BMW M3 Touring review. It's good but is it better than the Alpina B3 or Audi RS4?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มี.ค. 2023
- The new BMW M3 Competition Touring has just arrived in the UK and comes with X-Drive as standard, so is a direct rival for the Audi RS4 and Alpina B3. But which would I choose? Find out here..
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That B3 looks epic, especially in grey.
Yea. I think that what would improve the M3's look is adding the grill present o the new 3.0 CSL. It would make a huge difference.
Pina b3 all day, everyday
@@NotMyAccount Beating the M3 with a hammer repeatedly would improve the M3's looks.
@@Beer_Dad1975 Exactly. I have some adjustments I'd knock onto the way the rear doors continue into the fender.
It looks epic only because the M3 is soooo ungly
+£300 to help BMW M celebrate 50 years? That's just taking a straight piss ain't it? That's like having to pay for the birthday cake when invited to someone's party. Should be a no cost option or no cost delete.
Well, at least you can pretty much guarantee that in 20 years people will pay extra for your car with the special optioned badges.
This a company that charges a subscription for heated seats. I'm surprised doors aren't a cost option by now!
Paying for exclusivity... until everyone else gets one from Aliexpress for £3.
These badges will be the next 'm' badge/ m stripe grills on everything. I'd had them on my 50 year old bmw for awhile, before people generally knew what they meant and as soon as this car came out i kept getting people asking me if the badges were "those new m3 ones" and off they came.
@@scottdosborne Damn that's kind of depressing..
I think most Alpinas appeal to me more than the M variants. Seems like they have a keener sense of what people want from these types of cars and the styling is always more sublime and elegant. The power is always there, but the ride is better over long distances.
Must be the demographics... the M3 much more in your face, boy racer look. I like that the Alpina's much more stealth, the overly large wagon wheels (yes I know, blasphemy, long an Alpina signature) notwithstanding.
I'd go for the Alpina any time. The modern M-cars look like some very childish person with incredibly bad taste has tuned it.
I agree. Stealth wagons are definitely the kind of car that a lot of people love. Usually, dads who during their childless days drove pretty cool cars, and now have to incorporate kids into the equation. At the same time, these dads want to look responsible (showing up to school in a murdered-out E63s or this M3 wagon is cool but you know...). The Alpina (and more low-key RS models or a regular E63 fixes these issues).
I would choose and M-car over an Alpina every day of the week. The Alpinas used to be great aka E34 B10 Biturbo. They are just so boring nowadays, just made for comfort. If you want comfort, yes go for Alpina, if you want driving dynamics, take the M. This is the best wagon in its class by a country mile.
I owned the predecessor to this B3. A great car, but driving dynamics of the current M3 are in a completely different league. The new M4 comp convertible is my daily now (technically identical to the touring) and it as far as driving dynamics and performance are concerned it is a phenomenal car. BMW really nailed it with the current M3/4 generation. These are true driver's car, yet fully usable as daily.
Great to see an Alpina on the channel. Not often mentioned by journos.
I have missed the drive and review of the Alpina. I'm in that stadium now, M3 or B3.
1%,of the video is over the B3?
Otherwise, great video.
@@Line-vw5ioSame! Thinking about M3 Touring vs B3 Touring also….sadly there is almost no mention of the Alpina in the review.
The Alpina has an air of sophistication
In my opinion, this Alpina looks better than the facelift one. I like the notch in the headlights, and I prefer the non -inverted DRLs
100% true...
£100 ish K with a few options is bonkers. Considering the M340i is a 4.4 to 60 and 350 brake, it’s nearly half price without the beaver face. They’ll sell by bucket loads and a 3 year old one will be half price. Another great review, love Harry’s laconic style.
its all about options these days, Porsche are the main rip off merchants!
The many differences in the chassis, awd system , interior plus the S58 in both stock and tuned forms make the M3 Touring a lot more special . I'd take a the B3 Touring over the M3 though . M340 Is quick but not that exciting. Also an s58 with JUST stage 1 /2 makes 650/700 hp plus!
It's not the £100k that matters. It's the monthly lease that's the decider.
Great video Harry thank you. Horrendous car and for that price.
peasants
The Alpina has a sense of style and class that the M3 just cannot compete with.
