Alpina vs. bmw?

[villlein]

This may be a stupid question....how do aplina and bmw go hand in hand?

did alpina make bmws for a while; or do they just buy bmws and customize them? And, does alpine (stereo company) only use bmw's as their display; or am I getting this mixed up with the alpina? and where does alpina originate?

I guess i could look this all up and waste a lot of time on the net. ....then again I'll post this so i look like a noob (i'm expecting to get made fun of though )

[Aaron318iS]

They're totally separate..

Alpina started as an aftermarket BMW tuner are now considered a manufacturer. They order new bodies and engines from BMW and re-build them to their own specs. I believe they also do development work for BMW, such as the V8 motor in the 4.6iS X5. AC Schnitzer also has a similar relationship with BMW.

Alpine is a Japanese car audio company that builds fugly demo cars which happen to be BMW

[caracas_e30]

Alpina, BMW
RUF, Porsche

They are tuners of the make that gained separate manufacturer identity from the factory. Alpina makes very bad ass cars, always have....and continue to do so.

Very expensive too

[tdc]

Correction. AC Schnitzer does not have a similar relationship with BMW as Alpina does.

Alpina is the ONLY aftermarket tuner that BMW officially deals with and still considered a BMW. Any Alpina BMW model is still covered by BMW warranty. No other tuner in the world can claim that.

[Aaron318iS]

Thanks for clearing that up as I wasn't 100% on it. I know in some countries BMW distributes ACS (and Alpina) parts hence my assumption.

[Bimmer325]

Alpina is pretty sweet.

[tdc]

Originally Posted by Aaron318iS

Thanks for clearing that up as I wasn't 100% on it. I know in some countries BMW distributes ACS (and Alpina) parts hence my assumption.

Dealers can distribute anything they want if they so choose. I've seen dealers that sell AC Schnitzer parts here in the States as well. And of course there are dealers that sell Dinan crap also.

But Alpina is the only company BMW will personally send vehicles to in order to be modified. (unless you want to consider BMW M a separate company from BMW itself)

[M i d o z]

Nice Topic man

[Manny G.]

Google 2007 Alpina B7 .. .wow. there are 2 on ebay right now.


AC Schnitzer/Hamann/etc. = Tuner
Alpina = Manufacturer

Alpina takes a bmw frame and engine block, and redesigns them how they see fit, while still keeping the original BMW "look"

[villlein]

ok that all makes sense....

Now how much does an alpina bmw cost versus a stock bmw? and... are the alpina parts nicer than what you can get as an aftermarket part for a bmw?
that is, how do alpina parts compare to dinan, and ac schnitzer, etc?
I'm just wondering in the long run is it easier to just get an alpina, or will it be a better idea to get a stock bmw and tune it as you prefer?

second, is brabus the aplina of mercedes? I saw a video with a brabus sl55 (i think), and it owned the bmw M versions. still... BMW all the way, I'm just wondering.

[villlein]

wow, I just googled that b7, and thats pretty amazing.... but is it worth 125,000 versus a 50,000 bmw and tuning it to how you desire?

[CleanAzzE30z]

I thought Schnitzer was a manufacturer as well!! Alpina interiors are insane!!!


Mariano

[CleanAzzE30z]

Those are a few pics.... I cant find anything better. And trust me there are beautiful ones out there.

Mariano

[zcghost]

E34 Alpina Bi-turbo. He who finds the pics and the specs will be rewarded with seeing the cleanest E34 ever made. Period.

[M i d o z]

thanks man very nice pics