It's pretty much the same story for the almighty B10 Bi-Turbo: discreet, handsome lines and the occasional hint that Alpina had been to work on the E34 535i it's based on. As a previous E34 owner, I can testify that these are some of the best-engineered cars ever built. But for the dated styling, I'd own one now. However, the B10 still looks good enough to tempt me into scanning the classifieds. A few more of these were produced than the B8 (507, to be exact). It's a magnificent piece of kit. The peak 360 hp turned into 181 mph and a zero-to-60 sprint time of 5.1 seconds, making this the world's fastest sedan in the early 1990s. Who needed an M5? The B10 Bi-Turbo was a towering achievement. Practically every moving part was made stronger to enable the twin Garrett T25, water-cooled turbochargers to do their stuff without the car falling apart. A 25 percent limited-slip diff makes it an entertaining drive too-as if the colossal performance wasn't enough.
Both cars give the impression of utmost quality and solidity. Yet they possess different characters. The B10 has the edge for me, possibly because of my affection for the E34, but probably because I can't help feeling that a car this big shouldn't be able to move this quickly. They both show how forward thinking Alpina was (and still is). It sees the potential in any BMW-a brand that has always impressed Bovensiepen for its consistent engineering prowess. More power, more exclusivity and no compromise when it comes to quality-that's the Alpina way.
1996 Alpina B8 4.6 Sedan
*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
*Engine
4.6-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve
*Transmission
Six-speed manual
*Suspension
Independent, Alpina coil springs and dampers, anti-roll bars
*Brakes
Ventilated and drilled steel rotors front and rear
*Wheels And Tires
Alpina alloys, 8.5x17 (f), 9x17 (r) 235/40 (f), 265/35 (r)
*Dimensions
Length/Width/Height (in.): 174.5/66.8/54
Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3,307 lb
*Performance
Peak Power: 333 hp @ 5700 rpm
Peak Torque: 347 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.0 sec.
Top Speed: 175 mph