I disagree. The Alpina is boring and has been since decades already. The lost their mojo already in the 90:s.
@@peterhammer6915 People who want to be stared at can always buy the M3
But the engine of the m3 is on another level. The b58 is mighty though
@@perpetualintellectual2026 S58
@@perpetualintellectual2026 same engine. the B3 has a M3 engine, not a M340 engine
I think we need more Alpina reviews
why? Its a boring car.
@Peter Hammer I have a 2000's B3, Manual, and most epic moments is when someone stops me, and just all of them telling me, "U have the best car" I think for that, just it costs)) I have tried driving with 911, SL65, M550, C63S, and Never stopped me someone, to just told me, or just showed me 👍, never happened yet. 🙌
@@peterhammer6915 so we just have to believe you and follow your opinion? Other people don't get to make there own choice? 🤷
@@Line-vw5io I only stated my opinion. Nobody has to follow it. If you want a comfy fast cruiser, an Alpina is a great choice. If you want to enjoy driving fast on country or mountain roads, the M is a far better choice. It depends what you value.
@@SardanadzeGiorgiShorts 2000 B3? Thats based on E46? Thats one of the few Alpina model ranges, I never have driven. I had myself a E92 M3 and compared to the E92 Alpina the M3 was on another planet with its S65.
I’d rather have the Alpina, and it’s not even a close decision!
It reminds me of the green triangle sweet in quality street for some reason 😂
Alpina all the way!
No matter the money, the cachet, the performance, I’ll never buy an ugly vehicle. For all that money, a buyer should never have to swallow that price tag, “despite” its looks, and not because of its looks. Enough said.
Nail on head. I know looks are subjective but being so willingly obnoxious with the styling and then having the brass to basically say that anyone who doesn't like it isn't the sort of customer they want is just inexcusable. Anyone willing to overlook this attitude and then pay way over the odds for what is otherwise a pretty unremarkable car needs their head checked.
a tenth of a Million pounds ...wonder what it'll be worth in 3 years time ?
Exactly! The E46 should have been an M3, this is too little too late (and too ugly)
Yeah, I don't hate it as much as I did when they released that grille but I definitely don't like it, I'd consider it livable especially given the quality of the rest of the car (near 2 ton weight notwithstanding, that's just ridiculous).
But as you say, I would hope that £100k buys more than "I can live with it". That's not regular car money, that's not even expensive mid-size saloon money anymore it's into proper luxury car figures and "it drives really well despite..." Isn't luxury in my eyes.
Though, the e92 remains my favourite modern BMW design (which is why I still drive me 14 year old one with >100k miles) and lots of people seem to dislike that so maybe I just don't know what people with £100k budgets look for
Harry's reviews are always honest, and without bias.
That's what is so engaging about this channel.
Harry
could buy pretty much any car he reviews yet he remains so focused and thorough its a breath of fresh air.
Harry I salute you sir
Awesome channel and may it continue and grow like trees in the Kielder forest 🤙
@Paul Hitchens I think he must mean, "objective".
You meant "objective". Nobody is perfectly objective, even Harry. But his opinions come from a place of experience and logic, with no need for clickbait or other nonsense. It is refreshing to see.
Please do a full review on the Alpina, Harry!
YES please!
I feel like everyone cried out for an M3 touring for years and now they actually brought one out, most people are finding something to complain about it seems in the comments! Great review though Harry!
We don't even get the touring in the US. Buy hey at least we still get the overpriced M8.
So true. If I was a wagon fan I'd be all over this. Price seems a little crazy but the rest looks ace to me.
I've been waiting for a comparison of these two. Great stuff as ever.
Thanks for all your videos Harry, I always look forward to your new posts. Thanks again
The videos we've all been waiting for 🙏🙏🙏
Great review, thanks! Are you planning to do one on the Alpina - I think most of us would be quite keen on that.
There was a promise of a comparison at the beginning, and I was looking forward to exactly that. So disappointed when it didn't arrive!
Surely @harrysgarage put one in the can while he had it in the garage
The upper spur on the side mirrors is to prevent wind noise in the cabin. It works too and has been on M3s since the E9X cars.
My Sunday evening ritual is watching the new Harry’s video while cooking Sunday dinner.
