This car is based on the most luxurious BMW of all, the V12 powered 750i. The B12 5,0 came in July 1988 and it is superior to the 750i in many categories. It is faster, has better handling and is more frugal for example. The production ended in January 1994. A total of 305 cars have been built. Engine/Gearbox The B12 is much faster than the 750i thanks to the modifications made to the V12 engine. The displacement is unchanged at 5,0 litre, as are the block, crankshaft, connecting rods, inlet and exhaust manifolds and cooling system. Different Mahle pistons raise the compression, larger inlet valves, more valve lift and slightly changed valve timing get more mixture into the engine. The combustion chambers are changed to accommodate the larger inlet. New three-way metal catalysts and new stainless steel exhaust systems are also fitted. Alpina has also reprogrammed the Motronic management system to raise the maximum engine speed from 6000 to 6400 rpm. The top speed limiter is of course eliminated. These changes, plus a couple of other, increase the power to 350 bhp, instead of 300. The torque is higher too, 470 Nm at 4000 rpm instead of 450 at 4100. The B12 has the same 4-speed automatic gearbox as in the 750i but it is reprogrammed to give full throttle kick-down changes up to 6400 rpm. Suspension/Brakes/Wheels The B12 is a much better handling car than the 750i. New Bilstein dampers and springs are fitted and together with the 17in Alpina alloys with 235/45 tires at front and 265/40 tires at rear and ASC the grip is outstanding. One of the best things with Alpina is that they improve the handling without losing the fine ride of a standard BMW. The brakes are also improved to handle the greater performance. Alpina have also changed the electronics and hydraulics of the ZF Servo-Tronic power steering to reduce the change of steering weight between low and high speed. Interior/Exterior The interior changes aren´t many. A smaller steering wheel, new speedo (to 320 km/h), the instruments have red needles and sport-seats with Alpina upholstery in Nappa leather are fitted. A new front-spoiler is fitted and that´s about the only visual change together with the exhaust pipes and the wheels. Performance Alpina claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 6,9 seconds and a top speed of over 275 km/h.

• published: 27 Sep 2013
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