Z8 Alpina

UK owners might be few and far between, but if you are a Z8 enthusiast you are welcome here
Joey
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Z8 Alpina

Post by Joey »

I saw this on top gear the other day, and did clarkson give it some stick! Although i do agree with him to be fair, Apperently Alpina have taken the Z8 and actually down rated the engine! yet there charging more for it! heh, bit of a cheek if you ask me.

I could never draw my self to spend that much on the z8 even if i had the money, its a lovely looking car but i cant see 70k in it, would rather by a couple z4's and a z3's.
garyw
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Post by garyw »

All down to personal choice and circumstances..
If the Z8 was in RHD then I would have purchased one.. it isn't so I don't have one (as yet , but never say never)

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Gimlet
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Post by Gimlet »

An iconic beauty .........
The engine is down-rated and the cars speed limited as a result of the aero-dynamics.
The back end would become light at higher speeds, hence the reason it is limited.
Alpina did consider a spoiler to keep the rear-end in line but decided against it as they did not want to spoil the "lines" of the car.
Interestingly the new B5 is also limited on speed, though this is down to Michelin not currently producing a practical road-going tyre of the correct specification that is capable of safe performance above the 205mph limit.
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Joey
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Post by Joey »

Tru, but i still cant see why someone would wanna pay more for a less powerful car? Why not but the normal version and just dont go too fast. Its fun, you never know when your gonna loose control and crash :D what fun!

Still i will say tho, the Z8 Alpina or otherwise is a really nice looking car!

Not being funny but can someone exlain to me why the Z8 is 70 grand? Im just interested to know, what makes it worth that much?

They did make the Z8 in RHD but in stupid numbers, perhaps you could go steal Ronen Keatings one!

Cheers
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Giles
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Post by Giles »

Joey wrote: They did make the Z8 in RHD but in stupid numbers
True, but the stupid number is 0.
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Re: Z8 Alpina

Post by Chromeline Design »

Joey wrote:I saw this on top gear the other day, and did clarkson give it some stick! Although i do agree with him to be fair, Apperently Alpina have taken the Z8 and actually down rated the engine! yet there charging more for it! heh, bit of a cheek if you ask me.

I could never draw my self to spend that much on the z8 even if i had the money, its a lovely looking car but i cant see 70k in it, would rather by a couple z4's and a z3's.
In my opinion; £70K is a snip for that kind of exclusivity and the beast that is the S62.

If you've ever seen a black Z8 alpina, sittin' on 20 inch softlines, I'm sure you'd change your mind.

The rear lights alone make me weak at the knees, despite not being a fan of the Zeds in general.
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John Boy
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Post by John Boy »

If I could spend £70k on a weekend car, there would be a Z8 in the Garage 8-)
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garyw
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Post by garyw »

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks the Z8 is worth it, I was going to reply, but couldn't be arsed.. but now I know I'm not alone....

Speed and performance isn't everything.... takes a while to understand that.. you could have the fastest Nova, blah ,blah ,blah on the planet sat along side of a stunner and I know which way I'd be looking.

To add, same as Ben.. those rear lights :twisted:

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Joey
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Post by Joey »

Giles wrote:
Joey wrote: They did make the Z8 in RHD but in stupid numbers
True, but the stupid number is 0.

Naa honestly they did make a very few, cos ronan keating has one, a RHD Z8, im sure.

I don't have a problem with the Z8's performance nor its handling, its a nice car. I have a Z3 which isn't the most amazing handling car in the world.

I just cant understand why anyone would want to pay more for what i can see as less, another words why not but the normal Z8 for less and get more (more power)?

Speed aint everything to me either, its nice but i would choose a slow nice looking car over a fast ugly car any day

Dont get me wrong i love the Z8 (not enough for 70k but still). The bit i just cant understand the sence behind is the alpina version. I suppose there is a exclusivity of owning the alpina veriant but the point i always thought of like ///M and Alpina veriants was to make the car better, not slower and no better than the original?
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Post by greg_ch »

The Z8 is simply a stunning car, and I am lucky enough to have seen it in almost every color it was offered in. Black with a cream interior would be my choice.

