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Category: Alpina

1995 Alpina B3 3.0 Cabriolet

Update 6.22.2023: Browsing eBay inventory for a post I came across this B3 that Carter wrote up previously. The price is now $39,499, some 32% less than the original asking. While still a strong ask for an e36, it’s an imported Alpina in really nice shape, has the hardtop (which is appealing to me in the PNW), and has the manual transmission too. Good luck to buyers and seller! Links updated. -dc

Want a 3-Series convertible that’s a bit more…let’s say “old school”, while still standing apart from the crowd? Look no further than the wizards from Alpina. The successor of the slightly less powerful B6 model, the B3 kept many of the same improvements to the E36 chassis – unique stabilizers, springs and shocks, and larger brakes. Inside the B3 received the normal Alpina-branded shift knob, steering wheel, and seats, and in their typical style, Alpina also provided unique front and rear spoilers along with their own badging. Of course, the package was rounded out by some of the best-looking wheels ever fitted to a BMW. While the B3 was down on power to the European M3 3.2, it wasn’t really much slower – again in typical Alpina fashion, the car was tuned to make the most of the power that was available rather than just provide a shockingly high number. A reported 1,000 of these ultra-exclusive B3s were produced, with about 2/3rds of those being the earlier 3.0 model, and in four different configurations – Coupe, Cabriolet, Touring, and Sedan. 119 of those were the drop-top version, and today’s car is number 99:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 Alpina B3 3.0 Cabriolet on eBay

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2019 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive Individual

If you know me at all or even remotely follow these posts, you’ll know we’re here for two reasons. The lesser here, amazingly, is that this is an Alpina. Now, modern Alpinas may have lost some of the unique character that the company infused into them in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, but they’re still very special and very rare cars to see. But let’s get to the real reason this one caught my eye…and will catch the eye of anyone, really. This particular 2019 B7 xDrive was run through BMW’s Individual department. Now, the color isn’t disclosed in the ad, but I’m pretty sure this is one of my favorites – Java Green Metallic.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2019 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive Individual on eBay

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1997 Alpina B6 2.8 Touring

Having just looked at a B3 3.0, let’s look at its predecessor – sorta. What do I mean? Well, indeed, the Alpina B6 2.8/2 was the first E36 modified by Alpina, but it was replaced in 1993 by the B3 3.0 model. The B6 2.8/2 was also only available in sedan and coupe form. So what’s going on here, with this very obviously long-roof 1997? Japan.

That’s right, 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, Bright Red, and Boston Green as we see here. Some 136 are claimed to have been produced, and this one is number 40:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 Alpina B6 2.8 Touring on eBay

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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

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1985 Alpina B7 Turbo/1

It was a simple, straightforward solution – but its effect was profound. By adding a KKK K27 turbocharger to BMW’s M30 inline-6, Alpina made quite a splash and firmly cemented its name in the hallowed halls of the ‘World’s Best Tuners’. The result of that marriage coupled with adjustable boost, an intercooler and special injection was 300 horsepower and 340 lb.ft of torque – in 1978! Even the much-lauded and celebrated Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera had less power from more displacement; the 3.3 turbo flat-6 produced 265 horsepower and 291 lb.ft of torque. If the Porsche 911 Turbo was a supercar killer, the B7 Turbo was a 4-door 911 assassin. The Alpina was the real deal, and ever since then they’ve been at the sharp end of the world’s fastest sedans.

Beyond just looks, the Buchloe firm of course added signature deep chin and pronounced trunk spoilers. Large (for the period) 16″ alloy wheels wore 225 section tires in the rear to help transfer that power, while specially specified Bilstein shocks were mated with stiffened and lowered Alpina-spec springs and sway bars. Inside, sport seats were outfit with Alpina’s beautiful striping, while extra gauge pods read out critical engine performance measures.

The second generation of B7 launched in 1984, and some 236 were made through 1987. A catalyst-equipped version was introduced in 1986 and added another 42 to the tally of E28 B7 production. The standard B7 Turbo/1 used much of the same formula as the E12 generation had, and again it was a 300 horsepower monster at the top of the food chain. Today, you can be owner of #66 of this exclusive club:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 Alpina B7 Turbo/1 on eBay

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