Driving Two Highly Coveted BMW E30s: The E30 M3 Vs. The Alpina B6 | Direct Comparison

[@JatsaMotors]

What a banger of a video. M cars are the pinnacle of Bmw but I think Alpina making their special versions of the Bmw cars made M division even better by giving it a bit of a competition.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

True that!!! And thank you dude!

[@jeroenorriens2590]

Alpinas are just so cool 😮😮

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@jeroenorriens2590 tooo cool😎

[@idokwatcher2062]

Once upon a time die hard fans were proud they don't have an M but an Alpina. Then they started with 2 tons, automatic transmission only cars :(

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Those were built when BMW really was the "Ultimate Driving Machine", not a poser car. I owned a couple 2002's and a 1600, all "roundies" and modified to improve performance. Driving them on back roads in the mountains of Vermont during the 70's before the state got over crowded was amazing.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@TexasRiverRat31254 sounds absolutely awesome!!

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

Great video yet again josh basically they both amazing in there own ways you got 2 iconic cars there you can never get gone in my eyes

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you Mike🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@alexandersproductreviews8970]

Me too ! keep up the good work josh for us bmw lovers 👌🏽

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@alexandersproductreviews8970 thank you!!!

[@willjam465]

Great comparison. Love these cars, especially the Alpina. Seems perhaps the M3 is more for the track and the Alpina for the Autobahn.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

10000%

[@habsom1406]

I've always been used to driving 6 cylinder BMWs, e21 323i. E28 525e, e34s, so when my friend took me for a ride in his e30 M3 it just felt like something was missing, like 2 cylinders!. It felt buzzy, high revving and not very BMW. Sure it handled great, but part of the pleasure in driving a BMW for me is the wail of the 6 cylinder engine on song, with that creamy linear power deliver. A great back to back comparison Josh with nice road ahead POV angle. Some tripod mounted roadside shots of the cars on the move would have been nice with the zing of the exhausts registering as you power past the camera.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@habsom1406 thank you for sharing your thoughts!! Its definitely a weird feeling, 4 cylinders feels unlike BMW, but 4 cylinders feels just like e30 m3! Haha and good idea, need to add those shots!

[@underwearunderthere2454]

@@m3nameisjosh464 I second the compliment on the production quality of the in-car driving shots. It's something I don't usually think about until someone does a poor job, but the good job makes the video so much more enjoyable. Also refreshing to hear someone who knows what they're talking about and is passionate about it without the overly flowery auto journo speak, which comes across as kind of uncomfortably performative. You strike the perfect balance. For me, at least.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@ thank you so much for the compliment!! I really appreciate that! Means a lot to me.

[@sskkkkiiii]

Thank you for always making entertaining and knowledgeable videos. In an age of TikTok mechanics and instagram trends you’re a breath of fresh air. It’s refreshing to see real shit! 👍

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Wow thank you so much! Thats a huge compliment!!

[@barrykrysko3153]

An awesome video. Informative and entertaining. Keep them coming!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you Barry!!

[@craigpilgrim5793]

Wonderful video, thanks from Brisbane, Australia and owner of 2X e28's (M535i & Alpina B10-Australian kit done by Alpina Australia, not Buchloe OEM).

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@craigpilgrim5793 thank you!!! Sounds like 2 beautiful cars!

[@ataylor5539]

I've never been here so early before

[@ataylor5539]

Such a clean collection Josh!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@ataylor5539 thank you!!! And welcome to early club!!😎

[@mohis5664]

Josh always with the best videos ❤

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you🫶🏽

[@idokwatcher2062]

0:18 Six cylinder engine in E30 chassis hangs in front of the strut towers! Like it's some Audi. Ultimate E30 is the M3, it was meant for a 4 cylinder.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thats why the 4 cylinder feels so at home!

[@courtneyshim3480]

Two very nice cars. Love E30s

[@1983dmd]

Since I already have an Alpina, I'll take the M3 ! People are always surprised that they made so many of them...

