E34 B10 3.5 #7459

[Bob]

Anyone know this B10? The pictures are pretty vague so I’m not certain it isn’t just an E34 with a set of wheels, grill badge and a Sytner tax disc holder.

Reg appears to be B10 DCD which is a green, 1989 registered BMW 3.5 according to DVLA

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-mot ... source=sms

[greenelekta]

Advert does say with paperwork from Sytner & Alpina to verify engine numbers.

[Bob]

Advert does say with paperwork from Sytner & Alpina to verify engine numbers.

It does, but I guess when it comes to older UK cars I’m naturally a bit cynical.
From what I’ve deduced so far it does seem likely it’s genuine and a car that’s not popped up in these circles previously.

[AG]

looks pretty genuine to me, certainly appears to have the traits of an e34 B10 especially the shots of the engine.

Bear in mind that many of these came over to the UK and were registered as the car they were based on, so if this comes up as a 535i then that'll be right for this age

[Tarka]

Hi everyone - first post on the forum but I've been a lurker / admirer / researcher since 2007!!

Why am I posting? - well, I've been up from Wiltshire to just outside Brum first light this morning to look at this E34 and very pleased to say, I have paid my deposit and expect to collect mid next week!!

I'm very happy - the car does seem to stack up as a genuine UK, Sytner built B10 3.5.

As everyone here knows, 80s Alpinas are something of an enigma. When you start researching, you realise they do their very best to appear like a hooky ringer - I think thats designed to weed out the real fans.

The last but one owner has spent many frustrating hours in contact, back and forth with both Sytner and Alpina in Buchloe. Those hours were well spent however, as Alpina were able to confirm the engine was supplied by them and Sytner provided proof of their build, including the hand written build sheet - all authorised with a headed, stamped letter from Jonathan Noy (dates back to when he was still working there). Its number 459 which carries as #7459 on the engine and plaque. I dont think its appeared on the register before...

The car was specced as a 535iA SE. Auto box with LSD. Supplied to Sytner for the full B10 3.5 conversion which means Alpina engine installed, ECU, full suspension, wheels, front airdam, exterior badges front and rear and the dash plaque. All of this is still present. It has a tan full leather sport interior, which again seems to have been specced from new.

From what I can see, the car has been well maintained over the years. All the above elements are still intact. It has acquired a later or chinese copy Alpina rear decal - the letters are later font, so that will be removed and I think the original boot badge has been stuck onto the embossed lettering on the front spoiler strangely.

I am quite well versed on old BMWs, having owned E28s and E34s and currently an E24 635CSi. E34s like to rust but this one does seem to be very solid. Doors and sills are good, boot and underbonnet where water is usually caught seem fine and the outer sills are good. I am going into this eyes wide open and fully expect there to be rust somewhere - most probably in the false sandwich floor at the front jacking points, or up in the rear, beam and suspension mountings.

On the interior, it'll need some work on the door trims where the glue has aged (very common) and someone's hacked up the rear shelf for speakers, so will retrim / replace that.

Aircon, dual zone climate seems sticky but thats not the hardest fix plus a few other electrical gremlins to resolve.

Its going straight to my trusted local specialist next week for a bit of a tear-down appraisal. I'll start a separate project / recommission thread and keep you all updated.

[greenelekta]

Good find and well done on buying. Will sit well in you collection. Look forward to pictures.

[Bob]

That's great news, glad it's found a new owner and that it is legitimate. After realising it was Alpina Green, it was almost a certainty.

I had been trying to get confirmation from the seller to get this added to the https://www.alpina-archive.com/?cat=470&nmt=sytner-e34 but after some initial interest he went quiet.

Once you are in possession, if you want to add her, let me know.

[Tarka]

I will definitly thanks. The seller was a nice enough guy but "he's not into his BMWs". He took this as part-ex against an S2 RS Turbo.

I was lucky - he's had it for sale since July and dont think he placed it very well. He has been inundated with unseen, low ball offers and people telling him its not genuine because its RHD etc etc...

Maybe I've ballsed up and just bought a well specced 535i!

When I collect it next week I'll take some better pics and let you know.

[Bob]

Sounds like you have done plenty of due diligence so I think it's a safe bet that its not just a 535i in a fancy suit.

As I said, being Alpina Green significantly increases the likelihood and if you have paperwork from Alpina confirming engine numbers etc then you should be fine.

I would agree the seller really didn't help himself with the advert and images.

[hap]

Any updates since collection?

[Tarka]

Any updates since collection?

Yes - I've had it out on the road this week and let my friends at Classic Bahnstormers have a quick look over it. Its been raining non-stop so no pics yet and I dont think I have any photos hosted anywhere, so I'll need to work out how to upload from my phone.

Positives -

The engine is super strong. Really responsive and pulls nicely. Gearbox is also in good shape. All the sport and manual modes work as they should, kickdown and changes as it should. Brakes are very good, ride and handling excellent. Its been recently treated to a complete set of suspension bushes and everything feels taught - no shakes or rattles.

Steve at CB is a big M30 fan and was impressed at the power delivery - he's happy it seems to stack up as genuine with the way the engine pulls, the bigger than stock roll bars and all suspension seems to stack up as Alpina intended.

Inside there are no squeaks or loose trim. The heater and dual zone climate controls work well - not so sure about the aircon / climate control. All pixels on the dash are clear and the main speedo and rev guages work. All electric windows work - havent tried the sunroof yet

Even in miserable grey weather it turns heads - just looks super tough!

Negatives -

Minor points. Engine seems to idle a little fast at around 950 rpm, so we'll have a look at the ignition settings. One of the rear calipers is sticky and heated up on a longer run. There is a slight vibration - similar to a wheel that is off balance - but it feels more through the transmission than the steering wheel. We'll look at the prop bushes. Temp guage works up to temp then occassionaly flicks back to cold. I havent worked out why yet.

Its had new front wings - genuine BMW parts but replacements and as the seller was clear on -it does need painting. Its had areas repainted at somepoint, without removing the chrome trim, so the lacker has partially lifted. On the roof and boot it has a weird finish - almost looks like leapard skin in the laquer... I think its bad prep. The panels are all straight and solid - no filler anywhere. Inside the engine bay there are no signs of repair or respray - likewise the boot.

Its not been up on the lift yet, so we havent dug too deep below the surface but it looks OK.

Its locked away for now - booked in for full review in December. I'm finishing my 635 CSi at the moment, so for my own protection I wont be bringing the Alpina home just yet