BMW 3 Series Coupe

BMW is not a 323D. Too much diesel in the range already, the story goes - too expensive and risky to try to squeeze another engine of the fracture almost invisible between the 320D and 325D. So if you want the beautiful BMW twin-turbo four-pots in your life, you have to settle for 123d.

Unless, you go to the Alpina, which put together a 3-series with the 2.0-liter diesel engine from the 123d, with a revised engine management and a new exhaust system. That's good.

We love statistics too. 214bhp. 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds. 152 mph top speed. Yes, it's the Golf GTI to beat the performance of a car that returns 52mpg. It is almost 150 hp per tonne. On the diesel. Simply amazing.

The D3 does not feel like a diesel engine fast though. In fact, it feels like a diesel at all. Despite a huge 331 foot pounds of torque, there is never a real punch in the gut of the turbos. Instead, the needle passes through high speed to the red line with gasoline-like vim, reactive gas that should convert even the most ardent enemies of diesel. Freakshow aside as Audi V12 giant could be the largest diesel engine in the world.

The D3 rides better than any current BMW too. Alpina fell hard disk 3 of run-flat tires mounted - but said a spare wheel, leaving room for a practice of foam - and played a bit with the suspension settings, and the result is a highly regarded walk in any surface.

Indeed, it is good enough to make you wonder why Alpina has not taken a step further with the D3. The ailerons new steering wheel and seats, engine and handling, to the right of sports car at the end of diesel and gearbox management and are a little lax unchanged in comparison. Yes, the prices have been, but the D3 is imported in small quantities - the UK'll receive less than 100 each year - which would certainly have interested punters pay the premium.

This raises an important question: does your own BMW 323D? It was clear that a small headache for the marketing team, but then invoke altruistic principle TG: Is it morally acceptable for a motor in a car so good?

Posted in: BMW 3 Series Coupe