Questions about buying an Alpina BMW

[davids]

I'm a newly registered member. When I was 18 I read about Alpina and thought "I'd like one of those". At 59 I am now in a position to buy one, specifically a new B3 GT touring. Before making a decision I'd welcome some advice about a couple of matters.

Theft - what is the risk for Alpinas? I'd assumed it might be either relatively high (given the performance and value) or low (given the niche nature meaning resale may be difficult).

Which dealer to use? I live in the North East and my nearest dealer would be Sheffield, but would I be better off buying from a possibly larger volume dealer further south?

Servicing - a similar question. Could I take it to my local BMW dealership, or would I be better off at an Alpina/BMW dealership (and if so, which), or an independent (and if so, which)?

Bulid time - how long between order and delivery?

Thanks for any assistance anyone can give.

[churchie386]

In my opinion, an Alpina is no more or less susceptible to theft than any other valuable vehicle.

The biggest 'volume' (that is not a term used much in the context of Alpinas) dealer would be Nottingham as that is where Gary Lott (GB Brand Manager) and Alex Morley (GB Brand Support) are based. Nottingham is the biggest ALPINA site - typically six new cars in the showroom, several other new ones on site, plus other used. They also know of all the new stock at other sites and can facilitate purchare of those too.

Any BMW dealer can service an Alpina. There is no significant benefit to using a Sytner dealership. BMR is an independent that has very considerable experience of the brand, but a long way from the North East.

Order to build to delivery, best to call Gary and Alex. All new cars are actually ordered via them. Most other Synter dealers haven't got a clue about the brand.

Welcome to the forum and hopefully Alpina ownership.

[Wellsy]

Hey,

Well done on looking at the B3 GT that's got to be one of the ultimate ALPINAs.

Have you joined the FaceBook group - ALPINA Owners Club UK - Its not full of your usual FB rubbish and is a great group for advice and knowledge. You'll be able to get information quickly on local specialists etc.

[davids]

Thanks to both of you for the information. I'll take a look at the Facebook group.

[Jonnywishbone]

My boggo B3 gets a fair bit of attention, universally of the positive kind. A GT would if anything be even more conspicuous as the styling of the LCI G20 is more aggressive plus the wheels are gold.

I can’t say I’ve worried about theft. IMO it’s pretty straightforward to secure the car via third party. It can’t be made unstealable of course, but if you just make it that bit harder than the next car, the thieves will probably move on.

Just make sure you don’t spec Comfort Access. IIRC most cars that are nicked are due in one way or another to keyless entry.

[Norrie]

Agree would not be too worried about theft, I have got a tracker fitted to my mine, reduced the insurance premium with one fitted. I use BMR Performance, I have had bad experiences with BMW main dealerships, specifically relating to ALPINA.

Alex Morley has been returned to man stream business at Sytner Nottingham, so it just Gary Lott remaining there, it is as a result of next year being the last year of their sole franchise of ALPINA and the brand being a mainstream offering from BMW. However, it will not be as we currently know it.

[Gorgerak]

Can't better what the others have said, however at risk of being a party pooper, I spoke to Alex a couple of months ago and he said their allocation of B3 GT's is now full up for the remainder of Alpina's existence before BNW swallow them up and make them into a trim line. So you may need to sit on a waiting list for someone ahead of you to drop out.

But don't assume I know what I'm talking about!

[davids]

Thanks again all for the information. I’m seeing Gary Lott in Nottingham soon…

[davids]

Alpina B3 GT touring ordered! September delivery (it could have been a couple of months earlier but September works better for me).

[MattOz]

Fantastic news! The wait will certainly be worth it. I take it you had a test drive in the Sytner demo?