Meee too. They're great.
its to catch and compact snow into balls that enter your cabin when you decide to open the window just enough for it to cannonball in......
The B3 is the one to have. Gorgeous all around.
In the real word do we need a sharp Touring? My B5 spends most of its time in 'comfort plus'. I love it because it's smooth and effortless. I don't mind that it is a bit less performant than an M5 on the 5% of times I'm driving it hard. For the remaining 95% of the time it's the nicer place to be.
I suspect many potential owners of this type of car can afford to have something sharper for the Sunday morning drives.
Feel the same about my B3 touring. The better option, if not ultimately the better performance car, for 99% of the time.
The B3 ALPINA IS GORGEOUS
Love the Alpina over M4, come on Harry do a review !
I love that the client has to pay extra for badges to celebrate their anniversary 😂. Noted that BMW have retained the bargain basement rear headrests 😂
Those slow mo shots look epic especially in glorious sunlight! Another joy of a watch Harry
Massively thanks for a second video on the week!!
I am so glad to see you remain a critic of the current BMW grill for the M3 & 4 Series coupe. So many reviewers are now saying they are "warming" to the look. It's very much like the "Emperor's New Clothes" syndrome where rather than fall out with BMW & not get a vehicle to review, they are accepting the new design language.
It's beauuuutiful .. really don't get the negativity tbh. Check the bland grills on 99% of cars these days ..
Taste is personal.. I’ve liked the new front from day one and in a few years other manufacturers will be copying it..
Thanks Harry another wonderful car, i like these cars that are quick and practical but it's interesting that getting in and out is tricky.
Thanks a lot, always enjoy the Sunday night videos. Cheers.
That M3 Competition Touring is bold and stunning! Love it. Great color too! Thanks for sharing Harry.
Love the Alpina...
I like the sedate look of the Alpina
Wow it's great to be able to see the information on the BMW screens, not flashing constantly like an sf90
Thanks Harry, great review as always, keep well.
The B4437 towards Charlbury in the Cotswolds seems to be a very popular destination among TH-cam car reviewers. That probbly explains the lovely high rev engine noise I used to hear when working in Ascott a couple of years back. Nice piece of road. And great review as usual, Harry. 🙂🤘
Among bikers its part of the cotswold TT circuit
Great review as ever. Only wish would have been in car footage of the Alpina as well for direct comparison.
Great to see the slow mo shots!
Would love to see any Alpina content on the channel.
I've been looking forward to this car for a while, there's something about a BMW tourer that has always worked for me. That said...I think I might respect this one more than I love it. Like a lot of people, the looks aren't my cup of tea, and that's a hell of a price tag too. Great performance by the sound of it, but I'm happy with my (2018) RS4 even if it's a bit outgunned now.
Great review. Beautiful M3. Thanks Harry.
I'll have the Alpina every day
Great video. It would be interesting to see the result of a reverse pricing strategy from BMW. Take off all the unnecessary expensive electrical adjustments (it’s a road car), keep the power and reduce the price. Personally I preferred the look of the Alpina, that is a special car. I would love to see a Harry’s Garage feature dedicated to an Alpina review. Very enjoyable viewing👍
Porsche did it with the original CS cars; don't see why BMW couldn't follow their lead, as you say.
This is the video everyone wanted Harry never disappoints 🤤😍
Great review Harry
Harry's channel is on my top list for car reviews - proper old school reviews with objective approach.
Have been fortunate to drive a few M cars and Alpinas. Alpina every day in my opinion.
Classy.
Looking through the comments I may be the only one but I think the M3 in that colour looks epic. I hated that grill when it was first released but yeah really get used to it now.
Great review as always, one of the few people I can really trust.
Regarding the M modes, if you have them set up with MDM/DSC off, at least in the iDrive 7 cars you must double-press the M1/M2 button, I guess as a safety measure so that you don't reduce DSC by accident.
I really want an M5 and nothing is going to sway me 👍🏻🏴
Thanks for sharing.
The alpina looks so good.
“You are lucky to be ugly, that way you know people love you for who you are on the inside.” ~ Drax the Destroyer, speaking to the current M3
Great review as usual. Would love to see a full review of the Alpina! Please get one in Alpina Green! It's a classier version of the M3 Isle of Man Green
GREAT Video harry.
