alpina??

[m3f_nussie]

Hi all,



saw a bmw alpina in canada this weekend. anyone know what it is??



mark

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

It's probably just a Z8 with an auto.



Alpina is a big tuner over in europe, but for some reason we just got their auto POS Z8.

[m3f_sfoster_f5bf245797]

auto z8 POS? you are such an ass. start reading. you'll learn alot.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

I've been meaning to learn how to read...



What's your deal? I'm just saying that if you're going to drop 130k on a sports car, then why are you taking the sport out of the car. This is far beyond an SMG vs. manual argument, this is a straight up poser car...PERIOD. Regular Z8's are cool and all ( I wouldn't get one), but this car is just for show.



I'd love to "start reading", but you'd have to tell me what to read that could provide me with the same brillant insights that you're sharing now...wait, you didn't make a single point.



I guess that you're assuming I've made 2700 useless posts then?



I've never said anything to offend you in the past and I've seen you here for a long time. I rarely ever post something inflammatory, so why are you jumping down my throat now?

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

Oh, and BTW, flaming a mod? good idea.

[m3f_sfoster_f5bf245797]

http://www.bmwcca.org/Roundel/2000/0400fea.htm

http://www.bmwcca.org/Roundel/2000/0400fea.htm



and there's one other article you need to read but i can;t find it right now.



the writer visits the factory where the car is built by hand from scratch, each one of them. all employees are hand selected and have equal say in the design and engineering of the vehicle. the guy who puts the wheels on can go to the engineer and make suggestions. each employee must be happy with what they are doing or they are out. in the end the writer couldn't figure out how bmw can sell the car for only 130K.



that is why i think calling the z8 a POS is out of the question and that you should read more about it.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

I won't point out the fact that both articles linked to the same thing...wait..I just did.



Here is a quote from your own article.



"however, just as there will be no right-hand-drive model for Great Britain, there are currently no plans for an automatic transmission version for the U.S.-not a problem for me! "



This article was not about the Alpina Z8. I have no problem with a regular Z8 as I would imagine they are amazing cars, but I just can't get past the idea of buying such an amazing car as an automatic.



There is absolutely no argument short of "I only have 1 leg" or "I only have 1 arm".



You would never be driving this thing in traffic, so if you're not getting a stick, then I really think you're buying it purely for looks. It bothers me that there are those out there who have so much money that they can afford to pick up a 130k car that they have no intention of really driving.



So, obviously, it's not a POS, but in automatic form, it is pretty weak in my mind.

[m3f_///sleeper_f29d08a5a4]

sfoster, do you drive an automatic?

[m3f_E36Pilot]

To clear up some issues first let's start with the Alpina Roadster (the Alpina version of the Z8). The main problem with the Alpina roadster is not its automatic transmission, but the fact that the 5.0L V8 from the m5 was replaced with a 4.8L V8 in order to use the auto. (This is basically the 4.4L engine from the 5 and 7 series. Actually, Alpina has been producing this engine, in 4.6L guise in its cars for the last ~8 years and BMW used its design as a benchmark for its own 4.6.) The Alpina Roadster is not a bad car, but to many purists it's not nearly as desirable as its more powerful, manual cousin, the Z8, despite its Alpina craftsmanship and heritage. Because of this, Alpina seems to be thought of as a BMW de-tuner (specializing in luxury) in the US. This image can't be further from the truth, however.



Alpina is a German manufacturing company that shares an extremely close relationship with BMW. They specialize in turbocharging, engine conversions and interiors. Some of their most noteworthy cars are the Alpina 2002 turbo (an alpina version of the 2002 turbo), the B10 (an e34 body with a bi-turbo 6 cyl) and for us e36 fans... the B8 (an e36 with a 4.6L V8 available in sedan, coupe, cabrio and touring). Also, Alpina model designations are not specific to each model. ie the B10 was has been available in e34, e39 and e60 models.



e34 B10 Bi-turbo...

http://www.buchloe-cars.ch/images/ALPINA/B10%20Bi-Turbo/b10_6_600.jpg



e36 B8...

http://hem.passagen.se/ansoeder/alpina_b8.jpg



e39 B10 touring...





http://www.autoguide.ru/images/catalog/BMWAlpina_B10_E39_SW_S_01_B.jpg

[m3f_Viking]

Lets get som things straight guy.



