Help wanted - Alpina specialists

[NutNut]

Hi, I'm new to this section recently bought myself a BMW and was wondering if anyone knows of Alpina specialist garages, in the Thames Valley/Wilts area.

Plus if anyone else has a Z4 Alpina Roadster, all advice good and bad would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[gmarks1]

Hi - I've owned an Alpina Roadster S Lux for 6 months (2005 number 314) - let me know if you want any specific information.

Gary

[NutNut]

Hi, I have the exact same colour and interior on an 04 plate.

Only had it 3 weeks and want to get it checked out before I take it across Europe. Where do you take yours for a service etc? I have a local dealer (Dick Lovetts), but think they are a bit expensive. Just wanted to know if a specialist dealer would be better. I'm thinking about upgrading the brakes, changing the exhaust, modifying it etc.

Have you had any problems with it at all?

[gmarks1]

Hi - I bought my car from Sytners, and have had any work done at BMW Sytner Cardiff.

Unfortunately, almost as soon as I'd bought it, the DME module failed - fortunately it was covered under warranty. Also, the navigation screen was erratic, and wouldn't always fully rotate to the view position; sometimes it would open part way, other times it would partly open then close again. Apparently it is a common problem with the Z4, and the only option is to replace the whole screen - again this was covered under warranty.

Although I'm a serial car modifier, I've been reluctant to alter anything on an Alpina - if you plan to track the car, a BBK conversion, Quaife LSD and GruppeM air intake may be worthwhile. In my opinion, the stock exhaust on the Roadster sounds fantastic. If you're looking for specialist company to upgrade your car, Simpson motorsport have a good reputation apparently (www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk)

I've upgrades the navigation operating system to version 30, which gives 3D perspective view, upgraded graphics, and faster input and rerouting. I'd like to integrate my iPod using something like a Dension gateway 400.

Gary

[belleair302]

If you are happy to drive 20 miles further east into Marlow go and see Phil Crouch at CPC Motors. What he doesn't know about Alpina's and M Sport cars can be written on the back of a postage stamp.

Phone [phone]

[NutNut]

I agree the car sounds great, I'll be giving it a thrashing on mountain roads etc on a european driving trip soon to Stelvio. Just want to make sure my brakes are upto scratch. Think I'll take it to Dick Lovetts and see what they say. I haven't had the Sat Nav issue, so fingers crossed that will be ok.

I must say though I love the car and so do most of my car mates. Took it on a run recently with other PHers and it got some good comments. More than I thought it would, but then it is an Alpina, so it is pretty rare.

Have you had yours serviced yet? I've been told the costs are fairly reasonable.

[carlovers]

I Realise you said specialist but just for your info charles the moderator on the alpina forum highly recommends bmw north oxford and always takes his B3s there they know the ins and outs of alpinas and are reasonable cost wise hope that helps

[parksie]

You Guys

What is so special about the Alpina?

I have a 4.6 V8, hell it is so easy to work on I do most things myself, routine servicing is or shouldn't be a problem for any specalist or dealer, if you needed an engine re build then thats different, but servicing is just as routine as your mainstreem bm, .

We're not talking Ferrari or Lambos here!

[belleair302]

Ferrari last year probably sold more cars in the UK than Alpina, there are more Ferrari dealerships in the UK and you see more Ferrari's than Alpina's....I know which one I would rather drive day in day out and its not Italian.

[carlovers]

one problem is most bmw dealers treat alpinas like M cars and the service they do has M price service costs whereas ie the B3s should have the equivelent 3.0ltr service with appropriate costings

[NutNut]

belleair302 said:

If you are happy to drive 20 miles further east into Marlow go and see Phil Crouch at CPC Motors. What he doesn't know about Alpina's and M Sport cars can be written on the back of a postage stamp.

Phone [phone]

Cheers for this contact, I'll give Phil a call.

[NutNut]

carlovers said:

I Realise you said specialist but just for your info charles the moderator on the alpina forum highly recommends bmw north oxford and always takes his B3s there they know the ins and outs of alpinas and are reasonable cost wise hope that helps

Thanks, I'm not far from Oxford, so I'll also give them a call.

[carlovers]

nut nut if you give n oxford bmw a ring just tell them about charles recco. they know him very well good luck

[Gimlet]

I had my Roadster S (No: 035) from new and kept it for just over 3 years and 24K miles.

Servicing was never any more expensive than that of the 3.0L Z4.
The only issue I had with it was a slight corrosion on the wheels caused by a reaction between the valve stem and the alloy.
BMW/Alpina replaced all 4 wheels under warranty when the car was two years old. (Just before warranty expired)

I would not consider modifications unless the car is intended for serious track use.
Alpina are masters in their field and the car is set up for the optimum in performance and comfort.

If you ever get the chance to visit the Factory at Buchloe (40 minutes from Munich) give them some advance notice.
You may get the chance to meet the technician that built your engine.
They keep / have kept records of every engine built, and who actually built it, along with records of the cars too.