1990 Alpina B10 BiTurbo

After looking at nearly every other generation of 5-Series over the past few weeks, let’s take a look at one of the best – the E34. And if we’re going there, why not look at one of the best E34s made?

Alpina took a normal 535i and made it’s own interpretation of what the M5 could be; instead of a high-revving twin cam S38, you got two turbochargers with enough torque to embarrass those boys from Affalterbach. Alpina achieved this through a full custom build; Mahle pistons, custom oil sprayers to cool the them, stronger connecting rods, sodium-filled valves and bespoke intake and exhaust systems – but then, Alpina’s never been shy about producing it’s own items. While all Alpinas are rare, the B10 BiTurbo was fairly popular; of the 1600-odd E34s Alpina built, a full 507 of them were B10s – impressive considering they were one of the most expensive sedans in the world at the time. Today? Well, they’re still one of the most expensive used BMWs you can buy:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Alpina B10 BiTurbo on eBay

Year: 1990
Model: B10 BiTurbo
VIN: WAPBATL000B750053
Engine: 3.5 liter twin-turbo inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 84,000 km (~52k miles)
Location: Fenton, Missouri
Price: Reserve Auction

1990 BMW Alpina B10 Bi-turbo

#053 of 507 produced between 1989 and 1995
Originally a demonstrator then sold to a BMW dealer in Germany before heading to Japan, the United States and Canada
Original MSRP in 1990 exceeded $153,000
Based on BMW’s 535i sedan (code M30B35) as evidenced by the Alpina Paperwork
3.5L SOHC inline six-cylinder engine
Getrag 260 five-speed manual transmission
Diamond Black Metallic exterior (code 181) and grey and black custom cloth interior
Fastest production sedan in the world until 1994, with estimated top speed of 180 miles per hour
Alpina mods include twin Garrett turbochargers, intercooler, Mahle pistons, self-leveling suspension and 13-inch brakes with Alpina wheels
Air-conditioning, power rack-and-pinion steering, power four-wheel disc brakes, sunroof, tinted windows, cruise control, power windows, power locks, power sideview mirrors and power front bucket seats
Side skirts and a rear apron by Zender and AC Schnitzer were installed and painted to match
Never sold in the U.S.
Featured in Jackie Jouret’s Bimmer Magazine article, “Last of the Breed: the Alpina B10 Biturbo 1989-1994”
Recent services and repairs from 2020 and 2021 of $13,000.00

This example was originally an Alpina demonstrator in Europe as the car was never sold in the United States. It was sold to Herman Linn, a BMW motorcycle dealer in Germany. The car was later shipped to Japan, where it remained until 2016. Emerging from a Japanese collection, it came to Canada then was imported to a collector in Phenix, AZ who owned until 2022.

Dressed in Diamond Black Metallic (code 181), the car’s paint and trim are in overall excellent condition. While most of the car is in an unrestored state, the hood and bumpers have been resprayed during prior ownership due to minor rock chips, not damage. The bodywork is solid and straight, the engine bay is extremely tidy and the car’s body-colored bumpers fit tightly. A set of side skirts and a rear apron from Zender and AC Schnitzer have been installed.

While this car has enjoyed more international traveling than most of us, it has always been lovingly cared for and stored as it is one of the most elusive BMW/Alpinas ever produced. It has been driving sparingly having traveled only 83,000 km or 62,000 miles. When the previous owner from Arizona took proud possession of this steed he wanted the car to be perfect and that the car serviced and repaired at a cost of $13,000. between 2020 and 2021 with receipts in hand.

He had both front and rear bumper and hood repainted, entire car was paint corrected, polished and ceramic coated. The original Alpina graphic were removed. (Complete new set included in box) Windows were tinted, new BMW A/C compressor and A/C service, front end alignment, new control bushings, new exhaust manifold gasket, new motor mounts, tune up with new plugs and wires, new satellite radio installed. (Original blaupunkt included) As well as new thermostat, t-stat, o-rings and oil level sending unit.

This Bimmer rolls on Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 radials, size 235/45ZR17 in front and 255/40ZR17 in the back. Each tire is mounted to an Alpina lace alloy wheel. All wheels and tires are in very good condition.

Under the hood is BMW’s 3.5L straight six-cylinder engine that’s been fortified by Alpina with the following modifications – twin Garrett turbochargers, an intercooler, Mahle pistons, a self-leveling suspension and 13-inch brakes. Backing the motor is a Getrag 260 five-speed manual transmission. Driver convenience features include air-conditioning, power rack-and-pinion steering, power four-wheel disc brakes, sunroof, tinted windows, cruise control, power windows, power locks, power sideview mirrors and power front bucket seats. These seats are in excellent condition and are to die for!

Inside, the car features a grey and black interior with custom, bolstered front seats. The seats, with their custom upholstery, are in near-excellent condition while the matching grey carpet and headliner are in very good order.

A four-spoke steering wheel faces the driver and the back dash boasts a full set of gauges and comes with dollops of wood veneer on the center console, shift knob, dash and inner door panels. A factory AM/FM stereo with cassette deck rounds out the interior.

This Alpina was the star of Jackie Jouret’s 19-page article in Bimmer Magazine, “Last of the Breed: the Alpina B10 Biturbo 1989-1994.”

VIN: WAPBATL000B750053

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows x,xxx miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.
Dressed in Diamond Black Metallic (code 181), the car’s paint and trim are in overall excellent condition. While most of the car is in an unrestored state, the hood and bumpers have been resprayed during prior ownership due to minor rock chips, not damage. The bodywork is solid and straight, the engine bay is extremely tidy and the car’s body-colored bumpers fit tightly. A set of side skirts and a rear apron from Zender and AC Schnitzer have been installed. Inside, the car features a grey and black interior with custom, bolstered front seats. The seats, with their custom upholstery, are in near-excellent condition while the matching grey carpet and headliner are in very good order. A four-spoke steering wheel faces the driver and the back dash boasts a full set of gauges and comes with dollops of wood veneer on the center console, shift knob, dash and inner door panels. A factory AM/FM stereo with cassette deck rounds out the interior

What a neat car! This one has been around the block, so to speak – it sold on BaT in May 2016 for $77,000 and again on BaT in May 2020 for $73,000, then Barrett-Jackson in January 2022 for $80,300. While the auction is reserve here, we can also see the dealer is asking $115,000, and it appears in a few other sales as well. Unfortunately, it seems like it just keeps getting traded as a party piece rather than being driven. I think given that it sold earlier this year we have a pretty good sense of what the real value is in today’s market, so it’s likely to remain available at the current ask for some time.

-Carter