Alpina B5 (F10)

Last updated
Alpina B5 and D5 (F10)
BMW Alpina B5 Touring F11 (10350071153).jpg
Alpina B5 'Touring' (wagon)
Overview
Manufacturer Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG
Also calledAlpina B5 Bi-Turbo
Production2011–2016
AssemblyGermany: Buchloe
Body and chassis
Class Executive car (E)
Body style 4-door saloon (F10)
5-door station wagon (F11)
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,968 mm (117 in)
Length4,899 mm (193 in)
Width1,860 mm (73 in)
Height1,464–1,491 mm (58–59 in)
Kerb weight
  • Saloon: 2,045 kg (4,508 lb)
  • Wagon: 2,140 kg (4,718 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Alpina B5 (E60)
Successor Alpina B5 (G30)

The Alpina B5 and D5 (F10) (also called the B5/D5 Bi-Turbo) are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina from 2011 to 2016. Introduced at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed, [1] the car is the second generation of the B5 and succeeds the B5 (E60). Based on the BMW 5 Series (F10), the car was available in saloon and wagon bodystyles.

Contents

Overview

Rear view (wagon; Pre-facelift) BMW Alpina B5 Touring F11 (10350071173).jpg
Rear view (wagon; Pre-facelift)

The B5 is based on the 550i and uses a modified variant of its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged N63 V8 engine. The modifications include large 44 mm (2 in) Honeywell turbochargers, reinforced cylinder heads, NGK spark plugs, high strength MAHLE pistons and an Alpina specific ECU. The maximum boost pressure of the turbochargers is increased to 14.5 psi. These modifications allow the engine to generate a power output of 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque. The same engine is also shared with the B7 and the B6 convertible. The engine is mated to a modified 8-speed automatic transmission manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen called the "Switch Tronic" gearbox by Alpina. The transmission has a manual shifting mode which allows the driver to change gears using two aluminium buttons on the back of the steering wheel. The engine and transmission in conjunction allow the B5 to achieve a fuel economy of 10.8 litres/100 km. [2]

The B5 came with a softer suspension system which has shorter springs and modified dampers along with suspension arms. The dampers are electronically adjustable and have four settings namely Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport +. The car has 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres having sizes of 255/35ZR20 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear. [2]

The steering system of the 550i was also modified in order for smoother handling and elimination of under and oversteer. The exhaust system, shared with the B6, is a titanium unit from Akrapovic with quad-exhaust tips and electronically controlled bypass valves. The B5 has an aerodynamic kit that includes a carbon-fibre front spoiler with an integrated front splitter along with an integrated NACA brake cooling duct, a rear lip spoiler and an optional rear diffuser. [3]

Interior B5tsuringuYou .JPG
Interior

The car has Lavalina leather interior upholstery and myrtle wood trim as standard. The interior has Alpina logos and emblems throughout along with illuminated door sills, a panoramic roof, Alpina gauges, BMW driver assistance including active blind spot detection and a sports steering wheel.

Manufacturer estimated performance figures include a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds for the wagon) and a top speed of 307 km/h (191 mph) (303 km/h (188 mph) for the wagon [4] )

Facelift

Rear view (saloon; Post facelift) 2015-03-03 Geneva Motor Show 3995.JPG
Rear view (saloon; Post facelift)

The B5 was updated in 2012 and was now based on the LCI 550i. The updated variant was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The engine was modified and has a power output of 540 PS (397 kW; 533 hp) between 5,200 and 6,250 rpm and 733 N⋅m (541 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2,800 rpm. A notable feature of the engine was the use of direct fuel injection which reduced gear shift timing to 180 milliseconds. Other components, such as the aero kit and the transmission were un-altered.

The modifications to the engine allowed the B5 to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in of 4.5 seconds (4.6 seconds for the wagon) and a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph) (315 km/h (196 mph) for the wagon) [5]

The B5 was updated again in 2016 and now shared the same enhancements as the B5 Edition 50 (described below) resulting to the same performance as the limited edition model. [6]

Variants

D5

Alpina D5 (saloon) Alpina D5 Turbo.jpg
Alpina D5 (saloon)

The D5 is the diesel powered variant of the B5. Based on the 535d, the D5 uses a modified variant of the 3.0-litre turbodiesel N57 straight-6 engine. The engine has a power output of 352 PS (259 kW; 347 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque and has a red-line of 5,000 rpm. The aerodynamic kit, interior and transmission are shared with the B5.

