Chris Harris on Cars: Alpina D3. The ultimate daily driver.

[@reachforthesky1849]

Personally this is when I find Chris Harris at his best. No overdone production, no shouting, no script. In fact a million miles from top gear.

[@SammyPro_1]

most definitely

[@MrKiBk]

Totally agree

[@pclayton5063]

I became a fan of Chris Harris on Top Gear but the lack of "production" is nice.

[@ashleydunn2628]

Yes, yes, yes!

[@rossbethell4187]

So say we all!

[@michaelyhchai]

This feels like the old school 320d is all you need video from vintage Chris Harris. Common sense journalism to balance out the skids and buffoonery in a supercar we can't afford

[@ethicalelectricalgroupltd3153]

I’ve watched that same video several times. Had three F30’s now since ha!

[@sheualexandre]

Makes me feel old that I remember when that video was posted 😅 I watched it within a few hours of it being online

[@TheJkghfg]

"Are we in Belgium or are we in Germany?" "France I think"

[@knutsandin755]

Thinking about that one aswell

[@ryanmerrett1249]

That video made my mind up to have the 420d at the time. Brilliant car! Brilliant video

[@markhallam2511]

This was my old car. He’s right about the engine and the power is awesome. Glad you’re liking it Chris. 👍

[@whome1615]

Interested to know what you replaced it with?

[@markhallam2511]

Hi I’ve always wanted a V8 so I bought a 2018 M6 GC Comp, and I love it!!!

[@Revheadrev]

⁠@@markhallam2511excellent! Great choice mate! I’ve got an F10 M5 and it is simply magnificent. You’ll love the M6 pal 🎉

[@whome1615]

@@markhallam2511 Thank you - glad you enjoying the V8.

[@declanm9870]

How much did you sell it for

[@SendItStephen]

My 2014 F31 D3 Touring has just passed 310,000 miles. Lovely car.

[@piovo1]

is that the one that had the engine replaced by bmw somewhere around the 250k miles mark?

[@moham1287]

The one owned by the Sytner guy with the new motor?

[@SendItStephen]

@@piovo1 yes new engine at 221k.

[@SendItStephen]

@@moham1287 correct

[@LSD04]

Triggers broom?

[@Druezy]

The only guy on KZbin that wants smaller rims for his BMW. Glad you're back!

[@DGRWPF]

and no tinted windows.

[@kribar96]

Smaller wheels do make your car faster and more nimble. I don't really want anything more 18" cause why. My rims are more exposed to cracking, more expensive tires, more noise, less comfort.

[@steviegee8413]

@@kribar96 And compromised ride. Reviewers have been saying it for years, esp for BMW's which were the ultimate driving machine. They're usually fully setup for 18's, but with the option of 19's

[@Mamo878]

Chris's best work has always been just him in a car alone simply telling us everything we need to know about that car. Great to see him back doing what he does better than anyone else.

[@yuriykarpov772]

Chris, thanks so much for bringing CH on Cars back again. shook your hand at the C&C car show in Toronto.. appreciate all you do!! cheers

[@Milkydrummer]

Happy to say I own an F30 330d… and I agree with Chris. It’s a classic. Buttons, power, economy, comfort. Awesome… I do dream of the Alpina though! …one day!

[@timbob1145]

You did right sticking with the 330, i got a 335d, the economy loss is massive... i mean I still love it, but can't be sure I made the right choice.

[@petemayes1940]

@@timbob1145 Hi, intersting I had a 120d F30 330d and now F30 335d I do a 700 mile tour of Cornwall once a year 120d av for 3 years 44mpg 335d twice 45mpg and 3 times in F30 30d 45 mpg 45 mpg 46mpg. In my day to day life mind I do about 350 miles a week and the 335d is around 10% less than the 330d with myself ...all the best

[@timbob1145]

@petemayes1940 that is interesting, guess i need to go get mine examined.

[@barneyburt16]

An honest legend talking honest sense. I daily drive a 3.0 525d f10. Not the fastest or flashiest. But it gets me over 40mpg in sports mode and doesn't hesitate when I boot it past old Doris on my commute to work.

[@JelloTypeR]

I had an F10 525d. Great car. Drove from Truro to Bologna via the tunnel and got an average of 45.6mpg with an average speed of 70.4mph. Not many cars could do that.

[@lingenieurdecrypte]

Clear glass, chrome strips, Alpina stripes and wheels... yeah, right on ❤

[@ksm1985]

What is it with you fanboys and clear glass. Get a room bender

[@boriss187]

@@ksm1985 Not everyone likes their car kebab-spec'd. To each their own though.

