[Wolfman64]

I have to admit that I can't quite see advantages over an M8. The M8 is already a comfortable GT cruiser and I actually like the leather treatment of the M cars better.

Don't mind the glass iDrive controller but that can be retrofit. The wheels are not for me on the 8 series and the top speed relates more to a limiter setting than performance.

Exclusivity? The M8 seems just as rarified and exclusive.

What makes a B8 more desirable to you?

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by Wolfman64

I have to admit that I can't quite see advantages over an M8. The M8 is already a comfortable GT cruiser and I actually like the leather treatment of the M cars better.

Don't mind the glass iDrive controller but that can be retrofit. The wheels are not for me on the 8 series and the top speed relates more to a limiter setting than performance.

Exclusivity? The M8 seems just as rarified and exclusive.

What makes a B8 more desirable to you?

Agreed

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Wolfman64

I have to admit that I can't quite see advantages over an M8. The M8 is already a comfortable GT cruiser and I actually like the leather treatment of the M cars better.

Don't mind the glass iDrive controller but that can be retrofit. The wheels are not for me on the 8 series and the top speed relates more to a limiter setting than performance.

Exclusivity? The M8 seems just as rarified and exclusive.

What makes a B8 more desirable to you?

Alpina's over the years have become less special in my opinion. I remember in the E65 7er when they made some huge changes compared to the regular variant, such as fitting a supercharger to the V8. The body styling could also use more sprucing up. Interestingly they've been using M-Sport bumpers too which don't fit as well with typical Alpina styling, and also they interestingly didn't add a spoiler like they usually do, and they have been skimping on interior customization lately as well. The wheels and colors as well as rarity have always been the biggest selling feature in my opinion.

[limeypride]

Originally Posted by PARTS@STBMW

What a car!

<begin unpopular response >
Meh... at best.
</yada yada>
Nothing here makes sense to me including the BMW:Alpina relationship.

Again, I know there are many here that love them and I'm not questioning that opinion, I simply don't share it... but, worse for me as a car lover, I struggle to understand it.

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by limeypride

<begin unpopular response >
Meh... at best.
</yada yada>
Nothing here makes sense to me including the BMW:Alpina relationship.

Again, I know there are many here that love them and I'm not questioning that opinion, I simply don't share it... but, worse for me as a car lover, I struggle to understand it.

there is so many other tuners, Aplina logo on a m850i for the same price as a BMW m8 factory....

for money, I'd stick with the m8c it's already rare around here.

[michiganave]

Re M850 vs M8 vs B8. It is pretty hard to get direct comparison test drives given how uncommon some of these vehicles are (and the B8 isn't even out yet). I test drove a B6, M850, M5, and M550 back to back. Never driven an M8, but at least the M5 was just too harsh of a ride for daily driver for me compared to M550. I presume that analogy holds with the 8 series going to the M8 getting a much firmer ride? There aren't any M8 around here to test drive unfortunately. The B6 soaked up road imperfections just as well as the M850 despite riding on 21 inch wheels while the M850 was on 20s. The biggest difference hopping in the B6 from the M850 was more low end torque which is nice. There is also a touch more leather in the interior which felt more special. The Alpina was just as quiet as the M850 at idle and while cruising. Obviously this is a B6 not B8 so it is all a guess. But my impression is that the Alpina tunes towards an ultimate daily driver while the M tunes toward more track? I have a track car and am shopping for a daily driver, so it seems the Alpina B8 fits that description better. I wish the US configurator was up as I definitely would want to get all driver assistance features, the solid roof, shadowline trim, and downsize to 20" wheels in black.