Alpina is an automotive tuning company that specializes in building high-performance BMW models. The Bavarian company is not owned by BMW, like the M Division, but Alpina models are sold within the BMW dealer network. Alpinas aren't as well known as M cars, but we absolutely love them. Basically, Alpina likes to build high-performance cars with a touch of flair that are still comfortable as daily drivers. Fortunately for used car buyers, their relative unfamiliarity means Alpina models lose value fast, making them an excellent car to purchase.
Interestingly, many Alpina cars end up competing against the in-house models from the M Division. The Alpina B6 Gran Coupe is very similar to the BMW M6, but takes a different approach to speed. The B6 has the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 as the M6, but is tuned differently to produce the same 600 hp, but more torque (590 lb-ft compared to 516). The B6 also uses an eight-speed automatic instead of a seven-speed dual-clutch and AWD instead of RWD. A brand new B6 costs $122,500, but we found a 2015 model with 56,000 miles on it for just under $58,000. This is a steal for a 600 hp car that is extremely comfortable and beautiful.
Next up is the Alpina B7, which is based on the BMW 7 Series and has been one of the more common Alpina models in the US. This might be because BMW has never sold a full M version of the 7 Series to compete with the B7. The F01 generation B7 was built from 2011 to 2013, with some improvements in 2013, such as an eight-speed automatic. BMW's V12 engine was deemed too heavy for the B7, so Alpina used the M5's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. The B7 produced 540 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque and handled better than BMW's own 760Li. This car could be had as a short or long wheelbase with RWD or AWD. We found examples ranging from around $25,000 to just under $50,000.
The E65 generation Alpina B7 was also no slouch. This generation of the 7 Series was built from 2002 to 2008, and the Alpina version was created to give BMW a competitor against the Mercedes S-Class AMG models and the Audi S8. This generation of the B7 used a supercharged version of BMW's 4.4-liter V8, producing 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Even with the extra power, the Alpina was able to achieve the same gas mileage as a standard 7 Series. Alpina only offered 800 units of this generation in 2007 and 2008, and we managed to find a very clean 2007 model with 56,000 miles for just under $26,000, though rougher examples can go as low as $15,000.
Even though many of the modern Alpina cars have experienced heavy depreciation, we'd like to offer two examples of why you really shouldn't care. The first is a pristine 1990 Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo. This car was based on the E34 generation 5 Series and was built from 1989 to 1994, with only 507 examples built during that period. This one only has 60,000 miles on the clock, and is selling for $44,000. Alpina took the stock M30 and added two Garrett T25 turbochargers. This brought power and torque up from 208 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque to 360 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The B10 could hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and was known as the fastest sedan in the world when it was introduced.
Our final car may be the ultimate example of why Alpina cars are so cool. This 1988 Alpina B7S Turbo was based on the E24 635 CSi. Alpina only built 30 examples for the whole world, and this extremely low mileage example is number 25. The car is being sold by Enthusiast Auto Group, a dealership that specializes in finding rare BMW models like this one. All of these cars were completely hand-built for just one model year. Alpina provided many enhancements such as a modified cylinder head, lightweight pistons, performance camshaft, high-flow exhaust header, Getrag close-ratio sport transmission, engine oil cooler, limited slip differential and oil cooler and larger front brakes.
Total output from the turbocharged engine is 326 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. The car is also rumored to be one of only two surviving cars with the original Tartan interior, which looks fantastic combined with the green and gold retro exterior. This is certainly one of the best examples of an Alpina car, which is why it commands a price tag of just under $300,000. Even though the other Alpina cars on this list aren't quite as rare as the B7S Turbo, we still think that they are a great value and all have the chance to appreciate in the future.
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