I don't have any issue with the performance drop in the Alpina version. It's not like you are going to miss it. The Alpina version appeals simply because it is the most exclusive Z you can buy. It's very special indeed.
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Post by spokey »

Joey wrote:
Giles wrote:
Joey wrote: They did make the Z8 in RHD but in stupid numbers
True, but the stupid number is 0.
Naa honestly they did make a very few, cos ronan keating has one, a RHD Z8, im sure.
BMW never made a RHD Z8. If the Irish whinger has a RHD Z8, then he had it converted by someone else.
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Joey
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Post by Joey »

BMW never made a RHD Z8. If the Irish whinger has a RHD Z8, then he had it converted by someone else.
Wooo, :D

I dont know much about the Z8 ne way, just thought i had heard it some where, if i had it converted bet that cost a bit!
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Post by djrobbier »

someone has only gone and got a z8 in my village, but i have yet to see it out and about. I need to befriend him!!!
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Post by sfh3l »

For my twopenneth, I think the Z8 is absolutely stunning, and I would have one in a heartbeat. Clarkson is an idiot who wouldn't know a decent car if it ran over him. It makes for great TV, but don't watch one of his programmes and expect either to learn anything, or to hear the trust spoken.

Black with black/red interior please, and no, it probably isn't "worth the money", but any car at that sort of money and above is pushing it for relevance in my oppinion. I'd still have one though.
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Nick
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Post by Nick »

I would love to own a Z8. There used to be a few around but now I think they are all in dehumidified bubble wrap; well at least in the UK.
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Alex L
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Post by Alex L »

My godfather is looking for one of these at the moment, but ideally would like one with no miles on the clock. There are a couple he is going to look at in Germany over the next couple of weeks.
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Post by garyw »

Nick wrote:I would love to own a Z8. There used to be a few around but now I think they are all in dehumidified bubble wrap; well at least in the UK.
There was one at the Goodwood Breakfast club.. silver with the piano black with red interior :P
It certainly drew a crowd, even with a CGT sat only a few places away from it...

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Robert T
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Post by Robert T »

Alex L wrote:My godfather is looking for one of these at the moment
I didn't think the Z8 looked a particularly mafioso car - though I've not seem one in black!

Blue Bell Wilmslow had a silver one in their showroom ages back - it looked gorgeous, but I couldn't see myself driving one!
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Alex L
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Post by Alex L »

He wants an Alpina and ideally a next to new car. There are a few unregistered ones knocking around which he is going to look at.
Taz
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Post by Taz »

I believe Alpina aren't actually allowed to make the car faster. But they do loads of other trickery with the engine like better torque, throttle bodies etc. I think Alpina's have this almost turbo like effect at 4000rpm
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Mr Tim
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hello mr Ben

Post by Mr Tim »

despite not being a fan of the Zeds in general

we dont like that
Toucanbird
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Z8 for sale!!

Post by Toucanbird »

I am preparing to part with my Z8 to make garage space for the Alpina version. The car is absolutely stunning and unmarked in black with red/black interior and with s/s sports exhaust. Total mileage of 8k. One owner in Monaco, followed by Chairman of Hexagon and then myself. Never raced or rallied. Located in Wiltshire.
No timewasters please. Your chance to own one of these rare cars in pristine condition before it's advertised nationally. £69995 no offers. Yes a lot of money but any Z8 in this condition will be believe me!!
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Z8 Alpina.

Post by Toucanbird »

Just for information and to put the record straight regarding the Alpina version of the Z8. It is officially a "BMW Alpina Roadster V8".
555 were built in 02/03 of which 450 went to the States and only 8 were destined for the UK market via Sytners, the remainder going worldwide.
Of these 8, 6 were in Alpina Blue. one went straight to the Far East, two went directly back to Germany, leaving three in the UK. (The car I have is actually one of these and was the one used as a test vehicle for the likes of Top Gear etc!).
Of the last two, one was in Titanium Silver and bought initially by Ronan Keating and subsequently sold on (and yes it was and is LHD as they all are!!!). The final one of the eight was in Stratus Grey and is still in the UK and in the hands of the original owner.
The daddy of all Z's and an iconic car I would never part with, as I'm sure the other lucky owners would agree !!!!
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M Blur
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Post by M Blur »

Taz wrote:I believe Alpina aren't actually allowed to make the car faster. But they do loads of other trickery with the engine like better torque, throttle bodies etc. I think Alpina's have this almost turbo like effect at 4000rpm
The Pint engine is a completely different motor - BMW supplied minus engine and tranny.. Pina engine is handbuilt etc.

that's true - everyone knows that 'Pina 4.6 is a gem.. very smooth, pulls like a train and is a lot more civilised than the M5 Vee.. that said every Mengine for the Z8 was handpicked from the stock and balanced pistons etc put in so I'd have to drive both to compare.

