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Thread: Looking at an '08 Alpina B7.

  1. #1
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    Looking at an '08 Alpina B7.

    As stated, 2008 Alpina B7.
    82k miles. Appears to be fully optioned. Full records also (Huge bonus)

    Anything extra to look out for?


    Build sheet:

    grade HL83 Model 750i - USA
    Development Code E65 chassis LIM
    Steering LL Doors 4
    Engine N62 / TU Displacement 4.80
    power 270 Drivetrain REAR
    transmission AUT color Black 2 - 668
    Upholstery Leather Nasca Black - U6SW Production Plant DINGOLFING
    Production Date 2007-11-26 individual
    Control Individual sign BMW Individual

    0940 special equipment according to special request
    E65 / E66 Alpina B7
    From standard specification different aggregates or Ausstattungsumfaenge:

    - Engine - Sekundaerluftpumpe
    - Engine Electrical - Fuel supply
    - Intake silencer - fuel supply
    - FUEL TANK from HL21 - Cooler
    - Exhaust system - Lambda probe
    - radial compressor

    - Transmission - propeller shaft
    - front - stabilizer
    - steering - Alpina steering wheel
    - rear axle - stabilizer
    - brake front - wheel / tire (elimination spare)

    - bodywork features - Side sill
    - rear bumper with cutout for tailpipes
    - cropped front bumper
    - Soundproofing front flap from V12

    - Electrical system - the instrument cluster
    - air conditioning

    - signs (US only)
    E65 / E66 Alpina B7 that differ from standard equipment Ausstattungsumfaenge conjunction LA807 / 802 as well as B7 US: - shoring analogous SA 962 (omission Kennzeichentraeger front)

  2. #2
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  3. #3
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    Whats the VIN? Are you buying from the original owner? Run a CARFAX. Make sure the Satellite radio (Sirius) is working. The 07' and 08' Alpina B7's came standard with a lifetime subscription. It may or may not have been transferred to another radio. To me this is worth $200 per year of your intended ownership.

  4. #4
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    Follow up.

    Looked at the car yesterday. Drove great, Lots of power, very smooth.
    But, needs attention. Way too much attention for the asking price ($22K), IMO.
    Paint needs a serious detail (looks like it's been washed with a brush), Trim is,, fading?? Mismatched tires, Curbed wheels (Spare had been heated/straightened but not refinished), Dings/chips up front, "Whirring" noise from the right rear (either bad tire or wheel bearing). And to top it off, the car was Dirty!

    Why wouldn't a person (Or in this case, a "re-seller") have a car spotless for an appointment to show the car??

    Bill

  5. #5
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    '93 850Ci- Daily Driver
    At that mileage, check for:
    - CD Changer malfunction (unit is above the glove box)
    - Blower Fan resistor malfunction (low speeds only when warm out - resistor needs replacing)]
    - Automatic trunk opening not working (most likely needs fluid - $$$)
    - Soft close doors - there is a current recall on these, but no solution or campaign start by BMW yet.
    - Night vision camera starting to lose its "sharpness"
    - Roller shades malfunction

    These are some of the things I noticed on several B7's I was looking at until I found the one I currently have. Maintenance history is a BIG plus, but look carefully for re-occurring issues...

    Good luck in your search!
    '93 850Ci - Mineralweiß Metallic

    2001 740iL - Titansilber
    ALPINA B7 -Alpinweiß III


    ...the price of cool ain't cheap!

  6. #6
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    Alpina B7/4.6is/E34 540
    Shame that someone would treat one of these rare beauties like that!

    I agree with you that if the seller couldn't even bother cleaning the car, how much did he actually love and attend to it??

    The price is high. I paid a touch over half of that for mine with similar mileage in near perfect condition. Granted, the owner was frustrated with the car and the multiple thousands he spent over the years to maintain it. All the better for me

    Prices for these cars seem to be kind of all over, when you can find one. Was this a dealer?

    If you look at another one, check for any smoke from the exhaust, and noise from the supercharger, along with oil leaks. These items can be very expensive to repair if paying retail prices for repairs.

    Of course, all the other items mentioned as well, which are typical E65 stuff.

    Let us know what you find!

    Ben

  7. #7
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    '93 850Ci- Daily Driver
    Do you have the VIN to this car? Would be good info for future interested parties...
    '93 850Ci - Mineralweiß Metallic

    2001 740iL - Titansilber
    ALPINA B7 -Alpinweiß III


    ...the price of cool ain't cheap!

  8. #8
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    Fwiw, the car is listed here
    https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/...240356873.html

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  9. #9
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    So, very interesting... billh - you actually went to the dealer and saw the car right? the reason I as is because I found this Autotrader listing which appears to be the same address as the Craigslist listing - http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1B6804C9 with the same photos. However, I also found this listing on eBay - http://www.ebay.com/itm/192282935932...932&viewitem=#. Completely different seller, but using the same photos as the car located in Columbus. So, did it appear that the photos were of that actual call?

    And as I started to get excited about the eBay listing, I did notice that the dealer / doc fee is $1500. So, have to factor that into the bid. Regardless, something fishy is going on with multiple listings with different VINs and mileage using the same exact photos.
    Last edited by adwebinc; 08-24-2017 at 03:49 PM.
    '07 e65|N62 - Alpina B7 - Black Sapphire|Black|Loaded|GONE
    '02 e46|M54 - Orient Blue|Beige|'Vert|GONE
    '00 e39|M52 - Anthrazit Metallic|Grey|GONE
    '01 e38|M73 - Anthrazit Metallic|Schwarz|Shadow-Line|GONE
    '91 e31|M70 - Schwarz|Schwarz|M70|FOR SALE

    '13 328i Auto - Black Sapphire|Coral Red|Sport Line|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - Jet Black|Black|Bamboo Anthracite|GONE
    '07 335i Auto - Montego Blue|Grey|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - (Euro Delivery 7/22/05)|Black Sapphire|Auburn|GONE
    '97 528i Auto - GONE

  10. #10
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    Looking at an '08 Alpina B7.

    Looks like the one on eBay also had significant crash damage in the last as well. I hope whoever bought it was aware and everything works out ok.
    Last edited by adwebinc; 08-25-2017 at 10:24 AM.
    '07 e65|N62 - Alpina B7 - Black Sapphire|Black|Loaded|GONE
    '02 e46|M54 - Orient Blue|Beige|'Vert|GONE
    '00 e39|M52 - Anthrazit Metallic|Grey|GONE
    '01 e38|M73 - Anthrazit Metallic|Schwarz|Shadow-Line|GONE
    '91 e31|M70 - Schwarz|Schwarz|M70|FOR SALE

    '13 328i Auto - Black Sapphire|Coral Red|Sport Line|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - Jet Black|Black|Bamboo Anthracite|GONE
    '07 335i Auto - Montego Blue|Grey|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - (Euro Delivery 7/22/05)|Black Sapphire|Auburn|GONE
    '97 528i Auto - GONE

  11. #11
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    I did see/drive the car. It is in Columbus.
    The vin matched what I found on autotrader. It was an 08. The car listed on eBay is a 07. Strange that they are using the same pics, I smell something fishy.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
    1 E38, 1 E39, 2 E46's, 1 E65, 1 R22, 1 R75/5

  12. #12
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    @billh - I suspect you are correct... SCAM ALERT!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/202038764963...4963&viewitem= Vehicle: 2007 BMW 7 Series 750i / Alpina B7 (WBAHL83547DT89418)
    So, this listing has been "relisted" now due to non paying bidder for the 3rd time with a CLEAN title. He has now listed it for BIN price of $9,995. So, I pulled an AutoCheck and it has a branded title. Looks like a major accident in 2009:

    11/07/2009 PACIFIC SW REGION, Auto Auction AUCTION ANNOUNCED AS UNIBODY DAMAGE

    and then another accident with multiple airbags deployed in 2010:

    06/26/2010 PLANO, TX State Agency LEFT FRONT IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE (Case #:11557259)
    06/26/2010 PLANO, TX Police Report ACCIDENT REPORTED
    06/26/2010 TX State Agency MULTIPLE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED
    MODERATE DAMAGE REPORTED
    07/26/2010 PLANO, TX Police Report ACCIDENT REPORTED
    So, just to pursue it one step further, I sent the seller a note and said I would send an eBay authorized inspection company (WeGoLook) for a no-cost to the seller inspection. He immediately responded to say "no thanks". In addition to representing the car as having a "clean" title, he also touts the car as being protected under the eBay VPP. I'm no expert, but I believe if you pay via wire transfer, you are not covered under that plan correct?

    I know not all potential buyers are looking here prior to purchasing a car, but I'm hoping the word gets out on this car as it sounds SUPER fishy and I don't want anyone to get scammed.
    Last edited by adwebinc; 08-28-2017 at 12:49 PM.
    '07 e65|N62 - Alpina B7 - Black Sapphire|Black|Loaded|GONE
    '02 e46|M54 - Orient Blue|Beige|'Vert|GONE
    '00 e39|M52 - Anthrazit Metallic|Grey|GONE
    '01 e38|M73 - Anthrazit Metallic|Schwarz|Shadow-Line|GONE
    '91 e31|M70 - Schwarz|Schwarz|M70|FOR SALE

    '13 328i Auto - Black Sapphire|Coral Red|Sport Line|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - Jet Black|Black|Bamboo Anthracite|GONE
    '07 335i Auto - Montego Blue|Grey|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - (Euro Delivery 7/22/05)|Black Sapphire|Auburn|GONE
    '97 528i Auto - GONE

  13. #13
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    It's been relisted
    https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/...324647601.html


    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
    1 E38, 1 E39, 2 E46's, 1 E65, 1 R22, 1 R75/5

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Platinum4Life View Post
    Whats the VIN? Are you buying from the original owner? Run a CARFAX. Make sure the Satellite radio (Sirius) is working. The 07' and 08' Alpina B7's came standard with a lifetime subscription. It may or may not have been transferred to another radio. To me this is worth $200 per year of your intended ownership.
    Huh?
    really? My Sirus radio was working when I bought my B7 but today the service turned off? I thought the PO cancelled his service....
    2000 740i Sport

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by cazal740i View Post
    Huh?
    really? My Sirus radio was working when I bought my B7 but today the service turned off? I thought the PO cancelled his service....
    I read through the sirius T&Cs on this topic and if I read it correctly, it’s technically only good for the original owner. Once it is transferred, it shuts off and then you are responsible for subscribing.

    My Sirius was not active when I got my B7. I already have an account for other cars, so I just added this car to my account. If there is some other way to take advantage of the lifetime access, I would be interested to hear it as well.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    '07 e65|N62 - Alpina B7 - Black Sapphire|Black|Loaded|GONE
    '02 e46|M54 - Orient Blue|Beige|'Vert|GONE
    '00 e39|M52 - Anthrazit Metallic|Grey|GONE
    '01 e38|M73 - Anthrazit Metallic|Schwarz|Shadow-Line|GONE
    '91 e31|M70 - Schwarz|Schwarz|M70|FOR SALE

    '13 328i Auto - Black Sapphire|Coral Red|Sport Line|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - Jet Black|Black|Bamboo Anthracite|GONE
    '07 335i Auto - Montego Blue|Grey|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - (Euro Delivery 7/22/05)|Black Sapphire|Auburn|GONE
    '97 528i Auto - GONE

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by adwebinc View Post
    I read through the sirius T&Cs on this topic and if I read it correctly, it’s technically only good for the original owner. Once it is transferred, it shuts off and then you are responsible for subscribing.

