Description
A globally unique ALPINA B5: the first press car ever built for the model range. This rare one-off comes from a total run of only 428 examples and holds a special place in the model’s history. For collectors, this presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a historically significant vehicle with direct ties to ALPINA’s brand history – and currently there is no second one like it on the market worldwide.
Officially registered as the first registration with ALPINA (number plate OAL-BB 155), it symbolises the unparalleled exclusivity and pioneering spirit of a legendary marque, which will end its standalone era in 2026. While the new Bovensiepen Zagato shapes ALPINA’s future, this very car tells the story of the beginning – a rare gem reserved for true enthusiasts.
The number 009 was specially created for international press, TV productions and advertising photography, serving as the face of the brand for media worldwide.
The history is comprehensively documented:
– Original press photos
– TV features
– Officially listed press car in alpina-archive. com
– Depicted on the official ALPINA website under “Milestones,” where this vehicle holds a permanent place in the B5’s brand history
Such an official anchorage in the ALPINA brand archive is extremely rare and underscores the extraordinary significance of this vehicle. Moreover, it is prominently represented on the homepage of the renowned enthusiasts portal thealpinaregister. com – another testament to its role as the media face of the brand.
Note: This press car has not yet been officially registered with thealpinaregister. com. The purchaser has the option to register it as a special collectors’ bonus.
To illustrate #009 with the former registration OAL-BB 155 – publicly accessible video on YouTube (not created by me)
YouTube channel: BMW ALPINA
Title: BMW M5 V10 (E60) vs ALPINA B5 4. 4L V8 Supercharged
In September 2024 the vehicle was subjected to a comprehensive inspection directly at ALPINA in Buchloe. As part of this, the B5 received, among other things, a new radial compressor. During the workshop stay, the TÜV was renewed until September 2026 with no defects.
ALPINA also recommended renewing the rocker cover gaskets and the tie rods for the future. These items were not TÜV-relevant and were therefore not implemented for now.
The documented factory maintenance emphasises the well-kept and traceable overall condition of the car. 3 previous owners.
The traceable chain of ownership for export is ensured, as I am entered as the current owner in the vehicle’s title.
This B5 was originally delivered without side decorative stripes. A later decorative insert was subsequently removed to restore the authentic factory state.
Only under certain lighting angles and only on close inspection – for instance with a flashlight held close – are minimal shadows visible at a few spots. These are purely cosmetic.
A professional spot-polish treatment to further align the finish is possible but has deliberately not been carried out to preserve originality.
The vehicle has been consistently cared for and is in good mechanical and visual condition. The focus here is clearly on substance, originality and history – not cosmetic perfection.
Age-related minor wear such as fine scratches and stone chips are present. To the best of my knowledge the vehicle is accident-free and in its original paint.
To preserve originality, minor paint defects were touched up only with a paint marker and preserved – there has deliberately been no extensive repainting.
Here lies a unique opportunity to own a piece of ALPINA history – authentic, unique, in original condition.
Note on rarity:
In total only five vehicles of the B5 and B5 S range were built specifically for press purposes – four in the coveted left-hand drive configuration and one as a right-hand drive.
The vehicle offered here is the first built press car. Whether the other four still exist is not certain – but it is clear that, apart from this exemplar, all have not appeared on the market or in known archives or registers for around ten years.
A clear testament to the exceptional rarity and the historical value of this B5.
The ALPINA is regularly driven in good weather, mileage may vary slightly.
Standard equipment:
0216 Power steering – Servotronic
0435 Fine-wood finish
0534 Automatic climate control
0540 Cruise control
0548 Digital speedometer
0563 Light pack
0785 White indicator lights
0851 German language version
Special equipment:
0205 Automatic transmission
0302 Alarm system
0320 Omission of model designation
0403 Glass roof electric
0423 Velour floor mats
0428 Warning triangle and first-aid kit
0430 Interior/ exterior mirror with automatic dimming
0431 Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
0441 Smoking package
0456 Comfort seat with memory
0465 Through-loading system
0494 Driver/ Passenger seat heating
0502 Headlamp cleaning system
0508 Park Distance Control (PDC)
0522 Xenon lights
0605 Telematics prep
0607 Telematics service prep
0609 Navigation Professional
0616 BMW Online
0602 Voice input
0633 Business mobile prep
0672 CD changer 6-disc
0676 Hi-Fi loudspeaker system
0698 Area code 2 for DVD
0801 Country-specific Germany
0863 European dealer directory
0879 On-board literature German
0920 Alpina without certificate
0940 Special wishes equipment
09AA Exterior protective coating
Individual data:
- Air conditioning – on-board equipment
- Vehicle electrics – instrument cluster
- Front bumper tweak for E61 up to 03/ 2007
- Rear bumper cutout for exhaust tips
- ZB sill trim – extent Side skirts
- Body – body equipment
- Brakes – wheels/ tyres (no spare wheel)
- Alpina steering wheel – rear axle
- Front axle – steering
- Transmission – driveshaft
- Radiator – exhaust system
- Fuel system – fuel supply
- Engine – engine electronics
Variants or equipment beyond standard scope:
E60/ E61 Alpina B5
in finish matching decorative strips.
Decorative strips in Alpina Edelholz “Myrtle”
0940 Special wishes equipment
0490 Special paintwork “Alpina blue-metallic II”, FE 60-51G6 BASF
LCBA Leather “Dakota”/ beige
1AAD ALPINA metal emblem in the seat backs and rhombus appliqué in green/ blue on door armrests
111 ALPINA Velour floor mats
116 ALPINA door sills
162A Light metal wheels ALPINA CLASSIC 19 inch
167 Alpina rear spoiler
170 Alpina front spoiler chrome decorative set
175 Alpina and model designation
194 Switch-Tronic sport leather steering wheel with multifunction, in ALPINA design: hand-stitched with blue/ green stitching and Switch-Tronic symbols
2TB Sport automatic transmission (6-speed) with ALPINA Switch-Tronic
