2002 BMW ALPINA (E39) B10 V8S

This BMW Alpina (E39) B10 V8S is a sought-after bespoke version of the 5 Series, offered from cherished 12-year ownership, and with a comprehensive maintenance history. Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V8 engine producing 375bhp and 376lb-ft of torque, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. The odometer currently indicates 59,484 miles from new.

First registered in May 2003, this Alpina is believed to be one of only 42 examples of the B10 saloon manufactured for the UK market. There are only two previous keepers on the log book, and it has been in the vendor’s possession for twelve-and-a-half years. He is a serial Alpina owner, having previously run a 4.6 B10, and counting an Alpina Roadster and B3S Biturbo among his current collection. In his own words, this V8S “has easily been the most reliable car I've ever driven, requiring virtually no mechanical work and sailing through MOTs”.

The bodywork of this B10 V8S is in good order, presenting with flush shut lines and smooth panels. The vendor reports that in May 2015, the bonnet flew open while driving at around 50mph, damaging the windscreen and pillars. However, the bonnet was replaced and all of the damaged panels around the front end were repainted to a high standard, with the cost fully covered by the vendor’s insurance policy.

In October 2017, the rear wings were replaced as some rust had broken through. The rear doors and rear quarters were therefore repainted to blend correctly, and a replacement boot lid was fitted due to some rust around the lock. The vendor notes all work was carried out by the same coachbuilder, and so essentially it has had an extensive respray split over two time periods. It is now reported to present with absolutely no rust, though the paintwork is marked in two areas, which are clearly pointed out in the photo gallery. The car rides on the original 19-inch Alpina multi-spoke alloy wheels, which have no kerbing damage and only minor deterioration of the centre caps.

Moving inside, the sumptuous Grey Montana leather covering the seats presents with just some light creasing commensurate with the car’s age. It was also specified with the costly extended leather option, with the Grey Montana trim on the door cards, dashboard, and central section with handbrake and gear lever.

The black and silver Alpina door sill covers appear with some light scratches from entering and exiting the vehicle, though the door panels and shuts are all in good condition. The contact points on the steering wheel present with some surface wear, though the central Alpina badging remains in good order, as does the stitching around the rim. The cabin comes equipped with satellite navigation, an electric sunroof, climate control and cruise control – all of which works correctly, and with no warning lights present.

Despite the low mileage, attention was paid during the vendor’s ownership to renew the engine oil annually, and it has never used oil between services. The last service was undertaken in March 2019, where technicians at independent BMW specialists R.W. Weaver in Glasgow changed the engine oil and filter. Similar maintenance was carried out in March 2018 and March 2017. In June 2017, new rear brake discs and pads were fitted, while the radiator and starter motor were replaced in March and July 2020 respectively. The expensive front Brembo discs and pads were renewed in June 2016 at 51,866 miles, so this job has already been taken care of relatively recently.

The most recent MOT test was on 10 March 2020 at 58,526 miles, which resulted in a pass with two advisories to monitor some corrosion on the front brake pipes. The wheels are wrapped in a combination of Michelin Super Sport and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, in correct fitment 245/35/R19 at the front and 275/30/R19 at the rear, which the vendor reports were fitted in 2013 and have since covered around 15,000 miles.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original Alpina handbook and service book in their factory leather wallet, along with two keys and numerous corresponding maintenance invoices.

This Alpina B10 V8S saloon is a superb modern classic, boasting a smooth yet powerful V8, a comfortable interior and impressive build quality. A very rare performance car; this sought-after Alpina would make a wonderful all-rounder to use regularly, or a unique addition to any discerning collection.

Summary of service history:

• 17/10/2002 Pre Delivery check
• 06/08/2003 1200 mile Oil Service
• 18/06/2004 Oil service/ brake fluid, 10,351 miles
• 01/03/2006 Inspection 1, 20.630 miles
• 03/08/2006 Brake fluid, 22,519 miles
• 28/03/2008 Service and used car check prior to purchase, 27,023 miles
• 10/03/2009 pre MOT check and pass, 31,325 miles
• 15/12/2009 Full service, oil and fluids etc, 35019 miles
• 20/12/2010 Full service, 36,649 miles
• 11/03/2011 Oil service, 37, 271miles
• 11/05/2011 Front discs and brake pads replaced (Brembo), 38,012 miles
• 15/03/2012 Oil service and pre MOT check, 39,893 miles
• 23/08/2012 Diagnostic check, no faults, 41,952 miles
• 14/03/2013 Oil service and pre MOT check, 42,834 miles
• 18/07/2013 Wheel alignment check and diagnostic scan, 43217 miles
• 11/03/2014 Pre MOT check 45,944 miles
• 03/11/2014 Full service brake and coolant changed with oil, 46,847 miles
• 16/03/2015 Pre MOT check, 47,249 miles
• 15/04/2015 Wiper motor replaced, 47,393 miles
• 14/07/2015 Battery and Charging system checked, ok, 47,923 miles
• 02/12/2015 Battery replaced, 49,145 miles
• 09/03/2016 Inspection 11 and full service, 50,540 miles
• 16/03/2016 New Thermostat housing and coolant replaced, 50,550 miles
• 01/06/2016 Front Discs and pads replaced (Brembo), 51,866 miles
• 13/03/2017 Oil service and pre MOT check, 54,770 miles
• 27/06/2017 Rear brake discs and pads replaced, 56081 miles
• 31/10/2017 Headlamp beam alignment, 57,026 miles
• 15/03/2018 Oil service and pre MOT check, 57,174 miles
• 12/03/2019 Oil service and pre MOT check, 57,560 miles
• 11/03/2020 Radiator replaced, new coolant and pre MOT check, 58,526 miles
• 01/07/2020 Starter motor replaced 58,623 miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.