Either variant would suit thanks very much. the auto box makes great sense for a proper cruiser. A definite Porka alternative.. don't fancy the BMW used warranty on one tho,
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stu
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Post by stu »

M Blur wrote:
Taz wrote:I believe Alpina aren't actually allowed to make the car faster. But they do loads of other trickery with the engine like better torque, throttle bodies etc. I think Alpina's have this almost turbo like effect at 4000rpm
The Pint engine is a completely different motor - BMW supplied minus engine and tranny.. Pina engine is handbuilt etc.

that's true - everyone knows that 'Pina 4.6 is a gem.. very smooth, pulls like a train and is a lot more civilised than the M5 Vee.. that said every Mengine for the Z8 was handpicked from the stock and balanced pistons etc put in so I'd have to drive both to compare.

Either variant would suit thanks very much. the auto box makes great sense for a proper cruiser. A definite Porka alternative.. don't fancy the BMW used warranty on one tho,
Jonnie's right, it starts off as the 4.4 and then the boys at Buchloe sort it. They went for that motor specifically so that it could use the automatic gearbox, rather than the previous generations V8 M5 motor.

Alpina I believe did do a RHD conversion for a R Keating.

It actually acquitted itself rather well around the Top Gear test track as well.

I'd have one tomorrow, in Black with red interior. I'd also be getting some freer flowing exhausts fitted and of course the F/I upgrade :twisted:
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dwz8
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Post by dwz8 »

Throwing in my 2 cents:

There has definitely never been a RHD Z8 or Alpina.
The Alpina was built with the US market in mind, hence they need an automatic transmission, which was not available for the S62 engine's torque.

The Alpina engine has somewhat less horsepower, but better torque, especially at low revs. It is at least as fast as the regular Z8.

WRT speed limitation:
The limitation to 250 km/h was something the German car industry agreed to long years ago. It has nothing to do with the abilitiy of the Z8 to drive at higher speeds. I have changed a couple of things on mine plus of course removed the limitation, and it is no problem to go to 300 km/h or above. It is definitely not as calm as a limousine at that speed, but no hand-wetting experience either.

Cheers,
Dieter
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JAY
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Post by JAY »

Hi,

the Z8 is one fabulous piece of design & engineering.

I'd have one now if only the hex appeal BMW would ort their prices out.

Lets see some pics... we don't often get a regular Z8 poster here. I'd love to see your drive.
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dwz8
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Post by dwz8 »

You're welcome.
Here you go....enjoy.

Dieter

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JAY
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Post by JAY »

OMG :shock:


I think I just wet myself
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whiteminks
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Post by whiteminks »

JAY wrote:OMG :shock:


I think I just wet myself

Me too :D


Absolutely fantastic Dieter :wink:
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Gazza
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Post by Gazza »

Jay.............You took the words from my mouth :shock:


Gazza.
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

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smartypants
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Post by smartypants »

I think I may have to go and have a lie down..........
dwz8
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  Z8 roadster

Post by dwz8 »

Come on, guys, be brave! :)

Here are some more shots:

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Enjoy!
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whiteminks
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Post by whiteminks »

Dieter we have had a positive Z8 drought here ................... and now you send them all at once :wink:


No wonder we can't handle it :D

Amazing car and photos!


P :wink:
big cheesy wrote:'I nearly cacked my trolleys till I quickly tuned in'. Yorkshire Cruise 2008.
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Gazza
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Post by Gazza »

Dieter......................You can go off people you know :wink:

Nice one

Gazza.
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

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smartypants
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Post by smartypants »

hahah

I've just looked out of the window at my Zed and its crying




:lol: :lol:
dwz8
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Post by dwz8 »

smartypants wrote:hahah

I've just looked out of the window at my Zed and its crying




:lol: :lol:
Sorry, I didn't want to hurt your Zed's feelings...
:wink:

How about a couple of quick videos?

