97 B10 4.6

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Lharry
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97 B10 4.6

Post by Lharry » Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:29 am

Hi all,

My first post here as I'm potentially interested in purchasing the following b10.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... 97/2849184

I know it's a bit leggy but budget constraints won't allow for a low mileage minter. As with a lot of traders the dealer hasn't provided a great deal of info on the car with my main concern being whether the head gasket has been done. The cooling system I understand is another weak point and is something to look out for too but easily sorted, the head gasket however could run me a bill close to the cars value if it goes pear shaped hence the concern.

Does anyone know of the car or it's previous history?

Also, what do we all think of the price? The dealers suggested he'd let it to for closer to £4k (for some reason it's up at 4495 on autotrader). To be honest though I'm after a B10 3.3 manual saloon but again budget constraints plus the fact that they're pretty rare has made finding one very difficult.

Any advise appreciated!

Cheers

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Cybermush
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Post by Cybermush » Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:26 am

There's an email for the previous owner here:

http://www.thealpinaregister.com/B10/V8/saloon/129

Try dropping him a line and see if he can help you.

Trevor.
--------------------------------
Current cars:
Alpina B3 3.3 no. 520
Smart Roadster
VW Transporter 4motion

rincewind
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Post by rincewind » Wed Oct 22, 2014 3:53 pm

That's just about the most marmite interior I've ever seen. Not for me.

AMC7
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Post by AMC7 » Wed Oct 22, 2014 6:04 pm

Hi guys,

Made two usernames while awaiting account activation as I assumed this one didn't get activated and this ones now been activated so will continue to use this account rather than lharry (sorry mods, impatient lol, activation email was in my junk box).

I've contacted the previous owner, thanks for that.

Will put up a wanted add for a b10 3.3 manual also!

Cheers

mester-d
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Post by mester-d » Wed Oct 22, 2014 6:33 pm

There's a possibility mine might be coming up for sale soon\/\/\/ :wink:.
2012 Mercedes E63 Bi-turbo (P30)
2008 Alpina D3 Bi-turbo coupe #067(ex Autocar longterm test car) sold
2007 Alpina D3 MT touring #190 now sold
2000 Alpina B10 3.3 man #078 now sold

AG
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Post by AG » Wed Oct 22, 2014 7:08 pm

wow, thats bright! I like it though, but I'd get rid of those bonnet/boot badges ASAP if you do get it.
Former BMW CC 7 register chairman

2000 e39 B10 V8 Touring
1985 e23 B10 (sold)
1995 B3 saloon switchtronic (sold)

BarryM
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Post by BarryM » Wed Oct 22, 2014 10:09 pm

TBH, I wouldn't be looking for a B10 if you're sticking to a careful budget - although it depends on what sort of mileage you're planning. If it's as a second car for a spot of weekend driving then maybe but not as a DD.

The driver's seat definitely looks like it's done 142,000 miles so make sure the history is accurate. There's plenty on here about the range of engines that might have a HG problem so try a search but it isn't usually a problem on the V8.

I've had mine for a couple of years and it was in good shape when I bought it but over the time of my ownership I've spent a few £££s on it - all the usual E39 V8 bits mainly cooling related. The trouble with a B10 is you then start to look at getting it into pristine condition so refurb wheels, replace trim that starts to wear, the list goes on :)

It's one of the best decisions I've made but don't think it will be cheap.
2001 Alpina B10 V8 #185
1982 Krauser MKM1000 #121 - sold

AMC7
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Post by AMC7 » Wed Oct 22, 2014 10:41 pm

BarryM, I know what you're saying.

To be honest it will be a second car and used maybe once a week for about 10-20 miles. I spend most of my weekend chauffeuring around clients in RR Phantoms so no time for leisurely driving.

I'm pretty OCD when it comes to my cars so would rather buy a bit cheaper leaving a healthy budget to bring the car up to scratch.

The head gasket is my only real concern. Everything else is relatively minor IMO.

With regards to the interior I'm not a fan of the colour so will probably ditch it for something more subtle or if I'm feeling brave dye it a darker shade of red via bespoke leathering. Exterior wise it's crying out for a facelift and 19's but that's another story.

Cheers

AidanB10
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Post by AidanB10 » Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:00 pm

If you're considering a B10 and want to do the Head Gaskets, they're a few hundred ££ from BMW (using E53 X5 4.6iS) one's

The labour is the killer to remove both Cylinder Head's

I had one, always worried the Head Gasket would go, but it didnt (even after 161k on the clock) but it was electrical gremlins that gave me a love hate relationship with mine

Traded it and my D3 for an E60 M5, but i'd have another B10 tomorrow if i'd the money
'00 E39 B10 V8 Saloon #456 (Weekend) - Traded
'10 E90N D3 BT Saloon #262 (Daily) -Traded
'06 E60 M5 Saloon (Daily)

BarryM
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Post by BarryM » Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:22 pm

Well if you know what you're getting into and have the option to just use it when you want to then I'd say go for it.

Your comment about facelift & 19s sounds a bit worrying mind, you might be better to bide your time and get one with the bits you want to start with as there are always a few for sale. Once you start buying the extras separately it can get expensive!
2001 Alpina B10 V8 #185
1982 Krauser MKM1000 #121 - sold

simon13
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Post by simon13 » Thu Oct 23, 2014 2:01 am

those seats won't be as red in real life, red interiors always photo alot brighter than they really are
Image

AMC7
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Post by AMC7 » Thu Oct 23, 2014 12:09 pm

simon13 wrote:those seats won't be as red in real life, red interiors always photo alot brighter than they really are
Thanks Simon,

I know, just need to find a moment to go view the car.

rc944
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Post by rc944 » Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:40 pm

I thought the HG issue was more prevalent on the 3.4s block?
Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

AMC7
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Post by AMC7 » Thu Oct 23, 2014 4:30 pm

rc944 wrote:I thought the HG issue was more prevalent on the 3.4s block?
Google would suggest that pre 2000 4.6 models had an organic headgasket rather than the later metal one hence are more prone to failure. :?:

rc944
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Post by rc944 » Thu Oct 23, 2014 10:32 pm

search this forum and youll quickly form a view as to what materials in what blocks have the issue! you might be surprised!
Porsche 997.1 GT3 CS I Alpina E46 B3s Coupe I Alpina E46 B3 3.3 Touring I Ducati 749S Mono I Ducati 748R I Ducati 749 Track Bike I Ducati 916S

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