Highlights

Full service history
Rare and very desirable V8 version with 350bhp
Number 259 of only 1,497 B10 V8 built
MOT to end November 2025 with no advisories
New Apple Car Play system installed
One of the best BMWs and Alpinas ever built

The Appeal

To the uninitiated it may seem odd that Alpina exists. After all, BMW makes some of the best super saloons in its own factory. But to those in the know it is abundantly clear: Alpinas are very different from M cars, offering buyers a more balanced blend of comfort and performance.

The very high cost of ‘Alpina-ising’ your BMW means that volumes have always been low. These cars tend to join collections and this one is no exception. It is the one to have, the B10 V8 with the 4.6L, 350bhp motor and based on the later E39 540. That is a good starting point because the E39 is generally acknowledged as one of the best 5 Series ever built.

This car is pleasingly factory standard, retaining its gold Alpina decals and bespoke cabin fittings. It has been driven and enjoyed by its handful of keepers, but not at the expense of maintenance. There is a run of 17 service stamps all the way up to 2024. The car has covered only 1,000 miles since the last work. The long MOT runs to the end of November 2025 with no advisories.

Understated and in great condition, this is a proper treat for fans of rare, viscerally quick saloons.

The vendor writes:

“It is excellent to drive and popular at car shows. This icar is lovely to drive and is smooth, powerful and understated. It is one of a pair of E39 Alpinas I have at the moment.”

The History and Paperwork

First registered 5th January 1998
Seven registered keepers
Current keeper since March 2023
Part of a small Alpina collection
Regularly serviced with 17 stamps
Last serviced at 140,257 miles in March 2024
Regularly used by current keeper without issue
Professionally dry stored during current keeper’s tenure when not in use
1 key fob and 1 key as shown
Factory handbooks and wallet
Car number 259 out of 858 saloons built worldwide models were a very small number
Old MOTs and paperwork as shown
Current MOT to 30th November 2025 with no advisories
141,270 miles showing on test and 141,311 miles showing in photos

The Condition

Silver metallic paintwork with original gold Alpina decals and body fittings
Paintwork is well kept with some light marks to note but nothing significant
There is a small scuff to nearside front arch and nearby bumper edge
There is slight paint mismatch between offside panels as shown
Bodywork presents very well particularly to underside, sills and arches
Panel edges in good order with no significant or obvious chips or corrosion
Fitted with Alpina 18in multispokes in good order with light bubbling to centre caps
Matching full size spare wheel in good order
Quality Michelin tyres fitted all round with good sidewall condition and plenty of tread
Underside presents well with no reported issues and no structural advisories on MOT
Specification includes glass sunroof with roof surround showing no obvious deterioration
High specification black leather Alpina interior with original bespoke detailing
This includes Alpina fabric inserts to floor mats and seats
Seats show only very light wear to driver’s side but otherwise well preserved
Black carpets in good condition with Alpina over mats as noted above
Headlining in good order with a couple of light marks to note but not unsightly
Elm Wood veneers to dashboard, doors and console all in good order
Dashboard, dials and switchgear present well with no significant aging
Some wear to note to centre armrest but not beyond reasonable for age
Recently fitted with a new Apple Car Play system
No reported electrical, lighting or switchgear malfunctions
No warning lights appear on or reported on dashboard

The Mechanics

Hand-crafted Alpina 4,619cc 350bhp V8 engine
Engine is based on the BMW M62 engine in the 540i
5spd automatic gearbox with some sequential functionality
0-60 mph in 6.2secs
Factory tool kit as shown
Full run of servicing with 17 stamps
Serviced at 140,257 miles in March 2024 with 1,000 miles since
Vendor informs us that it is in excellent mechanical condition with no known faults
Described as lovely to drive, smooth and powerful, and understated
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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