Opinions / Thoughts on Alpina Roadster S?
Discussion
I've a hankering for a softtop, and having spent 5 years in BMW's have always had a soft spot for Alpina's. There are some decently low mile Roadster S's knocking about for good money - and wondered if anyone has any first hand experience. They're certainly fairly rare, so gain +1 for exclusivity in my book - but what are they like to drive - and also run?
I had mine for around a year and commuted in it every day. Ate up the miles (around 15k) effortlessly and didn't have a thing go wrong - the only expense I had during that time was to replace a cracked foglight and deal with a rim-buckle caused by one of Glasgow's many giant potholes. Alpinas are also freakishly economical - important when Alpina say all their engines should only be run on 98 Ron - I used to see 34mpg on a longer run and could get 300 miles from a tank. Most Alpinas seem to like a drink of oil too - I used the trip and when I flicked through each 1000 miles just checked the level and topped it up (around a litre each time). This is entirely usual though.
The servicing costs were reasonable - the only really expensive parts are the tyres. They run 19" Michelin PS2's (different sizing front and back too) which can be tricky to track down and aren't cheap (although Costco sell them). If buying you should inspect the state of the alloys - bubbling on them appears to be common (I had some on mine).
It was a fab car to own and I only let it go as my commute got even longer and with the offer of company car too, it just wasn't getting used. In a year of driving I didn't see another one on the road either.
I think they represent good value at the moment - the performance, 0-60 in 5secs, is top drawer compared to most (they would put a Boxster S in its place). Obviously you should bear in mind that as most are out of warranty and they come with virtually every option under the sun, there are a lot of things that could go (expensively) wrong in the future e.g. electric seats, flip-up sat nav screen, heated seats. Buy one with your eyes open though (BMW build quality isn't as bad as some make out) and you'll end up with a good'un.
Richard
The servicing costs were reasonable - the only really expensive parts are the tyres. They run 19" Michelin PS2's (different sizing front and back too) which can be tricky to track down and aren't cheap (although Costco sell them). If buying you should inspect the state of the alloys - bubbling on them appears to be common (I had some on mine).
It was a fab car to own and I only let it go as my commute got even longer and with the offer of company car too, it just wasn't getting used. In a year of driving I didn't see another one on the road either.
I think they represent good value at the moment - the performance, 0-60 in 5secs, is top drawer compared to most (they would put a Boxster S in its place). Obviously you should bear in mind that as most are out of warranty and they come with virtually every option under the sun, there are a lot of things that could go (expensively) wrong in the future e.g. electric seats, flip-up sat nav screen, heated seats. Buy one with your eyes open though (BMW build quality isn't as bad as some make out) and you'll end up with a good'un.
Richard
sharkfan said:
they would put a Boxster S in its place
What makes you say that? They have similar power and weight etc. (Don't get me wrong, if I were buying and a good alpina came along at the right money etc...)Not as quick as a chipped Alpina D3 though.
Edited by noumenon on Tuesday 2nd December 12:32
noumenon said:
sharkfan said:
they would put a Boxster S in its place
What makes you say that? They have similar power and weight etc. (Don't get me wrong, if I were buying and a good alpina came along at the right money etc...)Not as quick as a chipped Alpina D3 though.
Edited by noumenon on Tuesday 2nd December 12:32
)... Richard
Ps. To the OP, have a look at this (admittedly slightly biased) review: http://www.thealpinaregister.com/reviews/2810
sharkfan said:
I would admit that on paper the performance figures look similar, Boxster S has 295 Bhp and 360Nm and the Alpina has 300 Bhp and 360Nm. However, the Boxster S weighs 1,430kg as against the Alpina's 1320kg. 110 kgs in a car that size is quite a difference and Alpina are also fairly conservative with their power figures. Each engine is handmade and from what I understand the 300bhp is therefore a guaranteed minimum. I've been a passenger in a Boxster S and I would certainly say that the Alpina felt significantly faster (scientific, I know )...
