As the resident BMW fanatic (though that’s slowly changing – I seem to be obsessed with 4×4 Isuzus as of late), the name Alpina is synonymous with high performance, limited production BMWs that remain coveted for seemingly the entire lifetime of the vehicle. From compact 3-Series to limo-like 7-Series, Alpina has breathed on almost every BMW made in some fashion over the last few decades. Many of the best preserved examples reside in Japan, where well-monied folks used these super coupes and sedans sparingly, such as the case with this E34-chassis 5-Series listed here on eBay with a $26K Buy-It-Now.
As the 25-year importation rule has allowed more and more coveted cars of the 90s to be legally imported, the low-mileage Alpinas residing in Japan have been cropping up stateside more and more. Due to the high levels of traffic congestion and tendency to be favored for executive transport, many of the Japanese-market Alpinas are equipped with automatic transmissions, a serious bummer even if the mileage is low. Incredibly, this Japanese-market B10 3.5 model features a manual transmission, along with typically low levels of use by its former owner, with just over 90,000 miles recorded.
The Alpina cars featured numerous upgrades, both mechanical and cosmetic. Among the most coveted items among BMW enthusiasts are the iconic Alpina bucket seats, which feature exceptional bolstering and a unique upholstery pattern only found in these high-performance models. Other tweaks include an Alpina steering wheel, shift knob, and plaques denoting the 5-Series’ limited production run. The interior of this example shows no obvious flaws, and thankfully, no previous owners have pillaged the rare and valuable Alpina features.
Of course, the Alpina enhancements were more than skin-deep. The seller notes this B10 model that’s based on a 5-Series equipped with the familiar 3.5L inline-six was enhanced with new Mahle pistons, which had the net effect of increasing the compression ratio and power to 254 b.h.p., and the engine’s control unit (ECU) was reprogrammed. A special Alpina exhaust was installed, and the suspension was firmed up courtesy of Bilstein struts and shocks. Overall, this is the car to buy if you want to go fast without anyone noticing, although those striking Alpina wheels are a dead giveaway that this Q-ship is packing some serious pedigree. With a 5-speed manual, this Alpina-tuned E34 becomes far more tempting.
What an awesome 80’s classic in original condition!
This generation 5-series is the first BMW that caught my eye as a kid. I remember saving my money to by a Revel model kit of this very same car.
Beautiful, always wanted an Alpina. Nearly bought one several times but didn’t quite get there.
E34 one of my favourites too.
In my genuine M parts stash I have an E34 leather dash.
The “sales manager’s hotrod”. This is that car the lead “closer” in some penny stock boiler room bought…hoping to neutralize the stench of his greasy ways.Gave his busted Corolla-driving underlings something to look up to when they were trying to power through 200 cold calls a day.
Wow. Very cool…
Sure would like this in my driveway.
Not sure if the B10 3.5 spec by this time got the same treatment, but on my B6 2.8/1, Alpina upgraded the M30 with a forged crankshaft, custom pistons, ported and polished head (stamped number), camshaft and bigger valves.
It also got custom suspension, bigger brakes (Merc units adapted to BMW spindles), exhaust, etc.
The front spoilers are functional aero pieces (compared to stock front spoiler at higher speed, you do notice the difference..)
Alpina used to make very special creations, now they are a just a badge on a production line. Really a shame what they’ve become…
If I had the space, and wasn’t trying to make a deal for an M5 Touring, I’d snap this up.
Alpina has kind of a cult following and I completely understand the appeal. I’ve always liked them, but I am an M5 guy with a handful in my collection, and have never considered an Alpina over the alternatives at the price point. The E34 M5 is very similar with a more powerful engine, a more reasonable price and more readily available parts. These cars were not turbos? That would put it over the top.
The B10 biturbo was a twin turbo version of this car. Was (at the time) fastest saloon on the planet, the M5 S38 couldn’t touch it. But those are going for almost double what this is.
I have an S38 from a wrecked E34 M5 sitting on a pallet that we’re thinking of dropping into an E30 vert. It’s a beautiful motor, but fragile, far too many I’ve seen with cracked heads.
I am a bit detached from recent market pricing but M5 were worth more last time I checked.
I wouldn’t have an Alpina over E34 M5. E34 M5 are one of my all time favourites.