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Alpina B12 E38 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic (387 Hp)
Overall Rating
Alpina B12:
The Alpina B12 is a name given to high-performance luxury automobiles manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. The B12 originally succeeded the B11 4. 0 in 1988 which was based on the BMW 7 Series and was also based on the same car. Subsequent models were based on the BMW 7 Series and the BMW 8 Series. Production ended in 2001 when the 7 Series models were discontinued. The B12 was replaced by the B7 and the B6.
The B12 5. 0 was introduced in 1988 and was the first Alpina production automobile to use a V12 engine as its predecessor, the B11 used 3. 5 and 4. 0 L V8 engines. The suffix 5. 0 means the engine displacement which was unchanged from the standard BMW M70 V12. The B12 5. 0 was based on the newly introduced 750i/iL. Exterior changes include a front chin spoiler, 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, choice of special colours, "B12 5. 0" badge at the rear, and Alpina pinstriping. The interior was customised according to customer specifications which ranged from a wide range of upholstery, steering wheel options, and gear knobs, and child seats. Standard interior features included an Alpina instrument cluster with a special 300 km/h speedometer and badging. The amenities provided on a standard 750i/iL, apart from the above changes, were retained. Each B12 5. 0 was equipped with a special plaque on the interior containing a special identification number....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E38 Overview:
Alpina B12 (E38). With 560 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2035 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.4 s). The top speed reaches 280 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.
The Alpina B12 (E38), based on the BMW 7 Series E38, was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, it featured advanced safety systems for its era, including ABS and robust construction.
5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic (387 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.7L V12 delivers exceptional power and torque for its time, offering effortless acceleration and a top speed of 280 km/h. The 6.4-second 0-100 km/h sprint is impressive for a luxury sedan of this size and era.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 11.9 l/100 km, this V12 engine is relatively efficient for its displacement and performance, though still a significant figure for modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional V12 performance and refinement
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior with Alpina touches
- • Timeless and elegant E38 design
- • High exclusivity and collector appeal
- • Superb grand touring capabilities
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for the 6.0L
- • Expensive maintenance and parts due to bespoke Alpina components
- • Complex electronics can lead to age-related issues
- • Limited availability makes finding good examples challenging
- • Heavy kerb weight impacts agility in tight corners
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (E31): 1992 - 1996).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B12 |
| Generation: | E38 |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic (387 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 387 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 68.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 560 Nm @ 4100 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5646 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 280 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.3 kg/Hp, 190.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 275.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2035 |
| Max. weight: | 2495 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4984 mm [204mm more] |
| Width: | 1862 mm [7mm more] |
| Height: | 1415 mm [85mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2930 mm [246mm more] |
| Front track: | 1552 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1554 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/40 ZR20; 275/35 ZR20 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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