Quick question re Alpinas

[Big Red Cat]

Hi
just a quick question. M power Zeds cost more in general upkeep than other Zeds, is this true for Alpinas as well?
thanks for any advice

 

[PerryGunn]

Not really, servicing costs are more in line with the 3litre and road tax is plg rates - currently £220 p/a - and 30+ mpg is the norm unless on a hoon

If any of the bespoke Alpina bits need replacing they can be quite expensive but, there again, so can the specific ///M bits

 

[Stuart Truman]

^^ what he said

The core of the car is a 3.0 but it is a totally different animal. Economical, fast, exclusive and a lot of fun. It's also a very different beast to an M.

The engine, exhaust and front suspension are unique to the car as is the interior.

No real weaknesses over a standard zed with a slight possibility of head gasket failure at high mileage. There's an updated aftermarket gasket available if the worst happens. There's a heap of support here and on the Alpina Register.

If you can find a good'un, snap it up. Good ones are appreciating in value. To give you an idea, I traded mine for an M and Sytners gave me £50 less than I paid for it 18 months earlier!

 

[2alpsade]

^^^^what they both said. Add the possibility of cracks in the rear wheels and a shortage of spare alloys at 'reasonable cost', cam chain followers can be an issue and occasionally they can 'lose' their bespoke ECU's which is very expensive. Other than occasional HG failures, the engines are bullet-proof. A full history is essential...if anything is missing in the history file then walk. Buy on condition and history, not age/miles. ALPINA as a manufacturer are very supportive of cars with full history if any 'odd' failure should occur.

Best version of a Z4 by a mile *ducks from Stu*

 

[Stuart Truman]

No need to duck

If I'd had the space I'd have kept #69 alongside IMmie, although I'd have had a few wear and tear bills by the sound of it if I'd let the warranty lapse, (nothing Alpina specific BTW)