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Right! Just dont see them often)

[@jotighe2]

great content. I like it.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@jotighe2 thank you!

[@thedoubleton200]

Fantastic video 🔥 about to start a M30b35 conversion on my 86 316 e30....Great to hear the extra weight won't affect the handling too much 👌

[@davidbee9563]

There is going to be a bigger difference that will affect the nimble feel of a 316. Why not consider a stroker version of the small six build with 325e/525e block? It would give similar power to an m30 and bolt in with fewer changes than the big six.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Does a 316 feel even nimbler than an M3??

[@thedoubleton200]

@@davidbee9563 I was debating on whether to up the current m10 engine capacity to 2.0 or 2.2litre and install itb's. It's currently 980kg curb weight

[@davidbee9563]

@@m3nameisjosh464 Weights are a bit confusing but here in North Amnerica a 318is is about 100kg lighter than a 325i, mostly in the front. The 325 and M3 were similar because of standard features. So putting an M30 in a 316 would be adding 200 kg mostly at the front.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@ ahhhh I seee. Makes sense

[@MW-uy3np]

Helll yeah the video I’m been waiting for. Sport evo is ultimate e30 son of fair but Alpina is rare asf

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yessir!!!

[@MW-uy3np]

@@m3nameisjosh464 I see the Alpina was sold on BAT. I'm assuming the Sport Evo is coming up next?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@ not quite yet😅

[@jstanandthesavages558]

bro you are living my dream life haha.

[@JpSierra-g7k]

Sick review.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you!!

[@gertstolk]

The Alpina, any day. The soundtrack 😊

[@maczurek]

Love the content, but as a viewer from EU I would really appreciate, if you would show us the lbs to kg converstion on the screen while talking about it

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Never thought of this!! I will try to add that for you guys!

[@Voges2023]

Such a special experience.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Without a doubt!

[@pmwaffle9348]

I was looking for head to head videos of the e30 and alfa milano and this popped up instead. Very cool video! I think id take the more hard edged m3 in this scenario since the alpina is 2.8 and not one of the 4(!) variants with 3.5l motor.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@pmwaffle9348 thanks for dropping in! Im searching for a 3.5 dont worry!

[@Hosenhoffen]

I'd love to see the difference, I love love love my 325e, I've done a little work to it and its a blast, I would love to see between mine and the Alpina and M3. Thanks for your opinion and review!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I think the 325e would be about 3 towns back in a race!😆😆😆 just kidding hahah

[@Hosenhoffen]

@m3nameisjosh464 oh yeah for sure LOL I do know that the 325e will eat a prius and a jeep wrangler alive in a drag race

[@Bryan2.0411]

Dude. Witch one? Small twin cam or big single jingle? I just saw an episode of carwow on KZbin. A front wheel drive BMW? I'm pissed.

[@SCUZZYFM]

This video perfectly summarizes the dilemma that created the Alpina B6 3.5 S

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@SCUZZYFM you are so right! Lol

[@dexterking3275]

Found your channel and enjoy the hell out of it! As an E39 M5 owner, i would love to hear your take on the car. Possible purchase and rebuild down the road?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@dexterking3275 thanks dude!!! Yes im actively looking for an E39 m5 project. Only e39 id own!!

[@tcaspers]

Which one of the cars I would take home? Umm, how about both?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Valid

[@davidbee9563]

The Alpina would be a slow in/ fast out car; while the M3 is a turn in an hold on through the corner. There might be a difference with the update in 1987 e30 to make it ride better. Also if your shocks are firmer or shorter than the Alpina stock that would affect as well. The seats remind me of the Recaro's in my 1990 Jetta 16V. They were so nice my car was stolen, interior stripped and left on the side or the road. I replaced it with a 1987 535i with 16" BBS copies but no sport package. Alpina had a turbo B7S version of the e12 528 that was faster than the e28 euro M5. I am curious how the B10 4.6 3 series, with a six speed manual, compares to an e36 M3 Evo?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Well said about the driving dynamics! E12 B7 turbo is one for the dream list!!!

