Highlights

Exceptional super saloon with M5-bating performance
One of only 428 E60 B5s worldwide
Superbly maintained withy FSH
Very high specification retaining full Alpina trim
Excellent condition across exterior and interior
Rare, high rated and very capable 492bhp V8

The Appeal

The boss of Alpina reputedly loves fine wine. That interest in depth and refinement informs his cars. He believes that a good performance car is not about outright power, but about how that power is delivered.

Take the original E60 B5. BMW already had a tarmac-churning saloon in the form of the M5. The B5 is quite different. Instead of a howling V10 it uses the firm’s sinuous, sonorous 4.4litre V8. Fully rebuilt by Alpina and equipped with a supercharger and intercooler it matches the M5 for bhp but comprehensively outclasses it on torque.

Then there is how that power reaches the road. Where the M5 is firm, perhaps overly so, the B5 is far more pliant. Just as engaging, just as pointable, yet less busy. And more comfortable.

Reviewers fawned over the B5. Extremely expensive, only 428 were built. This is car number 112. It is a low mileage, superbly maintained example in exceptional condition. Quite possibly one of the greatest saloon car ever built, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a very good example. One for saloon enthusiasts and discerning collectors.

History and Paperwork

First registered 3rd October 2005
Car number 112 of a reputed 428 built worldwide
Just two owners from new
Full BMW and Alpina book packs in excellent condition with accompanying leather wallets
High specification car including wood trim, cruise control, automatic cruise and lights pack
Full print out of car’s factory VIN details
Service book with complete set of 16 stamps by main dealers and marque specialists
Most recently serviced at 72,841 miles in September 2021
Additional recent work attending to airbags, misfire and general running
Vast history file confirming mileage and attesting to its few yet attentive owners
Last MOT expired on 28th June 2023 with 74,105 miles showing on test and few advisories

The Condition

Let the photographs speak for themselves – this is a highly specified car in superb condition
Attractive Alpina blue metallic with dark grey Alpina branded interior and Alpina body kit
There are very few signs of wear or use around this car
Factory Alpina 19in multispoke alloys in unmarked condition with quality Michelin tyres
High specification includes wood pack, electric memory seats and electric steel sunroof
Desirable Alpina features include embosses seats with extra neck rests and factory branded mats
Tyre pump and car cover included

The rarity and capability of this car are the door openers but it is this example’s condition which is surely the closer. It is in superb condition as the photographs clearly attest, retaining its array of Alpina factory features including the bodykit, 19in alloys and bespoke embossed seats. Even the expensive Alpina branded floor mats are present and in similarly excellent, unmarked condition. You can sense that this is a vehicle that has been carefully curated by its two owners.

The high specification is documented above and includes smart wood veneers, cruise control and the BMW lights pack. Across the outside and inside of this car it presents close to a new car.

The Mechanics

4.4litre BMW Valvetronic engine fully rebuilt by Alpina and equipped with a supercharger and intercooler
The engine features an Alpina block, forged crankshaft and Mahle pistons
Develops 492bhp and 516lbft, the latter being a remarkable 133lbft more than the V10 E60 M5
0-60mph in 4.6secs
6spd ‘switch-tronic’ ZF gearbox bespoke to the B5 with auto or sequential manual modes
Bespoke Alpina suspension designed to provide a perfect balance between sport and cruising driving
Full service history by main dealers and specialists
Thick history file

The technical side of the B5 is quite remarkable. Alpina takes BMW’s well-regarded 4.4litre V8 from the 545i, dismantles it then fully rebuilts it with a mouthwatering array of high performance parts. The result is a near-500bhp output but the real story is the torque figure. At 516lbft it is 133lbft more than a M5 and usefully available much lower down the rev range.

This car’s ‘switch-tronic’ gearbox is a clue to the B5’s nature. Where the M5 is firm and heavily sporting, the B5 is designed to be more a blend of executive express and sports car with softer, more compliant suspension. As contemporary reviewers reported, this is not at the expense of engagement or ability – for them the B5 was just as good on the road as the M5, if not better.

With any low volume, high end performance vehicle you will want the reassurance of good maintenance. This car certainly has it, a run of service stamps attesting to continuous attention irrespective of mileage. The car has covered few miles since its last visit. Alongside the essential annual servicing there are various invoices in the thick history file for additional attention as and when the car has needed it.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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