BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums banner

Alpina B3 3.3 problems?

10K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  dosilet 
#1 ·
Just wondering what problems people have had with their B3's (if any!)

I have a B3 3.3 saloon (No. 240) on a 2000 "W" reg which I have had for about a year. The mileage is now up to 69'000 and have had the following problems:

- Throttle motor needed replacing (Alpina part, took 2 weeks to arrive!)
- Oxygen sensor
- Camshaft sensor
- Seatbelt pre-tensioner
- Lower suspension arms
- Bootlid replaced after minor corrosion above handle

Problems still not sorted:
- Slight knock through steering wheel over ridges on the road
- Cycling vibration from gearbox at low speed/low revs on trailing throttle
- Gearbox changes up too quickly then reluctant to change down when you want it to. (apparantly this is a "characteristic" to utilise the torque of the engine??)

Oh, and last weekend whilst doing illegal speeds on the M23, the main oil pipe that goes to the vanos came off and sprayed the contents of the engine everywhere with the resultant loss of oil pressure! Luckily managed to shut the engine down quickly and no harm done! Five litres of oil, two washers and a major steam-clean later and all is well.

Have I just been unlucky, or are there others with problems out there?

I still love the car though, especially when using swichtronic!
:biggrin:

All feedback appreciated!
 
See less See more
#3 ·
Hi sherlock,

Only in D mode - changes fine in switchtronic!

What I mean is that when you are in say, 4th gear at less than 2000 revs and you accelerate, it would rather try and pull that gear than change down to third, then when you have got the accelerator peddle almost to the kickdown button it suddenly jumps down a gear and you have now got virtually full throttle and it charges up the road like a scalded cat!

It just seems that it could do with changing down slightly earlier when pressing the loud pedal!

I have driven other B3's and they are similar, but mine seems to be particularly reluctant.

Regards,
 
#4 ·
Your D mode seems similar to mine, i.e. difficult to manage the way you want (unless you go for a clear kickdown). In a previous post, I had posted a video of a run in D mode : see for yourself if it's the same (link has changed: http://users.skynet.be/anipla/sounds/b3vid2.wmv )
I almost only use the manual mode, except when I cruise with the family (max 3,500 rpm). Then it's very smooth.

Your other little problems seem to be more the result of a quiet high mileage , and maybe a less cautious owner prior to you.
The oil pipe was more serious, and I wouldn't have been in your position . DId you service the car recently ?
 
#5 ·
Thanks for your comments, it's useful to know it's not just mine!

I haven't had it serviced recently, but the camshaft sensor was replaced about three weeks ago, which is situated very close to the offending pipe/union.

When the car was returned to the dealer, I intimated that it may have been loosened or removed while they were changing the sensor, but the response was as you would expect "we didn't touch it" :grrrrr:

As they have always provided me with excellent service and no harm has come from this episode, I haven't kicked up too much of a fuss.
 
#6 ·
Problems so far:

- same slight knock on the RHS front as you go over speed humps.
- Gearbox slight shunt when changing in auto mode on v.light acceleration
- Window mechanism on passenger door broken.

All pretty normal car issues, and something you would have on any normal BMW model. Other than that the car is an absolute belter, and wouldn't swap it at the moment. There is nothing really in the price bracket that comes close that has 4 dours.

PS - you are trying to sell yours (or at least have seen this one for sale) Don't do it mate!!
 
#7 ·
Hi guys,

Mine, a 2000 B3 3.3 is also sluggish in normal auto mode, so slugish that I tend to use swtichtronic mode in city driving, as is very annoying to travel at 50/60 kph with 3rd or 4th gear engaged anf the revs below 1500 rpm!!! and then, you need to surpass the car on the paralel lane and .... nothing until you press frimly the accelerator and .... bang you are instantly traveling at 90/100 kmh!! I prefer the manual mode in city driving using the 2nd or 3rd gear, driveing it's more progresive an below control.

On my car the rear axle is noisy at 160 kmh, but nothing below or upper this speed, any similar experiences?

Bye

David
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top