Discussion
anyone got one? what they like?
Tempted by a 3.0SE but spotted the Alpinas, a few k extra but seem to be fully loaded and lots of extra grunt, are servicing costs higher? what about resale and residual values?
also what sort of real world MPG are people getting? i find 40mpg "extra urban" a little hard to believe
Tempted by a 3.0SE but spotted the Alpinas, a few k extra but seem to be fully loaded and lots of extra grunt, are servicing costs higher? what about resale and residual values?
also what sort of real world MPG are people getting? i find 40mpg "extra urban" a little hard to believe
Just traded mine in after having it from new.
Fantastic car.
Over 27,000 miles it averaged 29.7 miles to the Gallon.
Servicing costs are the same as a "normal" Z4, a welcome relief after the two Tuscans.
The Roadster S's with the Lux Pack are fully loaded in terms of spec, including sat-nav and the 19" wheels.
Tyres are probably the only downside ... the Michelins lasted well but they are very expensive at £275.00 each for the rears and £245.00 each for the fronts with little discount to be had as they are unusual sizes.
Insurance for me (38) was a tad over £700.00 inclding NCD protection.
Fantastic car.
Over 27,000 miles it averaged 29.7 miles to the Gallon.
Servicing costs are the same as a "normal" Z4, a welcome relief after the two Tuscans.
The Roadster S's with the Lux Pack are fully loaded in terms of spec, including sat-nav and the 19" wheels.
Tyres are probably the only downside ... the Michelins lasted well but they are very expensive at £275.00 each for the rears and £245.00 each for the fronts with little discount to be had as they are unusual sizes.
Insurance for me (38) was a tad over £700.00 inclding NCD protection.
Edited by Gimlet on Sunday 17th June 20:11
Just bought one myself (Roadster S with all the toys which was delivered on Friday) and I have been pleasantly surprised so far with the economy. I got around 32mpg on the way in this morning: a 30 mile trip on a mix of busy motorway and A-roads with the odd opportunity to put my foot down.
If you try one against a 3.0 (which I have) there isn't really a choice IMHO. As Gimlet said, the servicing is the same but the extra grunt and the fact they virtually all come fully loaded (the only option I think I don't have is an ipod connection) makes them a bit of a bargain in my eyes.
Richard
Forgot to add too, if you need another reason to buy (especially against a Z4M) then if you get one from a BMW dealer you'll get the usual renewable warranty, however, as it's an Alpina it's a standard one and not the more expensive M warranty...
If you try one against a 3.0 (which I have) there isn't really a choice IMHO. As Gimlet said, the servicing is the same but the extra grunt and the fact they virtually all come fully loaded (the only option I think I don't have is an ipod connection) makes them a bit of a bargain in my eyes.
Richard
Forgot to add too, if you need another reason to buy (especially against a Z4M) then if you get one from a BMW dealer you'll get the usual renewable warranty, however, as it's an Alpina it's a standard one and not the more expensive M warranty...
Edited by sharkfan on Monday 18th June 09:20
Sharkfan .... I'd query the Warranty situation as from my experience the M/Alpina cars are grouped together, and therefore both attract the higher premium.
It's also worth noting that Alpina's only come with a two year warranty and not three as with BMW's.
However, in three years ownership the only claim I made was for 4 new alloy wheels just before the two year warranty expired. I claimed because of a slight "bubbling" around the tyre valve. After photos were taken and emailed to Germany all 4 wheels were replaced without any hassle at all.
They are a rare beast with just 369 built in total, of which just 167 of these were RHD.
I will miss mine, but I only did 5.5k miles in her over the last 12 months and could not really justify keeping a car that was used so little.
I have bought a new 335DSE Coupe instead, chopping in my Volvo as well as the Alpina.
Incidently, I retained the Alpina Number Plate and might be persuaded to sell, it's E85 ALP.
It's also worth noting that Alpina's only come with a two year warranty and not three as with BMW's.
However, in three years ownership the only claim I made was for 4 new alloy wheels just before the two year warranty expired. I claimed because of a slight "bubbling" around the tyre valve. After photos were taken and emailed to Germany all 4 wheels were replaced without any hassle at all.
They are a rare beast with just 369 built in total, of which just 167 of these were RHD.
I will miss mine, but I only did 5.5k miles in her over the last 12 months and could not really justify keeping a car that was used so little.
I have bought a new 335DSE Coupe instead, chopping in my Volvo as well as the Alpina.
Incidently, I retained the Alpina Number Plate and might be persuaded to sell, it's E85 ALP.
You may be right on the warranty (I hope not though) but I'll check with my man at the dealer.
Sad to hear that yours has gone (I see it is up on Sytners site already) but I can understand why given your low mileage. I couldn't afford to run two cars so have just plumped for what the heart rather than the head wanted - for me the likely depreciation and running costs will be worth it.
Your 335d sounds good though, I've seen a couple of 335 coupes and they look very nice - I like the spearated exhausts at the back especially. Must have torque coming out of its ears as well!
Thanks for the offer on the plate too, unfortunately the g/f already has one that her Dad gave her so that will be going on shortly once the DVLA pulls its finger out...
Richard
Sad to hear that yours has gone (I see it is up on Sytners site already) but I can understand why given your low mileage. I couldn't afford to run two cars so have just plumped for what the heart rather than the head wanted - for me the likely depreciation and running costs will be worth it.
Your 335d sounds good though, I've seen a couple of 335 coupes and they look very nice - I like the spearated exhausts at the back especially. Must have torque coming out of its ears as well!
Thanks for the offer on the plate too, unfortunately the g/f already has one that her Dad gave her so that will be going on shortly once the DVLA pulls its finger out...
Richard
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