Engines

All BMW ALPINA models feature high-tech, state-of-the art engines. Regardless of whether diesel or petrol, six or eight cylinders – every engine impresses with high power output and torque as well as exceptional efficiency.

BMW, an engine builder par excellence, delivers the basis in form of outstanding power units equipped with the latest technological refinements, plenty of output potential and class-leading features for the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. Building on the experience and know-how of more than forty years of drivetrain development, the engineers in the ALPINA manufactory leverage the freedom and flexibility that a small series production offers to develop exceptional and exciting engines for a wide range of models.

As a manufacturer of exclusive automobiles, ALPINA has its own ultra-modern development and test centre as well as a large team of developers, engineers and specialists. As a result all engines and in fact every drivetrain component of every BMW ALPINA model is developed and stringently tested to ensure that it withstands the toughest demands placed upon it and that it delivers its full potential in every situation. Naturally all engines comply with the latest and strictest exhaust and emission regulations worldwide, no matter whether in Europe, Japan or California.

8-Cylinder BITURBO Petrol (B7 Bi-Turbo / B5 Bi-Turbo)

Cutting-edge BMW engine technology and comprehensive development work carried out by ALPINA, means output and torque are raised to a whole new level.

The new 4.4 litre 8-cylinder engine with Bi-Turbo charging, petrol direct injection and Valvetronic delivers an impressive output of 447 kW (608 hp) between 5750 and 6250 rpm, while the maximum torque of 800 Nm is available from 3000 rpm.

The power output of this high-tech engine unfolds smoothly and with impressive vigour across the entire rpm range. Excellent throttle response and high torque ensure that even at low engine speeds driver inputs are immediately transformed into forward acceleration. In every situation there is a fascinating surge to the car‘s power delivery. In addition to the depth of ALPINA’s engineering expertise a number of significant technical details are responsible for the engine’s power output and performance characteristics – specifically the air intake system, the intercooler / turbocharger configuration and the high-performance cooling system.

The Bi-Turbo charging system comprises two specially developed turbochargers with twin-scroll turbines and large compressor wheels, which are positioned in the V of the 8-cylinder engine. This configuration ensures highly effective use of exhaust gas energy even at low engine speeds resulting in a quick power build-up and more torque at low engine speeds for overall exceptional engine response. All components of the ALPINA air intake system - from the so called raw air intake ducts to air filter housings and clean air intake manifold - have been constructed to maximum effectiveness. Similarly, the high-performance cooling system utilises large volume radiators and optimised piping designed for maximum throughput. An indirect inter-cooler system (air/water/air) facilitates the implementation of short charge-air intake paths – with a main intercooler supplying the two large volume engine-near intercoolers. Together with additional external radiators the system ensures the thermodynamic stability of the V8 Bi-Turbo engine at all times even under the highest loads and ambient air temperatures.

6-Cylinder BITURBO Petrol

The 2979 cm³ straight-six cylinder engine with direct fuel injection and Bi-Turbo charging produces an impressive 324 kW (440 hp) between 5500 and 6250 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 3000-4500 rpm. This enormous pulling power combined with the excellently matched 8-speed sport automatic transmission means that engine response is instantaneous and effortless at all times - a central ingredient for the ALPINA typical driving experience. A prerequisite for this is the concept of twin turbocharging. This offers the advantage of fast response due to a low mass inertia of the turbochargers (as opposed to a single, large turbocharger) while at the same time allowing for the necessary air throughput required for maximum power output. Engine response and power delivery is sharpened even further by an electronically controlled by-pass valve system. Specially designed and dethrottled induction ducts guide the air with minimum losses from the air intake via the air filter housing to the turbochargers. Optimal utilisation of the power potential is guaranteed by a high-performance cooling package including large-volume intercooler with flow-optimised boxes made from aluminium. Specific NGK spark plugs as well as a forged steel crankshaft are among the internal engine measures incorporated in the specially cast aluminium crankcase. The engine, equipped with Auto Start Stop function and fully variable valve timing, has a combined fuel consumption in accordance with the ECE norm of only 9.1 to 9.2 l/100 km and emissions of 207 to 209 g/km CO2, depending on model.