[@wackrapsatire]

@@boriss187 lol 🤣 thats where you ca tell "ksm1985" twists the kebab down central london and likes to do 90 in a 30 in his blacked c43 amg cause he 1) cant afford the real one 2) has a fragile ego 🤣

[@wackrapsatire]

@@ksm1985 doing your rounds in drug dealer spec c43 amg aren´t ya? Feel threatend for your fragile ego and lack of taste?Bellend 🤣

[@darrancox]

@@ksm1985 because rear tints absolutely ruin the look of a car, how anyone can think it looks good is beyond me

[@wellsyandcars]

I watched the original video where you said the 320d M Sport is all the car you could need. Then watched the Tiff video on the E90 D3 Biturbo where he said forget the 320d get the Alpina. So am now the proud owner of #114 E90 D3 Biturbo and it is the ultimate all rounder.

[@Sohalemaqsood]

I own a E90 330d sport 2008 auto,which is better than the d3,even standard power is 245 bhp& torque is 510 nm

[@owenleeming1836]

@@SohalemaqsoodThat’s like saying if you tune an F30 330d to say 380 bhp and 750 NM of torque its then better than the F30 D3 just because it’ will have more power, it’s not the case , the Alpina rides better, handles better, looks better and just feels so much nicer to drive not to mention it’s rarer

[@GDBEnjoyer]

@@owenleeming1836 remember that most e90 D3's are 4 cylinder 20d engine. 330d is absolutely nicer to drive than Alpina 20d, and the D3 of that era didn't have the same upgrade on interior over the standard 3 series, to be fair neither do most F30's including this one, I'd rather have the cloth/alcantara seats than that plasticky looking leather.

[@owenleeming1836]

@@GDBEnjoyer just a matter of opinion really , I’ve driven both and much prefer the Alpina

[@owenleeming1836]

@@GDBEnjoyerI’ve read a lot of article saying to go for the e9x gen D3 Biturbo over the equivalent 330d , they must know what they’re talking about lol

[@patrickf2386]

Had a 335d xDrive a few years ago, which has the same base engine, if I'm not mistaken, albeit with about 30 less hp. It was the ultimate long-distance weapon. Unshakeable traction in greasy northern winters and doing 45-48 MPG, when you weren't flooring it. And it looked so unassuming with the two little exhaust pipes, just like a 320d.

[@wmsanctum8755]

Chris I LOVE YOU❤ thank you for making classic Chris Harris videos again. Just no nonsense car journalism. We need you. I love that you’re making videos about performance diesel’s because I own a high performance diesel myself and can preach why they are so bloody good. Honestly thank you for making this film.

[@RobVanLoock1]

Being one of the happy few who owns a BMW ALPINA D3 Touring (F31) with real-wheel drive, I can confirm it’s one of the best cars ever made. 👌 Love the video Chris!

[@DaanArrow]

Not to mention you have the LSD :)

[@kalaish6424]

I've just bought my first BMW, a G31 LCI 530d. The engine is phenomenal. I have a 180 mile round trip commute 3 days a week, mostly motorway and A roads. 286bhp, 479 lb/ft and I'm averaging 53mpg and getting over 700 miles from 1 tank of diesel. 8% of my total mileage is coasting. Oh and it's got heated and cooled massage seats. The heated seats are exceptional. I cannot understand why governments do not provide incentives for ownership of a BMW 3 litre diesel for drivers who do a lot of out of town mileage. If everyone on motorways and A roads drove a BMW straight 6, 3 litre diesel, the world would be a much happier, healthier and relaxed place to be 😊

[@delk5024]

So happy to hear someone else is loving their 530d. They are amazing cars. We did a 1000 miles in a day from Venice to Cambridge this summer. Car was faultless.

[@kalaish6424]

@delk5024 This is a motoring revelation for me and I can completely believe covering a 1000 in a day without requiring any effort as a driver. I am not anti EV in any way, but they have their place and use case. It's sad people are being pushed into having to move away from such brilliantly engineered engines like the one we get to experience. Venice to Camdridge sounds awesome!

[@1991julez]

“Here endeth the lesson” should absolutely how all Harris videos end. The man’s a genius

[@thefchassisman]

Chris is such a great guy and an amazing journalist. Down to earth, professional but chill, and so in tune with actual car enthusiasts.