The D5 can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 5.1 seconds and can attain a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph). [7] [8]

Edition 50

The B5 Edition 50 is a limited production variant of the B5 developed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alpina. The B5 has an upgraded engine and the turbochargers have an increased boost pressure of 1.2 bar (17.4 psi). Other engine modifications include shorter intakes, the addition of three intercoolers (one air intercooler, two water intercoolers), lighter pistons and an updated ECU. The engine has a power output of 600 PS (441 kW; 592 hp) and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) of torque.

The Edition 50 has new forged aluminium alloy wheels which save 7.6 kg (17 lb) at the front and 8 kg (18 lb) at the rear. The switch to a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system saves a further 17 kg (37 lb) of weight while also reducing back pressure.

The modifications allow the Edition 50 to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 4.2 seconds and attain a top speed of 328 km/h (204 mph).

The Edition 50 was available either in Alpina Green or Blue. A bespoke colour called Edition 50 Sepia was also available through BMW Individual. The interior had a Forest Green and black Nappa leather upholstery with contrast yellow stitching and ceramic finishing on the centre console paying homage to the 1982 B7 S Turbo. The stainless steel Edition 50 door sills had founder Burkard Bovensiepen's signature. The car had a plaque signifying the production number of the 50 units produced. [9] [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW 5 Series (E60)</span> Line of German executive cars

The fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series executive cars consists of the BMW E60 and BMW E61. The E60/E61 generation was produced by BMW from 2003 to 2010 and is often collectively referred to as the E60.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina</span> German automotive manufacturer

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG is an automobile manufacturing company based in Buchloe, in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany that develops and sells high-performance versions of BMW cars. Alpina works closely with BMW and their processes are integrated into BMW's production lines, and is recognized by the German Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer, in contrast to other performance specialists, which are aftermarket tuners. The Alpina B7 is produced at the same assembly line in Dingolfing, Germany, as BMW's own 7 Series. The B7's twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation, and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruf BTR</span> Motor vehicle

The Ruf BTR is a sports car built by German automobile manufacturer Ruf Automobile. The BTR began production in 1983 and was based on the Porsche 911 available in a narrow 911 or optional wide body configuration akin to the 930 Turbo. The BTR was the first Ruf production sports car with a company specific VIN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW N63</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The BMW N63 is a twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine which has been in production from 2008 to present. The N63 is the world's first production car engine to use a "hot-vee" layout, with the turbochargers located inside the "V" of the engine. It is also BMW's first turbocharged petrol V8 engine. The engine has been widely noted for its mechanical issues, undergoing several recalls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW 5 Series (F10)</span> Line of German executive cars

The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series consists of the BMW F10, BMW F11 and BMW F07 executive cars and were produced by BMW from January 2010 to 2017, with F10 being launched on 20 March 2010 to domestic market and F11 in the summer of 2010. The F07 Gran Turismo was produced from early September 2009 to 2017, being launched in the domestic German market in late October 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo</span> High performance executive car

The Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo is a high performance version of the BMW 5 Series E34 executive car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. Beginning production in 1989, the B10 Bi-Turbo was based on the 535i and received several upgrades by Alpina, being the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its introduction. Production ended in 1994 with 507 examples produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW 5 Series (G30)</span> Seventh generation of the executive car manufactured by German manufacturer BMW

The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series consists of the BMW G30 and BMW G31 executive cars. The G30/G31 has been produced since 2016 by the German automaker BMW and is often collectively referred to as the G30. It was officially announced on 12 October 2016 and sales began in February 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B4</span> Motor vehicle

The Alpina B4 and Alpina D4 are high-performance compact executive cars manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer, Alpina. Based on the BMW 4 Series, the B4 and D4 are manufactured in coupé and convertible body styles. The first generation B4 and D4 were launched in 2014 and the more powerful B4 S was launched in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B3 (F30)</span> Motor vehicle

The Alpina B3 (F30/F31) and Alpina D3 (F30/F31) are high performance compact executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer, Alpina. Based on the BMW 3 Series (F30), the B3 is available in saloon and wagon body styles. The car was officially launched at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B3 (E90)</span> Motor vehicle

The Alpina B3 (E90) and Alpina D3 (E90) are a series of high performance compact executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina from 2007 to 2013. Based on the BMW 3 Series (E90), the B3 and D3 were available in coupé, saloon, convertible and station wagon body styles. The B3 was officially unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B6 (E63)</span> Motor vehicle

The Alpina B6 (E63) is the second generation of the high performance grand tourer manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina from 2005 to 2010. Based on the BMW 6 Series (E63), the car was available in coupé and convertible bodystyles. The B6 was introduced in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B6 (F12)</span> German automobile

