The 3.4S engine is hand built using the block from the US spec E36 M3 bored out to 3.4L then mated to a single vanos head that has been fettled by Alpina, and tuned for flexibility rather than outright power. Alpina quoted a *minimum* power output of 300bhp, and that's supposed to be 'at altitude on variable quality fuel', low-end torque of 270Nm at 1k rpm, 362Nm at 4k8 rpm but spread so that 90% of maximum is available over a wide power band, redline at 7200rpm, and it's still easily capable of 32+ mpg (Imperial gallons) in general use. Additional powertrain mods include - Mahle lightweight forged pistons - Alpina crankshaft & cams - Alpina manifold - Gearbox, 6-speed ZF that's not used in any other Z4 - Boysen S/S tuned exhaust system Alpina use BMW as a 'parts bin' and cherry pick components so they also did things like changing the front brake setup to use Z4M/E46 M3 pads on a Z4 3.0Si rotor - the Alpina predates the 3.0Si & Z4M but the BMW parts existed before either of those cars were in production. When Alpina rebuilt the car at Buchloe, they made modifications in most areas, including - Engine - Gearbox - Exhaust - Front Suspension - Front Brakes - Wheels - Tyres (MPS non-runflats) - Front & rear spoilers - Seats - Interior Trim - Instrumentation ...and, as an additional bonus, it's taxed as PLG rather than by CO2 emissions so half the annual road tax of the Z4M and servicing costs are the same as the 3.0L
I've had an Alpina roadster S now for 10 years, before that, I had the 3litre Z4. The 3.0 had the sport button and when you pressed this the car became alive, really responsive. The Alpina doesn't have this, what it does have though is a feeling of more low down torque. The 3.0 was probably quicker as the Z4M is but you cant use it like you can in the Alpina. The suspension and run-flat tyres made the 3.0 drive hard and on country roads with lots of bumps, this made the car skip and go airborne easier. This is very disconcerting when driving quick especially around corners and very quickly you lose confidence. I can imagine the Z4M being much the same. I can enter corners and windy stuff way faster in my Alpina than I would have done in the 3.0. The 3.0 I broke springs and shockers too. I am surprised though that values of the Alpina are not on a par with the Z4M but hey ho. Its cheaper to insure and cheaper to service, road tax is also very low. I love mine, its no 110 and one of only 4 Japan red ones in the UK and turns heads where ever I go.
One very important thing. If you look at the specs for these cars the Z4M weighs in a at very porky 1485kgs, whereas the Alpina is a very nimble 1320kgs, that is a difference of 165kgs or 2 of me! If Porsche stripped out this much weight and installed an enlarged and hand built engine in a Boxtster the world would be raving about it and the they would be selling at least double list price. I drove both and bought the Alpina because it is a better car to drive and has a much better interior. I was lucky because mine was one of the last and has most of the Lux Pack items, including the beautiful 19" Alpina wheels but not the crappy BMW flip up satnav
I've had mine for about 4 years now and it thrills every time I drive it, though a bit heavy compared to our Caterhams. A great run around and continental tourer in one. Great acceleration and speed, gorgeous engine, plush ride, good grip and handling and surprisingly good economy. Really a very sweet package.
Excellent video...hardly any videos on the z4 alpinas so great content. I agree with the owner that for most people these cars look like any other Z4 but for people who truly know there cars they appreciate how rare of a car it is I get it with my Z4M Coupe people think it's just a Z4 I remember taking my car an MOT and the mechanic had no idea BMW made an M version these cars are super rare it's a shame that alpina never took the shell of the z4 coupe and did their magic...could you imagine they would be a collector's dream. In regards to prices of these cars I think if you wanna buy a low mileage example it's going to cost somewhere around the price it would cost when brand new, but high mileage ones are still attractive provided they have had a good owner who's looked after it. What was the performance like compared to your 3 litre, you didn't seem completely blown away in the video?
Thank you mate, I think it’s quite appealing how understated the car is. And the power doesn’t blow you away so to speak, but you have a noticeably higher amount of torque at all rev ranges
At the moment, I’d have the Alpina - just because of that rarity factor, however, if you wanted it as an investment, you wouldn’t be able to put serious miles on it. And I’m yet to drive a Z4M, but will hopefully do so soon! Thanks for watching!
