G21 B3 - has anybody ordered?

[Swizzer2020]

Hi

Has anybody ordered a G21 B3 yet? I think deposits can now be placed. I must say it does seem expensive considering the M340i alternative is so similar in many ways.

I assume people generally arrange private specialist car finance for Alpina purchases rather than dealer finance, as the latter I’m sure is more expensive for a rare limited production car like this.

Thanks

[Norrie]

I would imagine any finance company would bite the hand off a credit worthy applicant. However, not sure any new car at the moment is a wise investment? All new cars are nice things to have, in the past I have many, not ALPINA, I admit. I think there will be some bargains and deals to be had, I was informed unofficially my local BMW dealer is reopening in second week of May, not sure about Sytner.

[Jules Sunleu]

There is definitely cheap borrowing around at present for those with good credit scores/history.

I used savings for my used B5 but am shortly to replace my daily car (an X5) due to a combination of it being about time based on me having added quite a lot of miles in the last 3 years of ownership and now also likely to be a good time to negotiate a deal on an upgrade once traders are open again having been sat on stock. I don't ever buy new as I am a high mile driver (or at least was until lockdown!) but arranged a personal loan online through my bank (Natwest) as at just 3% odd APR it was both simple and cheap and this means I have cash set aside ready for when I see the car I want and have the option of selling my existing one privately if an offered trade in price is not attractive. I've never used dealer finance for a car and the only other past occasion when I borrowed money I used Sainsbury's bank (again all done online) as they also typically offer very good rates.

I know there is the argument about dealers getting a kick back from finance companies and potentially 'preferring' customers to buy on finance but personally I just feel this is reflected in their interest rates and as I have never gone near PCP and only ever had a straightforward repayment loan (previous Sainsburys repaid early and I intend to do the same with Natwest) the already cheap interest rates effectively become even less for an early settlement. I appreciate that if buying a new car with a high list price you may not want a standard repayment loan and may want some form of PCP etc but either way I'd definitely suggest shopping around with your own bank being a good starting place for comparison.

Cheers, Jules

[sward]

I haven't driven a G21 - but the 340 vs B3 comparison in relation to F31 is something I can speak about. I had a 340i M Sport Touring for 2 years, and thought it was a very nice car on the whole. Not special like an Alpina - which I missed, having spent the previous 14 years owning two Alpinas: B10 3.3 then E92 D3BT. I treated the F31 to non run flat tyres - Michelin PS4 - after 12 months, which improved the ride noticeably from the RFT Pirelli P0 it had on it. This spring, I test drove the B3S Touring which is based on the 340i. Immediately I felt it was a much nicer car to drive. My very first impression sitting in the driving seat was that the thinner Alpina steering wheel, though it didn't look as nice as the M Sport wheel in my 340i, was easier to hold. Soon I noticed the deeper qualities. More communicative steering - less jiggly ride on bumps - a significantly nicer interior (mine has full Merino leather) and the power is simply immense. So - the Alpina version of the car based on the 340i is, in my opinion, well worth the extra money. So I traded the 340 in for the B3S.

I would expect - based on my experience of Alpinas compared to their BMW base equivalents over three different cars now (I had an E39 528i before I had the B10 3.3 - and I had driven two E90s, though not owned one, before I had the E92 D3BT) - the current G comparison to follow this theme.

[Norrie]

Cheap borrowing, evidently I can have 50K tax free for 12 months from the Government through my Company. Thereafter according to our Nat West business manager interest would be 2.5%. Not sure I am going to buy a car or even take the money opportunity.

[Scot4444]

I've ordered a Touring to replace my XD3, which has been a great first Alpina experience for the last 4 years after many M models and other German hotties. Among 40 cars i've owned, the XD3 has definitely been top 3, so its a hard act to follow.
C-19 has made me think about the sanity of paying list price - even for an Alpina that will be supported by good demand for the next couple of years. Haven't quite resolved that one yet... whatever replaces the XD3, I want to keep it for another 4 years, not flip it back into the market inside 12 months...I've also looked at the 340 Touring, which is a great piece of kit, but its a bit monochrome next to an Alpina, isnt it..First world problem I know..

[kith]

I've ordered a Touring to replace my XD3, which has been a great first Alpina experience for the last 4 years after many M models and other German hotties. Among 40 cars i've owned, the XD3 has definitely been top 3, so its a hard act to follow.
C-19 has made me think about the sanity of paying list price - even for an Alpina that will be supported by good demand for the next couple of years. Haven't quite resolved that one yet... whatever replaces the XD3, I want to keep it for another 4 years, not flip it back into the market inside 12 months...I've also looked at the 340 Touring, which is a great piece of kit, but its a bit monochrome next to an Alpina, isnt it..First world problem I know..

Congratulations, great car. What spec have you gone for?

[Waitey]

Always frustrating to see BMW giving £10k of support on a 340i/d Touring and Alpina giving nothing on the B3/D3.

Compounded by the fact the Alpina’s carry nearly 4% more on the offered interest rate than a 340i/d.

Which considering most of BMW’s support on a 340 comes from you taking the finance makes the Alpina stance more odd.

Still they always sell!

[Jonnywishbone]

Nearly!

I’m waiting for confirmation of the finance offer. All indications are that the dealer will be able to offer 4.9% APR on PCP rather than 8.9%

I might be pulling the trigger in a couple of days...

[PhillV8S]

I don’t understand the comparison people use with a 340, surely the direct competition is the M version. Probably doesn’t make any difference ref the finance and discounts available but performance wise the M car is the car to compare against with all aspects.

[Jonnywishbone]

I don’t understand the comparison people use with a 340, surely the direct competition is the M version. Probably doesn’t make any difference ref the finance and discounts available but performance wise the M car is the car to compare against with all aspects.

Agreed. I assume the reason is because the M340i is the closest car BMW makes in estate form to the B3 and the poster above you was referencing the Touring - though of course the M-Lite isn’t really close on paper.

The only (estate) cars in this segment that compete are the C63 (dodgy looks IMO) and the RS4. With the more friendly finance the Alpina can be had for similar-ish money to the Audi, which would make it almost a no-brainer.

[hap]

You must be psychic

[PhillV8S]

I don’t understand the comparison people use with a 340, surely the direct competition is the M version. Probably doesn’t make any difference ref the finance and discounts available but performance wise the M car is the car to compare against with all aspects.

Agreed. I assume the reason is because the M340i is the closest car BMW makes in estate form to the B3 and the poster above you was referencing the Touring - though of course the M-Lite isn’t really close on paper.

The only (estate) cars in this segment that compete are the C63 (dodgy looks IMO) and the RS4. With the more friendly finance the Alpina can be had for similar-ish money to the Audi, which would make it almost a no-brainer.

In which case the Alpina has the USP of the only performance touring choice, same with the B5 also. If you want/need the touring there is no M car to compare! Still daft bringing the 340 into the argument mind as they’re not really comparable.

[Waitey]

I don’t understand the comparison people use with a 340, surely the direct competition is the M version. Probably doesn’t make any difference ref the finance and discounts available but performance wise the M car is the car to compare against with all aspects.

Mainly because under the skin it is a 340i. It shares far more architecture with the 340 than it does with the M3.

Yes the performance is closer to an M3 but so is a mapped 340i.

[bobbly]

Mainly because under the skin it is a 340i. It shares far more architecture with the 340 than it does with the M3.

Yes the performance is closer to an M3 but so is a mapped 340i.

Correct. It's essentially a re-engineered M340i, therefore it is correct to compare them directly. A lot of money for a 3-series....ANY 3-series and depreciation will be savage, sadly (or happily for used buyers).

Cheers
Bobbly