Spotlight: Alpina B3 Biturbo Touring (2009 / E91)

Today another "Spotlight" blog, in which Guitigefilmpjes looks back on cars that have been encountered a few years ago. Hence, the spotlight is put on a special BMW today, which is quite unique on the road. Note, in the car documents the manufacturer is not stated as BMW but as Alpina, which is a seperate brand. But apart from the same platform that Alpina and BMW share, the relationship also becomes clear as Alpina's are sold through designated BMW dealerships.

When Alpina introduced the B3 Biturbo on the E90 platform, it was the successor to the B3 2.7 that was available in the E30, E36 and E46 platform. The B3 Biturbo was produced from 2007 until 2012 and has been based on the BMW 335i. Alpina has rebuild the 3.0 liter engine to 360hp with 500nm of torque and a top speed of 285km/h (178mp/h).

Alpina offers the B3 Biturbo as a regular sedan, but also as an estate, convertible and coupe. All-wheel drive is also an optional feature, and since 2010 the B3S Biturbo which features 400hp and a top speed of 300km/h (188mp/h) is also available. 

The standard 19-inch Alpina classic alloy wheels

Exhaust system Alpina, stainless steel, two double-ended tailpipes

Every Alpina comes standard with a blue instrument panel

This Alpina B3 Touring was the 4th car of this type to be produced

Dakota leather, with Alpina roundels in seatbacks

Look here for some extra pictures of the Alpina B3 Touring

Spotlight: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI

"Spotlight" is the section at Guitigefilmpjes aimed at making a short "pro-con" review combined with pictures and videos of cars that have been on the market for several years. Because the pictures and videos have been made several years ago, the quality may not be up to the modern standards. Still, Guitigefilmpjes would like to look back on these cars and share this with you.

During the 2005 IAA motor show in Frankfurt, Audi introduced its first SUV into the model range, the Audi Q7. The Audi Q7 was launched in order to compete with its main adversaries, the BMW X5 and Mercedes Benz ML. Based on the "Plattform E", the Audi Q7 shares this platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, while production of the Q7 takes place in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro (MY 2006) with 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission

Engine specifications:

Engine: 2967 cm³ / V6 / diesel

Power: 233hp at 500 Nm

Top speed: 216km/h

Acceleration 0 - 100km/h: 9,1s 

For pro's and con's on this 2006 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, look at the pro's and con's on the 2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI.

Paint finish: Phantom Black Metallic
Upholstery: Leather Cricket Paranut brown 

Interior trim: Olive Ash Beige
Wheels: 18-inch 7,5J alloy wheels

Extra equipment:

• Adaptive Air Suspension
• CD player in front instrument panel
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Door mirror electrically operated, heated and folding
• Light and rain sensor
• Seat heating for front seats
• Mobile telephone preparation - Bluetooth interface
• Lighting package
• Storage package
• 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel
• Front seats, electrically adjustable with memory
• Lumbar support
• Power-operated tailgate
• Satellite Navigation system - MMI
• Audi parking system advanced - includes reversing camera
• Voice dialogue system
• Advanced key
• Bi-Xenon headlights & headlight washers
• BOSE surround sound system
• Comfort front centre armrest
• 4-zone climate control
• Deletion of model and engine capacity at rear
• Panoramic sunroof
• Audi side assist

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro (MY 2009) with 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission

Engine specifications:

Engine: 2967 cm³ / V6 / diesel

Power: 240hp at 550 Nm

Top speed: 216km/h

Acceleration 0 - 100km/h: 8,5s 

Paint finish: Ice Silver Metallic (color code: LX7W/P5)

Upholstery: Leather / Alcantara Black

Interior trim: Matt-brushed aluminium
Wheels: 18-inch x 8,5J 5-spoke design alloy wheels

Extra equipment:

Off-road styling package:

• Front apron panel: in combination with a stainless steel underbody guards 
• Rear apron panel:  in combination with a stainless steel underbody guards 
• Exhaust tailpipes: stainless stell tailpipes
• Stone grey door sils 

• Sport seats
• Cruise Control
• Bi-Xenon headlights & headlight washers
• Rear window and side window blinds
• 4-zone climate control
• Satellite Navigation system - MMI
• 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel
• Door mirror electrically operated, heated and folding
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Towing bracket - electrically folding
• Light and rain sensor
• Audi parking system front and rear
• Power-operated tailgate
• Mobile telephone preparation - front arm rest
• Storage package
• Lighting package
• Seat heating for front seats
• Lumbar support
• Privacy glass 

Some pro's and con's on the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro:

Pro:

• Ample space in the booth
• Good engine and automatic gearbox
• Width enables a 3rd person in the back seat to travel comfortably
• Good MMI Navigation system
• Cockpit conveys a luxury feeling

Con:

• Handling of the car is sluggish
• Its size makes it hard to navigate around tight spots

For more pictures on the Audi Q7, please click this link.

Spotlight: BMW X5 3.0d (2009 / E70)

"Spotlight" is the section at Guitigefilmpjes aimed at making a short "pro-con" review combined with pictures and videos of cars that have been on the market for several years. Because the pictures and videos have been made several years ago, the quality may not be up to the modern standards. Still, Guitigefilmpjes would like to look back on these cars and share this with you. 

In 2007, BMW introduced the E70 as the 2nd generation X5 and as the predecessor to the X5 E53 (1999 - 2007). It was presented for the first time in August 2006 and went on sale in November 2006 in the United States, while in Germany had to wait until March 2007.
Just as with the E53, the E70 is mainly produced at BMW's Greer, South Carolina plant in the USA, alongside the BMW X6. However, assembly also takes place at BMW facilities in Toluca, Mexico and Kalingrad, Russia.


BMW improved the E70 by implementing a facelift, that is internally called "LCI - Life Cycle Improvement". Apart from minor changes in the styling, the E70 also received a new infotainment system and improved engines. 


BMW X5 3.0d xDrive (MY 2009 / E70) with 6-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox

Engine specifications:

Engine: M57D30TÜ2 / 2993 cm³ / R6 / diesel

Power: 235hp at 520 Nm

Top speed: 216km/h

Acceleration 0 - 100km/h: 8,1s 

Extra equipment:

Paint finish: Carbonblack Metallic

Upholstery: Leather Nevada Black

Interior trim: Brushed Aluminium

M-sport package: 

• Interior trim brushed aluminium, Exterior aluminium, roof rails high-gloss Shadowline, 19-inch alloys styling 223M, sport seats with memory, anthracite headliner, M sport steering wheel, M sport bumpers, sport suspension) The exterior included bumpers that are painted in the car color instead of black plastic, this optical advantage was the main reason to order it.
• Carbonblack metallic Included in the M-package, normally black and in the sun with a blue shade, lovely color.
• Leather Nevada black Included in the M-package, as the car is regurlarly used for transporting loads, the black interior will not show wear and tear that easily.

• Navigation Professional
• Park Distance Control front and rear 
• Xenon headlights
• HiFi system 
• USB-connection 
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Rear window sunblinds
• Removal of the badging (3.0d & X5 badge)
• Lumbar support 

For more pictures of the BMW X5 E70 please click here

Some pro's and con's on this 2009 BMW X5 3.0d xDrive:

Pro:

• Smooth diesel engine
• The same can be said for the smooth shifting of the 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission
• Sports suspension provides enough feedback from this otherwise heavy car
• Comfortable sports seats
• Because of its width and lack of transmission shaft, a 3rd person can sit comfortably in the middle seat of the back row
• Large booth
• The ample storage space in the center forward armrest 
• Feel of the M-sport steering wheel is excellent

Con:

• Car did not have the Efficient Dynamics package, resulting in a high fuel consumption
• No Bluetooth was ordered (although it was available), causing nuisance when calling
• The then current DVD-based navigation system is slow for current standards

Spotlight: Mercedes Benz S320 CDI & S350

"Spotlight" is the section at Guitigefilmpjes aimed at making a short "pro-con" review combined with pictures and videos of cars that have been on the market for several years. Because the pictures and videos have been made several years ago, the quality may not be up to the modern standards. Still, Guitigefilmpjes would like to look back on these cars and share this with you.

In 2005 Mercedes Benz introduced a new S-class, called the W221. It was the successor to the S-class W220 and the S-class W221 is the 9th generation S-class. In May 2009, the S-class received a facelift (Mopf or Modellpflege in German), but that will be discussed in a future "Spotlight" blog.

Mercedes Benz S320 CDI LWB (Long Wheel Base / MY 2006) with 7G-tronic automatic gearbox

Engine specifications:

Engine: OM 642 DE 30 LA / 2987 cm³ / V6 / diesel

Power: 235hp at 540 Nm

Top speed: 250km/h

Acceleration 0 - 100km/h: 7,8s 

For pro's and con's on this 2006 Mercedes Benz S320 CDI LWB, look at the pro's and con's on the 2009 Mercedes Benz S350 LWB.

Mercedes Benz S350 LWB (Long Wheel Base / MY 2009) with 7G-tronic automatic gearbox

Engine specifications:

Engine: M 272 KE 35 / 3498 cm³ / V6 / petrol

Power: 272hp at 350 Nm

Top speed: 250km/h

Acceleration 0 - 100km/h: 7,3s 

Extra equipment:

Paint finish: Obsidian Black Metallic

Upholstery: Leather Black

Interior trim: Calyptus Wood Trim

• COMAND multimedia system
• Heated front seats – electrically adjustable
• Front seats – comfort-ventilated
• Front seat memory
• Ambient interior lighting
  
• Bluetooth & comfort telephone
  
• Night View Assist Plus
• Parktronic
• Keyless-Go
• Distronic Plus
• Blind Spot Assist
• Linguatronic - Voice control
• 6-disc CD/DVD changer and SD card slot

• Rear seats – electrically adjustable outer heated rear seats and head restraints
• Rear seats – comfort-ventilated
• Rear seat memory
• Electric rear roller blinds

• Exterior mirrors – folding, auto dimming and heated
  
• Rear-view mirror, auto dimming 
• Closing aid for doors
• Closing aid for boot lid
• Removal of badging on the bood lid
• Bi-xenon headlamps
• Electric glass sunroof with Pre-Safe closing function
  

Some pro's and con's on this 2006 Mercedes Benz S350 LWB:

Pro:

• Excellent engine that runs very smooth
• The same can be said for the excellent shifting of the 7G-tronic automatic transmission
• Excellent ride comfort 
• Comfortable seats both front and rear
• The Long Wheel Base version has very spacious leg room
• The COMAND navigation system performs its role very well
• The huge storage space in the center forward armrest 
• Upon closing the door, the driver is completely detached from the outside world, excellent noise reduction

Con:

• The car is trimmed towards comfort, in fast corners it lacks feedback to the driver
• That is basically it, there is not much more that speaks against the car.

For more pictures on the Mercedes Benz S-class W221, please click this link.