Great video mate, on an interesting motor. I've been researching Z4s recently and found your channel really helpful regards my purchase. Bought a 3.0si Roadster with 44k on the clock, triple black, last week. I love it but the gear change is a bit notchy which apparently is quite typical. How did u find it in the Alpina?
a great car, but when he shut the door, still the dreadful tinny door sound, get the bloody doors sound deadened man!!!!!!!! just did mine while in lockdown, sounds like a real car now
That is because the car is 165kgs lighter than the Z4M Roadster, which is another reason why it drives better, handles better and despite having a bit less power is a much better car.
@@itsjoel5 years on and I still have them but they still have hardly gone up in value. They now represent an insane performance bargain considering the price of other stuff!
Yeah, it's an enhanced Z4, for those who have a little more budget to equip it with finer things in life, with a little more care in hand-balanced parts, but also be as complete as any new factory BMW. Not a personalized tuner monster with a narrowly focused intent of shock and awe. :D
same guy did a review on utube about a year ago, same car I think it was called the secret Z4. I hear on the grapevine used cars are gonna tank so it might be worth hanging on
this older dude is exactly type of man i dont like to see in those roadsters. Thinking he knows all. So confident about the difference from normal z4 but in fact, there are very little tweaks, which u dont even notice and pricetag is 2x higher :D U have to explain to everyone again and again, why u throw so much more money for practically ....the same.
The difference when you drive the car is actually quite noticeable. The main reason for the values of this car is definitely the rarity of them though, with only about 300 ever made.
It's Joel but its not rare exterior design. Is the 99 the same like e85, even it has not M-bonnet which is fantastic design.. Everyone can buy normal e85 and nobody will ever notice if u have alpina or not. Even the wheels are not nicer then original has + that rear ducktail spoiler is ... I dont know .... i preffer “liberty walk spoiler” but it is expensive for piece of plastic about 700 euro. I strongly preffer to switch the Bonnet to M-bonnet + bixenon headlighits. No need alpina, only if u dont like to drive the car and only for buy and sell value in future investment, but I drive my z4 every day
I own an Alpina B7 and a a M roadster. I am not convinced this Alpina is better than the M roadster . My M roadster is 330 brake power and the Alpina only 300,. Interestingly, Jeremy Clarkson wasn't impressed with it either.
I wouldn’t say the Alpina was better than an M but they are quite different cars so it’s a matter of preference. Performance wise there’s really nothing in it, the M Has more BHP but it’s carrying an extra 165kg and the power is delivered in a different way. Alpina didn’t declare actual BHP figures for the Roadster S, they merely said it was in the region of 300 - the engines are hand built (from the previous M3’s 3.2L) so they vary. I would say the Alpina looks more special but there are things I prefer about the M too. BMW had the benefit of the Alpina being in production when they were making their M so you’d expect them to take it a bit further in terms of headline figures to get the ‘edge’ on Alpina. They also added an LSD (at the cost of some boot space) which helps if you track the cars I guess. Interestingly they denied Alpina any right of reply to the M by cutting the supply of any further engines once the M was set for production. Clarkson is entertaining but I look elsewhere for objective car reviews of substance to be honest.
Did Clarkson review the Roadster S by the way? I remember Top Gear reviewing the Alpina Z8 and Clarkson not being overwhelmed by that but I don’t recall them doing the Z4.
It's Joel Bet Clarkson wishes now he would have bought one of the Alpina Z8s - only 8 came to the UK and the only one I found for sale currently is up for £350k!!
It's Joel most importantly, it looks like a hoot to drive and has something a bit unusual about it. I’m warming to Z4s in general to be honest, both these early cars and the more recent ones. But why isn’t the latest called the z5? Is this name already owned by another manufacturer? I know there was the Z1, I know about the Z3 (why no Z2?) and the Z4 which is 2 generations, but no z5
This car will gona be a classic. This car special to me it's in every single video game it's that what i dreamed about from the childhood and when all fuckers like me will gonna get old this car price will sky rocket through the roof.👍 when i mean THIS i mean z4 no matter what model or manufacturer THIS gonna be
This S- roadster is not worth the money. The M-bonnet is much more nicer, the bixenon lights are much more nicer, the ducktail yes it should be on all z4 and original front is best. I Dont like the s-wheels, s-front bumper and u can get much more cheaper and more beautifull z4 if u buy normal z4 and exchange some parts .
The 3.4S engine is hand built using the block from the US spec E36 M3 bored out to 3.4L then mated to a single vanos head that has been fettled by Alpina, and tuned for flexibility rather than outright power.
