Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (330 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is highly fragmented due to discussions covering two distinct generations separated by decades.
7 problems reported (3 recurrent, 4 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentHead gasket failure
Potential failure point; recommended to monitor via used oil analysis for elevated moisture.
- RecurrentRod bearing failure
Known issue; suggested by some to be treated as a wear item requiring replacement approximately every 70,000-80,000 miles.
- RecurrentOil pump bolts
Can loosen, leading to catastrophic engine failure; must be checked.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCooling system issues
Mentioned as a common problem area.
- IsolatedRough idle
Persistent issue noted on the M60 V8 engine, potentially related to PCV/vacuum system faults.
- IsolatedParts availability
Long wait times or discontinued parts for Alpina-specific components like shock absorbers.
- IsolatedSunroof drain clogging
Can lead to severe water ingress and floor pan rot.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a best version. For the classic E36, one owner strongly recommends retaining all Alpina-specific parts, especially the springs, for the intended driving experience. For the modern G16, one owner's configuration included a carbon fiber roof and the full Driver Assistance Pro package.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW M8, BMW M6 and Lucid Air Grand Touring (as a potential alternative considered by one owner).
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is highly fragmented due to discussions covering two distinct generations separated by decades. For the classic E36-era B8 (based on the 3 Series), sentiment among long-term owners is heavily focused on maintenance, with the vehicle described as a "very rare 330ci" that requires diligent, specialized upkeep. The car is praised for its "magical" Alpina-tuned suspension offering a supple yet sporty ride. For the modern G16-generation B8 Gran Coupe (based on the 8 Series), sentiment is aspirational and based on limited ownership experience; it is viewed as a powerful, luxurious, and rare grand tourer, with one owner noting it has "all the extras" and "lots of good tech." A direct comparison to the BMW M8 is a recurring point of discussion, with the Alpina noted for making more power in its modern iteration. Overall, the classic model is seen as a rewarding but demanding enthusiast project, while the modern model is perceived as a consummate high-performance luxury cruiser.
Positioning vs competitors
For the modern G16 generation, the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe is positioned directly against the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. Owner discussions indicate the Alpina makes more power and is viewed as a more torque-focused, luxurious grand tourer compared to the sportier M8. One owner explicitly framed the choice as between the Alpina B8 and the M8. The classic E36 B8 is not directly compared to contemporaries in the provided data.
Recommended configurations
For the classic E36 B8: Retain original Alpina springs and shock absorbers for optimal ride quality. Use the BMW VIN for sourcing non-Alpina-specific parts. For all models: Perform used oil analysis at regular intervals to monitor engine health. An OBD reader is recommended for diagnostics. No configuration recommendations are available for the modern G16.
General recommendations
Classic E36 B8: Only suitable for competent, hands-on enthusiasts or owners with a trusted specialist and significant maintenance budget. Prior to purchase, a thorough inspection for common engine failures (head gasket, rod bearings, oil pump bolts) and rust (specifically floor pan rot from clogged sunroof drains) is critical. Establish a relationship with a BMW dealership parts department for Alpina-specific components and be prepared for long wait times or discontinued parts. Proactive maintenance, including oil pump bolt checks and treating rod bearings as a potential wear item, is emphasized. Modern G16 B8: Insufficient long-term ownership data for concrete recommendations. One owner suggested its advanced driver assistance and technology suite are key strengths.
Remarks
The owner discussions clearly cover two different vehicles: the 1990s E36 Alpina B8 (likely B8 4.6) and the 2020s G16 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe. The vast majority of substantive mechanical feedback pertains to the older, classic model. The mention of the car being "essentially a very rare 330ci" is specific to the E36 platform. The modern B8's powertrain, based on the data, uses a twin-turbo V8 making more power than the contemporary M8. One owner of a 2022 model referenced advanced driver-assistance technology as a point of comparison with a modern EV. Analysis based on approximately 10 substantive owner discussions across both generations.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: G16
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
GT 4.4 V8 xDrive Switch-Tronic
4.4L 8-cylinder · 634 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2025–2026