2011 BMW Alpina B3 S BiTurbo Convertible (E93)

Combining Alpina exclusivity with twin-turbo performance, the B3 S offers a compelling blend of pace, refinement, and open-top motoring.

Paint

The 'Space Grey Metallic' paintwork looks to be in good shape. The finish features a mid-tone grey base with fine metallic flakes that catches the light and highlights the vehicle body lines really well.

Looking closely at the finish, there were a handful of notes around the car. A small area of paint touch-up was seen around the front towing eye cover, while the front bumper showed some signs of lacquer peel. Additional marks were noted to the rear bumper and across the lower rear valance, along with some wear to the upper edge of the boot lid.

These points were in-line with our expectations for a car of this age, and didn't detract too much from the overall look of the E93.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Bodywork

Panels align well and we could see no visible distortion to the body. Shut lines and panel gaps look great and both doors, bonnet cover, and boot opened and closed well; exactly what you would expect from BMW engineering.

We had no major concerns with the bodywork, but if we were being particularly fussy on the exterior, there are a couple of marks on the bonnet (front lip) and a slight scratch to the drivers door.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so 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.

Dashboard

The black dashboard and centre console presented well overall, with the interior benefiting from smart looking, piano black trim. An Alpina badge mounted on the fascia serves as a subtle reminder of the car's exclusivity.

Blue instrument dials with white needles looked excellent and were all functioning as expected. The odometer showed 85,902 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all appear to be in great overall condition, with surfaces free from fogging or scratching.

The door cards showed really well, with only a few minor marks on the trim.

Our interior gallery section takes you over some closer images of the BMW dashboard, head over and see the car's interior in finer detail.

The drive

On the road, the Alpina B3 S offers a balance of performance and refinement. The twin-turbocharged engine provides strong and readily available power, and the chassis feels composed and predictable in a variety of driving conditions.

The car feels equally suited to longer motorway journeys and more demanding roads, with Alpina's revisions contributing to a well-rounded driving experience. Overall, the B3 S performed as expected during our visit, combining responsive performance with good levels of comfort and usability.

Our review video gives an overview of the car on some local roads, highlighting how well it performs.

Glass and trim

The windscreen and side windows displayed really well and showed with BMW etching on the glass. Front lights all appear in very good condition, although the rear lenses had started to fade.

Badges and emblems are present, but do show with some wear as the front badge had slightly yellowed with age - we believe this is aftermarket, and the car would have come with a BMW Roundel from the factory. These are inexpensive items from BMW itself. The decals look great around the side of the car.

We didn't note any issues on the seals on the exterior and these areas showed to be in-line with the rest of the condition of the car.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

Wheels and tyres

The 19” multi-spoke alloy wheels and Alpina centre caps appear in excellent condition with just a few minor marks and have previously been refurbished.

The front of the BMW is fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres with date codes from 2022 and a spec of 245/35. To the rear, the car is on 265/35 Michelins, date coded from 2026.

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.

Seats and carpets

The front seats are equipped with electric adjustment, heating, and memory functions, while the rear of the front seats benefit from the extended storage package - complete with integrated netting.

Finished in black leather with Alpina detailing, the seats presented very well throughout the cabin, showing minimal signs of wear. The rear seats appeared to be particularly well presented and looked to have seen little use, with no notable issues during our visit.

Looking over the carpet, the mats were in great condition; and underneath them, and the main floor carpet raised no concerns. The boot carpet was clean and tidy with no issues.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Engine and gearbox

The BMW performed without concern when running and felt tight during the drive. Looking over the engine bay, the presentation was very good. We noted no signs of leaks or engine issues on the day.

The auto gearbox was put through its paces without issue. The steering wheel features in-line gear selection, giving the driver additional performance control. We took the car on a drive around some local roads with the owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about.

On the drive, we ran through the motions and got an overview from Jim's perspective on how the car performs. Take a look over the review video for yourselves and to hear the Alpina start up from cold.

Electrics and other

During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and are in great condition.

The Alpina is equipped with BMW's CIC iDrive system, bluetooth and phone connectivity, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

Completing the car is its service portfolio, Alpina owner’s handbook, and a set of two keys.

We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although Jim told us everything was in working order as far as he was aware.

History and paperwork

Produced in small numbers, the BMW Alpina B3 S is truly a rare sight on UK roads, offering a distinctive blend of performance, refinement, and exclusivity.

With its carefully considered Alpina enhancements and understated character, it provides an appealing alternative to more conventional performance convertibles of its era, combining BMW engineering with Alpina’s renowned approach to luxury and performance.

The car was owned by a good friend of Jim for many years, so was well know to him before he took it on. Jim lets us know that he's kept up regular maintenance on the Alpina, having had a 200+ point inspection checklist actioned in March 2026.

Accompanying the car is its servicing folio, service booklet, Alpina owner’s handbook and two sets of keys. In September 2026, over £4,290 was invested in maintenance and cosmetic improvements, including new brake discs, pads, sensors, brake fluid and brake pipes, alongside replacement rocker cover gaskets and a refurbishment of the wheels.

In March 2026, over £1,100 was spent on further maintenance, including replacement oil, air and micro filters, a spark plug service and a gearbox oil exchange.

We cover the history of the BMW in our paperwork gallery. Take a look over the previous servicing records and MOT certificates to see more behind the Alpina.

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.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Suspension and brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs, or other issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and it gave us no concerns as to its performance or handling. Looking over the underside of the car during our visit, we noted no major issues.

The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us on the journey: they brought the car to a stop without a problem and with the kind of stopping power you'd expect. New brake pads, discs, sensors, fluid, and brake pipes were replaced in September 2026.

The ride is slightly stiff, given that the car is equipped with Alpina sports suspension, but overall the car performed as to be expected with no concerns.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

Steering wheel gear stick

The steering wheel looks in great condition but did show signs of light use to the rim; nothing concerning though. The contrasting blue and green detail stitching and Alpina centre badge were a lovely highlight to the driver's cockpit.

The leather-covered gear selector displayed nicely, and the piano black surround looked to be in good shape.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and check over the condition of the interior in our gallery section.