Has anyone actually owned both the Z4 Alpina Roadster S and the 3.0si? Looking for a real world view from an owner or someone with extensive experience with both. Handling, performance, brakes. Steering. Noticed no sport button. Is the steering therefore always in heavy mode like an engaged 3.0si perhaps? Throttle response aggressive too? Pros and cons etc. Hoping its a substantial upgrade. Not a fan of the Z4M. Twitchy, steering, and its various quirks and double maintenance costs s the 3.0 si.
Alpina Roadster S
- Thread starter Mynewz4
- Start date
At the summit of the picturesque fens
North West Surrey
Having owned an Alpina for a short while (not the E85 though), I would say this analogy of women is apt:
The 'M' is like Katy Price and the equivalent Alpina is like Sophia Loren....you would get a good ride from both, but one would feel classier than the other! :lol:
Alpinas have that 'x factor' that no other car has IMHO. BMW or not. I would have another Alpina, if I could afford one!
The 'M' is like Katy Price and the equivalent Alpina is like Sophia Loren....you would get a good ride from both, but one would feel classier than the other! :lol:
Alpinas have that 'x factor' that no other car has IMHO. BMW or not. I would have another Alpina, if I could afford one!
[ref]Mynewz4[/ref], interesting comparison! The Si is an N52-powered LCI model, whereas the Alpina is based off of the M54 pre-LCI car. Very different engines with very different characters, more so considering Alpina basically rebuilt the M54 to what it is now.
One thing I’ll say: the Alpina is even more special than the Si. Rare, and with a name that evokes a reaction even from petrolheads that aren’t particularly into BMW- it’s got presence.
One thing I’ll say: the Alpina is even more special than the Si. Rare, and with a name that evokes a reaction even from petrolheads that aren’t particularly into BMW- it’s got presence.
That's a bit harsh on the 'M'.Pondrew said:Having owned an Alpina for a short while (not the E85 though), I would say this analogy of women is apt:
The 'M' is like Katy Price and the equivalent Alpina is like Sophia Loren....you would get a good ride from both, but one would feel classier than the other! :lol:
Alpinas have that 'x factor' that no other car has IMHO. BMW or not. I would have another Alpina, if I could afford one!
I'd say Z3 with a Ferrari bodykit that been in more accidents than Katie Price is more like Katie Price
abar121
Active member
Make sure you have a drive in one first. For me, the Alpina was the least favorite of all the Z4s I've driven.
I just didn't like the leaden ride / handling on those heavy wheels, nor the EPAS or engine response / sound. I'd take a 3.0si every time, probably a 3.0i too. Pretty personal, so give one a test.
I just didn't like the leaden ride / handling on those heavy wheels, nor the EPAS or engine response / sound. I'd take a 3.0si every time, probably a 3.0i too. Pretty personal, so give one a test.
I’ve had them all. Alpina’s 30.Si’s and ZMR. Plus Coupes, E89’s and the current G29 Z4
I’ve let them all go but still have the Alpina if that says anything.
Ive been on weekend road trips with a few Z4M’s every year since 2015 and the Alpina will happily match the performance of a Z4M on UK/EU roads but delivers it all a lot smoother. It’s a car you can race but also a car that’s comfortable to Tour in too unlike the M’s. I suspect the M may be a tad quicker on a track but how often is that?
The other positive is that they aren’t depreciating and hold that rarity value along with lower running costs.
However, I’m sure everyone’s judgement can be swayed by the condition of the car you’re test driving, so don’t go on mine or anyone else’s advice. Drive one and see if it’s what you want and something you’re happy with yourself
I’ve let them all go but still have the Alpina if that says anything.
Ive been on weekend road trips with a few Z4M’s every year since 2015 and the Alpina will happily match the performance of a Z4M on UK/EU roads but delivers it all a lot smoother. It’s a car you can race but also a car that’s comfortable to Tour in too unlike the M’s. I suspect the M may be a tad quicker on a track but how often is that?
The other positive is that they aren’t depreciating and hold that rarity value along with lower running costs.
However, I’m sure everyone’s judgement can be swayed by the condition of the car you’re test driving, so don’t go on mine or anyone else’s advice. Drive one and see if it’s what you want and something you’re happy with yourself
Wikipedia says the engine is a handbuilt 3.4-litre E5/2 inline-6, also in the E46 B3 S. It is an enlarged version of the S52B32 engine from the U.S version E36 M3. Max power 296 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 360 Nm torque @ 4,800 rpm. Engine mods include Alpina specific cylinder head, crankshaft and Mahle pistons. The exhaust system is Boysen all stainless steelBarty said:
