Alpina B10 V8

It has been barely 2 years since we spent more than 12,000 euros on preparing this extraordinary Alpina B10 V8 for its new owner. Now the time has come that the BMW-derived sports sedan is ready to make someone else happy. Getting straight to the point: secretly the B10 4.6 V8 is much nicer and more refined than the BMW M5 E39. The badge in the headliner with the numbers 617 confirms the exclusivity of our classic. Moreover, this car is in exception beautiful condition and has the original Alpina color scheme including matching striping and interior. Options such as Cruise Control and an electric sunroof make it even more desirable. To whom the honor?

History
A limited edition of a 1,000 cars is already huge by Alpina standards. However, there was no escape for the – at first – famous tuning company: the B10 V8 was so popular that lower production numbers weren’t an option. Alpina likes to keep its models exclusive, and fortunately that’s still the case with this most powerful pre-facelift version. The B10 also owes part of its popularity to the long absence of an M version of the 5 Series E39. BMW postponed the releasing of its top model. But still, we think that the M5 cannot compete to the B10 in many ways…

Exterior
As thoroughly as Alpina upgrades the technique, that subtle are they with the visual adjustments of their models. And yet everyone will know that this is not a BMW. Traditionally, the B10 4.6 has a prominent front spoiler with the brand name written on it big. At least as characteristic are the multi-spoke wheels including their minimalist design. The Blue metallic paintwork is definitely the color to have on this generation Alpina. Side skirts, double oval exhaust tips and a genuine Alpina striping will do the rest, making it an absolute must-have for diehard fans. The fact that the bodywork is really in perfect shape will move you to visit the Netherlands as soon as possible. With the electric roof opened up, the B10 V8 looks just that little bit cooler. We’re honored to offer such a collector’s item… Twice!

Interior
Despite the beautiful looks, the mileage reveals that this Alpina classic is a pure driver’s car. No wonder the manufacturer has also worked on the interior! The black upholstery is neat and the wooden details are very classy. However, the sporty elements in the seats, doors and steering wheel really make this B10 4.6 V8 a proper Alpina. Just how refined are those stripes on the seats + door panels and 2-color stitching in the leather heart of the steering wheel. Our car also has Climate Control and its own infotainment system. Furthermore, note the space for the integrated car telephone! Old school and ultra-modern at the same time. Yes, Cruise Control is present too. But will you ever use it…?

Technique & performance
There are plenty of reasons to let your right foot do all the work: 347 to be precise. Because Alpina knows how to squeeze that much horsepower out of the 4.6 liter 8-cylinder. Yes, the later M5 may be stronger on paper, but BMW’s Motorsport department never managed to build the best drivetrain for the 5 Series E39. Curious to know why? It starts with the smooth running of the Alpina V8 engine, combined with an explosion of power that is immediately available at low revs. The B10’s Switchtronic transmission also beats the Steptronic automatic M-transmission in terms of flexibility. In terms of reliability, the 32-valve V8 scores extremely high too. What a beautiful piece of machinery! No wonder this brand eventually got the factory status… Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h is possible within 6.3 seconds and the top speed of 262 km/h is a very strong statement to BMW Motorsport, electronically limiting their cars to 250 km/h. Yet they have done many nice things at BMW, because this generation 5 Series was immediately the benchmark in its class when it was introduced. Alpina couldn’t have wished for a stronger base…

Kind regards,
team Prins.