One of the most luxurious and exclusive Tourings currently available, from a historic car brand that takes BMW to the next level in every way. Condition: virtually factory new.
Unlike BMW M models, ALPINAs are more focused on long comfortable Autobahn blasting at high speeds, rather than driving on the Nordschleife. This manifests itself in engines with more torque at the low end and more smoothly tuned handling than the high-revving and harder-suspended M models. Make no mistake: ALPINAs are (at least) as fast in a straight line as their M equivalents. On top of that, the interior is of a much higher standard, with opulent wooden trim instead of carbon fibre and, instead of hard sports seats, leather seats that would not be out of place in top British brands, but with German build quality. Nor are these mass-produced but largely hand-built luxury vehicles. A totally different character.
But first, back in time. In 1962, German Burkard Bovensiepen developed a double Weber carburettor for the BMW 1500. This was so well received that from 1964 BMW maintained the factory warranty for models fitted with this carburettor. From then on, ALPINA got involved in developing various racing parts for BMWs only, specialising in carburettors and fast camshafts, which to this day are depicted in the ALPINA logo.
The brand was very successful in racing until it withdrew from the various competitions in 1988 to focus entirely on producing passenger cars. Since 1983, the brand has been recognised as an independent manufacturer by the German Ministry of Transport, after which all cars produced were registered as ALPINA.
This betrays how far ALPINA goes in customising BMWs: BMW engines are shipped to Buchloe, manually modified, returned to BMW's production line to be fitted into a completed chassis, and the entire vehicle then goes back to Buchloe to be finished and fitted with more luxurious interior parts and other modifications. All this is done almost entirely by hand, which limits production and guarantees exclusivity.
A typical ALPINA invention is the so-called Switch-Tronic system, with which, in 1992, ALPINA became the first manufacturer to offer steering-wheel-mounted manual operation of an automatic gearbox. Further characteristic features are the multi-spoke alloy wheels with the valve cap under a central cover, modified bumpers and optional stickers inspired by the racing cars of the past. Inside, soft leather and wood dominate, along with ALPINA logos and nameplates.
This is a 2022 ALPINA B5 Touring Allrad, based on a G31-generation BMW M550i Touring xDrive. However, the N63 4.4L V8 has been fitted with a new lightweight intake and exhaust system, cooling system, two twin-scroll Garett turbochargers, high compression pistons, special spark plugs and a new ECU programmed by ALPINA, among others. All this produces 621 hp and 800 Nm of torque. To handle this torque reliably, the ZF automatic gearbox has been fitted with heavier components and the special Switch-Tronic shifter system.
The chassis has also been extensively modified and the all-wheel steering has been recalibrated. All-wheel drive sends up to 90% of the power to the rear wheels. Pirelli P Zero tyres have been specially designed for this model.
This example was originally delivered in Germany. Finished in understated Azuritschwarz II (very dark blue metallic) with black Nappa leather and almost all options.
NB: this is a VAT car. Dutch VAT is included in the bids. Business buyers may reclaim the VAT (21%), depending on each personal situation. Bids include registration on a new Dutch number plate.
Our opinion
ALPINAs are a good example of 'stealth wealth': only the connoisseur knows what is in front of them, the outsider sees a well-dressed BMW. You can show up driving these anywhere. The colour scheme and lack of stickers also make this one a real 'sleeper'. Did we mention that this one is just run-in with just 4,300 km on the odometer?
As an independent car brand, ALPINA's exclusivity and craftsmanship goes beyond tuning companies Brabus and ABT. Even with ALPINA now officially being part of the BMW Group since 2022, the brand will continue to exist independently. It does mean that the current range is among the last models ALPINA has produced as a completely separate brand, which may help the investment value of this B5. One thing is certain: you won't get any closer to an M5 Touring (for now), but with a premium-level interior and more comfort.
Equipment
This ALPINA is equipped from factory with:
Airbags, driver and passenger airbags, side and head airbags.
Passenger airbag, switchable Active cruise control with Stop&Go function
Alarm system
Ambient lighting
Automatic tailgate control Exterior chrome line
Connected Package Professional DAB Tuner
Load-through system
Illuminated door sill panels with ALPINA lettering
Comprehensive exterior mirror package
Driving experience switch with ECO PRO, COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ADAPTIVE mode
Front spoiler with ALPINA lettering
ALPINA floor mats
Rear skirt, integrated with dual exhaust pipes on left and right
Hi-fi speaker system
Intelligent emergency call incl. teleservices and accident assistance
Automatic climate control with 4-zone control
Comfortable front seats with memory for driver and front passenger
Long-range LED headlamps
Steering wheel: SWITCH-TRONIC sports leather steering wheel with multifunction functions.
Live Cockpit ConnectedDrive in ALPINA design
Lumbar support for driver and front passenger
Parking assistant
Rain sensor and automatic headlamp control
Tyre pressure indicator
Tyre repair kit
Seat heating for driver and front passenger
Automatic sports transmission (8-speed) with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC
Telephony with wireless charging
Identification plate with production number
Warning triangle and first-aid box
Additional 12 V sockets
ALPINA Sport Chassis Plus Incl. Adaptive Drive (Adaptive Chassis + Dynamic Drive), Integral Active Steering and ALPINA COMFORT+ mode.
ALPINA exhaust system, stainless steel, with twin exhaust pipes
20CSA ALPINA Classic 20" rims anthracite
Z06 ALPINA Blau Calipers
1APR ALPINA printed in headrest
XEZ Fine wood furniture in piano lacquer with silver badges
The car is in near-new condition and is delivered through the ALPINA importer. Expect a condition approaching perfection.
The ALPINA is currently registered on German license plates; before delivery, the ALPINA B5 will be registered in the Netherlands. This is included in the (bid) price.
Service history
Given the low mileage, the car has not yet needed any maintenance.
Included with sale
Full documentation including original booklets
Full service history
Two keys
Manufacturer's warranty - 33 months remaining
About the seller
The ALPINA is delivered by Dusseldorp BMW, a large Dutch dealer group specialising in BMW, also official importer of ALPINA. This B5 was traded in by its owner for a new ALPINA XB7.
Summary
Seller - Dusseldorp Official BMW / ALPINA Sellertype - Business Location - Netherlands Chassisnumber - WAPBG3100MKM50749 Registrationnumber - German: NGM 899 ( will be delivered with new NL licence plate) Year/date - 4 July 2022 Mileage - 4,300 km Demonstrable - Yes, all documented Warranty - yes, 33 months remaining VAT/Margincar - VAT Bodywork - Sationwagon Engine - ALPINA M5/1 4.4L V8 Bi-Turbo 612hp (based on BMW N63B44T3) Drive - All wheel drive Transmission - ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with Switch-Tronic steering wheel controls Exterior - Azuritschwarz II metallic C47 Interior - Exclusive leather Nappa Black Exclusive stitching LZFK Smokers car - No Owners - 1 Tyres - New Pirelli P Zero ALP
The description of this Collectable has been created with the utmost care, based on information from and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre) selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders themselves must ascertain the correctness of the description and can, if desired, have a personal investigation carried out. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, investigation or valuation by buyers in advance, of course in consultation with the seller. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more details.
