MODEL HISTORY
Alpina B12 Coupé was produced in years 1990-1994. A total of 97 units (of which 5 are RHD) were created exclusively for the European market and technically based on the BMW (E31) 850i. Like the standard car, it relied on a 5L V12 engine, but its power was increased to 350 hp. In addition to the classic 850i, luxury custom equipment has been added, including unique upholstery and color options.
The basis of the engine, with the code designation M70, is a block made of Alusil. In a way, it is a double six-cylinder, which corresponds to two distributors, a pair of ignition cables for six-cylinder and also a double air filter from six-cylinder engines. As for the crankcase parts, they have been specially developed for the V12 engine. Alpina used this technical basis in its modifications, while they left unmodified, in addition to the block, also the crankshaft, connecting rods and both intake and exhaust manifold. The pistons were then replaced by a variant from Mahle with higher compression, the intake valves were enlarged and the engine was fitted with new camshafts. The whole exhaust system is also new (except for the aforementioned exhaust manifold) and, of course, the mapping of the Motronic ECU from Bosch. However, the ignition and injection hardware remained original. The rev-limiter was moved from 6000 rpm to 6400 rpm. The standard transmission for the 5.0 variant remained a four-speed automatic, but the software was modified to make more use of the upper engine speed range.
Changes to the B12 Coupé 5.0 compared to the 850i also took place on the chassis. The original shock absorbers and springs were replaced by Bilstein shock absorbers. Wheels in their typical design are also a hallmark.
Alpina has never removed the BMW badge from the B12 Coupé - this applies to both the front and back badges. Only the steering wheel was fitted with the brand emblem from the Buchloe manufacturer. Unique, compared to the 850i, are the inscriptions on the front mask and lid of the trunk, as well as special pinstripes on the sides of the car typical of this brand. In the interior, specially upholstered seats, including velor carpets on the floor, will impress. Other equipment meets the top specifications of the 850i.
Alpina B12 Coupé 5.0 is a machine that went its own way. It's not exactly a "racing car for the streets", it's not a competition from the Munich M-Division models, but it's faster, more comfortable and much more exclusive than a standard BMW production cars. Not a drastic change on paper, but, perceptually, an indescribable change, as is usually the case with Alpina.
OUR CAR
Our car, with serial number 53, was purchased in February 2014 in Germany from a renowned dealer of the brand. It was originally exported to Spain, where it also spent most of its life. The car has a complete on-board documentation and a service book and it has undergone a professional interior and exterior cleaning. It is fully functional, with German documents and copies of the original Spanish documentation.
DATA
- VIN - WAPBC50C02D110053
- Color - Mauritius Alpina Blue Metallic
- Interior - Silvergray/Black Leather
EQUIPMENT
- 0214 – ACS+T – Automatic Stability and Traction Control
- 0245 – Electrically adjustable steering wheel
- 0302 – Anti-theft alarm system
- 0303 – Interior protection with tilt alarm
- 0401 – Electric sunroof
- 0416 – Sunvisors
- 0431 – Automatic interior mirror dimming
- 0459 – Electric seats adjustments with memory
- 0481 – BMW sport front seats
- 0494 – Heated front seats
- 0500 – Headlight washer
- 0528 – Automatic air flow control
- 0662 – Radio Bavaria C Professional RDS
- 0676 – HiFi active speaker system
- 0690 – Cassette holder
- 0940 – Individual equipment
- 019 – Alpina leather steering wheel
- 020 – Cruise control
- 021 – Automatic air conditioning
- 022 – Make-up mirror light
- 023 – Alpina door sills
- 024 – Electrically adjustable exterior mirrors
DOCUMENTS
- ES + DE registration documents
- Operations manual
- Radiopass
- Service book
- TÜV reports
