Description
This E12-generation BMW Alpina B7 Turbo is a well-preserved example of the particularly rare modern classic sports saloon, reported to remain in highly original condition.
Under the bonnet sits an Alpina-enhanced turbocharged 3. 0-litre inline-six, understood to deliver up to 300PS to the rear wheels via a five-speed Getrag ‘dog-leg’ manual transmission.
This original German-market example was first registered in May 1980, and was exported to the US by its first owner in 1985, before being imported back to Europe by the same owner in 1999.
It is believed the first owner kept the car until 2006 and the last trace of the car’s use is a 2004 Swiss highway sticker. Presumably, the car has not been used since.
It has now been with the seller for around 18 months, who undertook only a necessary service. The car bought the car from the keeper who claims to have acquired it from the original owner in 2006 and only stored it since.
This E12-era Alpina B7 Turbo is understood to be one of only 149 examples built by Alpina between December 1978 and February 1982.
The odometer indicates 123, 000 km, which correlates with last service invoices from 1994 to 1996.
The car comes with documentation and history preserved by the first owner including vehicle factory test, first German papers, US title, faxes, letters and communication regarding importing the vehicle to the US and back to the Europe as well as four service invoices from between 1994 and 1996.
When unveiled in 1978 the Alpina B7 Turbo was the world’s fastest four-door car, with a 0-100km/ h time of 6. 1 seconds, and a claimed top speed of 250km/ h. At the time, the most powerful BMW 5 series (E12 M535i) reached 218hp. BMW did not ‘outpower’ the E12 B7 Turbo until two generations later, when the E34 M5 with 315hp was introduced. Yet, the power-to-weight ratio was still in favour of the Alpina E12 B7 Turbo. The turbocharged pace of this model marks a time when Alpina was frequently ‘outpowering’ BMW.
This particular example is based on a BMW 528i, and was upgraded from factory by Alpina with an uprated engine, which included a KKK turbocharger with cabin-adjustable boost pressure, as well as Bilstein suspension, larger ventilated brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, and an E23-era 745i-derived five-speed Getrag manual gearbox.
The model also featured more supportive seats manufactured by Recaro, Alpina gauges, turbo boost level, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges, an Alpina steering wheel, a wooden Alpina gear knob, and subtle front and rear spoilers.
This example is finished in the refined hue of Graphite Grey over a black leather-trimmed interior, punctuated by wood veneer trim inlays.
It rides on the correct set of 16-inch Alpina multi-spoke alloy wheels, fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S-02 tyres.
Equipment includes a top-tinted windscreen, heater and ventilation controls, Recaro front seats, a Kenwood cassette stereo, an electric sunroof, and electric windows.
This particular B7 is a German market car that was later modified to US standards (confirmed by letter from 1985). This mainly concerns the US-market light spec including additional red ‘position’ lights on rear sides, as shown on videos and photos. Other than lights, the car appears not to have any other US-market modifications and comes with odometer and speedo in kilometres.
The car comes with tools, an original BMW factory check for the 528i that was supplied to Alpina, substantial documentation of the car’s import and registration in New York and its European import, an original ‘Prufbericht’ from Alpina, the registration papers from New York and Germany, the full set of exterior badges, extensive documentation from the original owner, a list of Alpina parts, an Alpina catalogue, a set of gold Alpina exterior decals, and a recently issued Alpina certificate that confirms matching numbers of the body and engine.
Alpina Classic also supplied the first invoice which shows the original price of the car was around 66, 000 DM. It was issued to BMW AG, Hamburg – presumably the first dealer selling the car. The first invoice also confirms that the car was delivered without the Alpina deco-set and badges mounted on the car. Fortunately, both the deco-set and badges come with the car in original Alpina boxes.
Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Minor stone chips, some areas of rust underneath (car needs welding), age-related interior wear, and cracking on the rear seat base. The seller notes that the car has been stationary for a long period of time and that his priority was to preserve the original condition of the car. The car has been recently serviced so that it runs and drives safely; however, this is not a fully restored vehicle.
The engine has good pressures, runs on all 6 cylinders with the early Pierburg injection system that needs to be overhauled or changed for a newer depending on new owner’s preference. This B7 Turbo’s most recent maintenance was carried out in preparation for sale in January 2024 by the current owner, a BMW classic car specialist. The work included changing oils, filters, liquids, new fuel pumps front and back, brake callipers front and back, new brake hoses front and back, new master brake cylinder, new clutch cylinders (both), and the fuel tank was cleaned. A new rubber back spoiler – the new old stock and original part from Alpina (with correct part number) - was acquired and has been mounted on the car. The price of this part alone was EUR 2, 500.
Prior to that, the most recent maintenance is evidenced by an invoice from May 1996 by Alfa Import Centre, New York, which consisted of the engine and gearbox oils being changed, new brake and clutch fluids, the differential oil checked, a new drive belt, differential cooler, and new tyres.
Prior to this, technicians at Euro Meccanica in New York carried out maintenance in October 1995 at 70, 665 miles, which included all new brakes being fitted, new fluids, an engine oil change, a hole in the driver’s side footwell welded, the radiator repaired, and a new head gasket set being fitted.
A new ignition wire set was fitted in March 1995 at 68, 614 miles by technicians at Euro Meccanica, alongside new bearings being fitted.
A front engine oil leak was rectified in September 1994 by technicians at Euro Mecccanica.
This E12-generation BMW Alpina B7 Turbo is a well-preserved example of the very rare modern classic sports saloon, offered for sale by its third owner from new and reported to be in highly original condition with extensive documentation confirming its interesting and colourful history. Understood to be one of only 149 examples built, with a number of desirable Alpina factory performance and cosmetic upgrades, and boasting impressive performance courtesy of its turbocharged 3. 0-litre inline-six engine, it would make a notable addition to any collection, and a rewarding companion for retro daily driving, weekend fun, and classic car show visits alike following a detailed inspection and recommissioning work.
