Euro Delivery - 2017 B6 GC

[CBS]

Hi Everyone,

I've been on the E90 M3 forum for a few years, decided recently to get an Alpina B6 GC. Taking ED on 9/5/16 and wondered if any other Forum Mates will be at Welt at the same time? I did Welt a few years back with my M3, looking forward to seeing it again.

Also I'm interested in learning more about the B6 (or it's Cousin the 650i xDrive). Input from the Forum is welcome.

Cheers,

Chris

[dsad1]

I did an ED for a B6 last September. You are going to have a blast, the acceleration on the B6 is intense. I didn't get to drive it during our ED, but I can only imagine how much fun it would be driving it at high speeds without having to worry about tickets.

[CBS]

Thanks djsaad1, I'm looking forward to it. Curious to see the difference in acceleration between the B6 and my SC M3.

Cheers,
Chris

[Mdrei]

I picked a Euro delivery on June 25, Alpina B6 GC, Tanzanite/Champagne. I am still in Europe driving the car until September. I have done 5000 miles already.

Compared to the M6, the Alpina is in its own class. At least in Europe people know "it's just not another M car, it's an Alpina". The car is not a race car, it's an exclusive executive car. Inside it's quiet, classy and soft. At normal cruising (ie: 100mph) the car is very civilized, nothing harsh or snappy. Like a vintage Bordeaux.

However, if you encounter anybody looking for trouble, you plant your foot down and the beast comes alive. The 4x4 puts the 600hp to the ground in a complete different manner than the M6. The acceleration of the car is just brutal; and from 100mph unbelievable. Roll down the windows and enjoy the outside exhaust noise until the wind takes over and you realize you are past 150mph.

On the downside, it's a big car. In the cities and small roads it's not easy to get around. You have to be extra careful and make good use of the cameras and the retractable mirrors. The car is very heavy and when running on backcountry roads you feel the weight shift and inertia. This is highway rocket that does a very good job to stay planted on curvy roads for its size (much better than the M6).

Enjoy it!

[CBS]

^ Mdrei, thanks for the input and very nice B6! I'm jealous and happy for you that you have/had that much time in Europe to experience the B6. I wondered about it's size (on European roads) and weight transfer so thanks for the feedback.

I am familiar with M cars and enjoy them greatly - this time around I was looking for a different platform where performance meets sophistication.

Question: and it may be premature since you only have 5k miles, have you had any issues with the engine eating oil?

Thanks and enjoy your trip! If you are still in Munich September 3-5, perhaps I will see you at Welt?

Cheers,
Chris

[Mdrei]

CBS,

The first 1200 miles the oil level dropped by 25%.
After the service, the oil level has not dropped at all. So from my perspective the car does not seem to eat oil.

I have no idea if it has to do with the way I drove it during break-in. I did not go over 5000 rpms and past 80% throttle first 400 miles. However, I did constant medium-hard acceleration and put load on the engine.

The gasoline in Europe is very low sulfur compared to the US. The oil I put in is not the same as in the US, as it is made for low sulfur gasoline. No idea if this impacts anything.

Also to note, the car has turbo lag and loves to stay at low RPMs. So hit the throttle to wake it up. The Alpina tuned gearbox does a very good job downshifting.

Unfortunately, I will be on the plane Sept 3rd.

[CBS]

Mdrei,

Sorry to miss you in Europe! We land early morning of September 3rd.

Thanks for your further info - if you wouldn't mind, let's keep in touch after we both get back to "check-in". My local dealership just replaced the engine on a 650i due to oil usage and turbos overheating. I had read that Alpina did alot to this engine to enhance oil cooling but the article I read wasn't specific as to exactly what. I am certainly curious to learn mechanically what Alpina did.

Enjoy the rest of your Trip!

Kind regards,
Chris

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by Mdrei

CBS,



Also to note, the car has turbo lag and loves to stay at low RPMs. So hit the throttle to wake it up. The Alpina tuned gearbox does a very good job downshifting.

I got annoyed with the lag right away and installed a pedalbox. It completely changes the feel, I now can't drive the car without it.

http://www.pedalbox.com/en/home/

[Mdrei]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

I got annoyed with the lag right away and installed a pedalbox. It completely changes the feel, I now can't drive the car without it.

http://www.pedalbox.com/en/home/

Interesting...still failing to understand how it really works, as the turbos need to spool.

[BDO]

Originally Posted by Mdrei

Interesting...still failing to understand how it really works, as the turbos need to spool.

It simply remaps your throttle curve, making for a larger % throttle at certain pedal travel.

[CBS]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

I got annoyed with the lag right away and installed a pedalbox. It completely changes the feel, I now can't drive the car without it.

http://www.pedalbox.com/en/home/

Thanks djsaad1! I do love instant throttle response and despise any lag whatsoever!!

Question, does the throttle become less linear and unbearable in say bumper to bumper traffic? If yes, I guess that's why you can adjust it with the handheld. Part of the reason why I ask the question, on the track I actually turn down my M3 throttle map because I want to have complete control to turn in via the throttle.

Cheers,
Chris

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by CBS

Thanks djsaad1! I do love instant throttle response and despise any lag whatsoever!!

Question, does the throttle become less linear and unbearable in say bumper to bumper traffic? If yes, I guess that's why you can adjust it with the handheld. Part of the reason why I ask the question, on the track I actually turn down my M3 throttle map because I want to have complete control to turn in via the throttle.

Cheers,
Chris

Yes, on certain settings, it can become pretty unbearable in traffic. But there are a few settings, one of them being strictly for traffic situations. Mine is somewhat hidden between the driver seat and center console, very easy to reach down and press the buttons when needing more or less response.

[CBS]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Yes, on certain settings, it can become pretty unbearable in traffic. But there are a few settings, one of them being strictly for traffic situations. Mine is somewhat hidden between the driver seat and center console, very easy to reach down and press the buttons when needing more or less response.

Thanks for the quick response!

Can you snap a pic? I'm thinking I should give this a try.

Cheers,
Chris

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by CBS

Thanks for the quick response!

Can you snap a pic? I'm thinking I should give this a try.

Cheers,
Chris

If I get my car back today from service, then it shouldn't be a problem. But I am leaving tomorrow for a week, so I might not have a picture for you until next weekend.

[CBS]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

If I get my car back today from service, then it shouldn't be a problem. But I am leaving tomorrow for a week, so I might not have a picture for you until next weekend.

Fully understand and thank you, there is no rush.
Appreciate your input.

Thanks,
Chris