[@jbrown7403]

Live in Texas and we had a BMW 3-series diesel touring for 2 weeks last year for a trip to Europe. It was awesome! Such great MPG and super punchy with loads of torque. We were fully loaded with 4 adults + luggage and it never was lacking, even on mountain roads. 👍

[@stevegreensmith2484]

Great and refreshing vid. Whilst not an Alpina, I have a 2016 F30 335D, for 5 years now. Estoril Blue. Debadged. Cloth and suede seats. Leather is rubbish as a material. Honestly what it does I know I won’t be able to get elsewhere. It’s pretty much spot on for me. I’m toying with the idea of replacing it with an F87 M2 Comp but honestly where am I going to be able to enjoy the performance of that other than on track? Cameras and potholes everywhere. Take me back 20 years.

[@michaelh5722]

335D and cloth and suede is ultimate spec. Well done.

[@bedfo7944]

Just a heartfelt message to Mr Harris. The way you deliver a message or lesson in any car is simply wonderful. I've watched you for years now and not once have I been bored. After watching you on joe rogan I was a little worried about you...... now, not so much. You're Backkkķkk . Thank fuck 😂

[@AnndyMerry]

As a fellow F30 d3 owner ( with an lsd ) I can honestly say this is the best all round car I have ever owned. If you just want to pop round tesco it’s great. If you want to have a spirited drive it’s absolutely the dogs - and on a run I manage over 50 mpg.

[@Jack-pt2it]

Chris you need to make more videos like this, I miss your craic on cars since top gear has ended. Someone who understands cars talking about them and thrashing them, nothing better.

[@hayk903]

I had a F30 330D stage 1 and it was one of my favourite cars I’ve ever owned. Any gear you put your foot down and it’d just fly. Effortless performance

[@abm5yc244]

Brilliant car. Love the way Chris puts things across too. Doesn’t have to follow the narrative, just appreciates a very good car.

[@MarcThyssen]

Well done on the great purchase mate! She looks a beauty. I have a E90 335d, (World Diesel engine of the Year 2x and World Diesel car of the year) with no engine mods other than stage 2.9 tune which now makes 395hp & 600lb yet still handily does 35mpg plus. Redid the suspension & has pump with meth/distilled mix in Washer tank to clean the manifold. Keeps her running efficiently & no need for walnut blast. Bout her gently used with 60k miles on her, now she's at 110k and other than replacing Harmonic balancer, she hasn't missed a beat. Also love the steering feel, so wonderful to drive with the torque always available. All I'd add is what you mentioned the LSD. These are probably The Best All round Cars ever made 💫🤙🏽

[@ahmedhaseeb3197]

I could never get tired of watching Chris Harris reviews.

[@ksm1985]

Are you homosexual

[@clutched77]

Chris when you reviewed this car almost 10 years ago this is what got me into cars after my dad bought his f30 good times

[@russcooke5671]

E30 ??

[@a8f235]

Watching Chris have another go is the best idea I've heard in a long time. Sensible man in a sensible car. Nothing but the best.

[@Sir.co2]

I remember watching your first review (for “the DRIVE” program) of the F30 alpina B3. and although this wasn’t offered in USA, it inspired me to get my sapphire black metallic F30 335i 7 years ago. It looked so similar to the one you reviewed I Bought it used with 70k miles. Now it’s pushing 212,xxx miles. it’s an outstanding fun chassis and the N55 is a joy with a simple tune and bolt ons. Thank you, Chris Harris, for inspiring me and others with affordable reviews like this.

[@Lukas323f]

Driving a f31 330xd in SunsetOrange myself . Really love the mighty N57D30 engine. 560nm torque is just great for everyday use. Love the Alpina spec, great blue color👍

[@rebelranter]

Great to see Chris Harris on cars back! Love the Alpinas too!

[@Si-Drive]

Great classic Chris video. Love an Alpina, styling and specs are always super classy. I have an F31 335d as my daily (981 Cayman S as the weekender), it’s individual spec throughout so it has a lot of Alpina-esque elements to make it feel much more premium than a standard 3 series. I think with a stage 1 engine remap it’s perhaps a better proposition car given the cost and trying to find a good D3!

[@smack2511]

Had an M340d touring for 3 years, brilliant car. Now have an X5 40d, yes it has the new flat screen and few buttons but it has that awesome engine. Over 500 lbft and 350bhp, it's an incredible all rounder and I'll be keeping his one. Too many foolishly ditched diesel too soon imo.

[@wackrapsatire]

wow, proper downgrade. Why bother with an SUV over an estate?

[@smack2511]

@wackrapsatire opposite actually, the X5 is a better all rounder

[@wackrapsatire]

@@smack2511 how so?