[@davidbee9563]

@@m3nameisjosh464 I went to Vintage at the Vineyard many years ago with my e30 325 touring. A 12 hour drive from where I live in Ontario. There were several Alpina cars there. Also a few 2002 turbos and tourings. We were able to pack camping gear and a tent easily in the back of the car. And averaged about 30mpg. It was a great car for the dogs. With the back seat up and the windows open, They had a view in three directions and all the smells.

[@justinkababik]

No tractor motor makes the sounds an M30 does. Great reviews of 2 very different cars. Imagine if that was a Alpina built M30b35 and not the older b34. That gives you another 50hp. Also, the Alpina is meant for high speed distance driving, over track driving.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Completely agree. Luckily we will be seeing a 3.5 soon🤭

[@cliftonjackson441]

Do you think the 128 would give you a similar modern feel to an e30 m3?

[@idokwatcher2062]

There's a 300KG difference. It would cost you to shed all that weight, forged wheels, carbon hood, bucket seats...

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Ive heard the 1M is the best modern comparison, 128 could probably become fun but N52 is boring,

[@cliftonjackson441]

So what you're saying is 135i

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@ well i would but N54 is junk

[@idokwatcher2062]

@@cliftonjackson441 The 3L N52 with 3 stage intake manifold is the most powerful non-M normally aspirated engine BMW ever produced. 270bhp. But to reach 300bhp, E36 M3 power level, you need valvetronic MILV shims and long tube headers.

[@achimstemmer889]

Nice one! Drive a e30 Alpina too 😁

[@leahcimblanco7799]

God’s Chariot 💙💜♥️

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yess!!!

[@sakariaro530]

Alpina had the B6 3,5S... well that is a proper rocket

[@m3nameisjosh464]

The dream!!!!

[@harveydolden8572]

Different tools for different jobs but I really like a six cylinder just for the noise 😀

[@m3nameisjosh464]

M30s do sound great!

[@Vlone1320]

333i ?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Basically an Alpina b6 but in SA

[@2052lt]

Had a 325i e30 with a full mtech1 kit. Sounds good, look good. But thats all...

[@terry-r5i6u]

you missed out HARTGE they were the daddies bk in the day

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I tried to buy a Hartge once, but didn’t have OG engine

[@BerwhaleTheAvenger-b5s]

The M3 is Sushi, the B6 is a really, really good steak. There's better, and there's preferable. I had a 1990 Sport Evo - it was a fantastic and visceral car but really it was like a rear drive Civic Type R so perfectly useable. Some of the time, I preferred the '85 Alpina C2 I had at the same time with a torquey 2.7 M20. It wasn't as quick as the M3 but it was just sooo easy to drive. Plus back then it was worth a couple of thousand on a good day so you could kick its head in and not really worry.😂 Sport Evos were all catalyst prepared so they can definitely benefit from a good ECU remap. Not many actually do the full 238, more like 225.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@BerwhaleTheAvenger-b5s awesome to hear your inputs between the two!

[@JonAllie27.]

The Alpina is not a normal e30. So it should be ok to compare an Evo to a hopped up Alpina E30!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

True that

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

Since you've rebuilt the whole front suspension and replaced the rear shocks, that Alpina must drive like a completely different car?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@anthonybaiocchi3028 drives like a million bucks, but M3 suspension was also redone a few years back

[@robsweekendgarage]

I’d have to have both. One for going to town and one for coming back. The ride home in the M3 would def be the long way through the twisties. ALPINA for the in-comfort highway run in. Did ya soil urself in the ALPINA at 26:10? Lol 😂😅

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Hahahah good answer! but LOL, is that a joke and the disgusting modern exhaust note that passed by or my driving skills🤣

[@robsweekendgarage]

@ haha naw sounded like ya ripped one. Or mbe just lunch settling haha. I can’t hear it on mobile (without ear buds) but on tv it’s there

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@ HAHAHAHAH it was the car passing I swear!

