It must have been difficult to find a faster BMW 5 Series than the Alpina B2 in 1976: 230 hp accelerated the sedan to 230 km/h.
After BMW presented the top model of the new 5-series E12 with the 528 in 1975, Alpina followed suit: The B2 in-line six-cylinder from the 3.0 CS helped the four-door to achieve sporty driving performance: the sprint from zero 100 km/h is done in 6.9 seconds, the top speed is 230 km/h. For comparison: A Porsche 911 Turbo had 260 hp and ran at 250 km/h.
Decommissioned in 1996
During the Rétromobile in Paris, RM Sotheby's is auctioning off an Alpina B2 on February 1, 2023. The example for sale was registered to its first owner in May 1976 in Bernkastel-Kues. The four-door remained there until 1990, after which it changed hands four times and was decommissioned in 1996. The checkbook is preserved and stamped up to 150,000 kilometers.
Restored in 2008
Years later, the Alpina was rediscovered and completely restored from 2008 to 2014. The engine, transmission, rear axle, steering and chassis were rebuilt. The body was painted in white and provided with Alpina decor. Since the restoration, the car has run about 1,300 kilometers. The current owner bought the 5 Series in 2015. Now he apparently wants to get rid of him again. The estimated price is between 150,000 and 175,000 euros.
Conclusion
The Alpina B2 can be seen as the forerunner of the legendary E34-based B10 biturbo and the ancestor of today's B5. It can also be seen as a witness to the 1970s, when cars were lighter and 230 hp from a fine naturally aspirated engine was enough to accelerate a sedan to sports car level.
