The Throwback Series: An E34 Rocket

[R!Yo]

SUBTLE SOPHISTICATION + BRUTE FORCE

With the reveal of the all new B5 GT variants, Alpina have decided to treat us to a few gems they have locked up in their "closet". Also, a fitting way to kick off the Throwback Series, with a near showroom-fresh B10 Bi-Turbo!

Using the E34 535i platform as their base, Alpina took this unassuming family sedan to new heights by mating a set of Garret Turbos to the already powerful (for its time) 3.5lt I6 M30 engine. They didn't stop there however, Alpina did away with the stock pistons and threw in a set of forged units from Mahle. Also adding in a Bosch variable boost controller which can be controlled directly from the driver's seat. Giving you between 0.4 - 0.8 bar worth of adjustment.

This bumped the power & torque from a respectable 155kW & 305Nm, to a whopping 265kW & 520Nm. All these touches culminated in the B10 Bi-Turbo being crowned fastest production saloon car in the world, the year it was introduced. Doing the 100km/h dash in a blistering 5.6 sec and accelerating all the way to a claimed top speed of 290km/h. No simple feat when you consider this was over 30 years ago!



As this is a Sports Saloon, it should handle like one, right? Alpina went straight to work modifying the suspension to give the B10 Bi-Turbo a much sportier feel. This included Alpina-specific springs and anti-roll bars. Bilstein shocks were swopped at the front, and auto-load levelling units by Fichtel & Sachs were used at the rear, to give it that winning stance.
Other exterior modifications included: a front chin splitter, new boot wing and signature (now cult classic) Alpina wheel package. Finishing off with Alpina pin-striping and badging.

Only 507 examples of the B10 Bi-Turbo were ever produced, at a price which was double that of a stock E34. But (IMO) worth every penny - as till this day, it remains one of the most desirable Sports Saloons ever made (not just in the BMW stable).

Would this be the ultimate classic saloon for you? Tell us more in the 💬💬... AND if you'd like to see more of the Throwback Series😉...

[SOURCE: BMWBLOG]

 

[Gordvisr]

Thanx for sharing, would like to know if any of these made it here.

 

[Benji]

Legendary, the very substance of dreams.

Interesting pub fact, the Alpina was the only facelift E34 available with the M30 motor

 

[individj]

aaahhhhh so nice

 

[FILV]

Just oozes Quailty
Must have been such a weapon in its day.

 

[Mytfine]

Oh myyy. The E34 was my 1st love and damn does she still look good

 

[Gordvisr]

just read on News 24 now that one of these ( i think ) will be on auction 23 sept

170 classic cars, 2 days: SA's biggest collectable cars auction in history coming soon | Life

We've seen some rare gems going under the hammer at recent Creative Rides auctions. This time though, with about 170 cars on the block, over two days, it's going to be South Africa's biggest classic car auction, yet.

www.news24.com