1997 Alpina B6 2.8 Touring

Although the B3 model had replaced it, in 1996 the B6 2.8 was resurrected for the Japanese market. Now only available in Touring form, the car was reportedly a reaction to BMW’s decision not to bring the 328i Touring to the market. Unlike the contemporary cars, these were badged as “Limited Edition” and mostly came with the standard automatic instead of Alpina’s SwitchTronic gearbox, and they were only made in Arctic Silver as we see here or Bright Red and Boston Green. Some 136 are claimed to have been produced, and this one is number 105 :

1997 Alpina B6 2.8 Touring on eBay:

From the seller:

1997 BMW ALPINA B6. 

This is a very rare opportunity to get this only 105 world wide Alpina B6 wagon. The vehicle is in very good condition. US title on hand. Silver with Blue on Black seats. If you looking at this auction you know exactly what this car is. If you don’t know what this car is, you won’t understand the value. Please do your research first. Free shipping in the US (no AK PR HI). Buy with confidante from over 1000 feedback seller with 100% rating. 

vin. WDBLK70G73T143204

Strangely the ad has a non-WAP VIN listed, but the car does appear to be a legitimate B6 2.8 Touring and aligns with the Archives record of number 105.

If it’s a fake, someone went through a lot of trouble for one of the lesser-appealing Alpinas. I believe it to be real, though, and the 40k asking price aligns with others that have come to the market.

If you want to stand apart from the crowd at the local BMW show, surely this is a solid way and considering the prices of E36 M3s these days, maybe not the worst plan.

-Carter