Alpina B10 E39 4.8 i V8 32V (375 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 4.7 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Alpina B10:

The Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo is a high performance version of the BMW 5 Series executive car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. Beginning production in 1989, the B10 Bi-Turbo was based on the 535i and received several upgrades by Alpina, being the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its introduction. Production ended in 1994 with 507 examples produced.
Developed at a cost of US$3. 2 million, the B10 Bi-Turbo was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E39 Overview:

Alpina B10 (E39). With 510 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1690 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 284 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 1998
Adult Occupant 78%
Stars 4
Expert Note:
Based on the BMW 5 Series (E39) Euro NCAP test from 1998, the platform demonstrated a strong performance for its era, achieving a respectable four-star rating for adult occupant protection.

4.8 i V8 32V (375 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Exceptional V8 power delivery, offering thrilling acceleration and effortless high-speed cruising, making it the ultimate grand tourer in the lineup.

Fuel Economy

As expected for a large displacement performance V8, fuel consumption is significant, especially in urban settings, demanding frequent refueling.

Best Use Case: Highway / Grand Touring

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional blend of luxury and performance, offering a unique driving experience.
  • • Bespoke Alpina styling and tuning provide exclusivity and understated elegance.
  • • Superb ride comfort, making it an excellent grand tourer for long journeys.
  • • Strong and characterful engines across the lineup, from refined I6 to potent V8s.
  • • High-quality interior materials and craftsmanship, typical of Alpina's attention to detail.

Cons:

  • • High running costs, including significant fuel consumption and expensive specialized parts.
  • • Limited availability and niche market can make finding parts or qualified mechanics challenging.
  • • Complex electronics, inherited from the E39 platform, can lead to costly diagnostic and repair issues.
  • • V8 engine variants have known potential issues, such as timing chain guide wear, requiring proactive maintenance.
  • • Depreciation can be significant for non-collectible examples, though top-tier models hold value well.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E39: 1999 - 2003).

General:
Brand:Alpina
Model:B10
Generation:E39
Modification (Engine):4.8 i V8 32V (375 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:375 Hp @ 5800 rpm.
Power per litre:77.5 Hp/l
Torque:510 Nm @ 3800 rpm.
Engine displacement:4837
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:93 mm
Piston Stroke:89 mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:18 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.4 sec
Maximum speed:284 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.5 kg/Hp, 221.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.3 kg/Nm, 301.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1690
Max. weight:2260
Max load:570
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4775 mm [Same length.]
Width:1800 mm [Same width.]
Height:1415 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2830 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1512 mm
Rear (Back) track:1518 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/40 ZR 18; 265/35 ZR 18
Wheel rims size9J x 18
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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