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Alpina B12 Coupe (E31) 5.0 i V12 (350 Hp)
Overall Rating
Alpina B12:
The Alpina B12 is a name given to high-performance luxury automobiles manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. The B12 originally succeeded the B11 4. 0 in 1988 which was based on the BMW 7 Series and was also based on the same car. Subsequent models were based on the BMW 7 Series and the BMW 8 Series. Production ended in 2001 when the 7 Series models were discontinued. The B12 was replaced by the B7 and the B6.
The B12 5. 0 was introduced in 1988 and was the first Alpina production automobile to use a V12 engine as its predecessor, the B11 used 3. 5 and 4. 0 L V8 engines. The suffix 5. 0 means the engine displacement which was unchanged from the standard BMW M70 V12. The B12 5. 0 was based on the newly introduced 750i/iL. Exterior changes include a front chin spoiler, 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, choice of special colours, "B12 5. 0" badge at the rear, and Alpina pinstriping. The interior was customised according to customer specifications which ranged from a wide range of upholstery, steering wheel options, and gear knobs, and child seats. Standard interior features included an Alpina instrument cluster with a special 300 km/h speedometer and badging. The amenities provided on a standard 750i/iL, apart from the above changes, were retained. Each B12 5. 0 was equipped with a special plaque on the interior containing a special identification number....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe (E31) Overview:
Alpina B12 (Coupe (E31)). With 470 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1790 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.8 s). The top speed reaches 280 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
5.0 i V12 (350 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong, smooth V12 power, delivering impressive acceleration for its era, making it a capable grand tourer.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is typical for a large V12 of its time, acceptable for its performance but not economical by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional V12 performance and refinement
- • Exclusive and rare grand tourer status
- • Luxurious and well-appointed interior
- • Timeless and elegant BMW E31 design
- • Alpina's bespoke engineering and tuning
Cons:
- • High running and maintenance costs
- • Complex electronics can be problematic with age
- • Limited availability of parts for Alpina-specific components
- • Fuel consumption is very high
- • Lack of modern safety features
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E32: 1988 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Alpina |
| Model: | B12 |
| Generation: | Coupe (E31) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.0 i V12 (350 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 350 Hp @ 5300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 70.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 470 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4988 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 280 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.1 kg/Hp, 195.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 262.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1790 |
| Max. weight: | 2260 |
| Max load: | 470 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 320 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4780 mm [245mm less] |
| Width: | 1855 mm |
| Height: | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2684 mm [261mm less] |
| Front track: | 1560 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1552 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/40 R18 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Is the Alpina B12 your dream ride or just a daily drive? Let's talk!