[@Iceeeen]

Are you mad? From a 3 series to a horrendus x5. Clumsy big gainly horrific things. and uggly as fuck. other than more towing capacity it dosen't belong anywhere. Should have a Ssangyong badge on them. 🤮

[@thomasholdsworth2422]

Great video, as always, Chris 👍🏻 I can thoroughly recommend Birds Automotive from personal experience. The whole team are absolute gentlemen and genuine enthusiasts. I took my manual M140i there for the full B1 package, namely the LSD, dampers, clutch pedal mod, and remap, and afterwards, it was an absolute B-road weapon. The difference in ride and handling in particular, over my local North Yorkshire roads, was immense.

[@TomGS]

Boys, we are back home. Thank you, Chris. This is like having a good quality, properly brewed coffee after living off gas station espresso for months.

[@burnham7673]

I bought my F31 D3 around 7 years ago after watching Steve Sutcliffe's video endlessly! The only Brand New car I've ever owned, and I cant imagine parting with it.

[@bradsmith7581]

F30 was the peak for bmw. Designs of everything else thereafter lost the ethos of what bmw is and should be. Glorious in Alpina guise. And what a spec too! Great choice Chris, great video.

[@from2100]

On the contrary, the G20 LCI exterior looks incredible.

[@bradsmith7581]

@ you are, of course, entitled to your wrong opinion.

[@tubejorrit]

When the F30 came out every car reviewer hated the electric power steering, cheaper leather and overal numb feeling.

[@dickdastardly8884]

@@tubejorritexactly e90 lci 330/335d for many was the peak

[@totuudentorvi7781]

But didn't F30 have the worst steering in history of 3-series?

[@phuzz00]

That shot @6:12 is fantastic! Big props to whoever was behind the camera for that :)

[@thewaywardgrape3838]

This is why i drive a 2016 335d. Silly quick, when required, on my 18 mile commute. Yet doesn't suffer the 'M' badge tax, drives like a 3 series, is economical and practical!

[@nickarmstrong4458]

Had the 2017 335d xdrive like you say the thing was silly quick and got to over 100 on a slip Rd

[@StaggerLee1468]

Totally agree. I really miss my 335d. Sub-5s to 60; easiky 40mpg; 2000 revs at 90mph 😮

[@thewaywardgrape3838]

@@StaggerLee1468 If I could, I'd buy a another 335d and keep it as a spare car lol

[@robertcroft2905]

Don't get me wrong here, I love the Alpina, but I will throw my hat into the ring for a car I think it's quite special (in it's own way) I own a G21 330E and I am convinced it is the ultimate daily driver. When you want to run around locally, it will do 30 miles on electric. When you want to do 300miles, it runs as an efficient hybrid that can be refilled at the petrol station in moments. It's currentrly sat at 83mpg long term (reset 3 months ago). Then there is the performance, it's really, really good. Mine is remapped to 368BHP and at that speed not only does it have great torque from the electric motor but it will rev way past this D3. It basically does 0-60 time that matches an E46 M3. Comfort is great too, I have the normal non m-sport variant with 17 inch wheels. For those concerned over weight, it's only 100kg more than this D3 and yet it's a touring. For those concerned over battery degredation, it's a 96% health after 88,000 miles. It's lost 1 mile of range according to the diagnostics. Last but not least, because it's a digital dash, I can change the dials to the Alpina ones anyway using Bimmercode :)

[@garethgrundy8087]

I read an article years ago, think it was Car magazine, on the E34 B10 Biturbo. Alpina was owned by Burkard Bovensiepen RIP. A supplementary article delved deeper into his company and how he liked to build his cars and make his wine. He had forged very strong relationships with his technical partners/suppliers to such a degree that, if I remember correctly, BMW and the German TUV regarded Alpina as a manufacturer in their own right rather than a “tuning company”. Bosch for example were engaged to provide EEPROM engine management chips to specific Alpina requirements. BMW would supply vehicles as Alpina requested. Burkard explained that his desire was for a vehicle that operated best in real world conditions, therefore midrange torque, a comfortable ride and a cosseting interior were prioritised as much as all out performance, handling and road holding. In essence he made the ultimate driving machine “more ultimate” for use as a daily driver. Quite likely you will recall the article Chris. Perhaps you can take the D3 over to Alpina for a follow up video to that article?

