Just saying "Hi"

RufRt12 · Post by **RufRt12** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 1:14 pm

Thanks for the link and the warm welcome but I've another question...
Going forward I'll most likely need to upgrade within a year or two (there's only so much 'family' one can fit in a three series) so given the fact that I'm also power hungry if I was to throw enough money in their direction would Alpina build me a one-off RHD D5s using the triple turbo set up complete with AWD or would they politely tell me to go forth and multiply?

Metrics · Post by **Metrics** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 1:56 pm

RufRt12 wrote:Thanks for the link and the warm welcome but I've another question...
Going forward I'll most likely need to upgrade within a year or two (there's only so much 'family' one can fit in a three series) so given the fact that I'm also power hungry if I was to throw enough money in their direction would Alpina build me a one-off RHD D5s using the triple turbo set up complete with AWD or would they politely tell me to go forth and multiply?

Good question - you can certainly ask them. I suspect the reason for no triple turbo variant is engineering based - ie. making one RHD. But nothing ventured nothing gained.

B10BRW · Post by **B10BRW** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:05 pm

I asked Andy Bovensiepen a couple of years ago if it would be possible to build me a B4 with a V8

, he liked the idea but the engineering problems were too great

If I see him on Sunday I will ask him about your D5.

RufRt12 · Post by **RufRt12** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:39 pm

Surely it can't be THAT hard to construct given that the upcoming M5 will be AWD in the U.K. Can't they just utilise the same platform as a starting block?

B10BRW · Post by **B10BRW** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 9:54 pm

RufRt12 wrote:Surely it can't be THAT hard to construct given that the upcoming M5 will be AWD in the U.K. Can't they just utilise the same platform as a starting block?

Alpina have a very small workforce with full order books, I doubt whether they would have the time or inclination for a one off, no matter how much money one might throw at it.

Even though it would be for the UK market it would have to pass the very tough TUV tests, again not worth Alpinas valuable time.

RufRt12 · Post by **RufRt12** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 10:35 pm

B10BRW wrote: Alpina have a very small workforce with full order books, I doubt whether they would have the time or inclination for a one off, no matter how much money one might throw at it.

Even though it would be for the UK market it would have to pass the very tough TUV tests, again not worth Alpinas valuable time.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I work in a media firm and NOT a mechanical one

hap · Post by **hap** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 10:53 pm

If your the sultan of Brunei didn't he have 2 8series made by alpina to his specification

B10BRW · Post by **B10BRW** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 8:39 am

hap wrote:If your the sultan of Brunei didn't he have 2 8series made by alpina to his specification

I thought it was 4, as far as I know he never used them

That was nearly 30 years ago, when regulations were much more relaxed.

Mind you if the Sultan came knocking, who knows

Metrics · Post by **Metrics** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 9:00 am

RufRt12 wrote:Surely it can't be THAT hard to construct given that the upcoming M5 will be AWD in the U.K. Can't they just utilise the same platform as a starting block?

It's not just the floorpan that's the limiting factor, but also the configuration of the engine for a RHD car. E.g. Steering relative to exhausts and ancillaries.

For example BMW are apparently not bringing the M550d G30 to the UK. This could be a marketing decision, but it could also be reflective of the engineering changes are too costly and complex to justify numbers.

The new D5 S for the UK already has some odd decisions relative to its European siblings.

1. 322bhp lump, Europe gets 385bhp. Even the outgoing model had 350. Why the change?
2. No D5 Touring for the UK

Brian, can you ask the powers that be when you head out there please?

RufRt12 · Post by **RufRt12** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:06 pm

Who, in their right mind, is going to be satisfied with a newer car with less power than the outgoing model? I'm sure they'll argue that the latest 5series is lighter than its predecessor so it 'balances out' but that's not the point. Ahh well... looks like I'll just have to buy another X5 for the wife once she gets bored of the colour 😣

In the past I've bought a good few 'modified' Porches direct from Germany so am used to the BS required to get cars approved for U.K. use. I'd happily go through it all again if they were willing to build me the car in the first place.

big blue · Post by **big blue** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 5:52 pm

hap wrote:Sytner notts have a demonstrator b4s coupe in an electric neon blue colour and one alpina green they had a touring but that was already sold
Headline stats 440 bhp 660nm
Are you from Leeds way on?
Lovely motor and colour welcome to the forum

Hi Hap, do you have any pics of the b4s coupe in an electric neon blue colour, that sounds like an interesting one.

hap · Post by **hap** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 8:12 pm

It's on the Twitter thing
https://mobile.twitter.com/ALPINAGB/sta ... 60/photo/1

hap · Post by **hap** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 10:09 pm

And here
I could see you in this Richard up and down the m1
http://www.imgrum.org/media/15738496620 ... 3075899447

big blue · Post by **big blue** » Fri Sep 15, 2017 11:14 pm

hap wrote:And here
I could see you in this Richard up and down the m1
http://www.imgrum.org/media/15738496620 ... 3075899447

Cheers hap, I think I will stick with Alpina Blue!

Whoever ends up with this one will certainly have a rare one.