Alpina C2 2.7 e30

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen

When you think of the BMW e30 sport, you immediately think of the legendary M3. They forget too quickly that the sorcerers of Buchloe had repeatedly prepared in their own way and Munich. The opportunity to look at one of the most successful of them ...

Attention collectors. This is often the case with Alpina notice. But here, with a production of only 159 copies, the C2 2.7 e30 generation does not clearly short streets, which did not prevent him being much more affordable than can be the M3. It was replaced by the more widespread B3 treated in Phase 2 of the 3 series, which will be discussed briefly.

Production of Alpina C2 2.7 e30

The three versions of the Alpina C2 2.7 are available in coupe, 4-door, "allrad" (that is to say, AWD) and Convertible. The external changes are summarized in the implementation of spoilers front and rear (no body color that one ...), Alpina wheels with timeless and dear to the hearts of fans of BMW, not to mention the classic bands Alpina on the sides. Inside, the finish is better bill than the M3 and the E30 gets the Alpina steering wheel with four arms and beautiful Recaro bucket seats. Standard equipment is complete with electric windows and mirrors, central locking, tinted windows and power steering. The rear seats are rather narrow and does not allow tall people to find suitable housing for long journeys that this seems to German destiny.

Engine

We have perhaps forgotten, but already out of the Alpina C2, environmental issues and existing manufacturers were making every effort to reduce consumption and raise their engines and pollution control standards. C2 2.7 is an evolution of the BMW 325i, with the qualities and flaws that implies. The engine comes on to him 325th and 525 and the bore is 84 mm and food remains Bosch LE-Jetronic injection. However, the ducts of the cylinder head has been enlarged and polished by engineers Alpina. The resulting power is 210 hp at 5800 rpm for 267 Nm at 4500 rpm. In April, for a period of three months before the restyling of the e30, a catalyzed version of the C2 was given in parallel. The power and torque down a bit, with 204 horsepower and 265 Nm of acceptable power loss therefore, to be endorsed on the B3 2.7 which fetches the block catalyzed without modification. These figures illustrate a less angry than the 4-cylinder M3 e30 but offset by the versatility offered by the inline 6, a field in which few drivers are able to compete. The major criticism that can do this is that Alpina imprint transmission 325i does not shine by staging its too long. This box was already criticized in the BMW when it penalizes the driveability is very far from being equal to that Motorsport can offer on the M3 with Getrag sport reversed ... Regarding maintenance, the majority can be done at BMW, such as the drain to make every 7500 km with the Castrol RS 10W60. There will be only for discs and exhaust it will turn to specialists who can guide you Alpina.

Chassis

The bridge deck and the report are still those of the 325i and the limited slip is 25%, ensuring optimum traction at all times. That does not excuse this e30 to keep what is its strength, its very oversteer side. And that's an understatement ... True sport at heart, it will take some luggage to take advantage of driving the C2 and if you have not, you'd better play the card of humility because of his wild temperament. Driving pleasure is highlighted and tame wins. The radius of the changes made by Alpina, it should be noted that the builder / trainer spoke in depth on the geometry and anti-roll bars are thicker than the original. It feels like driving, and the bars do their work so exceptional as the C2 turns almost flat. The rubber shock absorbers, springs and dampers progressivity variable hardest are harder without being a punishment for the occupants of the car ... the front! Because the back is another story and you need good friends so they do not want you after you have treated the wrong way up ... The tire has also been expanded and it Do not Mess with 205/50 R16 connected in series! To ensure a flawless braking without being frightened at the appearance prohibited on our roads, we have four discs (dual-vented front) with ABS and not too intrusive option. In the end, we are dealing with a real car with character and excitement are guaranteed! On the wet cons, it becomes downright undriveable, unless you opt for Allrad and drive. But beware, the iX did not benefit from lowered suspensions or brake version propulsion choice dictated by the thought that they had no inclination purely sport.

Conclusion

Offering an alternative to the M3, albeit more radical, the Alpina C2/B3 2.7 are exciting machines sensations. With their temperament and their great players just waiting to win, they will provide much pleasure to whoever is able to capitalize. They are collectors of choice for those who find the e30 M3 is surcôtée or who simply do not have the means to afford it. Shame we are stuck with poorly staged a box ...