[@duncanhamilton5841]

I had an E46 B3 3.3 saloon, bought third hand, and Alpina were delighted to supply information and help when I decided I wanted the coachline stickers on it. The E46 wasn't a particularly great bit of kit in terms of fit and finish, but the 3.3 engine was a masterpiece. Would happily lope along quietly on the motorway at 2500rpm, and it was just another 3er (albeit one with a bit more tyre noise), but stab it and it would transform into a bellowing Brian Blessed of a thing. One memorable day between Hook and Reading I got into a tussle with an E46 M3, and despite the 50hp or so deficit and much softer setup, the B3 held up admirably until the road opened out onto dual carriageway and the M3 could really stretch it out. For me that was the essence of the Alpina - perfectly capable and civilised for the 99% of the time you're just going from A to B, and then gave you all the fun bits of the M3 (noise and speed) on the odd times you opened it up. But crucially, none of the downsides of using an M3 for pottering about.

[@dannythomasbrown]

The world is better place with you in so glad to have Chris Harris on cars back :)

[@swgj_97]

I brought a F30 320d a few months back. I know its not this alpina d3 but i agree with what chris is saying. Especially about people buying a new car. All these wet belts also seems to be more unreliable on purpose. I really like my F30, comfortable, plenty of power to over take and just a nice motor to cruise in.

[@peakypanda]

This is a great video, Chris. Reminiscent of the fantastic videos you produced a few years ago. Brilliant stuff; please keep it coming

[@JustAnthonyX]

I bought my first ever diesel this year & I doubt I'll ever go back to high performance petrol. It's a gorgeous E350 AMG Premium line Cabriolet with LSD, a 9G Speed Shift MCT transmission that can do 0-60 in 4 seconds with a stage 1 remap & tops out at over 180mph. HOWEVER, it averages 28mpg around town & the best I've got on a run is 49.5mpg! I miss the growl of my petrol V8's, but it's a small price to pay for the luxury, sporty, economy driving I now get.

[@SammyPro_1]

beyond the fact that the D3 is an amazing all-rounder, any motoring content is always just a tiny bit better with Chris. Thanks mate!

[@mattmanslim]

Fantastic car and great to see it getting some recognition again. I will never forget Steve Sutcliffe’s review of the D3 against the F80 M3. The D3 came out at the one to have.

[@9rows]

8:16 "One tire fire". We always called it the "one wheel peel". I like yours better! Glad you're back doing driving videos. 👍

[@TheRaphraphification]

Fabulous mate. More of this stuff, the numbers don’t lie!

[@scottadams5296]

I've owned an E90 325D, 2009 for a good few years now and I cannot bring myself to part with it. It runs the same power as the E90 D3 which was 2.0 litre. The BMW 3.0 6 cylinder diesel engine is one of the best out there. Plenty of power. Great fuel economy and not a bad sound track for a diesel... would love an F series D3. Using the 3 litre was the right decision in this generation of car. She's a keeper 😉

[@SuadZahiri]

Classic Chris, Nothing flashy just superb motorjurnalsim.

[@davidspearce2175]

Love,love,love these kind of videos. Please make more, so much more appealing than all the super/hypercar bollocks that seem to be all around us ❤

[@endlessrage4062]

Couldn’t agree more. The perfect vehicle for driving in Britain. That’s why I’m so happy with my F31 335d touring. Waited and searched for over 6 months for the right spec. It was so worth it! Fantastic and now remapped so goes like a stabbed rat. The gearbox remap is an excellent addition too, transforms the driving experience.

[@andyboyle449]

Intrigued by the box remap. I’m pretty happy with the power/torque (after years of Swedish shitboxes!) What does the box map bring to the party?

[@endlessrage4062]

@ I had a what was called a stage 3 gearbox remap. It eliminated the torque limiter, changes the way the box shift, rpm, throttle position, etc. It’s just far more responsive and less lazy when driving around in comfort mode. When you stamp on the accelerator, it’s much more instantaneous acceleration, less hesitation. When put in eco pro mode, the shifting reverts back to the original eco pro settings. So best of both worlds.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Ive recently bought a 335d touring too , it will be getting mapped after Christmas . Great car 👍🏻

[@timbob1145]

Have you upgraded the springs? I really dislike the feel of the suspension on mine. Feels really crashy sometimes and other times really floaty.

[@NadKB-7M]

​@timbob1145 I thought exactly the same with my 2016 335d, too floaty and too high on standard springs. Changed to Eibachs... perfect, ride comfort is still the same and looks much better. Well worth doing.

