Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo E90
The high-revving diesel that redefined Alpina's entry-level performance.
- Power
- 214 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.6 s
- Top speed
- 152 mph
About the Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo E90
Introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the D3 Bi-Turbo replaced the single-turbo D3 as Alpina's most accessible model. Based on the E90 3 Series, it utilised the N47 twin-turbo diesel engine from the BMW 123d—a unit not offered in the standard 3 Series range. Alpina engineers fitted a larger intercooler and a bespoke exhaust system, resulting in a diesel that revs unusually high to a 5,200 rpm redline. It is celebrated for its balance of 50+ mpg efficiency and a chassis tuned for suppleness on 19-inch wheels without run-flat tyres.
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo E90 specs
The Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo E90 produces 214 bhp (160 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and has a top speed of 152 mph (244 km/h).
| Make | Alpina |
|---|---|
| Model | D3 Bi-Turbo |
| Generation | E90 |
| Trim | 2.0 |
| Years | 2008–2013 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 2,000 built |
| Engine | 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-4 diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Twin-turbocharged |
| Power | 214 bhp (160 kW) at 4,100 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,200 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.6 s |
| Top speed | 152 mph (244 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,490 kg (3,285 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 144 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo E90 rarity in CarSpot
The Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo E90 is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 42 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo E90 fun facts
- The D3 Bi-Turbo was the first Alpina to use a four-cylinder engine since the BMW 3 Series-based Alpinas of the 1980s.
- Despite its performance, it achieved a combined fuel economy of 52.3 mpg, making it one of the most efficient performance cars of its era.
- Alpina specifically avoided BMW's run-flat tyres, opting for bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 2s to improve ride quality and handling precision.