That's it.
That's shocked ya , hasn't it 😊😊😊
That B3 absolutely walks it, in terms of looks.
Alas it can't, er walk, in terms of anything, ask Clarkson
That alpina is perfect any chance of a full video on it. Very classy.
nice video with the slowmotion
I've been waiting for this one! Looks lovely!
"I don't understand where BMW are going with their styling."
In common with other car manufacturers in recent years they're featuring a ridiculously oversized front grille so to cater to the Chinese market where such a thing is popular.
One of the most useful features on any car i've ever owned is the split tailgate hatch on the 3 series touring. So easy just to pop it open and chuck stuff in. The M3 Touring looks so good at the rear, I simply can't get over the front styling and it's even worse in person.
I like the touring version in the green paint, nice 6 cylinder turbo every day driver, I could live with the front. Thanks Harry
Hi Harry
A big ask. As you have been driving the Alpina, could you do a short video on the comparison, as so many comments have said Alpinas are so overlooked.
Keep up the great work 👍
I like how there's been a Renaissance of estate/station wagons of late. All the fun of saloon car with the practicality of hatchback.
Would love to see your thoughts on how the Alpina drives!
I’d love to see a comparison table each time Harry mentions the noise reading, with previous cars and their readings visible.
Watch your vids every Sunday and also Harry's Farm. They are the only reviews I watch now as they are always honest and fair. Can I ask will you be reviewing the new SL? It's soft top now so was just wondering your thoughts on it. All the best. Cheered me up after a terrible England 6 Nations this Saturday.......
Worth noting there is a newer B3 with the same infotainment and a power hike to 495hp
Hideous looks, Stupid interior, Too many menus nonesense, absurd price, too heavy, etc spoil a super engine, great dynamics and clever hatch features. 😡 I would get the Audi! Great vid as usual though Harry! 👍🏻😃
Great video as always. Those potholes are getting bigger.....
I’m an RS4 owner. It’s my first time owning anything of this quality. It’s a shame that both of these cars would absolutely smoke me, but my RS4 is beautiful and I wouldn’t change it!
Great video as always Harry, thank you. Personally not so sure on the new style of dashboards that many seem to be using, the long screen just looks tacky when compared to a decent flowing dashboard.
lets be honest, it looks hideous!
As someone who owns a car were the different drive modes only depend on in what mood I am, I have always wondered if people who got cars with this much options ever spend the time to acctually change them, or just pic one that seems ok and then stick with it... I just want to get in my car and go, not spend 15 minutes or so with settings - and surely, I can't be alone feeling like that, can I? Like you, I still have a hard time to accept that nose... but I like the rear a lot and the green colour is super nice! ... Apart from not hiding the nose, like a black car would, that is...
at this point you need a computer science degree to make sense of the plethora of options in m cars now
Not really, ur overthinking it the ownership lasts years u need 10mins to perfectly sync it with your taste… get over it lol
I would surprised if M3s don't come with the usual drive mode switch that toggles everything in tandem. So you don't need to fiddle with it.
Great video, with high quality comments giving an idea of driving experience! Muscle car usable as a daily with family are becoming scarce, and I guess thousands of dads are wanting a last good thermic and ready to make a sacrifice for it! What does help is class, discretion, comfort (Madam will appreciate), with the beast remaining hidden in town and in front of the school! A high price is also easier to justify when feeling everything will hold 15 years (not the lifespan of these big screens...dangerous as well, the driver must be able to look at the road instead of watching TV) An Alpina with old style instruments and manual would be near the perfection.
Just what I needed !
I’ll take the B3 over the M any day of the week. That thing is absolutely perfect.
Still take the Alpina all day long in green over tan 👌
Harry thank you for this video, if I had the chance I'd have either one of those cars, I prefer the higher profile of the M3 tyre/wheel combination to the Alina's, however I like the "more grunt" of the Alpina engine. Though for living with, I'd have a "saucy diesel" ..... anyhow thanks again.
Weirdly learnt something about Audi I didn’t know before in this video. I always assumed they stuck the engine so far forward because it was their design philosophy that they just refused to change. That it’s for the Quattro system makes so much sense now!
