The Alpina C1 was based on the BMW E21 323i and was among Alpina’s most popular early models, providing superior performance over the unmodified car. The C1 2.3 made 125 kW (168 hp) and reached a top speed of 213 km/h.
Alpina C1 at a glance
| Basis | BMW E21 323i |
|---|---|
| C1 2.3 power | 125 kW (168 hp) and 225 N·m (166 lb·ft) |
| C1 2.3 performance | 0–100 km/h in 7.8 s, top speed 213 km/h (132 mph) |
| C1 2.5 engine | M20B23 enlarged to 2,552 cc (also used by early C2 / 2.6) |
| Engine work | ported and polished head, harder valve springs, hotter cam, reworked intake manifold, larger throttle body |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alpina C1
The C1 was one of the most popular early Alpinas. The C1 2.3 delivered 168 hp and 225 N·m of torque and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The C1 2.5 and the early C2 / 2.6 models used the M20B23 (2.3 L) engine with bore and stroke increased to a displacement of 2,552 cc. Alpina reworked the head, which was ported and polished, installed harder valve springs and a hotter cam, reworked the intake manifold and used a larger throttle body.
Design and features
- Engine: the M20 six, enlarged on the 2.5 to 2,552 cc and reworked in the head and intake.
- Place in the family: the C1 preceded the C2 and the B3 on later 3 Series.
Alpina C1 versions
- C1 2.3: 168 hp.
- C1 2.5: the enlarged engine, shared with early C2 / 2.6.
More Alpina models are in our Alpina collection, for example the C2, the B3 and the B6.
Alpina C1 questions and answers
What is the Alpina C1 based on?
The BMW E21 323i.
How fast is the C1 2.3?
A top speed of 213 km/h and 0–100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
What engine does the C1 2.5 have?
The M20B23 engine enlarged to 2,552 cc.
Sources
- Alpina, English Wikipedia: 3 Series based Alpinas, C1
