Used ALPINA B3 3.3 E4/6 206kW 280PS Complete Engine For Sale

Are you looking for a rare ALPINA B3 3.3 E4/6 engine for sale? IDM Motors offers a genuine ALPINA E4/6 3.3-litre inline-six petrol engine, developed for the ALPINA B3 3.3 based on the BMW E46 platform.

The ALPINA E4/6 is not an ordinary BMW production engine. It belongs to ALPINA’s specially developed E4 engine family and is based on the BMW S52B32 architecture. The E4/6 has a displacement of 3,300 cc and produces 206 kW (280 PS) at 6,200 rpm together with 335 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. alpina-archive.com

Because genuine ALPINA engines were produced for comparatively specialized applications, finding the correct replacement unit today can be difficult. For an original ALPINA B3 restoration or engine replacement, retaining the correct ALPINA engine is particularly important.

If your ALPINA B3 3.3 has suffered serious engine damage or complete engine failure, a genuine used E4/6 engine can provide an excellent alternative to rebuilding a heavily damaged original unit.

At IDM Motors, we specialize in quality used OEM engines and automotive parts. Our engines are carefully inspected before sale and securely prepared for international transport.

ALPINA E4/6 3.3 Engine Specifications

• ALPINA Engine Code: E4/6
• BMW Engine Basis: S52B32
• Displacement: 3,300 cc
• Engine Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
• Power: 206 kW (280 PS)
• Maximum Power RPM: 6,200 rpm
• Torque: 335 Nm
• Maximum Torque RPM: 4,500 rpm
• Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
• Engine Management: Siemens MS43
• Emissions Standard: Euro 3
• Application: ALPINA B3 3.3 E46 LCI
• Condition: Used Complete Engine

The E4/6 specifications and its relationship to the S52B32 are documented in the ALPINA engine archive. alpina-archive.com

What Is the ALPINA E4/6 Engine?

The E4/6 is one of ALPINA’s specially developed naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines from the E46 era.

Its history is particularly interesting because the engine is based on BMW’s S52B32, the engine associated with the North American specification E36 M3.

ALPINA did considerably more than simply remap the original BMW engine.

The earlier E4/4, on which the E4/6 was developed, incorporated ALPINA-specific changes including the engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder head, intake camshaft, intake system, exhaust manifold, exhaust system and engine management. Some components, including the exhaust camshaft, oil pump and oil pan, came from the US-specification M3 3.2. alpina-archive.com

The E4/6 was subsequently developed as a modified version of the E4/4. According to the ALPINA engine archive, the principal changes concerned the intake system and engine management, and the E4/6 was introduced in the facelifted E46 B3 3.3 in late 2000. alpina-archive.com

This makes the E4/6 considerably more interesting than a standard mass-production BMW six-cylinder engine.

Rare Genuine ALPINA 3.3-Litre Inline-Six Engine

One of the most important reasons to source the correct E4/6 engine is the special nature of ALPINA vehicles.

An ALPINA B3 is not simply a BMW 3 Series with cosmetic modifications. ALPINA developed its own engine configurations and performance specifications, creating cars with a different character from the standard BMW models on which they were based.

The E4/6 3.3-litre inline-six delivers 280 PS (206 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 335 Nm at 4,500 rpm. alpina-archive.com

Its naturally aspirated straight-six configuration provides the smooth and progressive power delivery associated with classic performance BMW and ALPINA models of this era.

For collectors, restoration specialists and ALPINA owners, having the correct engine can therefore be far more desirable than replacing the original unit with a conventional BMW engine.

ALPINA E4/6 Engine Compatibility

The ALPINA E4/6 was developed for the E46 ALPINA B3 3.3 LCI. alpina-archive.com

It is important to distinguish the E4/6 from other closely related ALPINA engine codes.

The earlier E4/4 was used in the E46 B3 3.3 before the E4/6 development. ALPINA also created related versions for other applications: the E4/7 was adapted for the E39 B10 3.3 LCI, while the E4/8 was adapted for the E46 B3 3.3 Allrad. alpina-archive.com

Therefore, an E4/6 should not automatically be assumed to be directly interchangeable with every ALPINA 3.3 engine simply because displacement and power figures are similar.

Before ordering, we strongly recommend confirming:

• ALPINA engine code
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• ALPINA production number
• Production date
• Transmission specification
• Original engine configuration

Send us your VIN and vehicle details if you need assistance checking compatibility.

Why Is the ALPINA E4/6 Different From a Standard BMW Engine?

The E4 engine family demonstrates the amount of engineering ALPINA applied to its vehicles.

The E4/4 predecessor was based on the S52B32 but featured numerous changes to major internal and external engine components. The E4/6 then further developed this package with revised intake and engine-management specifications. alpina-archive.com

This is important when replacing an ALPINA engine.

Installing an ordinary BMW engine may physically solve part of an engine failure problem in some projects, but it does not necessarily preserve the original ALPINA mechanical specification.

For a genuine B3 3.3, the correct ALPINA E4/6 engine is therefore especially valuable for owners who want to maintain the vehicle as close as possible to its authentic ALPINA specification.

ALPINA E4/6 Performance

With 206 kW (280 PS) and 335 Nm, the naturally aspirated 3.3-litre engine offered substantial performance for an E46-era road car. alpina-archive.com

The engine reaches maximum power at 6,200 rpm, while peak torque arrives at 4,500 rpm.

This combination gives the B3 3.3 the smooth, rev-responsive character expected from a naturally aspirated inline-six while providing significantly more performance than the mainstream BMW models on which the ALPINA was based.

Period specification data for a manual B3 3.3 sedan lists 0–100 km/h in approximately 5.7 seconds and a maximum speed of around 266 km/h, although vehicle performance varies according to body style, transmission and drivetrain. Bind

Why Choose a Genuine Used ALPINA E4/6 Engine?

For an ordinary mass-produced vehicle, replacing an engine with another compatible unit can often be relatively straightforward.

An ALPINA is different.

The availability of the correct engine specification matters because these vehicles used specially developed ALPINA powertrains. As these cars become older, sourcing the appropriate original engine can become increasingly difficult.

A genuine used ALPINA E4/6 engine can therefore be an excellent solution for:

• ALPINA B3 3.3 engine replacement
• Original ALPINA restoration projects
• Replacement after catastrophic engine failure
• Accident-damaged ALPINA repairs
• Professional ALPINA workshop projects
• Collector vehicle restoration
• Replacement of a severely damaged original engine
• Projects requiring the correct ALPINA engine specification

For an original B3 3.3, preserving the correct engine type can also be particularly important to enthusiasts and collectors.

Replacement Engine for ALPINA B3 3.3 E46

Major engine damage can become extremely expensive to repair.

Cylinder head damage, crankshaft damage, damaged pistons, connecting rod failure, oil starvation or severe internal wear may make rebuilding the existing engine uneconomical.

This becomes even more significant with a specialized ALPINA engine because sourcing the correct individual components may be more difficult than for a conventional BMW engine.

In these situations, purchasing a complete used ALPINA E4/6 engine can provide a practical alternative.

A complete replacement engine may reduce workshop time while also allowing the vehicle to retain the correct ALPINA engine family.