6-Zylinder BITURBO Petrol (B3)

The latest generation petrol direct-injection straight-six 3.0 litre engine with re-engineered Bi-Turbo charging and a performance-optimised cooling system delivers thrilling power and performance. Every engine detail reflects the passionate development commitment of BMW and ALPINA engineers.

With an output of 340 kW (462 hp) between 5,500 and 7,000 rpm the engine delivers impressive driving performance. The power delivery is smooth and linear, paired with direct pedal feedback – the performance experience is direct and maintained over the entire rpm range. The maximum torque of 700 Nm is available between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm – which is particularly relevant to everyday driving. The overall result is a superior driving experience – on every road, in every corner, and in any driving situation.

The Bi-Turbo engine’s remarkable power and torque characteristics are the result of several optimisations in the details – especially with regards to the turbocharging and cooling systems. Flow-optimised turbine housings, for example, facilitate the effective conversion of exhaust gas energy into boost pressure even at low engine speeds. Optimised cross-sections in the air intake system and a large air intake housing ensure excellent and torquey responsiveness. The ALPINA specific cooling system ensures the thermal stability of the high-performance engine even under highest loads.

State-of-the-art exhaust gas treatment technology with petrol particulate filters is in line with ALPINA’s philosophy of achieving the best possible interplay of performance, consumption and emission values. Fuel consumption measured according to the new and more realistic WLTP measuring cycle (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) is 10.9 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 247 g/km*.

*Stated fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are measured pursuant to EU Regulation 715/2007 in its applicable version

6-Cylinder Diesel (D5 S)

The new BMW ALPINA D5 S (S for “Sportdiesel”) has the most powerful diesel drivetrain ever to feature in a BMW ALPINA automobile. The 3.0 litre straight-six cylinder engine with three turbochargers and common rail high-pressure direct injection delivers an impressive output of 285 kW (388 hp) between 4000 and 5000 rpm. A maximum torque of 800 Nm is available between 1750 and 2650 rpm.

The permanent two stage charging system comprising a total of three turbochargers is responsible for a responsive throttle and energetic power build-up while also ensuring maximum power output is achieved. The arrangement consists of two high-pressure stages with variable turbine geometry and one large low-pressure stage.

Power delivery is smooth, effortless, and – for a diesel – unusually dynamic over the entire rpm range. This is in part due to a flow-optimised air intake system with revised air filter housings which reduce pressure losses in the system overall, allowing the engine to breathe and rev freely.

More output requires more cooling. The high performance cooling package of the new BMW ALPINA D5 S is designed for maximum effectiveness. Large volume coolers and optimised coolant hosing allow high throughput rates. An indirect intercooler set-up keeps air intake distances short. A primary air-water cooler located in front of the engine supplies a large volume water-air intercooler. Additionally three external coolers and a transmission oil cooler guarantee thermodynamic stability even under highest loads.

Fuel consumption in the combined cycle measured according to ECE norms is 7.3 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 192 g/km.

6-Cylinder Diesel (XD3 / XD4)

The foremost goal during the development of the new BMW ALPINA XD3 and XD4 models was to push the envelope further and to improve upon the core values of the predecessor. Utilising state-of-the-art engine technology the new models offer an unrivalled driving experience in this segment characterised by power, torque, dynamic handling and comfort.

Building upon the excellence of the new BMW 3.0-liter straight-six engine with quad-turbocharging and common-rail high-pressure direct injection, the drivetrain of the new BMW ALPINA XD3 and XD4 delivers a power output of 285 kW (388 hp). This is available over a wide bandwidth ranging from 4000 to 5000 rpm. The maximum torque of 770 Nm is already available from just 1750 rpm and up to 3000 rpm.

The permanent two-stage turbocharging system with four turbochargers offers maximum performance. It comprises two large low-pressure stages operating in parallel and two small high-pressure stages with variable turbine geometry which also operate in parallel. As a result, power delivery is smooth, effortless, and – for a diesel – unusually dynamic over the entire rpm range.

The engine features the latest in exhaust gas treatment technology. In addition to a diesel particulate filter and a NOx storage catalytic converter, a SCR catalytic converter with aqueous urea solution injection (AdBlue®) reduces emissions to a minimum. Fuel consumption measured according to the new and more realistic WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure) is 6,9 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 183 g/km.