[R2i3a]

Congrats what a car

[CarJunkie]

Seriously considering replacing my M2cs with an Alpina B8 as a daily….I miss the comfort and civility my X5 had, not to mention being able to fit in the whole family comfortably so that I can drive something other than the minivan on family outings.

[CarJunkie]

See above….I have decided to keep my M2cs….my family and several friends talked me down from the ledge.

So, public service announcement: my local dealer (BMW of Tri-Cities in Richland, WA) has a mineral white B8 on the showroom floor, ivory white interior, B&W audio.

[M8Bimmer]

I was at my local dealer the other day and the owner was driving a new green B8 Alpina GC. Was nice to look at anyway. I think the service rep said he got in Feb this winter.
We were trying to mount my front wheel arch protectors and the B8 has them. It was handy to see how it's done.

[tg_vegas]

Just starting to get used to my Alpina. Huge change from the M8 Comp Coupe. If I could change anything, I'd go with 20" wheels instead of the 21's which are harsh and easy to damage. I would also like the exhaust to have more bark when in Sports mode. The Alpina has a nice tone but it certainly doesn't sound like a 600+ hp car. My dealership had two Alpinas in stock, I hadn't planned on getting one but made a spontaneous purchase. I like that I don't see a ton of them around.

[dhoggm3]

Beautiful!

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by tg_vegas

Just starting to get used to my Alpina. Huge change from the M8 Comp Coupe. If I could change anything, I'd go with 20" wheels instead of the 21's which are harsh and easy to damage. I would also like the exhaust to have more bark when in Sports mode. The Alpina has a nice tone but it certainly doesn't sound like a 600+ hp car. My dealership had two Alpinas in stock, I hadn't planned on getting one but made a spontaneous purchase. I like that I don't see a ton of them around.

Very nice.

How about a quick synopsis on the differences, aside from the sound?

[M8Bimmer]

Originally Posted by tg_vegas

Just starting to get used to my Alpina. Huge change from the M8 Comp Coupe. If I could change anything, I'd go with 20" wheels instead of the 21's which are harsh and easy to damage. I would also like the exhaust to have more bark when in Sports mode. The Alpina has a nice tone but it certainly doesn't sound like a 600+ hp car. My dealership had two Alpinas in stock, I hadn't planned on getting one but made a spontaneous purchase. I like that I don't see a ton of them around.

I'd say it sounds like the car they intended to make really. Just a bit more sedate less viscous M8. It's intended to be a more luxurious type car with more grace and poise. But still be an animal underneath.
I agree...not a fan of those wheels.
I see, at least I think I see, front wheels arch protectors? Hard to tell from the one shot you used.

[M8Bimmer]

Ok I see those are the arch protectors. And you got the longer ones too which is better.
The Alpina I saw a few months back had the short ones. Can you see how they mount those at all? We were stumped with mine as there is no holes or tabs to mount it.
We ended up using strong acrylic adhesive for body parts. Worked really well actually.

[tg_vegas]

Yes, they have front and rear arch protectors. I'm told that the rear ones were added because of the rear wheel steering. I don't see any fasteners on front or rear, it would appear they are held on with some VHB product. The rear spoiler is clearly attached that way.

[wagonallterrain]

Beautiful! Really love those wheels.

I think I know where you got it. I was actually comparing the quotes on this one and the barcelona blue 840xi they have - before I could make the decision, this B8 disappeared so I went with the 840. If the other B8 they have is not in black but some exciting color (e.g., green or blue), I'd probably have gone with that one instead.

Congrats on securing such a rare car!

[hersh67]

that thing is classy as hell. even with the chrome/white accents

[jj61001]

But why did the Alpina get same m850 interior... That was a no for me!!!

[tg_vegas]

Originally Posted by hersh67

that thing is classy as hell. even with the chrome/white accents

Thanks. I'm getting used to it. I'm considering having the emblems powder-coated black and putting carbon fiber exhaust tips on to get rid of the chrome. There is a shop here that will also paint the chrome rings on the roundels black.

[germanroots]

Originally Posted by tg_vegas

Thanks. I'm getting used to it. I'm considering having the emblems powder-coated black and putting carbon fiber exhaust tips on to get rid of the chrome. There is a shop here that will also paint the chrome rings on the roundels black.

Interesting…I always felt Alpina and chrome were synonymous…If you get rid of the chrome isn't it just a regular BMW?

Not trying to be an ass…sincere question.

[michiganave]

Originally Posted by germanroots

Interesting…I always felt Alpina and chrome were synonymous…If you get rid of the chrome isn't it just a regular BMW?

Not trying to be an ass…sincere question.

No. You can get everything blacked out in Europe on the Alpina B8 like in the article below. Just not in the US. I swapped to black grill, powder coated my wheels, and got my badges painted black as I don't like chrome.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...k-public-debut

[germanroots]

Originally Posted by michiganave

No. You can get everything blacked out in Europe on the Alpina B8 like in the article below. Just not in the US. I swapped to black grill, powder coated my wheels, and got my badges painted black as I don't like chrome.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...k-public-debut

Thanks for sharing…the blue B8 in that article looks much cooler to me.

[dhoggm3]

Happy day!

[limeypride]

Originally Posted by dhoggm3

Happy day!

Looks great!

How were you able to get rid of the yuck Alpina wheels?

[dhoggm3]

Originally Posted by limeypride

Looks great!

How were you able to get rid of the yuck Alpina wheels?

I KNEW that would be the first question! Fact is, I have no idea. Maybe they're having Alpina wheel supply chain issues, or maybe the photo mockup isn't accurate.

When I look at the detail sheet, it strangely lists BOTH the M Sport wheels AND the Alpina wheels. I guess whichever is available when it rolls past that station is what I'll get. I like both, so I don't really care.

I sent the question to my SA this am. We'll see if he can figure it out.

[hinckley]

Originally Posted by dhoggm3

I KNEW that would be the first question! Fact is, I have no idea. Maybe they're having Alpina wheel supply chain issues, or maybe the photo mockup isn't accurate.

When I look at the detail sheet, it strangely lists BOTH the M Sport wheels AND the Alpina wheels. I guess whichever is available when it rolls past that station is what I'll get. I like both, so I don't really care.

I sent the question to my SA this am. We'll see if he can figure it out.

That's crazy. I personally like the Alpina wheels and think it's one of the things that sets Alpinas apart from us unwashed masses. The Alpina wheels and Alpina Blue or Green paint.

[JellyStyle]

Originally Posted by michiganave

No. US only comes in chrome. And now illuminated even. But swapping grills is easy. I went black.

Hey man, how hard was it to swap out the chrome for black grills? Obvious or tricky with the camera? Did you have ISTA instructions to get them off?