[@allseeing357]

Not quite one of these but I bought a facelift W204 C350 CDi AMG Sport estate a few years back, had it for about a year until the wife condemned it for being too small for family use and have to say this really resonates. Ive driven some quick cars but as a daily, the thing was ungodly quick, superb on fuel, utterly comfortable (it had heated memory seats, command, all the good bits) and literally all the car I really ever wanted or needed, particularly given this IMHO was fairly pinnacle Mercedes quality (I think the later cars are very much form over function). I bloody loved it, didnt want to sell it and have honestly missed it ever since. I hate to name drop, but who should come to buy it from me...... none other than Jamie Corstorphine (of Autocar fame) as a daily. Now he knows his cars as well, says alot really!

[@owenleeming1836]

Even the e9x generation D3 Biturbo is great to drive, Alpina just know how to work their magic

[@Futureprooffill]

Thanks for the lesson. Although the real lesson is that CH is still the king of the hill in terms of automotive journalism..

[@JamesChurchward-e9u]

I own an ALPINA D3 Touring F31. As fast as one needs on the road and, if really careful with the throttle, 600 mile range! 19 inch wheels still generate quite a lot of tyre roar on poor surfaces; this is the only real gripe. Really don't know what I'd replace it with when the time comes and hope to track it before then.

[@NINEWALKING]

Last 5 and half years I am driving F36 430d with M looks. Mile eater and GT. Active suspension and steering wheel and everything. It is great.

[@stateeleven9601]

Love my E90 330d for many of the same reasons...

[@TheBobjenks]

Sold my 2014 330d... regret it everyday. Chris hit the nail on the head, the engine is a work of genius

[@Brozay401]

I love BM diesels. I had an E60 535d remapped. Great noise, no black exhaust smoke, amazing torque, over 50mpg. The 640d gran coupe best looking BM, handles like a dream and will get you from here to the moon no problem

[@hobbsytoob]

50mpg? Mine did about 35mpg, 40mpg on a run maybe

[@Brozay401]

@hobbsytoob I had a good tuner😏

[@timbob1145]

​@Brozay401 where? I want my f31 335d doing!

[@Brozay401]

@timbob1145 this was 11 years ago🤣. Wagner intercooler, k & N air filter, dpf delete & egr valve, straight through exhaust. Find a good remapper your good to go

[@TR-kn1xx]

The thing is: my previous car, an E91 325i, made a discrete but very pleasant noise, with smoothness and instant response, each and every time I touched the throttle at any revs. It easily did 35 MPG on a long run. Moving up to the facelifted 330i, you've got comparable economy, similar noise, more power and a bit more torque. You need more grunt for an overtake? Shift down to fourth or even better third, enjoy the noise and ride the power for those few seconds! You'll still get 35-40 MPG on a long drive and all the benefits of the N/A straight six.

[@lasersailor6684]

Chris just single-handedly doubled the resale value of these cars 🤯

[@Lou-f]

I doubt it 😂 thankfully the public has never got Alpina

[@paulclark22]

I hope not I’m looking to buy one in coming months 😂

[@JamesChurchward-e9u]

Hope so (owner of F31 D3)

[@ksm1985]

Tell me you don't know what you're speaking about without telling me you don't know what you're speaking about

[@davecammidge6525]

Buy one you will not regret it, I didn't.

[@stuartgroves7545]

Not quite an Alpina but I have a 2015 F31 330d never put a foot wrong and still puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it

[@alansorbie4038]

There is still a place for a diesel daily. I bought a new Merc c220d in 2020, it had 200bhp, 400Nm of torque and did 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds, top end about 150mph. It was a lovely, comfortable car and I got 55mpg in daily driving, 70mpg on a long run and it did over 900 miles on a full tank.

[@cardinalb]

Another exaggeration of the 220d. They do not get anything like 55mpg daily and 900 a tank. Thats just being completely disengenuous .

[@alansorbie4038]

@ so what mpg and range did I get from the car I owned for 4 years?!

[@cardinalb]

@@alansorbie4038 what size was your tank that you got 900 miles from it? You are exaggerating but I have no idea why...

[@cardinalb]

@@alansorbie4038 Just before you answer the 66 litre C class tank would mean 62mpg...

[@alansorbie4038]

@@cardinalb indeed, why on earth would I exaggerate? I’m just supporting Chris’ point that there is a case for a diesel car if like me you cover all your miles on open rural roads. During my 4 years with the car I think my overall average was 57.5 mpg over 42,000 miles. You are spot on with 62mpg. That was the typical figure I got on my daily commute, week in week out, sometimes a bit more hence my statement about range. Obviously over winter, cold weather and defrosting the car reduced the overall average and range as did long trips with bikes on the roof rack etc. But overall a very economical car with decent performance, and certainly driven under optimal road conditions for economy. I guess you’ve had a different experience of this model?