Alpina quoted a *minimum* power output of 300bhp, and that's supposed to be 'at altitude on variable quality fuel', low-end torque of 270Nm at 1k rpm, 362Nm at 4k8 rpm but spread so that 90% of maximum is available over a wide power band, redline at 7200rpm, and it's still easily capable of 32+ mpg (Imperial gallons) in general use.
Additional powertrain mods include
- Mahle lightweight forged pistons
- Alpina crankshaft & cams
- Alpina manifold
- Gearbox, 6-speed ZF that's not used in any other Z4
- Boysen S/S tuned exhaust system
Alpina use BMW as a 'parts bin' and cherry pick components so they also did things like changing the front brake setup to use Z4M/E46 M3 pads on a Z4 3.0Si rotor - the Alpina predates the 3.0Si & Z4M but the BMW parts existed before either of those cars were in production.
When Alpina rebuilt the car at Buchloe, they made modifications in most areas, including
- Engine
- Gearbox
- Exhaust
- Front Suspension
- Front Brakes
- Wheels
- Tyres (MPS non-runflats)
- Front & rear spoilers
- Seats
- Interior Trim
- Instrumentation
...and, as an additional bonus, it's taxed as PLG rather than by CO2 emissions so half the annual road tax of the Z4M and servicing costs are the same as the 3.0L
this is the car i’m learning stick shift in! my dad owns one and it is indeed a very special car!
one of your best videos Joel, top marks..!! and thanks to mark...for sharing....
3.4 litres, 6 cylinders , great sound , great looks , all round great car .
It really was fantastic!
I've had an Alpina roadster S now for 10 years, before that, I had the 3litre Z4. The 3.0 had the sport button and when you pressed this the car became alive, really responsive. The Alpina doesn't have this, what it does have though is a feeling of more low down torque. The 3.0 was probably quicker as the Z4M is but you cant use it like you can in the Alpina. The suspension and run-flat tyres made the 3.0 drive hard and on country roads with lots of bumps, this made the car skip and go airborne easier. This is very disconcerting when driving quick especially around corners and very quickly you lose confidence. I can imagine the Z4M being much the same. I can enter corners and windy stuff way faster in my Alpina than I would have done in the 3.0. The 3.0 I broke springs and shockers too. I am surprised though that values of the Alpina are not on a par with the Z4M but hey ho. Its cheaper to insure and cheaper to service, road tax is also very low. I love mine, its no 110 and one of only 4 Japan red ones in the UK and turns heads where ever I go.
Does it have cup holders? 🤣
Yes, this one actually did!
Ahahahah it remember me to Doug DeMuro, another very famous youtuber...
Another great video, now every z4 owner will want an alpina s 😍
Yes, including me!
I wish I could get one of those here in the States, looks like the ultimate z4 daily driver, great sound, and comfortable enough to daily.
my dad owns the only one is the united states i’m pretty sure. we got lucky
Great video Joel! You are very lucky to have had the chance to experience one of these!
Thank you, I know - what an amazing opportunity!
I have a a soft spot for all Alpina versions of the BMW range and this is a lovely looking car.
It really is beautiful
Excellent content Joel, brilliant car that I nearly bought in 2004 before opting for the e85 3.0 In the same colour combination.
Thank you. It was great to drive and a really special experience
CK ROY as nice as e85s are... big mistake. These are expensive nowadays
Personal check... Yes I'm seriously jealous!! Damn you're so lucky to be able to say you've driven one
I feel very lucky! Thanks for watching!
Awesome car! Alpina is a great car for setting yourself apart from the crowd! The sound and those wheels are amazing!
Thanks for watching! I really enjoyed the car - it’s a special one, that not that many people seem to know about!
One very important thing. If you look at the specs for these cars the Z4M weighs in a at very porky 1485kgs, whereas the Alpina is a very nimble 1320kgs, that is a difference of 165kgs or 2 of me! If Porsche stripped out this much weight and installed an enlarged and hand built engine in a Boxtster the world would be raving about it and the they would be selling at least double list price. I drove both and bought the Alpina because it is a better car to drive and has a much better interior. I was lucky because mine was one of the last and has most of the Lux Pack items, including the beautiful 19" Alpina wheels but not the crappy BMW flip up satnav
I've had mine for about 4 years now and it thrills every time I drive it, though a bit heavy compared to our Caterhams. A great run around and continental tourer in one. Great acceleration and speed, gorgeous engine, plush ride, good grip and handling and surprisingly good economy. Really a very sweet package.
