Alpina B6S cabriolet

[Philv8s]

Prinny, I think it may come down to a combination of size of driver, manner used to exit/enter the vehicle and seat height/position. My B6 has over the 115k on the clock and wasn’t excessively worn as you can see in the photos and that wasn’t perforated leather. Although it was Lavalina which is a high grade leather.

Alec, the Alpina tax is low I believe due to them being a small scale manufacturer so they didn’t have to register the cars emissions with the DVLA although this changed I think after 2009. I am happy to corrected on this point mind. Mine is classed as a PLG over 1600cc on the old taxing system.😄

[Philv8s]

Here is a couple of videos that the leather repair guys have put up on Facebook about doing my seat. It is 1 of 40 worldwide not 14 mind. I think they got abit carried away with the rarity factor!

https://www.facebook.com/LRCWestMidlands/videos/22...

https://www.facebook.com/LRCWestMidlands/videos/22...

[Philv8s]

Gave the old girl a light machine polish and wax today, All ready for summer and aging nicely.



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[Philv8s]

About 10% more BHP than the M6 and yes loads more torque make it a great car to cover ground quickly and without fuss.

[Philv8s]

Been in for its service and MOT today. Passed with no advisories so the old girl is ready to enjoy the rest of summer now.

[Philv8s]

I had an intermittent issue (twice in 3 months) where I have been for a drive and then parked up, returned to the car and it decides not to start. After 30 mins or so it decides it will start and all is fine again.
No fault codes are stored so a mystery. After some frantic googling it seems a fairly well known issue on BMWs of this era. The prime culprit is the integrated supply module failing,
A relatively cheap(£70) Easy part to fit DIY and no coding required for a change.
Picked up a new module yesterday and took less than 30 mins to replace old for new.
I took the old module apart and there was signs of heat and water damage on the circuit board if not excessive.
Fingers crossed no failure to start now!

[Philv8s]

Definitely still enjoying it. I am thinking about going to Gaydon but unsure which group to attend with If I do go.

[Philv8s]

Well I made it to Gaydon in the end. I decided to have a go at the concours event in the end. A first for me and I wasn’t too sure as to how exacting the standard required would be not to look like the scruffy outsider!
Turns out after some extra cleaning and polishing the B6 passed muster in fine style. Winning both the Best Alpina and Group E (modern “E” class BMWs)categories. I must confess to being pleasantly surprised at the result but very happy too.
I would recommend anyone thinking about putting their car into one of these competitions to have a go, it is good fun and the banter with the other competitors was well humoured all day.
It is nice to get a constructive feedback on your car on what is good, or what could be improved upon next time around.

[Philv8s]

Thanks, it was nice to win obviously and a nice addition to the cars history now. I may enter a few more now as it’s abit more fun than just parking up for a meet. The competition element spices things up a little.

[Philv8s]

I spent a few hours with a local blogger who wanted to take some pics of the car. It’s nice to get some decent pics of it at last as he is a far better photographer than I am.

Edited by Philv8s on Wednesday 28th November 15:14

[Philv8s]

TR4man said:

I assume it was there as a gatecrasher?

The car may not meet the thread criteria but I do own a car that does, but chose to bring the Alpina to the meet because it needed a drive out. I enjoy following the barge thread and love a bargain barge as much as anyone on the thread.
Thanks Alec, look forward to the next barge meet.

[Philv8s]

This car has lots of big numbers when either talking cost of the options fitted, parts costs or the engine stats Alec.
Looking forward to the Bicester Heritage SS next week. Will give the a well earned clean before then though.

[Philv8s]

A quick update. I got the gearbox serviced and bridge seals replaced yesterday and treated the car to a new home as the old one was past its best.
Took a bit of faffing putting it together but happy with the result now. I had to do a nice 150 mile return trip after the service to collect the carcoon and it does feel better for the service.
I have a few other things in line over the next few months to do, but good to get a few jobs ticked off the list for now.

Nice to get a chance to clear the space out ready...


Th new home has is looking good.

[Philv8s]

Funny you should say that, here is my model B6s in a box.

[Philv8s]

Had some more work done this week. I have finally got a fully striped Alpina, loving the new look. I also got the wheels refurbished and the A pillar shadowline trim replaced as they were showing signs of bubbling.
Pleased with the new look.
Not finished yet for upgrades this year, new shocks and springs are to be fitted later hopefully once I sell the mini I won and convert the cash to Alpina tokens!

[Philv8s]

There maybe 2 of the 3 UK cars at the Aston Martin SS next week....

[Philv8s]

I’ve had a busy month so far. A reassuringly large box arrived with new Alpina shocks, springs and bushes to be fitted soon as after nearly 120k miles the original items are probably not quite box fresh anymore.


I also attended Bimmerfest in Holland this weekend and was fortunate enough to be asked to show the car in the main exhibition which was a great treat for the car.
The car performed faultlessly for the whole trip and even returned an amazing 26mpg over the 700 miles travelled.

[Philv8s]

The EDC shocks are standard equipment on the ‘S’ model.

[Philv8s]

Legacywr said:

Just selling my B3S, could you remind me who you used to recolour your leather?

I used a place called the leather repair company, I think they have franchises around the UK.

Edited by Philv8s on Tuesday 23 July 15:31

[Philv8s]

Chestrockwell said:

Your carcoon made me crack up in laughter, with a car like that, I’d want to put it in my living room

I think SWMBO would have something to say about the living room idea, I would love it there of course mind! The Carcoon is the next best thing for the old girl though.