BMW Alpina reliability
The BMW Alpina fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 20.7% of 1,093 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
3 DVSA recalls for the BMW Alpina
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Risk of fire
The positive battery cable routed from the vehicle battery to the engine bay consists of one cable in the luggage compartment and one cable in the underbody. Both cable are connected by a screw connection and covered by a plastic cover. In single cases the plastic cover may have been fitted incorrectly during the vehicle production. Over time an incorrectly fitted cover could cause the screw connections to come loose leading to an increased resistance also humidity may affect the connection and cause high resistance and drop in current. This can lead to the vehicle not starting and in extreme cases the connection could over heat leading to the possibility of a fire in the luggage area.
Fix: The clips on the battery will be checked the cover replaced and sealed.
Recalled models: ALPINA · 128,701 vehicles
Fire may occur
Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.
Fix: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.
Recalled models: ALPINA · 21 vehicles
Short circuit may occur
Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.
Recalled models: ALPINA · 557 vehicles
Checking a BMW Alpina before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.