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nikm · Post by **nikm** » Tue Nov 03, 2015 7:32 pm

Thanks for all the positive comments! I have always loved the shape of the 8-Series and I think the Alpina versions are definitely the best. I bought the car from Sytner Nottingham, and it has been very well-maintained - which I hope comes across in these interior pics -

JASV8S · Post by **JASV8S** » Tue Nov 03, 2015 8:36 pm

Now that's what I call awesome entry level Alpina ownership. Always liked the 8 series and can't help being a bit jealous. Would look great on my drive sitting alongside the V8S.

Steelman · Post by **Steelman** » Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:11 pm

What a beautiful example of a wonderful car - this would certainly bring me back into Alpina ownership

Great colour combination, looking somewhat similar to the Tanzanite Blue and Silverstone interior of my M4

MCB · Post by **MCB** » Tue Nov 03, 2015 11:00 pm

The condition of the interior is stunning. It looks brand new!

What mileage has the car done?

MickB3 · Post by **MickB3** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 10:21 am

What a stunning motor, great colour combo. ENJOY

nikm · Post by **nikm** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 11:28 am

Odometer says 37,000 miles! Based on the condition of the interior, I can believe it. I Have to keep reminding myself it's a 24 year old car!

MCB · Post by **MCB** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 1:46 pm

nikm wrote:Odometer says 37,000 miles! Based on the condition of the interior, I can believe it. I Have to keep reminding myself it's a 24 year old car!

37,000

No wonder it looks so damn fine

Cant understand why someone would have a car like that for 24 years and not enjoy what it has to offer. It is almost criminal.

nikm · Post by **nikm** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 9:28 am

I agree with you, but I'm making sure it gets driven now!

Slightly torn between wanting to use it regularly, but also wanting to keep the mileage down to retain it's value

E24man · Post by **E24man** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 10:56 am

MCB · Post by **MCB** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 11:13 am

On a car like that it is not so much the low mileage that will cause it to retain value. It is more about overall condition and the way it has been cared for and maintained.

I have seen low mileage cars that are just a pile of crap. Then cars with triple the mileage that are amazing.

Not suggesting that you use it as a daily driver. Just use it more frequently than it has been in the past, backed up by regular maintenance/servicing. Even if you have only covered 2,000 miles over the course of a year.

You can cause more damage by just parking it up in the garage and using it infrequently. Rubber components, oil seals and gaskets can fail prematurely by doing that.

Enjoy the car for what it was intended

v8 ego · Post by **v8 ego** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 11:41 am

Hi and welcome to gang, it's certainly a fine motor car.

What's the plaque number?

nikm · Post by **nikm** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 1:15 pm

Thanks again to everyone for all of the advice.

Alpina plaque number is "B12/50/8369."

I think I will probably end up doing between 2-3,000 miles a year on it, and will definitely be servicing it regularly. I've heard Birds Garage in Iver are meant to be good for Alpina's - does anyone have any experiences with them?

Unfortunately, I don't have a garage so it's currently sitting on my driveway. I have been thinking about getting a car cover for it but have been put off a bit by some of the reports I've read about damage to paintwork etc. What are your experiences - do you think I should invest in an expensive one? I drive the car about 3-4 times/week.

Cheers.

Hodge · Post by **Hodge** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 2:18 pm

Blimey that is a proper Bobby Dazzler, love the colour combination.

Cheers

MCB · Post by **MCB** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 2:30 pm

2-3,000 miles a year is good. As long as it is spread that out on a regular basis. We do about 5,000 a year in the B3 and M3. Dont just start the car and let it tick over on your drive though. You will do more harm than good.

A great shame you do not have a garage, because that is where it should be kept when not in use. How do you get on with your insurers regarding that?

Whatever you do. DON'T use a car cover. I have ruined the paintwork on three cars over the years doing that, and they were top quality covers! The most common problem is micro blistering. That is what happened to me. The manufacturer will tell you otherwise. But just ask them if they will give you a written guarantee. They wont

A friend used one of these for over 5 years and never had a single problem. Just that it does look like an alien has landed on your drive

Not cheap, but then neither is the car that will be living in it.
https://www.carcoon.com/carcoon-double-skin-outdoor

Bebs · Post by **Bebs** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 4:43 pm

Terrific looking car - very special indeed.

How about building some kind of car port/cover?