Description
Few BMWs from the last few decades have aged as gracefully as the E38 7-series. As the years go by, this model only gets more elegant, authoritative, and impressive, especially compared to today's somewhat over-the-top versions with their enormous grilles. However, the coolest E38 wasn't made by BMW. That honor belongs to the Alpina B12.
To create the B12, Alpina took the BMW 750i and performed significant modifications on its already potent 5. 4-liter 'M73' V12 engine. The car received new cylinder heads with larger valves, new camshafts, Mahle pistons, and modified catalytic converters. After Alpina's work, the engine displacement grew to 5. 7 liters, boosting power to approximately 380 horsepower and a whopping 560 Nm of torque, up from the original 322 horsepower and 490 Nm.
The five-speed automatic gearbox was retained but received some software tweaks. A groundbreaking feature at the time was Alpina's SwitchTronic system, allowing manual gear changes via steering wheel-mounted buttons.
For enhanced drivability, the B12 was slightly lowered using shorter and stiffer springs. The new ride height perfectly complements Alpina's signature 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, on which this 12-cylinder beast glides with such grace that it commands attention everywhere it goes. The typical Alpina additions—such as the low-hanging front splitter and the distinctive side decals—further emphasize its unique character.
Inside, every detail exudes the sense of sitting in something truly special. Looking up, you don't just see a sunroof; you also find the Alpina metal plaque, indicating that the car offered for sale is the 99th numbered example. Alongside such refined touches, the interior is equipped with almost every comfort feature available at the time.
The crown jewel of the Alpina B12, however, is its rarity. By purchasing this example, you join a very exclusive and elite club, as only 202 E38 5. 7 B12s were ever made worldwide.