It‘s sad that he only showed very little about the Alpina. :(
Because the m3 is better driving. If he liked it more he would’ve showed it more. He clearly loves the m3
I’d like to see a review video of the Alpina. 🙏
Everyone who owns a B7 Audi RS4 Avant is laughing right now. It was the pinnacle of the fast estate car. They should look quiet and discreet, full sleeper so average folks have no idea what it can do. Just a slight flare to the arches and some nice wheels, but the rest of the body looks stock. It should be able to be comfortable for everyday use, and then just a simple 'sport' button to sharpen things up. That's it, no endless menus for tweaking. The engineers should do that for you from the factory, that's what you're paying for. All those options seem like an opportunity to make it worse if you don't know what you're doing. At this point I'm fully convinced the best cars we will ever see were already built between 2005 and 2010. Modern enough to be reliable with great performance, but without all the screens/tech/rubbish that make new cars too heavy and complicated.
I do wonder what the future will hold for cars like this. All that tech just seems like a liability once you’re out of the warranty period. I know you could say the same for the B7 RS4 with the DRC but cars like this seem much more complex.
I trust there's a 30 minute plus review of that tasty Alpina coming soon Harry
Great review as usual. I can't help but think that cars are too configurable these days, it all seems pretty overwhelming
I wonder if the drive mode switch works to toggle all settings in tandem. If it does then it's all good I think and the individual settings are just there to program your M1 and M2 buttons (if you wish).
I will say, while I generally agree that nobody driving on the road needs adjustable brake modes, it's not as bad as it seems. You basically set it up once and have m1 for your comfort settings and m2 for your sporty one then it's just essentially just like a single sport button. Still a lot of settings, but you'll never actually have to use them.
Actually a bit like the touch only climate controls. I don't like the trend away from physical controls, but I think my only interaction with anything climate in my car has been toggling AC on when it's off and hitting recirculate in a tunnel. Temps and such don't actually change really and I haven't touched the fan speed in a solid year.
So while it's all a bit over the top, once you're a week or two into ownership it's probably all stuff you wouldn't even need to look at
Harry, i think the price you were quoting for the Alpina is now out of date. Probably based on the older B3 that you had. A sensibly specced M3 is circa £90000 and a similarly specced new B3 is now a bit more than that. But you can probably get a new B3 before an M3 at the moment. Keep up the great reviews.
I never take anyone else's word. Thanks Harry. All the adjustments I'd spend hours fiddling & testing, finding a happier medium and using that. Then, forgetting what adjust what and going through it again, for the two M buttons! Did I see an 'M Sound' option when you were scrolling through the menus before your setoff? Interesting, if they have a 'symposer' on the car, why would it need it?
Very solid traditional review Harry.👍
i love the new m3 / m4 front design. especially in this green.
I think it would have to be the B3 for my money. They just have so much class. Not to mention the new B3 has 500bhp too.
Nice review Harry. You can now spec the roof as body colour. The Alpina also has a higher top speed. Laser lights are now only available on the M3/M4, BMW have removed the option from standard 3 series, including M340i/d & Alpina.
Such a great sound!
A full alpina b3 review would be greatly appreciated!
£300 to have those stupid badges? No thanks. They should pay me.
Now, this is what I’ve been waiting for - I’m a big RS4 fan, but do hanker for an alpine. I think I’d go for the b3 over the m3 - can’t wait to see what Harry thinks!
One thing I’m drawn to is the dash - why do car makers insist on gluing an iPad to the dashboard? Curved or otherwise, it looks like they forgot to put the dials etc n and someone’s just glued an iPad to the fascia.
Are some sections of the video sped up? When Harry first got in the car he seemed to be moving fast / rushed. Great video as always.
Harry, Id love to see an in depth review of the B3. I find it an intriguing car....
I like the widened arches of the M3 and like the look but think the Alpine is a cooler car and just a bit more polished overall
Obviously M3's quicker but B3 looks way better and in/outside and it's design WILL age better as well.
Quicker ? 0 to 60 by a fraction top end no so 👍
Well, through corners it will be considerably quicker, but who buys a wagon to drive it on a race track?
Waiting for a B3 review!
Hi Harry, Please do a review of the e63 AMG wagon for comparison. Thank you for the great channel!!