Alpina started in 1965 as a tuning and racing shop for BMW models. It would transition to building its own completed model, being Germany’s designated car manufacturer since 1983. In the early 2000s, Alpina built the hotter B10 V8 and B10 V8S based on the new E39 5 Series. Carwow the video shows two Alpina sedans lining up for another E39 race – the M5.
The BMW M5 features the largest engine yet, a naturally aspirated 4.9-liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts) and 368 lb-ft (500 Newton-meters) of torque. It’s the only car in the race with a manual transmission, putting it at a bit of a disadvantage over the others. It’s also the heaviest at 3,957 pounds (1,795 kilograms), which won’t help him in this race.
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The Alpina B10 V8S has a slightly smaller engine – a 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 that develops 380 hp (283 KW) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) of torque. It directs power to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission while tipping the scales at 3,725 lbs (1,690 kg). The standard Alpina B10 tucks the smaller 4.6-liter V8 under the hood, producing 340 hp (253 kW) and 346 lb-ft (470 Nm). It’s also 66 lbs (30 kg) lighter and features a five-speed automatic.
The V8S shot ahead of the rest in the first drag race, finishing the quarter mile in a respectable 14.6 seconds. The regular M5 takes 14.8 seconds, while the B10 V8 takes 15.2 seconds to complete the race.
In the first rolling race, the B10 V8 nearly beat the more powerful B10 V8S, but an untimely gear change allowed the V8S to win. M5 even with two Alpina sedans at the start, but left far behind. The subsequent rolling race of 30 miles per hour saw the M5 get a much better start, staying the same as the other two. However, it didn’t cross the finish line first, which is an honor that the B10 V8 has earned. The B10 V8S finished last.
The second rolling race from 50 mph put the M5 well ahead of the other two Alpina cars. Need first, followed by V8S in second and V8 in third. With the car far from new, the crew performed a modified brake test of 30 miles per hour. The M5 edged the others out for the win.
