2005 BMW ALPINA (E60) B5 SALOON

This BMW Alpina B5 is a superb high-performance saloon, finished in a desirable colour scheme and with well-documented maintenance history. Under the bonnet is a 4.4-litre V8 derived from the 545i, benefiting from various mechanical tweaks and a supercharger to produce 493bhp and 516lb-ft of torque. The rear wheels are driven via a six-speed ZF ‘Switchtronic’ automatic gearbox with steering wheel shift buttons. The odometer reads 79,921 miles.

First registered on 5 September 2005, this is a UK-supplied Alpina B5, bearing a plaque denoting it as number 71 in the production run. There are three previous keepers on the log book (the first being a company, the second when it was re-registered to its director), and the vendor has owned the car for the last three months.

Presented in Sapphire Black metallic, the E60’s paintwork is reported to be in very good overall condition, with the vendor noting some stone chips to the front end, a minor dent visible in the nearside rear wheel arch, and a small, shallow scratch on the lower part of the nearside rear door. The Alpina-branded chin spoiler is in good order, though again with stone chips visible, but with no damage to the silver ‘deco-set’ script. This example retains the correct emblems and badges throughout, with the rear boot lid spoiler and prominent exhausts adding to the car’s presence. It rides on the original Alpina 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, which are in excellent condition with no kerbing marks or corrosion visible.

Inside, the B5’s cabin mixes executive comforts with bespoke finishes. Save for creasing on the front passenger and driver’s seats, the beige leather interior is in very good order, with no rips, tears or other damage to the upholstery. Alpina-specific stitching adorns the door cards, branded steering wheel and floor mats, with the seats also featuring Alpina roundels. It retains the factory-fitted Professional media system, head-up display, cruise control and climate control. The vendor reports no faults with any of the electrics, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

The most recent service was carried out in September 2019 at 75,583 miles by marque specialist Adrenaline Vehicle Services of Hertford. This entailed replacement of the engine oil and filter, micro-filter, air cleaner, spark plugs and brake fluid. A summary of the car’s service history to date is below.

The most recent MOT test was on 18 November 2020 at 79,912 miles, which was a first-time pass with zero advisories. The wheels are fitted with Vredestein tyres on all four corners, which are reported to have plenty of tread remaining.

At the car’s launch in 2005, Evo magazine said: “The B5 pulls off the remarkable feat of being both an immensely relaxing car to drive and a ridiculously quick one,” adding that “you'd buy the car on the strength of the noise it makes alone.”

This Alpina B5 is a very rare variant of the E60-generation BMW 5 Series, offering a subtly different take on the idea of a performance saloon. With a compelling blend of everyday practicality and astonishing performance, not to mention a desirable specification and solid service history, this modern classic would make a great addition to any marque collection, but could ultimately be used as regularly as the next owner desires.

Summary of service history:

• 04/10/2005 – Running-in service
• 26/04/2007 – 14,437 miles
• 24/10/2007 – 18,938 miles
• 09/04/2009 – 29,956 miles
• 06/05/2010 – 38,444 miles
• 11/04/2011 – 44,680 miles
• 13/02/2014 – 61,664 miles
• 12/10/2015 – 66,150 miles
• 05/10/2017 – 69,762 miles
• 24/09/2019 – 75,583 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.