Alpina Roadster V8

About this Collectable

The Alpina Roadster V8 is even more exclusive than the BMW Z8, with a limited production run of only 555 cars. But it's not just more exclusive: the Alpina also has a completely different character, with a different V8, an automatic gearbox and a more comfortable suspension. This makes it a perfect convertible for cruising. This particular example is number 311 of 555 and has covered only 16.750 km.

A Z8 is one of the most special and exclusive modern BMWs. A roadster with a V8 is by definition something special, and Henrik Fisker's masterful design made the Z8 a guaranteed future classic. The fact that the car had a role as James Bond's mode of transport also helped.

With a total production of 5,703 cars, the Z8 is a rare find, but it can be even more exclusive. Based on the Z8, Alpina made the Roadster V8 and only 555 of these were built. Of these 450 were sold in the United States, which is why most Alpina Roadsters that are on the road in Europe (again) originated from the States.

The external differences with a regular Z8 are very subtle. From the outside, the Alpina Roadster V8 can only be recognised by the distinctive Alpina rims and the Alpina badge on the rear. The differences with the Z8 seem small, but make no mistake: Alpina has created a completely different car.

The technology is fundamentally different, starting with the engine. Where the BMW Z8 is equipped with the more high revving, sporty V8 from the E39 M5, Alpina chose the more torque orientated V8 from the Alpina B10 V8 S.

Instead of 400bhp, this V8 delivers 381bhp, but the torque increases from 500Nm to 520Nm. More importantly, this torque is available from a significantly lower RPM and is spread out more widely. This makes the Alpina Roadster V8 not only suitable for relaxed cruising, but also a car that is extremely agile at all revs. In track tests, the Alpina was occasionally even faster than the Z8. 

Of course a manual gearbox doesn't suit such a car. Alpina therefore fitted the Z8 with an automatic gearbox, even though this was never originally available in the Z8. It is a 5-speed Steptronic automatic. The suspension has also been made slightly more comfortable. All this ensures that the Alpina has its own unique character.

In a way, the Alpina Roadster V8 is also the successor to the BMW Z8. The production of the Alpina started after the production of the Z8 had stopped. This example dates from 2003 and is therefore more recent than all standard BMW Z8s.

To be precise, it is number 311 of the 555, finished in Titansilber Metallic. The current Dutch owner imported this Alpina from the US, where the vast majority of them were delivered. He bought the car at Ferrari Maserati Fort Lauderdale with only 7,155 miles (11,515 km) on the clock. Due to his rather extensive collection and limited free time, he has only covered a limited number of kilometres and now has a total of 16,750 km on the counter.

Our opinion

Manual or automatic. Exclusive or even more exclusive. The Original or The Interpretation. This is Alpina's vision of the BMW Z8, resulting in the BMW Alpina V8 Roadster.

Whereas the M Division of BMW originally focused on street versions of cars developed for the racetrack, with more aggressive engines and the accompanying suspension, Alpina focused on day-to-day speed. For the successful businessman who drives 200 kilometres to work every day and enjoys doing so in less than an hour, completely relaxed, while taking care of his telephone calls. 

A philosophy that has resulted in the ultimate Autobahn Stormers for the past 50 years. More torque, just a little more comfort in the suspension. Often a little less power on paper, but in practice more speed, partly thanks to more torque over a wider range. Alpina is not a tuner, but a manufacturer, for enthusiasts who understand the concept. It also simply says 'Alpina' on the registration. This year the brand was bought by BMW, probably to create a more luxurious Grand Touring line alongside the hardcore M-models. However, this is still a 'real' Alpina.  

According to Alpina, the improved version of the Z8 had to be given a different character, more in keeping with the Roadster look. So a more creamy, torquey V8 coupled to a Steptronic. And the M5 suspension had to be a bit softer, to make it easier to drive over that pretty, but nasty Italian road surface. Something that Ferrari only applied years later with the 'Bumpy Roads' switch.  

The Z8 is undergoing a reappraisal and so is the Alpina. At the time it was simply a Z8 with an automatic gearbox, but connoisseurs now know that this car is much more than that. Owners who have (had) both cars know that the Alpina is just as fast, sometimes even faster. They are just two different cars. An open M5, versus an ultimate GT cruiser. Actually, you should just have both in your garage.  

Equipment

This Alpina is factory equipped with, among other things:

• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Electrically adjustable seats
• Heated seats
• Stage 5 alarm with vehicle tracking 

Modifications

Because it was imported from the United States, this car also had a different rear bumper with a cut-out for the American number plate. This has been replaced by the European rear bumper. 

The speedometer was also converted from miles to kilometres via Alpina specialist SPBA. Of course, the meter readings are documented and the miles have been correctly converted to kilometres, so the displayed mileage is accurate.

Furthermore, the Alpina is equipped with the original BMW Z8 Performance Package (strut bridge and strut bearings) to improve the stiffness. 

Remarks

In 2018, the car was coated with a Gyeon Q² Mohs coating.

Service history

The main points of the recent maintenance history are:

• June 3, 2022 - 16.655 km - Renova BMW Breda: engine oil changed, battery replaced
• June 28, 2019 - 13.973 km - Alpina-specialist SPBA: control arm, intermediate bearings replaced, new rear tyres fitted, among other things

See photos for the invoices.

Included with sale

• Two keys
• All original booklets
• Original Motorola mobile phone
• Vehicle tracking system
• Hardtop including stand an cover

About the seller

The seller is a collector who is particularly interested in classic cars. His fleet includes a Jaguar E-Type, an Iso Rivolta, a Corvette Sting Ray and a BMW E9. Besides these classics, he also bought a modern classic in the form of this Alpina Roadster V8. As far as he is concerned, this is a beautiful reincarnation of the BMW 507. However, because he has a lot of cars in his garage (including three convertibles), he doesn't get around to driving this Alpina. Therefore, the car may now go to a new enthousiast.

Summary

Seller - Olaf
Seller type - Private owner
Location - The Netherlands 
VIN - WBAEJ13413AH62419
Year/date of production - 17 March 2003
First registration - 1 May 2003
Mileage - 16.750 km
Verifiable - Yes, based on the documentation
Warranty - No
Body type - Convertible
Engine - 4,8 liter V8
Lay-out - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - 5-speed automatic
Exterior colour - Titan Silver Metallic (354)
Interior colour - Black
Upholstery - Leather
Smoker's car - No
Owners - Unknown, at least 2
In possession since - 18 June 2018
Tires - Front: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (2017), rear: Michelin Pilot Super Sport (2018)

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