Feature: When a BMW M car isn’t enough

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Alpina has been working with BMW on road rockets, like the 2009 B7, for more than 47 years. Unlike other BMW tuner companies like AC Schnitzer, Hartge, Racing Dynamics, Hamann Motorsport and Dinan, Alpina is a stand-alone car manufacturer that BMW treats as a partner. Traditionally, the Bavarian-based firm has focused on much more than just body kits and killer stereos. From the engine bay and suspension to the interior and exterior styling, Alpina in some way touches every aspect of a BMW that is near and dear to the heart of any true driving enthusiast. Founded in 1961 by Burkard Bovensiepen, who is still the CEO, Alpina started by offering tuned carburetors and revised cylinder heads for BMW customers. Within seven years Alpina was offering its first full model: the 1974 B2 3.0S, based on the contemporary BMW 3.0 CS coupe (predecessor to BMW's 6 Series). By 1983, Alpina officially became a manufacturer. Although its cars are branded "Alpina," all the owner privileges like service and warranties associated with any BMW are included. In Europe, Alpina makes about 700 units each year from a full lineup of modified BMWs in addition to the B7, including the B3 based on the 335i, plus 5 and 6 series cars (B5 and B6) with the B7's power train. Traditionally, Alpinas are considered genuine alternatives to BMW's M cars, but with a less manic, more mature personality. For instance, in the U.K., compared to the M5, Alpina's B5 offers 523 hp instead of 507 hp by replacing the factory V10 with the B7's 4.4 L V8 and adding all the interior and exterior Alpina goodies – all for a couple of thousand pounds more than the M5's £65,250 price. "An automobile from Alpina – and cognoscenti know it – is always something special. Packaging is the magic word – to present a car that the informed, sporty and quite emotional Alpina clientele will appreciate," says the founder's son, Andreas Bovensiepen.

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