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Alpina B9 1983

General description : 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 seven employees and a turnover of 200k DM.

Alpina really established itself from 1968 with a hugely successful racing career that spanned nine 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 all raced Alpina prepared BMW 2002s and CS coupes during their racing careers.

Since 1983 Alpina has been recognised by the German Federal Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer, thus Alpina-built cars are branded and registered as Alpina instead of BMW, although an Alpina can be bought and serviced at select BMW dealerships and covered if there is a warranty issue.

In November 1981 the E28 B9 was introduced, which used a modified 3.5-litre M30 engine that had a reprogrammed Motronic ECU, high-compression Mahle pistons, an aggressive 268 degree camshaft, and a modified cylinder head. The result of these upgrades was 240hp, a substantial increase over the standard engine. At the corners were larger 284mm ventilated disc brakes and Alpina Bilstein gas-pressure suspension. The B9 3.5 could accelerate from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 149mph. In 1985 the B9 was renamed the B10 and received a new 3.5-litre engine taken from the B6 that produced 261hp. It is understood that around 577 B9s were produced.

Equipment

German-supplied left-hand drive, 16-inch Alpina alloy wheels, Alpina numbered plaque, Sports seats in Alpina velour upholstery, ABS, Electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Electric sunroof, Electric windows, Heat-insulating glass, Limited-slip differential (25%), Alpina front spoiler, Alpina rear spoiler, Momo/Alpina leather steering wheel, Alpina wooden gearknob, Alpina decal set in gold, Alpina instrument cluster, Digital clock.

Exterior

The E28’s handsome dark blue exterior is finished with slim Alpina decals running the car’s length and along the front air dam. At the rear the boot lid sports a purposeful spoiler and B9 3.5 model designation. The bodywork is in great condition overall, presenting with only a handful of discreet blemishes to the paint, all perfectly in line with the age and mileage. Elsewhere, the bumpers and trim remain in fine fettle and are pleasingly free from scuffs or signs of major wear.

Interior

The period Alpina upholstery is a welcome sight upon entry. The desirable sports seats present well in their original velour, with no unsightly rips or marks to report; the classic Alpina stripes are still well defined and the bolsters are damage-free. The leather-bound Momo steering wheel presents as new and there is only the lightest of wear to the wooden Alpina gearknob. The numbered plaque is still present and correct on the centre console.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

At the heart of this E28 lies the Alpina-tuned 3.5-litre straight six. The M30 engine is similar to that of the E24 635CSi although for the B9 it was extensively modified by Alpina, who replaced the cylinder head, pistons, camshaft, and modified the Bosch Motronic ECU. This resulted in 245hp and a 0-60mph time of just 6.7 seconds.

The original “matching numbers” engine is correctly stamped with the additional four-digit Alpina production number. The engine bay is in good order throughout with no signs of accident damage or poor repair to be found. The last major service was carried out in 2017 just a few hundred miles ago, and more recently the diff has been fully re-commissioned. A fresh oil service will be carried out upon sale.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The B9 has a purposeful stance and a stunning profile. The correct 16-inch open-lug Alpina alloys really set the car off and present in perfect condition having been refurbished to the highest standard by Lepsons. The Bridgestone tyres have ample tread all round, and the brakes do a fine job of pulling the car up quickly and in a straight line.

History File

Production of this rare B9 3.5 was completed in April 1983. The car was originally supplied to Germany and was sold through a BMW dealer near Düsseldorf. The purchase price was nearly 57k DM with an additional 6k DM of factory options. These details are confirmed by official documentation from Alpina that includes copies of the original sales invoice and factory build sheet, all of which are present in the History File.

At two years old the B9 was exported to Japan where it resided for the next thirty-two years. In 2017 it was imported into the UK by 4 Star and subsequently prepared for sale. Following some light re-commissioning work the car was UK-registered and supplied to its new keeper. The E28 is now offered for sale once again, ready to be driven and enjoyed by the next owner for many years to come.

http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/alpina-e28-b9-3-5-for-sale/

1983 Alpina B9 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £29995.

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