On January 1, 1965, Burkhard Bovensiepen founded Alpina. The Buchloe company was dedicated to the development and production of optical and technical tuning kits for BMW models. The BMW 1500 was the model for the start of the company, and the -02 series soon became an important source of inspiration for BMW's in-house tuner. And not only that. After the arrival of the E21, Alpina also applied the products for the -02 to the E21, which was introduced in 1975. That's where the first car developed entirely by Alpina that went into series: the BMW-Alpina B6.
Previously, BMW's E21 series was also a rewarding object to develop tuning kits for. Alpina launched four sets for the E21, which was only available as a four-cylinder until September 1977. Meanwhile, Alpina also focused on the full development of its own production model. The BMW 323i served as the basis, but under the skin (and also in terms of interior) a completely different car was created. That became the BMW Alpina B6. Its development was synchronized with that of the B7 Turbo (based on the E12) and the B7 Turbo Coupé (based on the first 6 Series). But commercially the B6 bit the rush hour Full-ständig entwickeltes Wagen off Alpina. The two B7 models followed quickly.
No 323i engine
The sales start of the B6 took place in November 1978. The B6 received its official baptism of fire during that year's IAA. And then the press and public saw that the Alpina engineers had not done half work. The base engine was not the M20B23KE engine from the 323i, but the M30B28 power source from the 528i from the E12 series. Buchloe tackled the power source. The combination of performance, a lot of power and consumption efficiency was the starting point.
Beautiful applications
Alpina brought together the best of several worlds. Among other things, forged Mahle pistons, a Zenith-Pierburg DL injection system, an enlarged crankcase (6,2 liters) and a fully electronic Hartig ignition were fitted. The engineers also modified the camshaft and combustion chambers. The compression ratio was 9,5:1. Thanks to the modifications, the B6 was given a power of 200 DIN hp at 6200 revolutions per minute. The maximum torque of 248 Nm. That was generated at 4500 rpm. The designers at Buchloe mated the engine to GETRAG's close-ratio five-speed gearbox. Alpina also fitted a modified exhaust system. The top speed was 220 kilometers per hour, and within seven seconds the speed of one hundred kilometers per hour was reached from a standstill.
Powerful brakes
To somewhat curb the performance, Alpina mounted ventilated and perforated discs at the front, the standard rear discs of the BMW 323i were maintained with the B6. Alpina installed a larger fuel tank. The chassis was also modified. Alpina fitted Bilstein gas-charged shock absorbers, Ahle stiffer and progressive-acting springs,
Different tire sizes front and rear
Mounted on the front Buchloe a stabilizer with a diameter of 23 mm. At the rear came an adjustable stabilizer with a diameter of 18 mm. The wheels with Pirelli rubber were a different story. Alpina equipped the B6 with Ronal 15 inch light metal. The tires on the rear (205/50) were larger than the front mounted rubber (195/50). Alpina also installed a power-assisted steering system in the BMW-Alpina B6. Those responsible in Buchloe also tackled the exterior by fitting spoilers at the front and rear, and developing a specific Alpina striping (market dependent standard, or optionally available) for the exterior.
State of the art interior
Finally the interior. Alpina installed a Pioneer radio with cassette player and four 20 Watt loudspeakers (rear: two-way system), a leather-covered Momo steering wheel, Recaro seats with specific Alpina upholstery and a modified set of instruments. Eventually there was an even stronger 'E21' B6 version. Thanks to engine modifications, the power of the B6 increased to 218 DIN hp, and Alpina now fitted the BOSCH L-Jetronic system.
Limited edition
In total, Alpina built 533 copies of the impressive and very expensive (E21) B6. For comparison: it cost in the Netherlands at almost 60.000 guilders even more than a BMW 733i, and was more than twice as expensive as a standard BMW 323i. The first B6 was - just like the two B7 models - sold as a BMW Alpina. Another real E21 BMW-Alpina was the C1. With various Alpina applications, it was placed between the BMW E21 top model 323i and the BMW/Alpina B6. The C1 had the modified engine from the 323i. This generated an output of 1 DIN hp in the C170.
Close bond, takeover by BMW
In 1983, the BMW brand name disappeared from Alpina products. From that moment on, Alpina was officially registered as a car manufacturer, and the products received their own chassis number. To this day, the relationship between Alpina and BMW is close, because the Alpina models are all based on a BMW. And this bond has only gotten stronger. And not only that: BMW also took over Alpina not so long ago. Until 2025, the cooperation will remain the same as it is now; after this all Alpinas will be built in the BMW factories.
BMW 323i report in AMK 11-2022
The BMW Alpina B6 was developed on the basis of the BMW 323i. And the latter is central to the BMW E21 report in the most current AMK edition.
Have you ever been allowed to drive a B7 turbo. Good heavens, that really went like the proverbial fire brigade. Hopefully I will never forget that impression 🤪 But like Lieven's fate, I never owned one either. Way too far out of budget 😢
Dear AMK, I was able to enjoy its performance with the Alpina 323. But unfortunately never been one of mine. Greetings Lieven
Fantastic creations, just like the Hartges of yesteryear. Even then a high-quality basis, so everything remained neat and intact. There was recently a B7 Alpina based on an E28 for sale in NL for more than 60k Euries. A lot of money, but the experience is still unique even after almost 40 years.