Alpina B7 (E65)

Last updated
Alpina B7
2007 Alpina B7.JPG
Alpina B7 (E66) (post-facelift)
Overview
Manufacturer Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG
Production2004–2008
AssemblyGermany: Buchloe
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury car (F)
Body style 4-door saloon (E65)
4-door long wheelbase saloon (E66)
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine 4.4 L H1 supercharged V8
Transmission 6-speed ZF 6HP automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,990 mm (117.7 in) (E65)
  • 3,130 mm (123.2 in) (E66)
Length
  • 5,029 mm (198.0 in) (E65)
  • 5,169 mm (203.5 in) (E66)
Width1,902 mm (74.9 in)
Height1,484–1,492 mm (58.4–58.7 in)
Kerb weight 1,960 kg (4,321 lb) (minimum dry weight)
2,108 kg (4,648 lb) (with fluids)
Chronology
Predecessor Alpina B12 6.0 (E38)
Successor Alpina B7 (F01)

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.

Contents

Development and introduction

Development of the B7 began 3 years prior to its official debut, first at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show for the prototype and then the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show for the production version. Production began in 2004. The B7 is based on the 745i while the long wheelbase B7 is based on the 745Li. The B7 uses a modified version of the 4.4-litre N62 V8 engine, designated the H1 by Alpina. Changes to the engine include an Alpina specific block, a forged crankshaft and lower compression [1] high strength Mahle pistons. [2] The engine uses a centrifugal type supercharger, the first to be used on an Alpina automobile. The engine also has an Alpina specific modified ECU and retains BMW's Valvetronic Variable Valve Timing. The engine generated a maximum power output of 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm and 515 lb⋅ft (698 N⋅m) of torque available between 4,250 and 5,250 rpm. The application of a V8 engine instead of a V12 engine allows the car to be 150 kg (331 lb) lighter than its BMW counterpart, the 760i, while giving the car a better weight distribution and better fuel economy figures.

The B7 has a bespoke Akrapovic exhaust system that uses an EMITEC metallic catalytic converter instead of the standard ceramic unit and has dual exhaust tips.

The heat generated by the 0.8 bar of boost pressure from the supercharger is managed by a high-transfer rate air-to-air intercooler. The B7 uses the rear axle from a 745d in order to handle the high torque generated by the engine. The compressor is driven by a dedicated poly V-belt which is separate from the other serpentine belts on the engine. At low rpm, the clutch de-couples the compressor from its drive belt, resulting in high torque at the low rpm range. The air from the supercharger was guided to the engine by an air-to-air intercooler. The turbine of the supercharger rotates at speeds of up to 100,000 rpm due to a planetary gear set, an adjustable second throttle plate allows the turbine to keep rotating at low rpm range.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission called Switch Tronic which has a manual shifting mode allowing the driver to change gears via buttons located on the back of the steering wheel. The transmission was used across Alpina's range of models until its replacement by the 8-speed automatic transmission.

The B7 was mostly assembled at the BMW plant in Dingolfing alongside the 7 Series. [3] The engine was initially manufactured at the BMW Steyr plant and was then sent to Alpina at their Buchloe factory for final assembly. The engine was sent to the BMW factory to be installed in the car where the car was assembled and painted in Alpina specific exterior colours. The completed cars were sent back to the Alpina factory for final inspection and finishing touches.

Alpina B7 (E65) (post facelift) White Alpina B7 (E65) rr.jpg
Alpina B7 (E65) (post facelift)

The interior of the car has Lavalina leather upholstery and curled maple wood trim. The changes include Alpina gauges, Alpina logos and badges and a three-spoke sports steering wheel. The BMW iDrive system was also included as standard.

