Registration: L517 PTO
Chassis: WBACB32040FA74010
Odometer: 155,943
Transmission: Manual
MOT: May 2027
- Dealer-built Alpina B2.5
- Desirable manual transmission
- Attractive Lagoon Green Metallic paintwork with black leather interior
The relationship between BMW and Alpina has produced some of the most desirable sporting saloons of the last six decades. While Alpina is perhaps best known for its individually numbered, factory-produced performance models, an equally interesting chapter of its history concerns cars prepared through the BMW dealer network, particularly in the United Kingdom, where specialist dealerships such as Sytner played an important role in establishing the Alpina name.
This 1993 BMW 325i is an interesting example of that tradition, having been prepared to Alpina B2.5 specification through the dealer network rather than being an Alpina factory-built vehicle. This distinction is an important part of the car's identity and provides an intriguing connection to the period when Alpina modifications could be commissioned through specialist BMW dealerships.
Finished in the attractive and relatively unusual shade of Lagoon Green Metallic the car combines the understated elegance of the E36-generation 3 Series with the distinctive sporting appearance associated with Alpina. Its traditional multi-spoke alloy wheels, gold Alpina-style coachlines and discreet exterior detailing create a particularly appealing combination, offering a more individual appearance than a standard 325i without compromising the original BMW design.
According to the accompanying archive information, this example was assembled by BMW in June 1993 and first registered in August of that year. Its history begins with a pre-delivery inspection undertaken by Bridgegate of Derby on 22 July 1993, establishing an early connection with the UK BMW dealer network.
Particularly pleasing is the substantial maintenance history accompanying the vehicle. The records document servicing through Sytner Nottingham, a dealership with longstanding associations with Alpina in the United Kingdom, extending through to 2007. This period of documented maintenance adds considerable interest to the car's early history.
Subsequent records show attention from SBS Eclipse between 2010 and 2013, followed by work undertaken by Sinspeed in 2015, when the odometer recorded 138,181 miles. Further documentation from Brown Motor Works records the car at 143,253 miles, helping to establish a useful picture of its continued maintenance and use over the years.
The car also carries an Alpina identification plaque bearing the number 0793055, an interesting feature that complements its dealer-built specification. This should be understood as part of the vehicle's documented identity rather than confirmation of an Alpina factory-production number.
More recently, the BMW has benefited from a programme of cosmetic refurbishment following a period in storage. The work was undertaken in Clacton-on-Sea and included attention to corrosion affecting a rear quarter panel, with the affected area rebuilt and rust removed. The front bumper was also repaired, while all four alloy wheels were refurbished.
The bodywork subsequently received a colour-matched respray to improve its overall presentation, resulting in an attractive finish that particularly suits the car's distinctive Lagoon Green colouring. The combination of the refreshed paintwork, refurbished Alpina-style wheels and traditional gold coachlines gives the car considerable visual appeal.
Inside, the black leather upholstery provides an appropriately understated contrast to the exterior. The E36 cabin remains a particularly pleasant environment, with its driver-focused dashboard, clear instrumentation and purposeful driving position. Combined with the manual gearbox and smooth six-cylinder engine, the specification offers the engaging driving experience for which BMW's sporting saloons became so well regarded.
With 155,943 miles displayed, this is a car that has clearly been enjoyed over the years, although its substantial history provides welcome evidence of continued attention and maintenance. Its MOT runs until May 2027.
