2005 BMW Alpina Roadster S Lux

The arrival of the Z4 (E85 in convertible form) in 2002 gave BMW the chance to sharpen up the image of its slightly underwhelming and soft Z3 predecessor. Whilst the Z3 launched with work-a-day four cylinder power, the Z4 was initially only offered with straight six propulsion in 2.5 and 3.0-litre flavours. Inevitably enough Alpina would get their hands on the Z4 with their version – the Roadster S – following along in 2003.

This fine example of the Alpina Roadster S in from the last year of production and drawn from the cohort of just 167 UK bound right hand drive cars made. This example is the range topping Lux version which added xenon headlights, satellite‑navigation, 19″ wheels, heated sports seats, Bluetooth, cruise control, wind deflector, headlamp washers, and Alpina extended leather to the mix. Only around half of the UK bound models were thought to offer the desirable Lux package.

This very rare Alpina was supplied new in February 2005 by BMW dealers Sytner of Sheffield. Just three former keepers were registered before current keeper, Paul, acquired the Alpina in late 2009.

With around 32,000 miles only covered at that stage, Paul has maintained the car’s light use by adding just 15,000 miles or so in the subsequent 15 years. The Alpina has been continuously garaged under Paul’s stewardship and used only on dry summer days. This helps to account for this rare roadster’s fine overall condition.
 

The Anders Warming design of the BMW Z4 is a confluence of lines and swathes with some inspired details thrown in for good measure. It was this high-concept roadster design that Alpina inherited with all Roadster S models based on the E85 3.0i Z4. Unsurprisingly Alpina added their own addenda to the Roadster. Their input included the addition of an alternative chin spoiler with Alpina script detail, enlarged three piece rear spoiler and the fitting of the sublime, 19-inch Alpina Dynamic alloy wheels. It’s an inspired, complex and deeply pleasing design that is enhanced further still by the Alpina artisans. 

Just seven livery options were made available with the Roadster S and this one presents in the perennially popular Stirling Grey hue. This works with the sophisticated and modern Z4 shape especially well in both hood up and open topped configurations. The excellent condition of the exterior further corroborates Paul’s diligent storage regimen with the only noted imperfection being a very minor scuff to the nearside front bumper. The black fabric hood looks pristine with only very minor, very normal fold lines in evidence.

This superb presentation is further enhanced by those impressive 19-inch Alpina Dynamic alloy wheels. These consist of five chunky spokes each made up of four narrow fins arranged like the tines of a fork. These present beautifully and have recently benefitted from a professional refurbishment. Alpina centre caps feature and a matching, but staggered, set of factory specification Michelin Pilot Sport S tyres are fitted. Whilst the familiar BMW nose badge remains the remainer of the marque and model identifiers are Alpina specific. The boot lid is home to Alpina and Roadster S badging whilst 3.4S badges grace each front wing.
 

Whilst the cabin of the Roadster S remains recognisable BMW fare, Alpina made over 2,000 modifications to it in total to truly differentiate it from its less bespoke, mainstream brethren. Of the three colour combinations available this one was specified in black leather with distinctive blue and green stitching details dotted around the cabin. Most noticeably, perhaps, the high backed deeply bolstered seats feature Alpina badging to the seat backs together with a blue and green embroidered design. Other exclusive Alpina enhancements include the special sill finishers, the bespoke instrumentation by Borg and some superb stitching detail to the chunky, three spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Other highlights include blue and green double needle stitching to the centre console and dashboard, original blue and green finished Alpina carpet mats and an Alpina motif atop the six-speed ZF manual gear lever. Alpina seemed determined to not let the driver and passenger forget how exclusive a roadster this is. Just to make doubly sure a commemorative plaque is affixed to the windscreen rail confirming this as number 096 of a “production exclusiver automobile.” The condition in here is commensurate with an empathetically used and maintained example with moderate original miles – essentially pristine.
 

The heart of the Roadster S is a hand built, enlarged version of the S52B32 which first found a home in the nose of the North American version of the E36 M3. The Alpina artisans added an high performance specification cylinder head, strengthened MAHLE pistons and an uprated crankshaft. A stainless steel Boysen exhaust system was fitted compete with polished double tailpipes. The originally quoted output figures were 296bhp at 6,300rpm and 266 Ib-ft of torque at 4,800rpm. The redline is set at a lofty 7,300rpm. The transmission is courtesy of a six speed close ratio manual unit made by ZF. This configuration was sufficient for a 0-60mph time in the low fives and a top speed in excess of 160 mph. Alpina dampers and Eibach springs were fitted to further enhance the car’s body control.

The S52’s familiar looking black and silver engine covers feature both BMW and Alpina branding underscoring the closeness of the corporate collaboration at play here. This area is very well presented indeed with all inner panels looking as good as new and the numerous plastic trim pieces clearly benefitting from regular care and attention. What can be seen of the underside of the Roadster S exhibits straight and clean covers and corrosion free metals and alloys. No leaks or grounding damage is evident or noted.
 

The current V5 Registration Document is present, as is the current MoT in hard copy. The latter is advisory free and valid until February 2026. Numerous earlier MoT hard copies are also present together with some accompanying tax discs. 

In addition to this the Alpina comes with its original and comprehensive book pack. This includes the full service history comprising of a highly impressive 20 use based maintenance stamps covering mileages from 953 to 46,321 miles. Additionally there are numerous other stamps detailing PDI checks and specific, non-routine maintenance activities. It’s an impressive collection in the context of the car’s very moderate mileage. Numerous high-value invoices are also present delivering the detail and costs associated with these service stamps. 
 

It is no accident that Alpina was so quickly tacitly approved by BMW themselves. By the late 1970’s the firm was even classified as a bona fide car manufacturer by the German Government rather than just an aftermarket tuner. These significant votes of confidence reflected the professionalism and engineering integrity that Burkard Bovensiepen instilled in every facet of his revered company. This reputation combined with strictly limited production numbers helps ensure that Alpina examples of BMW cars are always highly desirable, collectable and actively sought after. 

This Roadster S is one of a very exclusive cohort of just 167 UK right hand drive cars. What’s more it is the additionally desirable Lux version which adds a raft of valuable additional extras and refinements. With just 47,000 miles covered to date and a highly impressive, documented maintenance history, this Alpina Roadster S has everything going for it and very little of detriment to report. A rare, enticing and exciting ownership opportunity for what looks like being a warm and dry late summer and autumn.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £16,000 - £20,000.

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