# BMW Alpina B5 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the BMW Alpina B5 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-alpina-b5

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2019
- **Ideal trim**: Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Saloon
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £52,000

## Why this model

The Alpina B5 is a fantastic choice if you're after a high-performance luxury car that flies under the radar a bit more than an M5. It offers incredible speed and handling, but with a more refined, comfortable ride that makes it brilliant for long journeys. It's also quite exclusive, which adds to its appeal and can help with value retention compared to more common performance models. It's a true 'gentleman's express'.

## What you should pay

For a 2019 Alpina B5, you're looking at a significant investment, but it represents excellent value compared to its original new price. Prices have stabilised after the initial depreciation, making this a sweet spot for buying. Expect to pay a premium for lower mileage or the more practical Touring (estate) model. Always factor in the cost of specialist inspections for such a complex and powerful car.

## Which trim to buy

The Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Saloon is the ideal trim because it offers the full Alpina experience – immense power, luxurious interior, and bespoke tuning – in a slightly more understated and often more affordable package than the Touring. Alpina models are already incredibly well-equipped as standard, so you're not missing out on much by not chasing specific 'trim levels' beyond the core model. The Saloon is also marginally lighter, contributing to its incredible performance.

## What to check before you buy

- Air suspension components (can be costly to replace)
- Brake wear (due to high performance)
- Electronics glitches (typical for complex modern cars)
- Tyre wear (especially on larger wheels)
- Oil leaks (less common but possible on high-performance V8s)

## Running costs

Running an Alpina B5 isn't cheap, but you probably know that! Fuel economy will be in the mid-20s mpg, so at current petrol prices (around £1.50/litre or £6.82/gallon), you're looking at roughly £0.27 per mile. Road tax (VED) for a 2019 car will be £570 per year (£180 standard rate plus the £390 luxury car surcharge for 5 years from the second year of registration). Insurance will be high, likely in the range of £1,500-£3,000+ annually, depending on your age, location, and driving history. Servicing should be done by a BMW specialist or an Alpina-approved centre, and parts can be expensive.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 608-621 hp
- **Mpg**: 25-28 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Good (based on BMW 5 Series, but performance models require diligent maintenance)
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (based on BMW 5 Series G30)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Saloon | £92,000 | £52,000 | 4.4L Bi-Turbo V8 engine; Alpina-tuned ZF 8-speed automatic transmission; Alpina sport suspension with active roll stabilisation |
| Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Touring | £95,000 | £55,000 | All features of the Saloon; Increased boot capacity and practicality; Rear air suspension (standard on Touring) |
| Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo (Highly Optioned) | £105,000 | £58,000 | All standard B5 features; Optional Alpina exhaust system; Individual paint colours or interior trims |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £52,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £46,800 | 10% |
| 2028 | £41,184 | 12% |
| 2029 | £36,600 | 11% |
| 2030 | £32,940 | 10% |

Buying a 2019 Alpina B5 in early 2026 means you're past the steepest part of its depreciation curve. While it will continue to lose value, the rate should be more gradual, especially given its niche appeal and exclusivity. This makes it a good time to buy if you plan to keep it for a few years, as the percentage loss year-on-year becomes more manageable.

Total value lost since new: 36.65%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Mercedes-AMG E63 S
- Audi RS6 Avant
- Porsche Panamera Turbo

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.