1988 BMW ALPINA C2 2.7 COUPE

This 1988 BMW Alpina C2 2.7 coupe is a rare and bespoke example of the popular E30-era 3-series, presented in superb condition with a substantial history file. Starting from a stock 325i, authorised Alpina distributor Sytner converted this car to C2 2.7 specification when new, being completed by specialist technician Mark Adkin. The engine is a 2.7-litre version of the M20 straight-six, driven through the rear wheels by a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. The odometer indicates 181,712 miles, which is fully supported by 26 stamped services.

Completed at the BMW factory in May 1988, this car was first delivered to Sytner in Nottingham, where it was built up to C2 2.7 specification. It was first registered in June 1988 and was sold new by L&C BMW in Tunbridge Wells, which was one of just three official Alpina dealers in the UK at the time. Throughout its life, this BMW Alpina has evidently been very well cared for, with a raft of stamped services in the original booklet. It has been owned by the vendor for the last year, who has enjoyed around 500 miles behind the wheel.

Its bodywork is in very good order, and is finished in the factory hue of Alpine White. Within the last year, the bodywork has been finished off with the vibrant blue and green Alpina ‘Deco Set’ graphics. It features Alpina front and rear spoilers, M Technic side skirts, and the staggered 16x7J and 16x8J light alloy wheels. The car sits on the lower-riding Alpina specification Bilstein suspension.

The condition of the paintwork is very impressive overall, with a bright and even finish. There is a touched-in stone chip on the bonnet, and a small patch of bubbling in the paint on the driver’s side door mirror. There are also a few chips in the paintwork along the bottom of the front splitter, and surface crack in the white finish where it joins the bumper.

All of the door jambs, bonnet and boot shuts are in great shape, with no worrying blemishes. Exterior trims and badges have been renewed and are in superb order. The four alloy wheels have also been refurbished within the last few years and remains in pristine condition.

Inside, the cabin features the Recaro ‘LS’ sport seats at the front, and all of the upholstery and door cards are trimmed in a combination of Anthracite cloth and black vinyl. The fabric is in excellent condition, with no evident damage, and only signs of use and wear that you would expect given the mileage.

Ahead of the driver is a three-spoke sport steering wheel, and the Alpina-branded instrument cluster. The Alpina gear knob is fashioned from rosewood, and the numbered plaque is present on the centre console, confirming this as a BMW Alpina E30 with number ‘0525’.

The cabin equipment includes air-conditioning, electric windows, electric door mirrors and cruise control. A contemporary Pioneer stereo head unit is also fitted, which has Bluetooth and USB connectivity. All of the electrics and switchgear work as they should, including the air-conditioning.

The vendor advises that the last scheduled maintenance was carried out in November 2019, which comprised a standard annual service. In late 2018, the engine received a top-end rebuild, with a brand-new 268-degree camshaft installed in the original stamped Alpina cylinder head, as well as new rocker arms and a replacement camshaft timing belt.

Prior to this, the C2 underwent a comprehensive recommissioning after a period in storage, which included new Bilstein shock absorbers and new bushes, as well as a complete brake overhaul with fresh discs and pads. The clutch was also replaced, and the air-conditioning was upgraded to R134a refrigerant.

The most recent MOT test was on 5 November 2019 at 181,711 miles, which resulted in a pass with a few advisories regarding a minor “not excessive” oil leak, seepage from the power steering hose, slight play at the front wheels and some tyre wear.

The alloy wheels are fitted with a set of Toyo Proxes T1-R tyres, in size 205/50 ZR16 at the front and 225/45 ZR16 at the rear. The front tyres are date-coded to 2014, while the rears were manufactured in 2017. All four tyres are in very good condition with plenty of tread remaining.

Accompanying this C2 is the original book pack, including the owner’s manual and the stamped warranty and maintenance record. There are 26 stamps in the booklet, presenting an outstanding record of servicing from new, and a lever arch file full of invoices and other paperwork that provides more detail.

This BMW Alpina C2 2.7 is a superb example of a highly collectable E30 model. Its documented provenance in particular makes this car stand out from many others, and it is also a very well-presented modern classic. This sought-after coupe is ready to drive and enjoy immediately, and will undoubtedly attract the right kind of attention wherever the next owner chooses to take it.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It has already been switched back to its age-related registration plate of E888 AKK.

Summary of service history:

17 Jun 1988 - Pre-delivery
Date tbc 1988 - 1,243 miles
25 Nov 1988 - 7,416 miles
26 Jan 1989 - 11,040 miles
30 May 1990 - 19,295 miles
28 Jan 1991 - 24,924 miles
16 May 1991 - 27,657 miles
27 Aug 1992 - 34,203 miles
7 Nov 1992 - 38,779 miles
24 Oct 1993 - 46,560 miles
15 Dec 1994 - 54,895 miles
20 Jul 1996 - 62,153 miles
4 Mar 1997 - 68,349 miles
May 1997 - 69,458 miles
8 Oct 1997 - 73,668 miles
15 Apr 1998 - 76,666 miles
23 May 1999 - 82,740 miles
15 Aug 2000 - 93,918 miles
7 Feb 2001 - 98,140 miles
9 Jan 2002 - 103,885 miles
6 Oct 2004 - 133,500 miles
7 Jun 2005 - 140,405 miles
5 May 2006 - 147,317 miles
25 May 2015 - 163,731 miles
312 Jul 2016 - 173,207 miles
12 Aug 2017 - 180,256 miles
21 Oct 2018 - 181,478 miles
Nov 2019 - ~181,700 miles