    My Sirius was not active when I got my B7. I already have an account for other cars, so I just added this car to my account. If there is some other way to take advantage of the lifetime access, I would be interested to hear it as well.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    When the 07' and 08' my Alpina B7 was delivered it had lifetime satellite radio. It is listed on the window sticker as a feature of the car. It was usually registered by the dealer to either BMW or to the dealer or to the person at the dealer that set up the radio. I have seen cases where the VDC registered a number of vehicles at one time. It was supposed to stay with the car.
    Sirius changed their policy to allow the original owner to transfer the subscription (for a fee) to another vehicle. If the original owner does not transfer it, it stays with the car, but Sirius will not let the 2nd or subsequent owner(s) transfer it to another car. If you call them and request this they will tell you that the subscription is owned by another and will then end the lifetime subscription for the car (via radio ID). I have gotten around this - PM if you want to know how I did it.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Platinum4Life View Post
    When the 07' and 08' my Alpina B7 was delivered it had lifetime satellite radio. It is listed on the window sticker as a feature of the car. It was usually registered by the dealer to either BMW or to the dealer or to the person at the dealer that set up the radio. I have seen cases where the VDC registered a number of vehicles at one time. It was supposed to stay with the car.
    Sirius changed their policy to allow the original owner to transfer the subscription (for a fee) to another vehicle. If the original owner does not transfer it, it stays with the car, but Sirius will not let the 2nd or subsequent owner(s) transfer it to another car. If you call them and request this they will tell you that the subscription is owned by another and will then end the lifetime subscription for the car (via radio ID). I have gotten around this - PM if you want to know how I did it.
    My Sirius came back on. w00t w00t

    Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
    2000 740i Sport

  18. #18
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    We have 5 BMW's (Cars)
    Finally got one.
    2007 Alpina B7. 114,xxx miles, Sapphire metallic.
    Southern car. Lots of maintenance records, immaculate.


    Now for the problems

    Bought it in Chattanooga, drove the 7+ hours home wonderfully!
    Next day take it to wash, Won't start at the carwash. Charged battery, had the battery tested, battery is fine.

    Driving today. Trans error comes on, won't start at gas station.
    Looks like I have the IVM (ISM?) failure. part ordered.


    Also, occasionally on startup, puff of smoke out the exhaust.
    may need valve stem seals?????

    Bill

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by billh View Post
    Finally got one.
    2007 Alpina B7. 114,xxx miles, Sapphire metallic.
    Southern car. Lots of maintenance records, immaculate.


    Now for the problems

    Bought it in Chattanooga, drove the 7+ hours home wonderfully!
    Next day take it to wash, Won't start at the carwash. Charged battery, had the battery tested, battery is fine.

    Driving today. Trans error comes on, won't start at gas station.
    Looks like I have the IVM (ISM?) failure. part ordered.


    Also, occasionally on startup, puff of smoke out the exhaust.
    may need valve stem seals?????

    Bill
    Did you have the alternator tested as well?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    '07 e65|N62 - Alpina B7 - Black Sapphire|Black|Loaded|GONE
    '02 e46|M54 - Orient Blue|Beige|'Vert|GONE
    '00 e39|M52 - Anthrazit Metallic|Grey|GONE
    '01 e38|M73 - Anthrazit Metallic|Schwarz|Shadow-Line|GONE
    '91 e31|M70 - Schwarz|Schwarz|M70|FOR SALE

    '13 328i Auto - Black Sapphire|Coral Red|Sport Line|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - Jet Black|Black|Bamboo Anthracite|GONE
    '07 335i Auto - Montego Blue|Grey|GONE
    '05 545i SMG - (Euro Delivery 7/22/05)|Black Sapphire|Auburn|GONE
    '97 528i Auto - GONE

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by adwebinc View Post
    Did you have the alternator tested as well?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Yes, putting out 14.2 v

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
    1 E38, 1 E39, 2 E46's, 1 E65, 1 R22, 1 R75/5

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