2001 Alpina B10 V8

Highlights 

• 342bhp V8

• Wholly original

• Good service history

• Long MOT

• Incredibly rare model 

• Attractive colour combination

• Personalised registration included

Overview

So good was Alpina at making BMWs better that in 2022 it was acquired by the German giant to become an official part of proceedings and there can be no greater commendation in our eyes. Having started out back in 1965 modifying BMW engine ancillaries to becoming part of the very company whose parts it was fettling, the Alpina story is a bona fide “boy done good” yarn. 

Alpina's legacy then is clear to see and cars like the 3.0 CSL Coupe and more modern B3 and B10 cars will always cause pulses to quicken whenever spotted out and about, which is still a rather rare site, marking an exclusivity rarely matched by other manufacturers. There's just something so evocative and indeed provocative about an Alpina and the B10 V8 is no different.

The first Alpina based on the already legendary E39 series BMW (the 540i to be precise), the B10 V8 was unveiled in 1997 and was a replacement for the outgoing E34 B10 4.6. Remaining in production for six years the car featured a new BMW block displacing 4.6-litres rather than the 540's 4.4, alongside various performance tweaks, which meant 342bhp and when perfectly combined with a ZF five-speed automatic with steering-mounted Switch-Tronic system, resulted in a seriously alluring alternative to the aforementioned 5 Series.

As far as big, fast, V8-powered luxury saloons go, the Alpina B10 V8 is right up there with BMW's very own E39 M5, which, as we all know, is an absolute legend in its own right (and also incredibly expensive), so to come close to achieving that same level of reverence, albeit using the same platform, is an accomplishment not to be sniffed at.

This particular 2000 model B10 V8, complete with all of the usual Alpina styling tweaks, including those signature spoked alloys, comes to market in good condition overall and with an impressive level of service history, including a clutch replacement around four years ago, signifying a well-maintained history. Driving perfectly as reported by the seller the car also comes with its personalised number plate, further adding to the overall appeal.  

History and documentation

• 2000 model year

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 07 Mar 2000

• In current ownership since 03 Aug 2022

• Original book pack and wallet

• Two keys

• Three previous keepers

• Excellent service history

• Original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 2000 pre-delivery check (main dealer), 2000 @ 1,412 miles (running-in check, main dealer), 2000 @ 10,727 miles (oil service,microfilter, main dealer), 2001 @ 20,120 miles (inspection I,microfilter, main dealer), 2002 @ 33,535 miles (oil service,microfilter,brake fluid, main dealer), 2003 @ 44,060 miles (inspection II,microfilter,coolant, main dealer), 2004 @ 54,360 miles (oil service,microfilter,bodywork check, main dealer), 2005 @ 65,822 miles (inspection II,microfilter,bodywork check, main dealer), 2005 @ 69,684 miles (brake fluid, main dealer), 2006 @ 77,652 miles (oil service,inspection I,microfilter, main dealer), 2006 @ 78,652 miles (coolant, main dealer)

• Subsequent servicing carried out privately as noted in the service book

• Clutch replacement approximately four years ago

• Vendor reports a recent service in the last two months and all repair work has always been done on time

• Supporting invoices for servicing and maintenance

• Numerous old MOT certificates

• MOT until  October 22nd 2026

• HPI clear

• 144,165 indicated miles

Interior

• In excellent condition throughout

• Minimal wear to the leather seats

• The vendor reports that everything works as it should although there is an issue with one of the small rear blind mechanisms

• All buttons are fully functional but the temperature controls have slightly cracked over time

• Door cards, carpets and dash are all in great shape although there is some marking to the centre arm rest handle

• Car phone present and correct

• The wooden veneer all presents well with no signs of any marks or damage

• No apparent pixel issues with the dash display

• All mats are original BMW

• The rear view mirror tint has aged over time

• Boot area is tidy and a full size matching spare wheel with tyre is present, along with the factory jack and cargo tray

• Factory stereo and CD changer

• Original tool kit is largely complete

• Engine presents well overall 

Exterior

• The exterior is in good condition overall, commensurate with the car's age and mileage

• All panel gaps appear to be uniform

• Rear spoiler present and correct

• No problems reported with the sunroof

• There are no issues with any of the factory original windows or light lenses, however the windscreen rubber is beginning to deteriorate in places

• There are some small blemishes, marks and light scratches to the bodywork, including a slight dent near the grill and the vendor reports it looks as though the grill would have been replaced as a result

• Some corrosion to the wheel arches in places

• The wheels, although straight do require refurbishment as they carry some marks and flaking paint

• Vendor reports that all four Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres were recently fitted and have at least 5-6mm of tread left on each.

• Underneath the car looks to be in fine fettle with no evidence of any serious corrosion, damage or repairs

Mechanical

• 342bhp, 4.6-litre V8 engine

• Five-speed Switch-Tronic automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.2s

• 173mph top speed

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car starts perfectly, sounds amazing due to the V8, has been well maintained and still drives smoothly with no signs of being thrashed over the years 

Summary

There are a few cosmetic issues that need to be addressed, granted, but overall this is a decent, usable example of an rare and iconic model that could very easily be brought back to as-new condition should you wish. Cheaper than an E39 M5 it's not far off the mark in terms of performance and it's arguably more exclusive, so if turning heads is your M.O. then this could very well be the car for you. Complete with an impressive service history and a long MOT it's ready to be enjoyed straight away. 

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 Maidenhead, Berkshire.