Alpina Roadster S

Mynewz4 · Post by **Mynewz4** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 11:20 pm

Has anyone actually owned both the Z4 Alpina Roadster S and the 3.0si? Looking for a real world view from an owner or someone with extensive experience with both. Handling, performance, brakes. Steering. Noticed no sport button. Is the steering therefore always in heavy mode like an engaged 3.0si perhaps? Throttle response aggressive too? Pros and cons etc. Hoping its a substantial upgrade. Not a fan of the Z4M. Twitchy, steering, and its various quirks and double maintenance costs s the 3.0 si.

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 11:28 pm

True-Blue has. He has an Alpina at the moment and has owned every incarnation of Z4 ever released I think. They were all very shiny aswell!

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 11:39 pm

Yes, here's a link to his Alpina acquisition thread:- viewtopic.php?t=143411

If he doesn't spot your post you could always send him a PM.

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:04 am

Having owned an Alpina for a short while (not the E85 though), I would say this analogy of women is apt:

The 'M' is like Katy Price and the equivalent Alpina is like Sophia Loren....you would get a good ride from both, but one would feel classier than the other!

Alpinas have that 'x factor' that no other car has IMHO. BMW or not. I would have another Alpina, if I could afford one!

Barty · Post by **Barty** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:08 am

Mynewz4, interesting comparison! The Si is an N52-powered LCI model, whereas the Alpina is based off of the M54 pre-LCI car. Very different engines with very different characters, more so considering Alpina basically rebuilt the M54 to what it is now.

One thing I’ll say: the Alpina is even more special than the Si. Rare, and with a name that evokes a reaction even from petrolheads that aren’t particularly into BMW- it’s got presence.

mmm-five · Post by **mmm-five** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 11:12 am

Pondrew wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:04 am Having owned an Alpina for a short while (not the E85 though), I would say this analogy of women is apt:

The 'M' is like Katy Price and the equivalent Alpina is like Sophia Loren....you would get a good ride from both, but one would feel classier than the other!

Alpinas have that 'x factor' that no other car has IMHO. BMW or not. I would have another Alpina, if I could afford one!

That's a bit harsh on the 'M'.

I'd say Z3 with a Ferrari bodykit that been in more accidents than Katie Price is more like Katie Price

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 11:59 am

Pondrew wrote: ↑Mon Nov 27, 2023 11:28 pm True-Blue has. He has an Alpina at the moment and has owned every incarnation of Z4 ever released I think. They were all very shiny aswell!

My future car you mean when he has finished with it in 6 months

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:23 pm

pvr wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 11:59 am My future car you mean when he has finished with it in 6 months

You are not classy enough to own an Alpina. You stick to your Beetles and pimp-mobile X5!

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:59 pm

My Golf is very classy though

abar121 · Post by **abar121** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 3:43 pm

Make sure you have a drive in one first. For me, the Alpina was the least favorite of all the Z4s I've driven.

I just didn't like the leaden ride / handling on those heavy wheels, nor the EPAS or engine response / sound. I'd take a 3.0si every time, probably a 3.0i too. Pretty personal, so give one a test.

Mynewz4 · Post by **Mynewz4** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:40 pm

Thanks for tge

abar121 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 3:43 pm Make sure you have a drive in one first. For me, the Alpina was the least favorite of all the Z4s I've driven.

I just didn't like the leaden ride / handling on those heavy wheels, nor the EPAS or engine response / sound. I'd take a 3.0si every time, probably a 3.0i too. Pretty personal, so give one a test.

I'll give one a test drive this week and see for myself. Thanks. I hope you're wrong however

abar121 · Post by **abar121** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:53 pm

Mynewz4 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:40 pm Thanks for tge
abar121 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 3:43 pm Make sure you have a drive in one first. For me, the Alpina was the least favorite of all the Z4s I've driven.

I just didn't like the leaden ride / handling on those heavy wheels, nor the EPAS or engine response / sound. I'd take a 3.0si every time, probably a 3.0i too. Pretty personal, so give one a test.
I'll give one a test drive this week and see for myself. Thanks. I hope you're wrong however

Haha, have fun mate.

Number5 · Post by **Number5** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:02 pm

I’ve had them all. Alpina’s 30.Si’s and ZMR. Plus Coupes, E89’s and the current G29 Z4

I’ve let them all go but still have the Alpina if that says anything.

Ive been on weekend road trips with a few Z4M’s every year since 2015 and the Alpina will happily match the performance of a Z4M on UK/EU roads but delivers it all a lot smoother. It’s a car you can race but also a car that’s comfortable to Tour in too unlike the M’s. I suspect the M may be a tad quicker on a track but how often is that?

: 7C9750FE-5A70-4CEC-A7E8-05A10C5E69A6.jpeg (81.91 KiB) Viewed 413 times

The other positive is that they aren’t depreciating and hold that rarity value along with lower running costs.

However, I’m sure everyone’s judgement can be swayed by the condition of the car you’re test driving, so don’t go on mine or anyone else’s advice. Drive one and see if it’s what you want and something you’re happy with yourself

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:09 pm

Number5 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:02 pm I’ve had them all. Alpina’s 30.Si’s and ZMR. Plus Coupes, E89’s and the current G29 Z4

I’ve let them all go but still have the Alpina if that says anything.

You mean nobody wanted to buy that one

Number5 · Post by **Number5** » Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:13 pm

I’ve fixed your post for you PVR

pvr wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:09 pm You mean nobody could afford to buy that one

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com