Alpina Roadster S ???
Discussion
Most stuff is standard Z4, so E46 bits. All fine there, but ALPINA suspension bits can be expensive. Check the condition of the wheels, as they're easy to buckle being such a large diameter.
The 3.4 has a regular appetite for head gaskets. Every 80k or so, usually. They start running rough on startup when the gasket is going. You won't get coolant in the oil or a pressurised cooling system, as they go between cylinders. ALPINA has a lower idle than BMW variants of the engine too, so VANOS wear is more appropriate. There can be timing chain issues but they've probably been sorted now.
For ULEZ, they should be compliant, but I wouldn't buy a car specifically for it.
The 3.4 has a regular appetite for head gaskets. Every 80k or so, usually. They start running rough on startup when the gasket is going. You won't get coolant in the oil or a pressurised cooling system, as they go between cylinders. ALPINA has a lower idle than BMW variants of the engine too, so VANOS wear is more appropriate. There can be timing chain issues but they've probably been sorted now.
For ULEZ, they should be compliant, but I wouldn't buy a car specifically for it.
JakeT said:
Most stuff is standard Z4, so E46 bits. All fine there, but ALPINA suspension bits can be expensive. Check the condition of the wheels, as they're easy to buckle being such a large diameter.
The 3.4 has a regular appetite for head gaskets. Every 80k or so, usually. They start running rough on startup when the gasket is going. You won't get coolant in the oil or a pressurised cooling system, as they go between cylinders. ALPINA has a lower idle than BMW variants of the engine too, so VANOS wear is more appropriate. There can be timing chain issues but they've probably been sorted now.
For ULEZ, they should be compliant, but I wouldn't buy a car specifically for it.
Thanks, very informative. Unfortunately if its not ULEZ compliant it wont get used. Thanks Sadiq :-(The 3.4 has a regular appetite for head gaskets. Every 80k or so, usually. They start running rough on startup when the gasket is going. You won't get coolant in the oil or a pressurised cooling system, as they go between cylinders. ALPINA has a lower idle than BMW variants of the engine too, so VANOS wear is more appropriate. There can be timing chain issues but they've probably been sorted now.
For ULEZ, they should be compliant, but I wouldn't buy a car specifically for it.
Google alpina register forum alpina z4 you will find good info..
Such as .Looking to buy Alpina Roadster S - theALPINAregister.com https://share.google/kUKFk7NUFOIxhHIfP
Such as .Looking to buy Alpina Roadster S - theALPINAregister.com https://share.google/kUKFk7NUFOIxhHIfP
Edited by smashy on Thursday 31st July 13:58
smashy said:
Google alpina register forum alpina z4 you will find good info..
Such as .Looking to buy Alpina Roadster S - theALPINAregister.com https://share.google/kUKFk7NUFOIxhHIfP
That was also very useful, Thanks Such as .Looking to buy Alpina Roadster S - theALPINAregister.com https://share.google/kUKFk7NUFOIxhHIfP
Edited by smashy on Thursday 31st July 13:58
The engine is an S52 enlarged to 3.4 litres so for ULEZ it might be worth seeing whether other S52 engined cars are compliant.
It may also be helpful to visit z4forum as there is an Alpina specific section on there.
They are rarer than Ms and as a result values are holding up, but the downsides are that unlike Ms they don't have an LSD and use Electric PAS. I was speaking to someone who had owned both and surprisingly he said the Alpina didn't have as much torque as the M even though the M engine is a bit of a screamer.
I just fell in love with the shape of the Coupe so mine is an M.
It may also be helpful to visit z4forum as there is an Alpina specific section on there.
They are rarer than Ms and as a result values are holding up, but the downsides are that unlike Ms they don't have an LSD and use Electric PAS. I was speaking to someone who had owned both and surprisingly he said the Alpina didn't have as much torque as the M even though the M engine is a bit of a screamer.
I just fell in love with the shape of the Coupe so mine is an M.
