Key Points
- Sreten bought a 2008 Alpina B7 for $4,000, knowing it needed a lot of work.
- He spent the next year and a half restoring the car, investing over $43,000 in repairs and maintenance.
- He was able to bring the car back to its former glory and even take it back to the Alpina factory in Germany.
- The Alpina B7 is a rare and special car. It is powered by a 500-horsepower supercharged V8 engine and has a top speed of 200 mph. It is also known for its luxurious interior and comfortable ride.
- Sreten’s car was in rough shape when he bought it, but he was able to restore it to its former glory. He is now the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind car that he can enjoy for many years to come.
Heritage
The 2008 Alpina B7 demands attention as a formidable powerhouse. Its reputation for high repair and maintenance costs, let alone restoration expenses, makes it a significant investment. This narrative is vividly captured in a video on the M539 Restorations YouTube channel, which evokes a sense of coming full circle.
CEO Andreas Bovensipen
Over a year ago, Sreten procured the 2008 Alpina B7, fondly dubbed a “giant check engine light,” for a mere $4,000. Rooted in the E65 BMW 7 Series, the 2008 Alpina B7 boasts aggressive aesthetics, including 21-inch wheels, an imposing front air dam, side skirts, and a rear valence.
However, the true marvels lie beneath the surface. Beyond cosmetic enhancements, it houses an updated suspension and robust brakes, essential for taming the ferocious 500-horsepower supercharged 4.4-litre V8 engine.
Passion and Persistence
This Alpina B7’s condition paralleled a basket case, rivalling even the V10-powered E60 BMW M5 in its financial demands on its owners. Sreten’s B7 necessitated a complete engine overhaul and extensive mechanical rectifications.
In a testament to his unwavering commitment, he embarked on an all-encompassing interior and exterior rejuvenation. Across 18 YouTube videos, his journey unfolds, depicting trials and triumphs in the gradual revival of the Alpina B7 to its roadworthy splendour.
Mechanical Overhaul
A crowning moment arrives as Sreten returns the Alpina B7 to its birthplace at the Buchloe factory in Germany. Here, he encounters Andreas Bovensipen, the CEO of Alpina, and embarks on a factory tour. Bovensipen even takes the wheel for a spin on the autobahn, engaging in discussions about Alpina’s motorsport legacy and its forward trajectory. The concluding revelation lays bare the financial investment made—starting from the purchase price, the comprehensive repairs amassed an astonishing $43,387.96 (39,589 euros).
B3, D4, and XB7
Spanning over six decades, Alpina has etched its mark by crafting high-performance iterations of BMW cars, including the illustrious B7, which saw its discontinuation the previous year. Despite its recent acquisition by BMW, Alpina maintains its autonomy and intends to manufacture cars and SUVs through 2025, encompassing models like the B3, D4, and XB7.
Conclusion
The journey of restoring the 2008 Alpina B7 encapsulates the resolute dedication of automotive enthusiasts. Through meticulous efforts and substantial investments, Sreten breathed new life into a once-neglected powerhouse. The tale of this restoration, chronicled in a series of compelling YouTube videos, highlights the transformative power of passion and persistence. From a $4,000 acquisition to a comprehensive overhaul, both mechanically and aesthetically, the Alpina B7 has reclaimed its roadworthy magnificence.
Restoration Journey
The expedition culminates in a poignant visit to the Alpina factory, where Sreten reconnects with the essence of this iconic machine. Meeting with Alpina’s CEO, Andreas Bovensipen, and embarking on an autobahn adventure, the restoration’s triumphant outcome is underscored by discussions of heritage and future aspirations. With a staggering total cost of $43,387.96 (39,589 euros), this endeavour stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and the enduring legacy of Alpina.
Automotive excellence
As Alpina forges ahead under the BMW umbrella, the company’s rich history endures, promising the continuation of high-performance marvels like the B7, alongside other esteemed models like the B3, D4, and XB7. In a world where dedication meets engineering prowess, the restored Alpina B7 exemplifies the sheer joy of breathing life back into a machine, propelling it to new heights and reaffirming its indelible place in the annals of automotive excellence.
M539 Restorations via YouTube
