Highlights
- Ultra rare and sought after RHD B3.5
- Highly original with many factory-supplied items retained
- Fully documented history confirming it is a genuine Alpina
- 15 service stamps to September 2024 and 106,430 miles
- Factory standard car in desirable dark blue with grey leather
- Cherished and enthusiast-owned example
- MOT to July 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
Alpina’s UK market E34 B3.5 wasn’t for the faint of heart. This was an expensive conversion of BMW’s already brilliant 535. But if you wanted the best, namely nimble performance allied to a surprisingly comfortable ride, then you dug deep.
Just a handful were built in RHD supplied by Alpina’s UK franchisee Sytner. Here is one of them. The car was originally registered in 1990 before passing through the Sytner Alpina process in 1989. Correspondence from BMW confirms those details. The car is badged as a 'B10 3.5' but vendor confirms it is a UK-only B3.5 with a Synter-applied Alpina features which we have detailed below.
Finished in the very desirable combination of Laser Blue metallic with grey leather, this below-average-mileage car is pleasingly standard and in very good condition. The condition inside and out is a testament to its handful of keepers, including the present one who has cherished the car since 2015. The list of work is hugely impressive - we've summarised it below. You'll need to settle for a long read, because it is extensive and demonstrates the seller's high standards.
The maintenance records reinforce the impression of a well kept car. There is a run of regular servicing by main dealers and specialists up to autumn 2024. The car has covered less than 400 miles since. The MOT, which contains no advisories and runs to July 2025, adds extra reassurance.
The B3.5 is the crown jewels of performance saloon motoring. They are rare finds, particularly in RHD and the condition you see here. A great opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 2nd January 1990
- Converted by Sytner to Alpina B3.5 specification
- Correspondence from BMW confirms this
- Six registered keepers
- Current keeper since February 2015
- Stamped service book with 15 entries from main dealers and specialists
- Last serviced September 2024 at 106,430 miles
- Brake fluid regularly changed during car’s life including at last service
- Folder of history as shown with extensive records
- Specification list for factory car as shown in photos
- Tax disc from 1990
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Alpina marketing brochure
- MOT to 19th July 2025 with no advisories
- 105,194 miles showing on last MOT and now showing 106,745 miles in photos
The seller describes the car as 'totally original,' including:
- Both sets of keys
- Keys for Alpina hub caps,
- Original Alpina key fob
- Original tool kit
- Spare wheel plus original Michelin TRX tyre,
- First aid kit
- Original high end radio/cassette/6 cd all working,
- All user manuals
- Original Alpina sales brochure
Alpina B3.5 Sytner modifications to BMW 5 Series and 7 Series cars:
- Front and rear Alpina developed Bilstein gas fitted shock absorbers
- Alpina suspension springs
- Alpina light alloy wheels with lockable light alloy die cast covers
- Front 8.5J x 17H2 alloys with Michelin MXX 235/45 ZR17 tyres
- Rear 9.5J x 17 HR alloys with Michelin MXX 265/40 ZR 17 tyres
- Body colour Alpina front spoiler
- Front and rear Alpina badges
- B3.5 badges
- Alpina leather rimmed steering wheel
The Condition
- Classic Lazer Blue metallic paintwork in good and very presentable condition
- Some minor signs of age to paint such as stone chips, light scratches and edge chips
- There are light scuffs to rear bumper and one door
- Bodywork presents very well with no reported corrosion or panel damage
- Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current MOT
- Various Alpina features including deep dish alloys, badging and front and rear spoilers
- Non-matching factory lattice alloy spare wheel
- These fittings are well presented with only minor and not unsightly age to note
- Fitted with quality Falken tyres in good condition with plenty of tread showing
- Grey leather interior is very well kept with desirable Alpina options such as gear knob and wheel
- Leather seats are well preserved with only light age to even high traffic areas
- Grey leather is piped in black with sports front seats fitted with adjustable knee pads
- Grey carpets present well through cabin and boot with BMW protective mats fitted
- Very original and unmodified interior including high quality Pioneer period stereo
- Specification includes steel sliding sunroof, electric seats and cruise control
- Door cards, switchgear, trim and dashboard all in good order
- No reported faults with electrics, switchgear or lights
- No dashboard warning lights visible in photos or notified
Work advised by seller:
- Underside deep cleaned to almost new look
- Front/rear spoilers and front wings removed and deep cleaned
- No rust anywhere according to seller
- Sill covers removed and deep cleaned
- Sills totally original and unmarked
- All new plastic trim throughout car including engine bay
The Mechanics
- BMW 3.4L straight six engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Factory tool kit as shown
- Full service history to September 2024 with less than 400 miles since work completed
- No reported running or driving issues
- No advisories on current MOT
Maintenance work advised by seller:
Engine:
- All new ignition system parts,
- Full service Inspection II last year,
- Low miles and running very well according to seller
- New engine mounts
Cooling
- All new rubber pipes,
- Water pump,
- Regular coolant changes,
- New air con drier
- Re-cored air con radiator
Fuel
- Every rubber pipe replaced plus metal fuel lines
- New tank straps
Exhaust
- Original system
- All new rubber hangers
Gearbox
- New master and slave cylinder
- New gearbox mounts
- LSD painted and new seals
Front and Rear Axle
- Every suspension part replaced,
- Refurbished Alpina springs
- Original shocks refurbished by Bilstein
- All new bushings
- All new nuts and bolts
- Rear subframe stripped and re painted
Brakes
- New callipers
- Replacement discs
- New pads
- Flexi lines,
- Fixed lines
- Splash guards
Lighting
- New OEM Hella headlights
- Upgraded bulbs
- All other bulbs replaced
- All lenses deep cleaned
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