[@3000FAst]

Great to see Chris do a proper vid on an Alpina again. They are such a gem of a car which most people don't understand.. Possibly because of the limited numbers. Ride comfort is soo good even on my 20year old B3S.

[@paulhancock]

Ah, some sweet relief from the KZbin automotive space of; "I took an Aston Martin Valkyrie through a McDonalds Drive-Thru!!!!", or some knucklehead straight-piping everything. Actual intelligent proper car enthusiast content for grown men with an IQ above 37. Please never leave again, Chris. Edit - Forgot to say, I love this car. It's very much up my street nowadays... And it's a keeper in this era of cars.

[@adamwilson2203]

I can't get enough of the great content Chris has been putting out lately. His M5 Touring and now this. Keep it up!

[@ukiyo5283]

One of the best looking modern BMWs

[@jdavis13umbc]

I used to have an e90 335d. It was mega. It’s how I fell in love with BMW’s. I’ve been daily driving electric cars for over a decade now and I do miss the sound and excitement/anticipation in the way an ICE makes power.

[@bmxaf]

Cue D3's sky rocketing in value.....

[@michaelyounes29]

They have been expensive for a while. The tourings are sought after.

[@jimb9951]

Looks like the spark of a good chat on the podcast, and the difference between the torquey diesel and high revving petrol in terms of driving experience. I've had a w204 c class 350cdi for just over a year, absolutely love it, sensible and comfortable family cat most of the time but just sometimes, it isn't. Great content!

[@peterharris7862]

340i with the famous B58 would be the best of both worlds

[@callumcurtis15]

Didn't work for me as a daily far too tempting to put your foot down everywhere and fuel economy when driving like that was poor at 27 mpg . I changed it for a 335d and other than a few times when I'm driving at night on an empty road I haven't missed it .

[@jameshenry1455]

I also had one for 4 years. Fantastic car - great noise and performance. But fuel economy and insurance in London was shocking…!

[@phiIip488]

@@callumcurtis1527 mpg is good. Diesels are boring

[@AndrewC89]

Couldn’t disagree more, the whole point of this car as a daily driver and commuter is that it’s fun sometimes and fuel efficient all of the time. The B58 is literally the opposite.

[@AndrewC89]

@phiIip488Diesels are only boring in Europe, in the US they’re so rare that they’re cool.

[@metagenomes]

So nice to hear Chris extolling the virtues of that F30 base. It never got a lot of love when it arrived, but I could not be happier with my F30 330d. Other than wishing it was a 335d or Alpina D3 perhaps ;)

[@mornadu]

Didnt he already do this video 10 years ago?

[@mattborman5780]

Yeah, I think it was with a touring

[@Drive_Ride_Thrive]

I think it was a b3 vs m3 video Auto car did m3 vs d3

[@Car10121-s]

As he mentions at the start.

[@jazzbassjames6403]

That was the petrol version

[@Shawn-o4z8y]

Old man re-review

[@honey6446464]

Damm Chris you remindet me of my beloved E90 335d Msport which I miss so much. But dam you put all the feelings I had about that car for 9 years in words I could never find to describe why I loved it sooo much. You are a genius in that regard.

[@JW77]

Wow first

[@tdc7]

Wow

[@misevibre]

Wow

[@bposavec91]

everyone gets all nostalgic about 90s E series BMWs but i honestly think that the mid 2010s F series are some of the best BMWs ever made. i’ve got an F15 X5 m pack and an F48 X1 and they’re great road cars. eat up the kilometers, tons of torque, great on fuel. i bought S drives because i just don’t need 4 wheel for what i use them for. the balance of tech/driving experience is what did it for me.

[@OceansElwell]

Best car I ever owned was my 2015 330d saloon. Did everything! Standard M-sport with ProNav & HK stereo. No adaptive suspension, headlights or fancy digital dash.. felt like a modern e46 and I loved it!

[@jsimon4790]

Yes. Yes! I love your work Chris. You and your crew are the best. Cheers!

[@chater12]

Owned my F30 D3 for just over a year now. Paid £19.5k for it and it's just a joy to drive everyday. It's so efficient, i can plan a load of trips around the UK and not worry about running costs. What a great car, will be a keeper.

[@superspeeder]

I bought a 2016 F10 Canadian 535d (530d elsewhere) and it’s great. A set of KW coilovers fixes the boaty 5 Series feel. 5.6L/100km (42MPG US , 50MPG UK) on my last road trip in a heavy X-Drive luxury car is unreal. It’s supremely well built and impervious to cold -30C weather, a FANTASTIC car. The F30 diesel we got here was only the 4 cylinder model, the last 3 with a diesel six was the E90, which is also apparently brilliant. Long live the diesel!