The first ones were a try to capture the sound, however, the road was wet, so I had to be a bit careful with the throttle. Of course, I hit the rev limiter, which shouldn't have happened either.

The first video shows acceleration from zero to 6th gear. 6000 1/min are about 245 km/h, 6.600 approx 270 km/h.

The second video shows a bit of Autobahn driving. Acceleration from second to sixth, although not up to top speed.

Finally, some laps on the Nordschleife, not too fast, but the sound is quite good.

Enjoy,
Dieter
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Robert T
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Post by Robert T »

Well I guess that's next years calendar sorted then! :wink:

Dieter those photos and your car are absolutely gorgeous. All I can say is want, want, want. I want the car, I want the scenery, I want the lifestyle. :D

Wonderful.

Cheers R.
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///M_aniac
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Post by ///M_aniac »

Dieter,

Thank you so much for sharing these stunningly beautiful images.

The car is breaktakingly beautiful. I - like so many others - think I've just wet myself.

How do you sleep at night?? :P
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smartypants
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Post by smartypants »

wait till you see(hear) the videos Conor!! I have just had to go and fetch some tissues.

Now I love the sound of my Zed, but that is something else. From idle to 8000 i dont think I have heard a nicer sound.

Thanks again Dieter!
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Post by dwz8 »

smartypants wrote:wait till you see(hear) the videos Conor!! I have just had to go and fetch some tissues.

Now I love the sound of my Zed, but that is something else. From idle to 8000 i dont think I have heard a nicer sound.

Thanks again Dieter!
you're very welcome !

The car is big fun, and I hope I can keep it for a long time.

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Thanks for your nice comments!

Cheers,
Dieter
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Post by Straight_Six »

them bavarians sure can make a car cant they! :shock:

Lee
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Post by garyw »

absolutely stunning pictures :shock:

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smartypants
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Post by smartypants »

Hands up who BADLY wants one

:wave
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Robert T
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Post by Robert T »

Even the road is wetting itself! That looks like awesome fun.

I repeat, "want, want, want."

** Goes off to see how much is in piggy bank **

Cheers R.
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JontyP
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Post by JontyP »

Still not enough eh Robert. What you need is a bigger piggy bank. :lol: :lol:

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calbens
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Post by calbens »

For all you guys drooling over Dieters stunning motor I thought you might like to know the opportunity to purchase your own has arrived :wink: :D

Not a patch on Dieters though :wink:

RobT crack open that Piggy Bank :lol:

(sorry about the huge link, I'm not clever enough to turn it into a click 'here' :oops: )

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CA ... 7271478152
Last edited by calbens on Mon 19 Feb, 2007 11:06, edited 1 time in total.
dwz8
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  Z8 roadster

Post by dwz8 »

calbens wrote:For all you guys drooling over Dieters stunning motor I thought you might like to know the opportunity to purchase your own has arrived :wink: :D

Not a patch on Dieters though :wink:

RobT crack open that Piggy Bank :lol:

(sorry about the huge link, I'm not clever enough to turn it into a click 'here' :oops: )
About 109k €, a bit on the high side. However, cars like this one are traded around these amounts, probably 105k €.

BTW, you wouldn't get my engine nor my engine's sound for that money. :wink:
Cheers, Dieter

Image Z8. mmmhhmmm.
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Paul Drawmer
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Post by Paul Drawmer »

OMFG!!!!!!

Dieter, your car sounds and looks fantastic. Please can you tell us what has been done to it?

(just off to check my lottery ticket)
dwz8
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Post by dwz8 »

Paul Drawmer wrote:OMFG!!!!!!

Dieter, your car sounds and looks fantastic. Please can you tell us what has been done to it?

(just off to check my lottery ticket)
Hi Paul,

a lot of things have been modified, like wheels, coilovers, brakes, a Quaife diff, exhaust. The engine produces about 540 hp after serious mods.
I am quite convinced that this is not the slowest Z8 of all. :wink:
Cheers, Dieter

Image Z8. mmmhhmmm.
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