Excellent video...hardly any videos on the z4 alpinas so great content.
I agree with the owner that for most people these cars look like any other Z4 but for people who truly know there cars they appreciate how rare of a car it is I get it with my Z4M Coupe people think it's just a Z4 I remember taking my car an MOT and the mechanic had no idea BMW made an M version
these cars are super rare it's a shame that alpina never took the shell of the z4 coupe and did their magic...could you imagine they would be a collector's dream.
In regards to prices of these cars I think if you wanna buy a low mileage example it's going to cost somewhere around the price it would cost when brand new, but high mileage ones are still attractive provided they have had a good owner who's looked after it.
What was the performance like compared to your 3 litre, you didn't seem completely blown away in the video?
Thank you mate, I think it’s quite appealing how understated the car is. And the power doesn’t blow you away so to speak, but you have a noticeably higher amount of torque at all rev ranges
@@itsjoel which one would you buy out the three:
Alpina 3.4, Ben Z4 e89 35is or z4m?
At the moment, I’d have the Alpina - just because of that rarity factor, however, if you wanted it as an investment, you wouldn’t be able to put serious miles on it. And I’m yet to drive a Z4M, but will hopefully do so soon! Thanks for watching!
I agree, great video, I have a standard 2.5i Z4
@@toms_garage im looking at buying a Z4 roadster 2.5i as a daily I reckon the performance is still there.
Gorgeous car and those wheels! 😍
the favourite version of my favourite car, by the way Alpina only makes so many a year, so whatever car you have it is going to be rare
I can’t wait for you to make a video reviewing a Z4M. I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun
Me neither! I’m sure it’ll happen soon 😉
Heck! ANY ALPINA is a classic out of the factory!
Great video mate, on an interesting motor. I've been researching Z4s recently and found your channel really helpful regards my purchase. Bought a 3.0si Roadster with 44k on the clock, triple black, last week. I love it but the gear change is a bit notchy which apparently is quite typical. How did u find it in the Alpina?
You sound just like lord Aleem expressions laugh etc
Perfect.
But the Z4 Induvidual package got also leather everywhere
Even on the door handles? Haha
@@itsjoel doors. But not the handles lol
Great video!
a great car, but when he shut the door, still the dreadful tinny door sound, get the bloody doors sound deadened man!!!!!!!! just did mine while in lockdown, sounds like a real car now
That is because the car is 165kgs lighter than the Z4M Roadster, which is another reason why it drives better, handles better and despite having a bit less power is a much better car.
Very nice car , love all the alpinas. Wish my 3.0 Z4 had a softer ride like that.
The ride is very smooth!
Great video Joel! Do you know how much he paid for his Alpina and the mileage when purchased? Thanks for all the great content!
Not sure, but these are on the UK market at around £12-20k
Really enjoyed this one.i was aware of the alpina nice to see one in action 👍just as good as the m but cheaper to tax as we’ll
Thanks for watching mate, glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, well shot and presented! I've got a Z4M Coupé myself which you're more than welcome to have a go in :)
Thanks a lot! Awesome, that sounds like fun!
I think at the moment there are about 2 alpines for sale in the uk.
I certainly hope so....I have one! (And a Z4M)
You’re living the dream!
@@itsjoel5 years on and I still have them but they still have hardly gone up in value. They now represent an insane performance bargain considering the price of other stuff!
Magnifique voiture !
Unicorn right there.
Love the Alpina Roadster but damn that wheel gap is atrocious.
I think it looks near perfect!
Yeah, it's an enhanced Z4, for those who have a little more budget to equip it with finer things in life, with a little more care in hand-balanced parts, but also be as complete as any new factory BMW.
Not a personalized tuner monster with a narrowly focused intent of shock and awe. :D
VSC is OFF. Really. That’s cool and all but a drop in ride height would make that great looking car look even better.
same guy did a review on utube about a year ago, same car I think it was called the secret Z4. I hear on the grapevine used cars are gonna tank so it might be worth hanging on
Yeah think that’s the video I’ve linked in the description on Mark’s behalf 👍🏻
Whats the music at the start of this video please Joel?
whats the background music at the start?
this older dude is exactly type of man i dont like to see in those roadsters. Thinking he knows all. So confident about the difference from normal z4 but in fact, there are very little tweaks, which u dont even notice and pricetag is 2x higher :D U have to explain to everyone again and again, why u throw so much more money for practically ....the same.
