Steve84N wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:04 am
I have been on the hunt for an F11 535i but they are hard to come by too, especially in a spec I'm after. Then I saw this B5 on CC and it got me thinking... I'm currently in a 6.2 C63 Estate so even a B5 isn't as thirsty.
I've driven a 535i but never an Alpina. Could you please give me some more insight around the ownership experience. Things like:
- Is the N63 as bad as its reputation? This one has had a new block. As I understand it, injectors are a weak point. Any problems with yours when you had it?
- Do BMW dealers service them or specialist ones only?
- What sort of mpg does it return on the motorway at around 80mph?
- Anything else that'd be good to know?
Many thanks.
Hi Steve, I swapped from a really nicely specced manual F11 535i to an LCI F11 B5, so am probably in a good position to answer your questions.
As you say, the 535i is a rare car, especially in manual form - there are just a handful in the UK. I wasn't specifically looking for one when it came up, but the spec and manual box made it a tempting proposition. I owned it for 5 years and absolutely loved it. The N55 engine is superb, it hardly feels turbo charged and revs right to the redline. It's a little bit light on mid range, so you have to work it hard, but that was no chore with the manual box. Mine had the BMW M Performance exhaust on which sounded great.
I wasn't really looking to swap it, but when one of the three LCI F11 B5s came up, I felt I couldn't miss the opportunity. The differences between the two are interesting - they are so different in character. As mentioned above, the 535i was louder and more highly strung than the B5. With the V8 and auto box, the B5 has a more relaxed character. The mid range is absolutely savage though - it's a thug. Probably the best bit of the Alpina experience is the ride and handling. The B5 manages to be much more comfortable, but at the same time has far superior body control. It's quite a feat.
I've only done about 9K miles in mine so far, so I'm hoping the N63 proves to be reliable. I always think you hear a lot more from the people who have had issues than the many more cars that have racked up big miles with no issues at all. Plenty of the B5s for sale on the continent have 100K plus on them.
I think any BMW dealer will service them - my local non Sytner dealer has done some warranty work on it for me, they can obtain the parts etc. However, I've chosen to go down the specialist route for servicing.
MPG won't be great, but you are used to that. I see mid 20s on a run, high teens or low 20s on local trips or when pressing on.
Other issues - both my F11s have needed rear suspension air bags, they all seem to go.....
Overall, I can't see that you would be disappointed if you went for it. I personally think there is nothing else that touches them for the mix of fun and practicality - I adore mine.