Newbie intro and advice from B10 V8 knowledgeable folk pls!

Thinking of Buying one - ask your questions here.
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Metrics
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Newbie intro and advice from B10 V8 knowledgeable folk pls!

Post by Metrics » Tue Jun 02, 2015 8:40 pm

Evening all

Thought I'd sign up to this site for admirers of all things Alpina and introduce myself. I'm based in Berkshire and have had a long line of what I would class as interesting/classic German cars over the years. I've always had an E39 "itch" and also wanted a V8 having never owned one. I've always admired the Alpina brand, the whole discreet, refined "iron fist in a velvet glove" approach. Makes sense I combine all three requirements and looks for a B10 V8 :wink:

I've had a look at two examples so far and the B10 V8 is certainly meeting my expectations. These are rare cars that are also getting a bit older now, so I'm under no illusion that some of these cars will be requiring more TLC than others. A slightly worrying trait I have is being OCD about the cars I own, so this B10 fixation may get expensive once I own one!

One car I've been to see has a few things I would appreciate your input on please:

*Engine undertray missing - presumably this is the same part as fitted to a 540??
*Hole in the driver's carpet mat - can these be bought new?
*Traction control yellow warning light is permanently lit - could this be as simple as an ABS sensor fault, or something more serious? I guess it requires diagnostics? But any insights on possible things would be gratefully received. If it helps the cars has been stood for a while and has had a new battery fitted.

Any input would be gratefully received.

Metrics

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Post by Bat » Tue Jun 02, 2015 11:03 pm

Hi,
Got a touring and they are fantastic.
Downside is anything Alpina is expensive!
Under tray as you say, I would think.
Floor mats should be available via BMW
Yellow light anything from abs sensor to DSC module, as you say diagnostics required.
Keep in mind that if these obvious things have not been addressed what else is hiding and waiting to bite your behind?
Cheers,
Gavin :)

Metrics
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Post by Metrics » Fri Jun 05, 2015 1:42 pm

So after much deliberation and careful consideration I decided to buy the car, a B10 V8S. Collected it yesterday evening - what a car!! :D

The car's not on the register - so will submit the details to get it on here.

Where should I start a thread about the car? General Alpina Forum?

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Post by hap » Fri Jun 05, 2015 2:45 pm

Was it the black one with cream interior with b10 yob plate
If so nice motor!!

Metrics
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Post by Metrics » Fri Jun 05, 2015 3:28 pm

hap wrote:Was it the black one with cream interior with b10 yob plate
If so nice motor!!
BINGO! Thanks hap!

Not perfect by any means, but an unbelievable service history file and pretty much one owner from new. A loved car.
As I said in my first post, the danger now is my OCD will mean this car becomes an expensive hobby! I just hope it's not a lemon!!

Where's best to start a thread on the car and the impending refresh?

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Post by Metrics » Fri Jun 05, 2015 3:32 pm

A question - the car has a vibration (I feel it through the chassis/bulkhead), almost exactly at 70mph. Nothing at 60, nothing at 80, very little at 65 & 75.

Is this the infamous E39 shimmy??

I guess this will need investigating, starting with wheel balance/buckles > suspension arms/bushes?

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Post by Jamz » Fri Jun 05, 2015 4:40 pm

Could be a buckled wheel as you say.. Take it to someone with decent equipment and they will see if it's buckled as your getting them balanced :)

Metrics
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Post by Metrics » Fri Jun 05, 2015 4:56 pm

Jamz wrote:Could be a buckled wheel as you say.. Take it to someone with decent equipment and they will see if it's buckled as your getting them balanced :)
Cheers, will do!

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Post by Crombers » Sat Jun 06, 2015 10:57 pm

Congrats on the new car, The B10s are a pleasure to own!

Do you feel it through the pedal if you touch the brakes? I'd suggest the thrust arm bushing, common failure on the E39s and cause a vibration around 70mph.
Stuart

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Post by MCB » Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:11 am

Metrics wrote:A question - the car has a vibration (I feel it through the chassis/bulkhead), almost exactly at 70mph. Nothing at 60, nothing at 80, very little at 65 & 75.

Is this the infamous E39 shimmy??

I guess this will need investigating, starting with wheel balance/buckles > suspension arms/bushes?
Did you manage to get the vibration problem sorted? A vibration through the car at 70 mph would normally point towards a rear wheel being out of balance.
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Metrics
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Post by Metrics » Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:14 am

MCB wrote:
Metrics wrote:A question - the car has a vibration (I feel it through the chassis/bulkhead), almost exactly at 70mph. Nothing at 60, nothing at 80, very little at 65 & 75.

Is this the infamous E39 shimmy??

I guess this will need investigating, starting with wheel balance/buckles > suspension arms/bushes?
Did you manage to get the vibration problem sorted? A vibration through the car at 70 mph would normally point towards a rear wheel being out of balance.
Thanks for asking MCB. One rear wheel had a slight buckle. Managed to source a wheel from a fellow forum member :)
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Post by MCB » Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:45 am

Good news that it was a simple fix and nothing more serious.

Get the old one straightened and keep as a spare.
1997 E36 Alpina B3 3.2 Touring. No.66
1998 E36 1.8 Touring
1989 E30 M3.
2004 E60 530D
2004 Vauxhall Signum (for the shopping)
2002 E39 M5 (Sold)

Metrics
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Post by Metrics » Wed Jul 22, 2015 11:18 am

MCB wrote:Good news that it was a simple fix and nothing more serious.

Get the old one straightened and keep as a spare.
Yes, that's the plan. I was going to get it straightened, but that would mean doing a refurb too and all 4 really need doing. But tyres are half worn, so not keen on putting old tyres on shiny new refurbed wheels!

Yes, I'm a sad b@stard! :lol:
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo No.299
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
1991 Mk1 Golf GTI Sportline cabriolet

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Post by E24man » Wed Jul 22, 2015 11:23 am

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Last edited by E24man on Thu Dec 31, 2020 2:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Metrics
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Post by Metrics » Wed Jul 22, 2015 11:41 am

I'm in good company then E24man :wink:

The wheels are ok from a distance, but you can see the paint peeling / wheel corrosion behind the spokes and it WINDS ME UP!!!

:shock:
2019 G31 B5 Biturbo No.299
2012 F10 D5 Biturbo No.13
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
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