ALPINA is NOT a tuner, they are an indipendant car manufactor, and has been that since 1980. They are by many regarded as the best car manufactor in the world. Periode.

Today all the cars are beeing developed by ALPINA and mounted on BMW production lines. Then send back to ALPINA for some final work.





So regarding the ALPINA Z8. That car would not havebeen made if it had not been for the US marked that wants car with sluchboxes. ( Auto )

The reasson for using the smaller 4.8 ltr engine is that no autobox could handle the power and rpms of the M5 engine.

But the car is almost as fast with its 385 Hp, I have both seen and driven it and it is fantastic.



www.alpina.de



Here is the link if some of you need an update.

[m3f_///sleeper_f29d08a5a4]

"no autobox could handle the power and RPMS of the M5 engine." Why spray those false allegations? Example...the new Audi RS6 comes only w/ an automatic tranny.



NEway, I'm not impressed w/ the Alpina Z8 thing...I think they look like $hit. However, that B3 S is a damn hot car. I'm not quite sure...does Alpina use BMW engines and then tune them or do they build their own and tune only the chasis around their motor?

[m3f_Viking]

"no autobox could handle the power and RPMS of the M5 engine." Why spray those false allegations? Example...the new Audi RS6 comes only w/ an automatic tranny.







Well, yes they do. But when the M5 entered the marked in 99 that was not available. The reasson given by the head of BMW M was that no available autopbox would be able to handle the combination of power/ torque and the rpms of the engine. That strong enough autoboxes is available to day is another thing.

Autoboxes would also totaly ruin the consept of the BMW M.









NEway, I'm not impressed w/ the Alpina Z8 thing...I think they look like $hit. However, that B3 S is a damn hot car. I'm not quite sure...does Alpina use BMW engines and then tune them or do they build their own and tune only the chasis around their motor?



--------

Personally I would prefer the Z8 and not the ALPINA version but for americans that can not handle a stick and just wasnt a beutifull and powerfull cruiser it is a nice alternativ.



I like it, but I respect the fact that you dont.



ALPINA build their own engines and develop their own setup, and design.



They normally get engines from BMW, strip them and throw away part that are outside the ALPINA tolerances that are a lot tougher than what BMW are using.



They are NOT using the M engines, they are only using the normal BMW engines as bases for their modification.

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

I've been meaning to learn how to read...LMFAO!!! :rockband:



____

Anyway... calm lads... :thumbsup:



Mark, do you have any other details other than "Alpina"? Like what model it is?

[m3f_sfoster_f5bf245797]

but see, you're missing the point. putting an automatic in a car does not make it a piece of ****. it is still a z8. are the smg transmissions POS? no and they are an automatic just with an added clutchless feature. plus, when you get into higher hp and tq ranges it is safer to have the auto. plus the car is developed for the older ceo type who doesn't want to have to shift. alpina is the gentlemen's car manufacturer. they are developing vehicles with more class and styling with comfort and ease of derivability.



so sorry the links went to the same place. i'll get the proper link. and i'll find the article about how the car is built. but you need to remember that without the auto trans, it is still a z8. handbuilt, all aluminum, highest quality materials, limited production and so on.



if the alpina z8 is a POS, what do you consider your measly e36 m3? come on.

[m3f_sfoster_f5bf245797]

ALPINA built the BMW ALPINA ROADSTER V8 with SWITCH-TRONIC, based on the BMW Z8, for friends of luxurious and comfortable open motoring. A limited series of world-wide 555 automobiles, this exclusive model leads ALPINA to officially enter the North American market, where the ROADSTER V8 is an immediate success



ALPINA is the first automobile manufacturer to realise an electronicclutch management system termed ALPINA SHIFT-TRONIC. Foregoing use of the clutch is a breeze in light of the six-speed gearbox' dynamic driving characteristics



ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC opens a new, sporty automatic driving dimension. The combination of manual gear selection coupled to the traditional ease of driving an automatic convinces many died-in-the-wool stickshift drivers to make the move to this modern automatic system. One of the merits of ALPINA's SWITCH-TRONIC is the ability to shift the gears using buttons on the back of the steering wheel, much in the same manner that Formula racing drivers shift their semi-automatic gearboxes