[@paulspann1321]

I was the proud and very happy owner of #84 F30 Alpina D3BT for many years and 3 years later, I’m still fuming with myself that I sold it. Genuinely the best all round car I’ve driven; what it lacked in burble, it made up for in drive and aesthetics. The 20” rims were annoying to live with not least because of the potholes playing havoc with the liquorice tyres. Top tip - if you get wheel centre cap rattle, buy the official Alpina cap soft pads to pack out the cap, they cost like a quid or something. Happy driving, looks lovely.

[@alangil40]

His bit about how the largest percentage of time is spent in "mundane" driving is exactly why I only drive manuals. Because even when in mundane traffic at least shifting gives you something to do. Also, 58 years old and I have never bought a new car and owned many nice second hand performance cars. I just waited a few years to get what was new, but now I don't even really like most new cars so I have started planning what might be my last 3 or 4 cars I would want to keep forever.

[@thedandudegmail]

I saw this parked in Clifton the other night and took a moment to admire it, nice to know it’s the new Chris Harris car

[@LymTai]

Mine is almost identical, colour, interior, a couple of years older. I have 19's. Agree with everything Chris has said in his excellent review. Hugely capable car, indeed a real all-rounder!

[@kryton57]

This couldn’t come at a better time - i (was) weighing up replacing an LCI F31 320d 46k miles Msport suits me perfectly, and it’s setup for my use with NRFT all seasons just how I want it, yet I’ve been reluctantly looking at the new 340i. Even considering a used 340i, this video just saved me about £30k. Many people here are correct - we get sucked into the media that we “must have” the latest and greatest and aspire to super car levels of cost, it’s lovely to see Chris openly discuss his appreciation, purchase and use of an older yet perfect Everyman car. I too remember the “all the car you’ll ever need 320d vid! Edit; maybe a light remap would be perfect 😂

[@tighematthew]

So glad to have you back 👌 The P1 video was one of your best I've watched it about 20 times

[@Niracka1]

Chris, great video. This is why I absolutely love and won't move on my F11 535d. A few choice mods and it's almost 400 bhp, 800nm of torque,does 50mpg and is super comfortable and practical!

[@Lev3ls]

Alpina xd3 bi turbo is the best car I’ve owned… perfect in every way! Power, comfort, presence and practicality in one beautiful package!

[@simonstrudwick5006]

CH at his best. Keep this sort of content coming!!!

[@KirksAudioSanctum]

My Mazda 323F 1.5L petrol does around 40mph! Thanks, Chris the lesson was very good!

[@SUSSYMEMES]

This is why I love my BMW 225D. Its sporty enough for what I'm after. decent 0-60 (6 seconds) really reliable, and with my usual journeys I'm averaging 50+ mpg.

[@mattosborne2706]

My first F30 D3 had the drexler LSD. My second one didn't. I noticed little difference between the two on the road. I'm not talented enough to do big skids, so that may have something to do with it! They are a fantastic car. Massively competent at just about everything and fly nicely under the radar, most of the time. It's about time they got some wider recognition. Nice one Chris.

[@CambridgeAutogleam]

I've got a F36 430d gran coupe.... So useable with its huge hatch back opening. It's up to 110k miles now / 40+mpg and I love it. Remapped to 300 something bhp. Schnitzer springs and dampers, softer individual leather inc the dash... AND!!! bmw electric tow bar so I dragged my little clio to 16 track days last year. Long live diesel!

[@KeithCramerLongfield]

One of the most enjoyable cars I ever drove was the original D3, the single turbo E90 from 2006 or thereabouts. M47 engine with some mods, turbo/injectors/ECU etc, about 200 bhp ish. It wasn't massively fast but it was a really good all rounder and I couldn't fault it.

[@michaelwyman5565]

I’m so glad Chris has been able to do more videos lately. He’s the best!

[@tonyowens7773]

I have an F30 340i.. i chose it above the diesel purely due to the gumming up woes x35 diesels can give, and there are plenty to list that Chris has forgotten about. The B58 is definitely one for Chris to try - its petrol perfection and i've had 55mpg on long runs. However this is admittedly one of Alpina's best cars. Point and squirt with better suspension😊

[@robinskeppstam]

Similar to my E61 535D, does everything well bar stop-start econemy and I love it, tows the track car well too ; )

[@ChristopherWoods]

Return of the goat 👑 even if CHOC is only a sporadically released series, I'm very glad to see it back.