ALPINA B11 3,5(e-32)

The B11 was introduced in 1987 just after the e-32 7-series had been introduced. Three "different" engines have been available. At first Alpina offered the B11 with or without catalyst. From 1988 it was offered with the engine from B10 3,5. Between 1987 and 1993 a total of 332 cars were built.

Engine/Gearbox

The engine is based on Alpina´s 3,5 litre engine from B10 and B6. But the B11 is not as powerful, 250 bhp instead of 261 without catalyst, it is more comfort-oriented. But as I said , in 1988 the B11 received the 254 bhp engine from the B10 3,5. Go to the 5-series section to read more about the engine. The B11 was equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox but a 4-speed automatic was optional.

Suspension/Brakes/Wheels

The BMW 7-series is the drivers choice of all luxury cars. But the Alpina is even better thanks to Bilstein gas-pressure dampers at both front and rear, stiffer and shorter springs and 17in Alpina alloys with 235/45 tires at front and 265/40 tires at rear. The brake discs are ventilated at front.

Interior/Exterior

The B11 has the usual Alpina changes inside such as a leather-covered steering-wheel, a gearknob of fine wood and Alpina upholstery with blue and green stripes made of leather. The only visual changes, if the car isn´t equipped with the optional stripes or is painted in one of Alpina´s colours, is the front spoiler and the badges. And the wheels of course.

Performance

For the 254 bhp version Alpina claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 7,6 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h. In Auto Motor und Sport´s test of the 240 bhp version it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 7,6 seconds, 0-160 km/h in 18,8 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 33,2 seconds and had a top speed of 247 km/h.

Pictures