[@robsweekendgarage]

@ haha sure sure. Keep up the awesome content regardless!

[@TimSlee1]

The two best E30's ever made.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Completely agree🤝

[@underwearunderthere2454]

🤷‍♂🤷‍♂🤷‍♂🙋‍♂❓❓❓‼⁉Oh man do I have questions. Awesome vid. You never have disappointed me in that regard. I could've sworn Alpina did some E30s with even bigger M30s. Like B30 or maybe even B35. No-I'm not thinking of that South African car. I still have the second red, 2dr, 325i 5spd E30 I bought like 20 years ago, but it's been in the garage for about ten years now. I want it to stay a street car that I might take to the track a couple times ever. But I want to engine swap it. Just having difficulty in deciding what to use. K 24 is tried and true, and could be kind of an engaging engine. A 2.3 Ecotec turbo sounds like fairly lightweight, cheap power. But an N52 with it's 6speed seems like the spiritual successor with about 100 extra horses and no weight penalty. I'd love to hear what other geeks about this stuff who may be more knowledgeable think about these things. I know the N52 route might be kind of odd to some, but I love that engine, and it's keeping a BMW NA smoov smoov straight six.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@underwearunderthere2454 yes Alpina made a B6 3.5 E30 which is a true beast!!! I like where your head is at regarding a swap!!! Some interesting ideas there. Personally, for me, I look for the simplest, most HP effective swap that retains the true BMW’ness of the car. So I like to retain my BMW engines. Im not huge on N52s, electric waterpumps are junk to me. Plus the electronics and everything makes for a more confusing swap. The simplest, most fun swap is an S52 from an e36 M3!

[@underwearunderthere2454]

@@m3nameisjosh464 Your advice holds quite a bit of weight for me considering your experience. I imagine S52s are pretty expensive. Is there an M5X engine that can be cammed to end up the same or is that redundant? I had an e46 330i for a bit, but if I could avoid DISA, I might as well, I guess. You can see I suffer with analysis paralysis about my E30.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@underwearunderthere2454 dig deep into my channel and you will find an E30 M50 swap series. Its a swap that can be DIYED for about 2k and under. Makes the e30 a very fun car, while still being a cheap engine, and simple. Now the same swap but with the S52 would make it even more of a monster. S52 starts at about $2500 for the engine alone, vs $500 for an M50. But 240hp to 189. An an m52b28 is a good middle ground. Can be cammed, headers, and tuned to be a lottt of fun

[@Gr3mliz]

Do you still own that 62 impala?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@Gr3mliz nahh

[@anthonyman96]

Fuck yea

[@BerwhaleTheAvenger-b5s]

Project idea........buy a solid E36 Compact, do some decent suspension mods - Z3 rack, E30 M3 wishbones etc and use a H*nda S2000 motor. I bet it would be 99% of an E30 M3 for 25% of the $$$.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@BerwhaleTheAvenger-b5s i don’t disagree with you at all! Though s2k engines are no longer cheap here!

[@christopherlee3041]

M3 rear view mirror is wrong. Should have a map light mirror.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@christopherlee3041 not a sport evo. Unnecessary weight removed. Standard rear view mirrors

[@Remi.M45]

I would take the alpina home over the M3 , I m not a race but enthusiast. Love the m3 though !

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Respect that!

[@philippegelinas3083]

They are both amazing car but for me the M3 is better in everyway. Alpina did amazing for it’s time but I feel like an M30 isn’t the right engine for an e30.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I respect that!

[@aad2433]

That M3 have a Spanish plate number from Madrid 😢

[@HarrisonFlanagan-c2c]

Alpina is always the better car especially the big block rare 3.6

[@chrisleech333]

I'll take the M3

[@ATOTO-Zoe]

Hello, your explanation of cars is really professional. I wonder if you are willing to cooperate with us to make a video about car audio? We are willing to give you products for free.