1998 Alpina B10 V8

Some drivers are willing to pay whatever it takes for a vehicle that unquestionably surpasses the ultimate driving machine. For these demanding perfectionists, there is the Alpina B10 V8.

Alpina, the Bavarian carmaker renowned for tuning and racing in the 1960s, became so accomplished at improving the performance and luxury of BMWs that it was granted the extraordinary privilege of selling its modified vehicles at BMW dealerships with full BMW warranties.

The B10 V8, one of the most popular models in Alpina’s history, was a dramatically modified BMW 540i offering considerably improved performance and an interior so tasteful and refined that one can easily imagine business executives giving up their chauffeured limousines to savor the B10 V8 driving experience.

Alpina received the 540i straight from BMW’s production line and immediately replaced its engine block with a larger 4.6-liter cousin fitted with lighter Mahle pistons, higher performance camshafts, a larger crankshaft and a reprogrammed Bosch Motronic engine management system.

The gratifying result was noticeably higher power at lower revolutions with 340 PS at 5700 rpm and 470 N·m at 3800 rpm propelling you from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5.9 seconds — more than fast enough to put a smile on the face of serious CEOs.

At the helm of the Alpina B10 V8, or even sportier B10 V8s with double VANOS (variable-valve timing), one can relish not only thunderous performance but also exhilarating V8 exhaust notes that convey power, authority and fine tuning.

Power comes on smooth and strong whether cruising on the highway or navigating serpentine slopes, courtesy of a ZF 5-speed automatic transmission that unfailingly enters the right gear without hunting. When you feel the urge for manual control, sporty Switchtronic controls on the steering wheel fully satisfy.

Alpina’s high-performance suspension with anti-roll bars and twin-tube gas pressure shock absorbers contributes to highly controlled handling and a comfortable ride. For reliable deceleration, the classic 18-inch multi-spoke Alpina alloy wheels feature ventilated disc brakes with floating calipers.

The 1998 Alpina B10 V8 in the photo was the prized possession of a Japanese car dealer who could have driven just about anything, but chose this exclusive Alpina model that he proudly kept in near mint condition. We also have an impeccable Alpina B10 BiTurbo currently available, another favorite that enthusiasts from the European Union are increasingly importing from Japan.

At JCD, we source vehicles from dealers across Japan to give our customers an incredible selection of used cars to choose from. We can help you locate your favorite models, negotiate the purchase from a dealer, auction or private seller, arrange for a professional inspection and have the vehicle shipped to your nearest port whether in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Ukraine or anywhere in the world. We do our best to make every step a pleasurable experience.