Well talk about German efficiency.....
I emailed Alpina and got this in under 24 hours. Amazing!
Thank you for your enquiry.
The BMW ALPINA ROASDSTER S models, based on the E85 series, comply with the Euro 3 emissions standard.
Petrol vehicles must actually comply with the Euro 4 standard for ULEZ. However, if the NOx value is low enough, the vehicle will also be accepted as ULEZ compliant.
The BMW ALPINA ROASDSTER S models have a NOx value of 0.04116 g/km, which is below the ULEZ limit value of 0.08 g/km.
We can provide you with a corresponding confirmation for verification purposes. This currently costs €126.05 plus country-specific VAT plus shipping.
Please understand that we require proof of ownership to create vehicle-related data and documents to protect our customers and vehicles from misuse.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Best regards
i.A. Johanna Ellinger
ALPINA CLASSIC Team
Verkauf Automobile / Automotive Sales
ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG
Alpenstraße 35-37
D - 86807 Buchloe
I emailed Alpina and got this in under 24 hours. Amazing!
Thank you for your enquiry.
The BMW ALPINA ROASDSTER S models, based on the E85 series, comply with the Euro 3 emissions standard.
Petrol vehicles must actually comply with the Euro 4 standard for ULEZ. However, if the NOx value is low enough, the vehicle will also be accepted as ULEZ compliant.
The BMW ALPINA ROASDSTER S models have a NOx value of 0.04116 g/km, which is below the ULEZ limit value of 0.08 g/km.
We can provide you with a corresponding confirmation for verification purposes. This currently costs €126.05 plus country-specific VAT plus shipping.
Please understand that we require proof of ownership to create vehicle-related data and documents to protect our customers and vehicles from misuse.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Best regards
i.A. Johanna Ellinger
ALPINA CLASSIC Team
Verkauf Automobile / Automotive Sales
ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG
Alpenstraße 35-37
D - 86807 Buchloe
The only thing I d say with the alpina is that it still is a z4 with the flimsy nasty interior of the z4 (yes the leathers nicer but the door panels etc are still the same) and will have the same rust issues as a z4.
The front and rear wings love to bubble from the inside out which is nice.
Just because it s got a different badge and costs 10x more doesn t mean it will rust less.
The front and rear wings love to bubble from the inside out which is nice.
Just because it s got a different badge and costs 10x more doesn t mean it will rust less.
Edited by SteBrown91 on Friday 1st August 21:20
I have one and love mine.
I got the ULEZ exemption, and CAZ exemption, using the certificate provided by Alpina, so you shouldn't have any issues there.
Head gasket has been mentioned, you may also want to relocate the roof motor if that hasn't already been done.
I bought my Roadster S with a similar idea to you - mainly for touring and as a GT car. It's less powerful than a Z4m, but with more low down torque in typical Alpina style. Surprisingly, it is also significantly lighter than the Z4m, so the power to weight ration is less than it appears. However, it's very much set up for comfort.
I personally find it a very charismatic - I love the rarity and all the little details in the cabin. The wheels look superb, and the changes to the bodywork improve the look significantly IMO.
Any questions, please ask..
I got the ULEZ exemption, and CAZ exemption, using the certificate provided by Alpina, so you shouldn't have any issues there.
Head gasket has been mentioned, you may also want to relocate the roof motor if that hasn't already been done.
I bought my Roadster S with a similar idea to you - mainly for touring and as a GT car. It's less powerful than a Z4m, but with more low down torque in typical Alpina style. Surprisingly, it is also significantly lighter than the Z4m, so the power to weight ration is less than it appears. However, it's very much set up for comfort.
I personally find it a very charismatic - I love the rarity and all the little details in the cabin. The wheels look superb, and the changes to the bodywork improve the look significantly IMO.
Any questions, please ask..
VeeTenM said:
Oh that is gorgeous!Prefer a cream interior I think, but lovely as is.
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