2011 BMW Alpina D3 BiTurbo LUX edition

Highlights

• Rare and desirable D3 BiTurbo LUX Edition
• Number 373 of 500 produced
• Well-presented example
• Original UK car
• Great blend of performance and economy

Overview

The BMW Alpina D3 BiTurbo is a remarkable blend of performance, luxury, and efficiency, engineered by Alpina, the renowned tuning house that specialises in transforming BMWs into high-performance machines and did such a good job that BMW decided to buy them.

Based on the BMW 3-Series, the D3 BiTurbo stands out as a more exclusive and refined alternative to BMW’s factory offerings. Powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine, it produces an impressive 211bhp and 450 Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds, a solid performance figure for a diesel saloon. Despite its power, the D3 is incredibly fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel economy of around 52mpg, making it one of the most balanced performance diesels of its time.

Finished in what is probably the best colour and most recognisable Montego Blue metallic, the Alpina presents very well. Being an Alpina, you get the subtle and distinctive styling tweaks, including the signature 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, Alpina logo front spoiler, boot spoiler, and additional Alpina badges throughout the cabin, which is created using high-quality materials. As a LUX edition, it also benefits from sat nav, Bluetooth, climate control and black high gloss trim.

Quite possibly the ultimate family saloon, it benefits from a nice service history. Both turbos were replaced in 2019, and since then, the car has received three services, the last being just over 6,500 miles ago. Inside, the well-specced interior offers a nice level of comfort for the driver and passengers. The handling is engineered to provide sharper dynamics over the standard 3-Series while retaining a level of comfort without the harshness some sports saloons give.

A superb all-rounder saloon which offers something for everyone; whether you have a sporty driving style or are quite happy to sit back and relax, the Alpina doesn’t disappoint. This car is only being sold to make way for another Alpina D3 on the driveway, purchased via Pistonheads Auctions, naturally, and represents a great opportunity to make a start into the Alpina brand. Pampered and meticulously maintained, leaving no detail overlooked, it has everything the more expensive Alpinas have – strong performance and great looks with subtle styling enhancements, including those gorgeous alloys. Could this be your chance to own a true automotive legend?

History and Documentation

• UK registered 22nd July 2011
• V5C is present and in the owner's name
• Owner’s manuals and folders
• Two genuine Alpina keys are present
• The service booklet shows service stamps: September 2012 @ 6,290 miles, January 2015 @ 23,389 miles, March 2018 @ 66,770 miels, September 2018 @ 68,807 miles, February 2020 @ 78,351 miles, September 2021 @ 86,017 miles, March 2022 @ 87,246 miles, June 2023 @ 92,288 miles. Other invoices show services but are not stamped in the book: November 2011, September 2016, April 2019 @ 71,830 miles
• MOT valid until 5th December 2024

Interior

• A well-presented interior offers an excellent level of comfort
• The black half-leather and Polster Impuls material-centred seats are in excellent condition with no real signs of wear, especially in high-wear areas such as the driver’s bolster
• As it’s been used as a daily driver, the owner tells us that he had heaters installed in the front seats at a cost of around £500
• The rear seat is in excellent condition
• All four door cards are in good condition with no damage noted
• The Alpina’s unique numbered plaque #373 is located by the interior mirror
• The dashboard is in good order with no damage
• Piano black trim is located across the dashboard and onto the centre console
• The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 98,898 miles at the time of our visit
• No warning lights were displayed when the car was running
• All of the switchgear appears to be in good condition, with no signs of excessive use
• The leather Alpina steering wheel is in good condition and features Tiptronic buttons for manual control of the gears
• Carbon fibre trim on the gear lever, start button and iDrive control
• Front and rear Alpina-badged mats are in good order and have protected the main carpet
• Inside the boot is clean and tidy
• The warning triangle is present, along with an emergency flat tyre repair kit

Exterior

• The perfect family saloon with those extra-special Alpina touches
• Original Montego paintwork presents well
• There are a few minor stone chips in keeping with the Alpina’s age and mileage
• All the panel gaps appear to be matching, and no dings or dents were spotted
• Factory Alpina lower spoiler is in good order
• The headlights are in good condition with just the usual small age-related chips
• Lower fog lights have a light amount of road rash in keeping with age and mileage
• All of the windows are in good condition
• Rear half-privacy glass; there is a small scratch to the tint on the passenger-side small door window
• Shark fin roof aerial as standard
• Splash lights installed on front doors
• Rear parking sensors are working correctly
• The rear light lenses are in good condition
• Alpina D3 BiTurbo badges are in place
• The unique Alpina 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are in good condition following a refurbishment in February 2023; there is a tiny kerb mark on the nearside front wheel
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are fitted on each corner; there are two small cuts in the sidewall of the nearside front tyre, noted as an advisory only on the most recent MOT

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre diesel twin-turbocharged engine
• Produces 211bhp, 331lb-ft of torque
• 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds
• The car fires up without hesitation and runs with no issues reported
• Serviced 6,610 miles ago
• Both turbos were replaced and a new alternator fitted in April 2019
• The six-speed automatic gear change is slick, and the car pulls strongly through the gears
• The car handles superbly, just as an Alpina should, with no knocks or bangs coming from either end of the car
• New rear shock absorbers were fitted in December 2023
• The Alpina comes to a stop in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal or any issues reported by the vendor

Summary

This 2011 Alpina D3 BiTurbo LUX edition combines diesel economy with solid performance, comfort, and, of course, the exclusivity of being an Alpina. It caters to drivers looking for a unique and practical high-performance car that doesn’t compromise on everyday usability.

A well-presented example, enthusiast-owned, ready and waiting to be taken on its next adventure by the lucky auction winner.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Sandbach, Cheshire.