The difference when you drive the car is actually quite noticeable. The main reason for the values of this car is definitely the rarity of them though, with only about 300 ever made.
It's Joel but its not rare exterior design. Is the 99 the same like e85, even it has not M-bonnet which is fantastic design.. Everyone can buy normal e85 and nobody will ever notice if u have alpina or not. Even the wheels are not nicer then original has + that rear ducktail spoiler is ... I dont know .... i preffer “liberty walk spoiler” but it is expensive for piece of plastic about 700 euro. I strongly preffer to switch the Bonnet to M-bonnet + bixenon headlighits. No need alpina, only if u dont like to drive the car and only for buy and sell value in future investment, but I drive my z4 every day
oh its only 40k in belgium oO
Red leather...yellow leather...red leather...yellow leather!!
Awesome
👌🏻
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Nice. What are the prices in UK?
Anywhere between £12-20k
No sports button?😵
Not on the Alpina. But imagine it as a luxury Z4M
I own an Alpina B7 and a a M roadster. I am not convinced this Alpina is better than the M roadster . My M roadster is 330 brake power and the Alpina only 300,. Interestingly, Jeremy Clarkson wasn't impressed with it either.
For me, it’s hard to say at this point, as I’m yet to drive an M.
I wouldn’t say the Alpina was better than an M but they are quite different cars so it’s a matter of preference. Performance wise there’s really nothing in it, the M Has more BHP but it’s carrying an extra 165kg and the power is delivered in a different way. Alpina didn’t declare actual BHP figures for the Roadster S, they merely said it was in the region of 300 - the engines are hand built (from the previous M3’s 3.2L) so they vary. I would say the Alpina looks more special but there are things I prefer about the M too. BMW had the benefit of the Alpina being in production when they were making their M so you’d expect them to take it a bit further in terms of headline figures to get the ‘edge’ on Alpina. They also added an LSD (at the cost of some boot space) which helps if you track the cars I guess. Interestingly they denied Alpina any right of reply to the M by cutting the supply of any further engines once the M was set for production.
Clarkson is entertaining but I look elsewhere for objective car reviews of substance to be honest.
Did Clarkson review the Roadster S by the way? I remember Top Gear reviewing the Alpina Z8 and Clarkson not being overwhelmed by that but I don’t recall them doing the Z4.
Nope, don’t think so!
It's Joel Bet Clarkson wishes now he would have bought one of the Alpina Z8s - only 8 came to the UK and the only one I found for sale currently is up for £350k!!
What is the price for an Alpine Z4?
approx £ 15k - £24K depending on condition and milage
are all the alpinas z4, roadster? Beautiful, but that would be a shame i think.
What this rims style or number?
Think they’re called the dynamic wheels. Not sure of the code. If you type in Alpina Roadster S wheels, you should find what you’re looking for 👍🏻👍🏻
So how much is it worth?
Probably around £15k
@@itsjoel Really, is that all? That's not a lot of money for such a rare car
Exactly, a complete bargain. I’m sure these are set to go up in value in the not too distant future
It's Joel most importantly, it looks like a hoot to drive and has something a bit unusual about it. I’m warming to Z4s in general to be honest, both these early cars and the more recent ones. But why isn’t the latest called the z5? Is this name already owned by another manufacturer? I know there was the Z1, I know about the Z3 (why no Z2?) and the Z4 which is 2 generations, but no z5
I have always wondered that, I’m not sure how manufacturers name their cars! There’s not yet an Audi A9 or a Porsche 910 haha
This car will gona be a classic. This car special to me it's in every single video game it's that what i dreamed about from the childhood and when all fuckers like me will gonna get old this car price will sky rocket through the roof.👍 when i mean THIS i mean z4 no matter what model or manufacturer THIS gonna be
Nice 👍 💘
Actually Alpina did not take the S54B32 but the M54B30 as a base to build the 3.4l engine.
wrong. this is stroked S52B30/M52 "hybrid" engine.
That is the nicest z4 I have ever seen, sorry but yours isn’t quite an alpine
No, it definitely isn’t!
This S- roadster is not worth the money. The M-bonnet is much more nicer, the bixenon lights are much more nicer, the ducktail yes it should be on all z4 and original front is best. I Dont like the s-wheels, s-front bumper and u can get much more cheaper and more beautifull z4 if u buy normal z4 and exchange some parts .
It all comes down to opinion at the end of the day, although I would probably choose the M from a driving perspective