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Alpina B10 E39 4.6 i V8 32V Switchtronic (347 Hp)
Overall Rating
Alpina B10:
The Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo is a high performance version of the BMW 5 Series executive car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. Beginning production in 1989, the B10 Bi-Turbo was based on the 535i and received several upgrades by Alpina, being the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its introduction. Production ended in 1994 with 507 examples produced.
Developed at a cost of US$3. 2 million, the B10 Bi-Turbo was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E39 Overview:
Alpina B10 (E39). With 480 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1540 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.3 s). The top speed reaches 262 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.
Based on the BMW 5 Series (E39) Euro NCAP test from 1998, the platform demonstrated a strong performance for its era, achieving a respectable four-star rating for adult occupant protection.
4.6 i V8 32V Switchtronic (347 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful V8 delivering robust torque and smooth acceleration, perfectly matched with the responsive Switchtronic transmission for refined performance.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, typical for a performance V8, requiring frequent stops at the pump, especially during spirited driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional blend of luxury and performance, offering a unique driving experience.
- • Bespoke Alpina styling and tuning provide exclusivity and understated elegance.
- • Superb ride comfort, making it an excellent grand tourer for long journeys.
- • Strong and characterful engines across the lineup, from refined I6 to potent V8s.
- • High-quality interior materials and craftsmanship, typical of Alpina's attention to detail.
Cons:
- • High running costs, including significant fuel consumption and expensive specialized parts.
- • Limited availability and niche market can make finding parts or qualified mechanics challenging.
- • Complex electronics, inherited from the E39 platform, can lead to costly diagnostic and repair issues.
- • V8 engine variants have known potential issues, such as timing chain guide wear, requiring proactive maintenance.
- • Depreciation can be significant for non-collectible examples, though top-tier models hold value well.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E34: 1994 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B10 |
| Generation: | E39 |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.6 i V8 32V Switchtronic (347 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 347 Hp @ 5700 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 75.1 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 480 Nm @ 3700 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4619 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 262 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.4 kg/Hp, 225.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.2 kg/Nm, 311.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1540 |
| Max. weight: | 2080 |
| Max load: | 540 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4775 mm mm |
| Width: | 1800 mm mm |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2830 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1512 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1518 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) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/45 R17 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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