Richard
I think that weight is with a full tank and all fluids. Kerb weight for a Boxster S is 1355 on many other sites. E.g. http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/full-speci...)... Richard
Any thoughts on corners and traction too? Being mid engined has it's advantages.
They are both great cars, but I don't think either of us is qualified to say one is faster than the other.
noumenon said:
sharkfan said:
I would admit that on paper the performance figures look similar, Boxster S has 295 Bhp and 360Nm and the Alpina has 300 Bhp and 360Nm. However, the Boxster S weighs 1,430kg as against the Alpina's 1320kg. 110 kgs in a car that size is quite a difference and Alpina are also fairly conservative with their power figures. Each engine is handmade and from what I understand the 300bhp is therefore a guaranteed minimum. I've been a passenger in a Boxster S and I would certainly say that the Alpina felt significantly faster (scientific, I know )...
Richard
I don't think either of us is qualified to say one is faster than the other. )... Richard
As I say, I have never driven a Boxster but I have tried a 964 and a 3.2 Carrera and know that Porsche know their onions when it comes to steering feel. I also used to have an M635 and that just demanded that you chuck it about because of the confidence that came with knowing you could place it just so on the road. As for the Alpina, I never felt that I could really relax and enjoy it which is why I didn't fight to keep it as a weekend toy when our company car arrived.
Anyway, enough rambling now I think...
How you describe the alpina, is exactly how I imagine it. Boxster has lots of grip, poise and feel. It inspires confidence and is very exploitable. You should try a boxster sometime, might change your mind.
Of course, now that I've had a Boxster S, I find myself hankering for the more tail out fun of the Alpina. Not that I'd want to be the one buying the tyres you understand!
dubbs said:
I'd go for the Alpina EVERY time. Great spec, more modern looking car and I think the Z4 is aging very well indeed - it still looks very fresh.
In the BMW stable the M coupe and Alpina 3.4s are probably the only cars that I'd pick over my car (if I could get away with only 2 seats)
As a car enthusiast I know what an Alpina is. But how many people would you have to explain it to as being a tuned BMW? And what image would that present?In the BMW stable the M coupe and Alpina 3.4s are probably the only cars that I'd pick over my car (if I could get away with only 2 seats)
Image wise, everyone knows what a Porsche is as they don't make silly big 4x4s and family saloons. Oh wait.... erm.....
I run an Alpina Roadster as my daily drive and have to admit to it being a beautiful car which I have never regretted one bit.
I bought it as :-
1. The 2.5 Z4 I had was underpowered
2. I like toys and at the time of my decision it was the only roadster which ticked all the boxes (SATNAV / BLUETOOTH / etc)
3. I've always loved the Z4 shape and still find I look back when I'm parked and out of a row of cars it always stands out.
4. The Power - a little too much but that can't be a bad thing
5. The Sound
6. Exclusive - I just couldn't afford the Z4M at the time and I'm glad I didn't
These days with the prices that are being banded about I really can't see you going wrong with one of these and most people driving BMW's know what Alpina is about. I just renewed my insurance with Admiral which for 37 was £500 and I renewed my BMW warranty for £690 which is the full one.
just buy it if you can
mitch
I bought it as :-
1. The 2.5 Z4 I had was underpowered
2. I like toys and at the time of my decision it was the only roadster which ticked all the boxes (SATNAV / BLUETOOTH / etc)
3. I've always loved the Z4 shape and still find I look back when I'm parked and out of a row of cars it always stands out.
4. The Power - a little too much but that can't be a bad thing
5. The Sound
6. Exclusive - I just couldn't afford the Z4M at the time and I'm glad I didn't
These days with the prices that are being banded about I really can't see you going wrong with one of these and most people driving BMW's know what Alpina is about. I just renewed my insurance with Admiral which for 37 was £500 and I renewed my BMW warranty for £690 which is the full one.
just buy it if you can
mitch
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