The exterior changes include Alpina pinstripes on the paintwork, a rear lip spoiler, 21-inch Alpina classic multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres (measuring 245/35 ZR21 at the front and 285/30 ZR21 at the rear), a front valence and a chin spoiler. The B7 achieved a drag coefficient of Cd=0.31 when tested in the BMW windtunnel. [4]

The B7 uses the braking system developed by BMW for the 760Li [5] which has bigger discs than a 745i (measuring 14.72 in (373.9 mm) at the front and 14.57 in (370.1 mm) at the rear) and floating calipers. The suspension system uses Sachs shock absorbers and Eibach springs. [3]

From 2005 to the end of its production run, the B7 was based on the face-lift 745i and the 750Li. The updated B7 was unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. However, there was no change in power or performance figures. Peak torque was increased to 565 lb⋅ft (766 N⋅m). In 2007, the B7 became available in the United States. [3] [6]

Performance

BMW Alpina B7 E65 (14311800381).jpg
Alpina B7 (E65) (pre-facelift with aftermarket wheels)
Tokyo Motor Show 2005 0297.jpg
Alpina B7 (E65) (post-facelift)

The B7 can accelerate from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 4.8 seconds, can complete the 1/4 mile in 12.8 seconds [5] and can attain a top speed of 299 km/h (186 mph). Independent testing showed that the top speed figure quoted by the manufacturer was conservative as the B7 attained a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph), thus outclassing its BMW counter-parts in terms of performance. [6] The B7 attained 0.91 g on the skidpad. [5]

Recall

A recall was issued for the post face-lift 2005–2008 BMW 7 Series models and the B7 equipped with Comfort Access and soft closing doors options. The problem was that the doors could unexpectedly open due to certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of the ejection of occupants. The problem affected a combined total of 45,500 cars. [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW 5 Series (E39)</span> Fourth generation of BMW 5 Series

The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the saloon body style, with the station wagon body style introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW 7 Series (E65)</span> Motor vehicle

The fourth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW E65 and BMW E66 luxury cars. The E65/E66 was produced from 2001 to 2008 and is often collectively referred to as the E65. The E65 replaced the E38 7 Series and was produced with petrol and turbo-diesel straight-six and V8 engines, along with a petrol V12 flagship model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW N62</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The BMW N62 is a naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine which was used in BMW cars from 2001 to 2010. It also remained in small-scale production for the Morgan Aero until 2019. The N62 is the world's first engine to use a continuously variable-length intake manifold, and BMW's first V8 to feature variable valve lift.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S4</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan. All subsequent S4s since 1997 have been based on the Audi A4; and as the A4 has evolved from one generation to the next, so has the S4.

<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">BMW 7 Series (F01)</span> Motor vehicle

The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW F01 and BMW F02 full-size luxury sedans. The F01/F02 generation was produced by BMW from 2008 to 2015 and is often collectively referred to as the F01.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW M2</span> High-performance version of the BMW 2 Series

The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the BMW 2 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. As the 2 Series replaced the 1 Series coupé and convertible models, the first-generation M2 was marketed as the most basic M model in the range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW 7 Series (G11)</span> Motor vehicle

The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW G11 and BMW G12 luxury saloons. The G11/G12 generation was produced by BMW from 2015 to 2022, and is often collectively referred to as the G11.

<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 Roadster S</span> German sports car

The Alpina Roadster S is a sports car manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer Alpina from 2003 to 2007. Based on the BMW Z4 (E85), the Roadster S was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.

<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 was 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 B5 (F10)</span> BMW 5 series variant manufactured by Alpina

The Alpina B5 and D5 (F10) 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, 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.

<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. ↑ "2007 BMW Alpina B7". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  2. ↑ "ALPINA B5 Roadtest". www.fastsaloons.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 Davis, Matt (15 January 2006). "2007 BMW Alpina B7: America Sings the Alpina Blues". Autoweek. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  4. ↑ "Alpina B7" . Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 "2007 BMW Alpina B7". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  6. 1 2 Thomas, Bill (3 August 2004). "Alpina B7: Big Alpina turns up to warp factor 7". Autocat. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  7. ↑ Masterson, Patrick (26 May 2017). "2005-2008 BMW 7 Series, Alpina B7: Recall Alert". cars.com. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.