NO RESERVE - 1997 BMW Alpina B10 V8

Highlights

  • Recent compression test – good results
  • Lots of paperwork present
  • A rarity on the roads today
  • Lovely leather interior 
  • Capable cruiser


The Appeal

If the original BMW 5 series wasn’t quite doing it for you, then back in the day you would have been able to order yourself one of these from their tuning company Alpina. 

The B10 wound up with a meaty V8 engine and a smooth automatic gearbox.

This example has been used and enjoyed over the years and now it’s your turn to get behind the wheel of this great modern classic. 

The History and Paperwork

  • First hitting the UK roads in July 1997, this car has gone on some travels since
  • There is a fair amount of written history with this car that you can flick through when you collect the car
  • It is filled with old MOT certificates, invoices dating to the early 2000s, and the all-important V5
  • Under the current ownership, the current work has been carried out
  • Change engine oil and filter, change plugs, and fit two new Alpina badges.
  • Remove all Bowden cables and fix the locks for the bonnet release catch.
  • Adjust the headlamps, fit a brake calliper, and bleed due to MOT notification.
  • Fit ABS pump reconditioned, fix a kink in the brake line.
  • Polish headlamps.
  • Remove all breather hoses and clean
  • Replace the air induction diaphragm.
  • Finally, a compression test was carried out on all 8 cylinders returning an average of 175 psi with cylinder 8 at 156 psi
  • These results for a 20-year-old car with a few miles on the clock are very good indeed
  • It is now your chance to get behind the wheel of this 

The Interior

  • Fitted with a lovely dark green leather interior 
  • The leather on all seats is presented very well indeed
  • For a car with this many miles, you’d expect a bit more wear inside, but this is breaking that stigma of high-mileage cars
  • It was noted that the driver’s seat does have some issues with the electrics, but this shouldn’t be too difficult to fix
  • The dashboard is very clean with little to no obvious damage
  • To complement the green leather dark walnut-like veneer has been fitted throughout 
  • The condition of the wood is good, you may find a few small marks, but it doesn’t appear that it needs to be replaced 
  • Under one of the wood panels is the BMW Business cassette player, remember those?
  • Even Alpina carpets are in the footwells
  • Upon start up there is a message that refers to the parking lights, but this soon clears to leave a dash free of warning lights
  • On the steering wheel, there are a lot of controls
  • There are the usual cruise control, volume controls, and menu buttons
  • But there are also controls for the ‘Switch-Tronic’ gearbox 
  • Above, the headliner looks to be in good condition as well
  • In the boot, you’ll find a well-equipped tool kit, spare wheel, and even a first aid kit
  • The boot should be large enough for almost any adventure, just measure before you take it to Ikea though 
  • You will also find a Sony CD multichanger in the boot as well
  • Sticking with the boot there are some slight signs of use, like one of the rubber straps has come loose, but once again, for a car of its mileage it is excellent 
  • Getting into this cabin you would struggle to believe the odometer, it has been preserved very well for you to enjoy.

The Exterior 

  • Finished in Glacier Green, or glaciergrun, metallic paint 
  • Some of the Alpina badges have been replaced
  • The iconic Alpina alloys have had new locks fitted to the center caps
  • There are a few marks across the alloys, but there are more than enough mobile alloy wheel technicians
  • The headlights have just been polished so the lenses are nice and clear again
  • Alpina front lip spoiler fitted
  • On the whole, the paint is in good condition
  • There is a slight area of lacquer loss on the roof just above the driver 
  • There are a few bumps and bruises around the extremities, but these may come out with smart repairs
  • You may also see some slight bubbling around the nearside wheel arches, but this is fairly common for a BMW/Alpina product of this age
  • If you like ‘sleeper cars’, then this will be the car for you 
  • It may look like a normal 5 series, but underestimate it at your own peril 
  • With a little bit of work then this will come out as a stunning example
  • This B10 will look great sitting in your collection

The Mechanics 

  • This is no normal BMW 5 series, it has been breathed on by tuning company Alpina
  • Under the bonnet, you’ll find a big V8
  • Turning over and firing into life sounds excellent
  • During the photoshoot, it had to move on a few occasions, and it did this with ease every time
  • It also drove to and from the location without trouble
  • It has had a bit of re-commissioning done to get it to this mechanical standard
  • The automatic gearbox selected drive and reverse with a positive action 
  • This is a fine example of high mileage hero 
  • With its recent compression test, you should be able to see that everything should be healthy inside the engine 
  • The service book does have quite a few stamps, with a service just being completed 

Summary

Rare back in 1997, the B10 V8 is even rarer in 2022. 

This car provides some great driving characteristics and a lot of performance for not a lot of money. 

You need to get behind the wheel of this car to appreciate what it is, but once you start driving it, you won't want to get out of it. 

It is a lovely comfortable and capable cruiser. With a little bit of work, this example will be excellent.


Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1997
  • Make BMW
  • Model Alpina B10 V8
  • Colour Glacier Green
  • Odometer 200,660 Miles
  • Engine size 4619
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Gerrards Cross
  • Location Buckinghamshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
54 bids
  • ja•••• £5,300 22/11/22
  • Bl•••• £5,200 22/11/22
  • Bl•••• £5,100 22/11/22
  • ja•••• £5,000 22/11/22
  • Bl•••• £4,900 22/11/22
  • ja•••• £4,800 22/11/22
  • Bl•••• £4,700 22/11/22
  • ja•••• £4,600 22/11/22
  • Bl•••• £4,500 22/11/22
  • ja•••• £4,400 22/11/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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