The Alpina B6 (F12) is the third generation of the high performance grand tourer manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. Introduced at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the B6 was based on the BMW 6 Series and was available in coupé and convertible body styles, with the latter being introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. A third saloon bodystyle called the gran coupé was introduced in 2014. The Alpina B6 gran coupé was replaced by the Alpina B8 gran coupe (G16) in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B7 (E65)</span> German automobile

The Alpina B7 (E65) is the third generation of the high-performance BMW 7 Series manufactured by Alpina from 2004 to 2008. Based on the BMW 7 Series (E65), the B7 was officially introduced to the public at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. The B7 was the first Alpina to use a supercharged engine and was available in normal and long-wheelbase versions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B7 (F01)</span> Fourth generation of the high performance full-size luxury car

The Alpina B7 (F01) is the fourth generation of the high-performance BMW 7 Series manufactured by Alpina from 2011 until 2015. Based on the BMW 7 Series (F01), the car was introduced to the public at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show and was available in normal and long-wheelbase versions, with xDrive or rear-wheel drive. The B7's engine was hand-built at the Alpina factory at Buchloe and then sent to the BMW factory in Dingolfing to be put into the body shell. The car was painted and initially assembled at the Dingolfing plant and was then sent back to Alpina for final assembly. It was the second Alpina B7 to be offered in North America, with 1,740 examples imported and sold in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B7 (G12)</span> Motor vehicle

The Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo, or Alpina B7, is the fifth generation of the high performance full-size luxury car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. Based on the BMW 7 Series (G12), the B7 Bi-Turbo was introduced at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Known as the B7 in North America, the car is the third B7 model to be imported to the United States. The Alpina B7 is now history and, at least for now, there's no direct replacement planned. At the end the Alpina B7 has been discontinued in September 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B5 (E60)</span> BMW 5 series variant manufactured by Alpina

The Alpina B5 (E60) is the first generation of the Alpina B5 high performance executive car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina from 2005 to 2011. Based on the BMW 5 Series (E60), the car was available in saloon and wagon bodystyles. The car succeeds the Alpina B10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B3</span> Motor vehicle

The Alpina B3 are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina, which is based on the BMW 3 Series of the car manufacturer BMW. As of 2021, it is produced as a sedan (four-door) and station wagon (touring). Up to and including the E90 series, two-door sedans, coupes and convertibles were also offered. With the exception of the convertible, every model was optionally available with all-wheel drive. The current diesel variant runs under the Alpina D3 Biturbo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B5</span> Motor vehicle

The Alpina B5 and D5 are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina, which is based on the BMW 5 Series of the car manufacturer BMW.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B12</span> Range of high performance automobiles

The Alpina B12 is a name given to high-performance luxury automobiles manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina. The B12 originally succeeded the B11 4.0 in 1988 which was based on the BMW 7 Series (E32) and was also based on the same car. Subsequent models were based on the BMW 7 Series (E38) and the BMW 8 Series (E31). Production ended in 2001 when the 7 Series (E38) models were discontinued. The B12 was replaced by the B7 (E65) and the B6 (E63).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B5 (G30)</span> BMW 5 series variant manufactured by Alpina

The Alpina B5 and D5 (G30) are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German Automobile manufacturer Alpina. Introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the car is the third generation of the B5 and succeeds the Alpina B5 (F10). Based on the BMW 5 Series (G30), the car is available in both saloon and wagon bodystyles.

References

  1. Boeriu, Horatiu (16 June 2010). "Official Teaser: BMW Alpina B5 F10 BiTurbo". BMW M Blog. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. 1 2 "BMW Alpina B5 F10 Bi-Turbo official photos and details released". Motor1. 9 July 2010. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  3. Fountain, Greg (21 April 2011). "BMW Alpina B5 (2011) review". Car . Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  4. Fountain, Greg (24 February 2011). "BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Touring (2011): first pictures". Car . Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  5. Prior, Matt. "Alpina B5 2011-2016 review". Autocar . Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  6. "BMW 5 Series F10/11". ALPINA Automobiles. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  7. Prior, Matt. "Alpina D5 2011-2016 review". Autocar . Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  8. "Driven: Alpina D5 Biturbo". piston heads. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  9. Sheehan, Sam (26 March 2015). "Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Edition 50". Evo . Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  10. Smith, Aaron (3 March 2015). "Alpina B5 and B6 'Edition 50' versions revealed". Autocar . Retrieved 16 March 2019.