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Alpina B9 3.5

Mileage: 82,345 Top Speed: 151
Year: 1983 0 - 60: 6.7
MOT Expiry: June 13 BHP: 245
Tax Expiry: Aug 12 Transmission: 5 speed manual
Exterior Colour: Black Engine Capacity: 3453cc
Interior Colour: Black Engine Configuration: Inline 6

Alpina B9 3.5 | £9,995

Mileage: 82,345

Model History

Typewriters or fast cars, this was the choice for young Burkard, son of the German Bovensiepen family that by trade made typewriters. This was back in 1960s when in the face of a disapproving German Automotive manufacturing industry Burkard established Alpina, a BMW tuning business.

 

Tinkering with carburettors and cylinder heads Burkard had success with the then current BMW 1500 range in 1963 and by 1965 Alpina had a turnover of 200K and seven employees.

 

Alpina really established itself from 1968 with a hugely successful racing career that spanned 9 winning years, the highlight being 1970 in which Alpina team cars won the electrifying European touring car championship, the German hill climbing championship and the prestigious Spa 24 hour race. Legendary race drivers Derek Bell, Niki Lauda and Hans Stuck have all raced Alpina prepared BMW 2002s and CS coupes during their racing careers.

 

Since 1970 Alpina have had TUV status allowing them to build and register cars as Alpina rather than under the BMW badge. All Alpina cars can still be bought through BMW dealerships and still fall inside BMWs warranty scheme, a testament to Alpinas engineering achievement and ability.

 

In November 1981 the E28 B9 was introduced and ran alongside the E24 B9 using the same modified 3.5 M30 engine which had a reprogrammed Motronic ECU and high compression Mahle pistons, an aggressive 268 degree camshaft and a modified cylinder head. The result of these upgrades was 245 bhp, an increase of 27 hp over the standard engine. At the corners were larger 284mm ventilated disc brakes and Alpina Bilstein gas-pressure suspension. The B9 would accelerate from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 151mph. In 1985 the B9 was renamed the B10 and received a new 3.5 litre engine taken from the B6 that produced 261 bhp.

 

Aesthetically the car came equipped with Alpina upholstery, recaro sports seats, Leather bound Alpina steering wheel, a new gear knob, and Alpina decals which extended the length of the car just below the and across the front spoiler.

 

When production ended in December 1987 there were only 64 right hand drive E28 B9s and a mere 25 right hand drive E28 B10s converted by Sytner of Nottingham.

Equipment

Alpina B9 conversion from new, Alpina deep front spoiler, Alpina rear spoiler, Alpina hand stitched sports steering wheel, Alpina B9 3.5 Badges front and rear, Dashboard production plaque, Alpina sticker set, Alpina 16 inch wheels, Pioneer CD player and speakers, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, Electric mirrors, Trip computer, Immobilizer, Spare wheel and Jack.

Exterior

Converted from new by the official UK Alpina dealer, Sytner Nottingham, this rare Alpina B9 is finished in black paintwork with a deep front spoiler and contrasting silver Alpina decals. After spending time in our detailing bay the black paintwork has come up beautifully. On close inspection there is some lacquer damage to the paint on the door mirrors but very few stone chips or scratches to the surface area of the bonnet. All of the lights on the car remain moisture free with no signs of cracks or chips. The front and rear black bumpers are in good condition, originally chrome they have now been painted black which on some edges has started to peel off. The chrome trim on the window surrounds are in good condition but on close inspection are starting to suffer from slight pitting.

Interior

Opening the doors on the B9 the first thing you notice are the black Alpina sports seats detailed with striking blue and green stripes, both front seats remain in excellent condition with no tears to be found or wear to any of the bolsters. The Alpina badges on the seats have split sadly but still look presentable. The rear seats remain tear free however the rear armrest would benefit from the cloth being tightened. The dash and trim are undamaged and all of the switchgear still feels solid to operate. The dashboard production plaque is still in place albeit showing it age. Sitting in the driver's seat you will notice the Alpina/Momo hand stitched leather bound steering wheel which has some slight wear to the leather but not unattractive, almost adding to the retro feel of the car.

Engine & Transmission

The well proven M30 3.5 engine has covered 82k miles in its 28 year life and comes with plenty of invoices in the history file for replacement parts and maintenance work carried out. Alpina didn't hold back and thoroughly modified every aspect of the engine to ensure a consistent and reliable power increase. Lifting the bonnet it is clear to see the engine bay is in fine order, looking tidy and well detailed. The engine fires into life first time and idles correctly up to temperature with a pleasing, full, exhaust note.

 

The B9 utilizes a Getrag 5 speed manual gearbox which is a perfect match for the engines 245bhp and still pulls through the gears accurately and smoothly.

 

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

At the corners are rare and desirable 16" Alpina alloy wheels with a painted black centre and Alpina centre caps. Some of the alloys are starting to show their age with some kerb marks and light chips so they would benefit from a full refurbishment as these Alpina wheels are becoming increasingly sought after. The matching front tyres are still showing plenty of tread however the rear Dunlop Sport 2000 tyres may want to be replaced sometime soon. All of the brakes remain in fine fettle with plenty of life left pulling the B9 up quickly to a standstill.

History File

The car was first registered in January 1983 and like all B9s converted from a BMW 528 to an Alpina B9 by Sytner in August 1983 (documented by an official letter from Sytner of Nottingham). It was bought by the current owner in 2007 with 4 previous owners in its 28 year life.

 

In the history file many documents have been kept throughout the cars life including a copy of the original German Alpina parts list for the E28. There are many invoices from various specialist garages to detail the work carried out on the car including service work and replacement parts, some of which were bought direct from BMW.

 

In 1992 the car had a complete brake and suspension overhaul and more recently in 2010 a replacement water pump. A Sterling 'Thatcham 2' immobilizer alarm system has recently been installed, all of which are documented. The car comes freshly serviced having had a full fluid flush and replacement, all filters and plugs replaced and a fresh MOT.