavored B3 as a modern-day interpretation of the BMW 333i (E30), one of the well-known particular editions of the three Collection bought in South Africa. The 2024 equal has all-wheel drive and an eight-speed computerized transmission hooked as much as a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Apparently, it shares the identical “S58” unit utilized by the M3, tuned right here to ship 488 hp.

Whereas it could have much less horsepower than an M3 Competitors, not to mention an M3 CS, it boasts way more torque at 730 Nm (538 lb-ft), in comparison with the “solely” 650 Nm (478 lb-ft) in these M3 fashions. It does 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and continues to speed up till it reaches 190 mph (305 km/h). In some markets, the ALPINA B3 can also be out there as a extra sensible Touring to function a classier various to the M3 wagon by casting off the hanging kidney grille.

Time will inform what’s going to occur to the B3 and D3 S after 2025 when BMW will begin making some modifications as ALPINA’s proprietor. In 2022, BMW’s Vice President, Head of Collection Luxurious Class, Christian Tschurtschenthaler, vaguely hinted these lesser ALPINA fashions may be on their method out:

“Does it make sense that somebody spends that €250,000 or €300,000 cash on an ALPINA then sees a B3 come alongside at a visitors mild?”

[Photos: instagram.com/mzansibmw / BMW South Africa]