2011 Alpina B5 (F10) V8 Touring

Highlights

• 4.4-litre V8 BiTurbo

• 64,093 miles on the clock, verified

• MOT to July 2026

• Superb specification

• Alpina tuned adaptive damping

Overview

There are some things that are eternal, inarguable truths. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, none of us will ever be as cool as Paul Newman, and nothing is as cute as a baby elephant.

Naturally, many more things are less certain and more arguable. Who makes the best cars, for instance. There’s an argument that could run forever. But we reckon we have an answer that a majority of petrolheads could at least grudgingly agree with: Alpina. Far more than “just a tuner” of BMWs, they have long been responsible for some of the most complete and satisfying machinery ever to wear the blue propeller.

Their ability to merge handling ability with a gorgeous ride, seemingly effortless performance and beautifully appointed interiors has long made them a favourite amongst enthusiasts who love the wolf in sheep’s clothing aesthetic. While most people would just think “it’s a Beemer”, those in the know will spot the discreet graphics, the telltale alloy wheels and the OEM style badging that declares it to be so much more than that.

And of all the cars Alpina have produced, we think this model of B5 Touring – based on the F10 5-series – is surely the most all-round capable machine in the world. A characterful, subtle yet immensely powerful 4.4-litre BiTurbo V8, enough room to play 5-a-side in the back (okay, fine, enough to carry a number of suitcases and a couple of Great Danes) and a wonderfully well finished interior make it a wonderful place to be, on any occasion. The ride is supple and cosseting too, in fact it knocks an equivalent OEM F10 into the weeds.

This is a fabulous example too, with a great specification and genuinely low mileage. It’s little wonder the owner declares it to be the car he has kept longer than any other. We have a feeling the next owner will probably become similarly enamoured with it. If you want a car with a great history and a staggering breadth of ability (almost 200mph, with all the family and their luggage on board), then this is it.

So we can probably add another inarguable truth to the list: the Alpina B5 Touring is the greatest all round vehicle ever made. And we’re willing to fight about it.

Okay, maybe not fight, but definitely argue stringently and with volume.

History and documentation

• Registered 19 July 2011, sold by Sytner of Nottingham

• Current owner since 20 June 2016, purchased from John Holland of Sheffield

• 3 former owners

• Current MOT expires 20 July 2026

• 64,093 miles on the clock, verified by the MOT history and service record

• The vendor tells us that the car has predominantly been used for motorway miles travelling back and forth to their second home in France 

• Service record as follows: Dec 2012 @ 13,188 miles, Jul 2014 @ 16,593 miles, Apr 2015 @ 17,893 miles, Jun 2017 @ 29,255 miles, Jul 2018 @ 42,985 miles, Jul 2020 @ 56,785 miles, Jul 2025 @ 64,019 miles

• Full document packs, both BMW and Alpina

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two keys

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black leather upholstery, presented in great condition, with light indications of wear to the front seats and some mild creasing

• Electrically adjustable and heated front seats, with 2-position memory function to both

• Black carpeting throughout the main cabin, showing in fine condition, with no signs of damage we could see

• Fitted black rubber over-mats are in place front and rear

• The headlining looks to be secure and in good order, with no staining or tearing we could see

• Multi-zone air conditioning front and rear

• Parking sensors and reversing camera

• Electric window and door mirrors

• Electrically operated glass sunroof

• Hands-free phone connectivity

• Automatic headlights

• Factory fitted CD/radio system

• Built-in satellite navigation

• iDrive system 

• Colour heads-up display

• Multi-function steering wheel

• Piano black trim to the dashboard fascia and door cards

• All of the interior trim appears to be in good order, with nothing apparently missing or broken, just a few blemishes and minor marks commensurate with the car’s mileage

• The switchgear, instrument displays and other controls all show well, with minor evidence of wear to the steering wheel leather

• As you’d expect, the boot space is capacious, and features a fitted rubber liner, which adds to the already excellent practicality

• The boot is trimmed with dark grey carpet and features underfloor storage, as well as containing a first aid kit and warning triangle

• The boot lid has a power close function

• We’re assured by the vendor that everything in the cabin works as it should, with no faults noted

Exterior

• Handsome dark grey metallic paintwork adds to the stylish ‘Q-car’ vibe

• The paintwork looks to be all original, with no significant damage, lacquer peel or fading that we could identify

• There are a few swirls, minor blemishes and some scuffing to the lower corners of the front bumper but nothing that would concern us or that a good polish shouldn’t address

• All of the bodywork shows well, with clean, corrosion and damage free panels, neat, consistent shutlines and sharp lines

• The vendor notes a small ding and scratch (about an inch) near the off-side front headlight, caused when a roof tile fell from a roof during a storm and hit the car when parked

• The rear section of the car features lightly tinted privacy glass

• All of the exterior trim and badging appears to be present, correct and in good condition, with no notable fading or warping

• We’re told that the underside of the car is in excellent condition, with no issues to note

• The car is fitted with Alpine’s classic multi-spoke alloy wheels, 20-inches in diameter and in reasonably good order, with some light kerbing to the lips and little peel to the centre caps

• We’re told that the off-side front wheel was professionally welded when a hairline crack was discovered

• The tyres all look to be in good condition, with decent tread depth and no obvious sidewall damage (255/35 front and 285/30 rear)

Mechanical

• 32-valve, 4,395cc V8 biTurbo

• Rear-wheel drive

• 8-speed automatic ZF transmission

• Alpina tuned adaptive dampers

• Comfort and Sport driving modes

• Factory performance figures: 500bhp, 516lb-ft, 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, 191mph top speed

• Cruise control system

• Tyre pressure monitoring system

• Power assisted steering, anti-lock braking system, traction control

• The engine bay is nice and tidy, with no obvious issues or signs of leaks

• We are assured that the car drives extremely well, with no known mechanical faults or issues

Summary

We love a fast long-roof. And, in our opinion, Alpina make some of the world’s best. That subtle and unique blend of outright grunt, understated luxury and fine handling make them the perfect solution for the keen driver who sometimes needs to load up for a big old road trip.

There’s something else too, something indefinable that makes them very cool indeed. Whereas an equivalent Beemer might be seen as a bit obvious, gauche in some cases even, the Alpina B5 is welcomed everywhere. It declares you to be, not just an enthusiast, but a connoisseur.

This is a lovely example too, low mileage, very well specced and, frankly, pretty much all the car you could ever really need. With 500bhp from a deliciously woofly BiTurbo V8 and a cabin that you’ll emerge from as fresh as a daisy even after crossing a country or two, there’s little this gem can’t do and do extremely well.

Seriously, it’s a GOAT.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Canterbury, Kent.