Introduced in 2005, the Alpina B5 was based on the 545i and used a modified version of its 4.4-litre Valvetronic V8 engine, completely re-engineered by Alpina as an official model and sold with BMW-approved warranty when new.
Alpina fitted a forged crankshaft, Mahle pistons and a centrifugal-type supercharger, with an adjoining compressor to eliminate lag in power delivery. It’s a clever piece of kit, developing 493bhp and giving the B5 a supercar-baiting 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a reported top speed in excess of 180mph.
In addition, the B5 is marked out by its Alpina-spec 19-inch alloy wheels and unique interior trim.
This example is a 2006 model that has been well-used but has also been impeccably well-maintained. It has covered just shy of 196,000 miles, but its overall condition and the way it drives make that hard to believe. IMG_20200501_173042.jpg5.22 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original book pack and paperwork
Stacks of service history and invoices
MOT until May 2023
Three previous owners
Originally registered in June 2006, the Alpina has had three previous keepers.
The vendor runs a Range Rover and BMW specialists and acquired it several years ago from its first owner, using it as his own car for five years before selling it to a regular customer.
The customer has since bought another vehicle from him and he took it back in part-exchange. It covered most of its mileage in its earlier life and has covered less than 1,000 miles in the past two years.
It comes with all of its original handbooks and documents, plus a service book showing a comprehensive maintenance record throughout its life. IMG_20200501_184943.jpg2.13 MB
THE INTERIOR
Tan leather
Excellent condition
Head-up display
Original build plaque
Factory mats
The original tan leather Alpina sports seats are in superb condition given the car’s mileage and are complemented by original Alpina mats and a blue-green stitched steering wheel.
The car also comes with BMW’s top-end Logic 7 stereo system and a sat-nav/infotainment set-up controlled by a central i-Drive controller. There’s also an LCD head-up display, showing speed, revs and fuel level projected directly onto the windscreen.
The interior features dark ash wooden inserts and offers an enticing combination of luxury and sportiness. It’s superbly presented and in great order, looking like a much lower mileage car.IMG_20200501_185507.jpg5.44 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Mystic Blue Micatallic
Refurbished 19-inch alloys
Alpina front splitter and side skirts
Excellent condition
Finished in its original BMW Mystic Blue, which looks almost black, the Alpina looks every inch the stealthy executive performance car that it is.
The 19-inch multi-spoke alloys are an Alpina trademark and have just been professionally refurbished and treated to new centre caps, giving the car a real lift.
Overall, it’s in excellent order, though there’s some oxidisation to one of the door mirror plinths with bubbling below the black painted surface.
The vendor says that the headlights are also a bit cloudy but that he’s going to flat them back with a machine polishing pad before the car is delivered to its new owner. IMG_20200501_184212.jpg4.05 MB
THE MECHANICS
493bhp V8
Six-speed auto with steering wheel controls
Incredible performance and handling
Drives very well
According to the vendor, the Alpina is an absolute beast to drive with blistering acceleration and superb handling.
It is said to be in good working condition with no known faults and has been thoroughly maintained by specialists for all of its life. The vendor has just given the car a major service before sale.
The power is delivered to the road via a six-speed automatic transmission, with manual controls via the gear selector or steering wheel controls. It’s an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable performance car. IMG_20200501_184503.jpg3.19 MB
SUMMARY
This is a fantastic example of a full-on performance saloon with performance to rival most supercars, but a stealthy, understated appearance – one of the main appeals of Alpina cars.
It’s in superb condition regardless of its mileage and offers a sensational amount of bang for the bucks.
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