Details of Cars

Alpina B9 (E28): the 3.45-litre 5 Series of 1981–1985

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BMW Alpina B9 3.5 based on the E28 5 Series at a classic car show
BMW Alpina B9 (E28) 3.5 at the Knebworth Classic Car Show. Photo by MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Alpina B9 was built in a small series from November 1981 to December 1985 on the basis of the BMW E28 5 Series. About 500 examples were produced.

Alpina B9 at a glance

Alpina B9 (E28) key facts
Production November 1981 – December 1985; about 500 built
Basis BMW 528i (E28)
Engine 3.45 L Alpina engine, based on the 3.5 L M30, with new cylinder head, pistons and camshaft
Engine management Bosch Motronic
Gearbox 5-speed; automatic available
Suspension and wheels Bilstein gas dampers; 16-inch wheels as standard

This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.

History of the Alpina B9

The B9 is based on the 528i, whose 2.8-litre M30 engine was replaced by a 3.45-litre Alpina-tuned engine. The motor is based on the 3.5-litre version of the M30 but was extensively modified: Alpina replaced the cylinder head, pistons and camshaft, and the car used a Bosch Motronic engine control. The power goes to the rear wheels through a five-speed gearbox, with an automatic transmission also available.

1984 Alpina B9 3.5 saloon seen from the front three-quarter
1984 Alpina B9 3.5. Photo by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The suspension of the E28 was modified with Bilstein gas dampers, and as standard the B9 was delivered with 16-inch wheels. Alpina also modified the interior. The B9 was followed in 1985 by the B10 3.5 on the 535i.

When Alpina launched the B10 3.5 in 1985 on the BMW 535i (E28), the 3.5-litre six of the B6 3.5 replaced the 3.45-litre engine of the B9, which is why the B9 is the shortest-lived of the E28 Alpinas: it was built for just over four years.

Design and features

  • Engine: a 3.45-litre development of the BMW M30 six.
  • Chassis: Bilstein gas dampers and 16-inch wheels.
  • Interior: Alpina also modified the interior of the B9 with its own details.

Alpina B9 versions

  • B9 3.5 (E28): the only B9 on the E28 5 Series.

More Alpina models of the era are in our Alpina collection, for example the B10, the B6 and the C1.

Alpina B9 questions and answers

How many Alpina B9 were built?

About 500, between November 1981 and December 1985.

What is the B9 based on?

The BMW 528i (E28).

What engine does it have?

A 3.45-litre Alpina development of the 3.5-litre BMW M30 six.

What replaced the B9?

The B10 3.5 of 1985 on the BMW 535i (E28), which used the 3.5-litre six of the B6 3.5.

Sources

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