E39 530i sport or Alpina 3.3 b10 manual?

[da_murphster]

Assume I was looking at two identically priced cars.

530i manual sport, mint, fsh
alpina manual 3.3 b10, bit older but still good condition.

Which would you go for? Anyone experience of both?

I'm only interested in manuals.

I prefer the look of the sport, think it looks more modern - nicer wheels (IMHO), less old manish inside, not wild about the alpina spoiler and body kit.

BUT - love the idea of the 280bhp engine over the 230bhp sport.

I used to have a 530i sport (its just been written off) - and loved it.

Is the alpina engine worth it?

[E24man]

The B10 3.3 with a manual gearbox will be as quick as 540i manual but with 530i economy if you don't thrash about.

But an Alpina is not just the engine, the suspension is different and most will agree is a shade less firm than the equivilant M-car (E39 M5 in this case) but firmer than the rest of the BMW range giving an exceptional ride under all driving conditions.

The interiors are also sometimes bespoke or have some nice tweaks.

And it has the badge.

HTH