BMW ALPINA - B12 - 5.7 V12 - 1 of 143 - SWB - 1997

08
days
03
hours
30
minutes
23
seconds
Current bid
€ 17,500
Reserve price not met
Sebastien Henry
Expert
Estimate  € 40,000 - € 45,000
BE
€17,500
BE
€11,000
BE
€10,500

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1997 BMW ALPINA B12 5.7 V12 Switchtronic, SWB, in Cosmosschwarz metallic with black full leather interior, 387 HP from a 5700 cc V12, automatic transmission, 247,830 km, Dutch registration with service history and matching numbers/colors, MOT not valid as of 2025-05-02, CoC not present.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

GENERAL:
Original BMW ALPINA B12 5.7 Switchtronic from the 7-series E38. The E38 is perhaps the most coveted 7-series thanks to its timeless looks and solid build quality. This ALPINA B12 takes that even further and is number 70 of a total of only 202 produced units, of which only 143 were built with a short wheelbase (SWB), like this example.

This B12 is beautifully finished in Cosmosschwarz metallic on black full leather interior with matching wood trim featuring ALPINA inscriptions.

With the absence of a BMW M7, ALPINA filled a large gap in 1995 by introducing the E38 ALPINA B12. The ALPINA B12 was technically heavily modified by ALPINA compared to the standard BMW 750i. For example, the ALPINA includes:

In terms of appearance, the BMW 7 is also substantially but subtly worked on by ALPINA with the installation of a different exhaust system with 4 exhaust tips, 20-inch ALPINA wheels, ALPINA front spoiler, as well as various interior cues.

BODYWORK & PAINT:
This ALPINA B12 has its original color; Cosmosschwarz metallic. The paintwork has been partly repainted for cosmetic reasons. The paint has various scratches and small damages consistent with mileage and age. See photo gallery for more details.

TECHNICAL
• Upgraded V12 engine to 5.7L with 387 HP / 560 Nm torque, including larger valves, Mahle pistons, different camshafts
• 5-speed Switchtronic transmission with improved software, including manual mode
• Tighter suspension and EDC
• Larger and more powerful brakes
• First production car in the world with factory 20-inch wheels.
The E38 is known for its solid build quality.

Note:
- Center console recently failed completely (no power anymore) causing the blower, radio and related buttons to not respond.
- Steering wheel shakes slightly at around 90 km/h
- There appears to be some oil leakage somewhere (the underside is damp with oil traces. Probably a porous hose or loose clamp)
Further see photo gallery for your own judgement

Although the car, given its age and mileage, requires some attention, it drives, brakes and shifts nicely. The engine stays at proper temperature, no (blue or white) exhaust smoke. Interior lighting functions, windows go up and down well. The tires also have good tread.
Recent maintenance was done at 246,595 km (invoice available) including replacement of 2 tires, rear brake pads, front suspension rubbers, rear reaction arm, air filter, oil filter and oil.

INTERIOR
The beautiful black full leather interior is, as far as known, in its original condition and still looks nice for its age. The black headliner is still very neat. The trunk lining has several stains. Of course there are various small damages and signs of use in the interior.
For more details, see photo gallery

DOCUMENTS:
Leather portfolio with all manuals, including service book, is present, as well as a large folder with maintenance history (invoices and old technical inspection, etc.). For more details see photo gallery. with all accompanying booklets is present. In addition, there is a Dutch RDW vehicle report available with information from 2007 (the year the car was imported to the Netherlands, it is an original German car) up to the present.

PICKUP:
Pickup of the car is possible by arrangement.

OTHER INFORMATION:
A unique opportunity to own an extremely rare BMW ALPINA B12 (short wheelbase) from the legendary E38 series with extensive maintenance history. Original German car, hence the sought-after EU-spec.

GENERAL:
Original BMW ALPINA B12 5.7 Switchtronic from the 7-series E38. The E38 is perhaps the most coveted 7-series thanks to its timeless looks and solid build quality. This ALPINA B12 takes that even further and is number 70 of a total of only 202 produced units, of which only 143 were built with a short wheelbase (SWB), like this example.

This B12 is beautifully finished in Cosmosschwarz metallic on black full leather interior with matching wood trim featuring ALPINA inscriptions.

With the absence of a BMW M7, ALPINA filled a large gap in 1995 by introducing the E38 ALPINA B12. The ALPINA B12 was technically heavily modified by ALPINA compared to the standard BMW 750i. For example, the ALPINA includes:

In terms of appearance, the BMW 7 is also substantially but subtly worked on by ALPINA with the installation of a different exhaust system with 4 exhaust tips, 20-inch ALPINA wheels, ALPINA front spoiler, as well as various interior cues.

BODYWORK & PAINT:
This ALPINA B12 has its original color; Cosmosschwarz metallic. The paintwork has been partly repainted for cosmetic reasons. The paint has various scratches and small damages consistent with mileage and age. See photo gallery for more details.

TECHNICAL
• Upgraded V12 engine to 5.7L with 387 HP / 560 Nm torque, including larger valves, Mahle pistons, different camshafts
• 5-speed Switchtronic transmission with improved software, including manual mode
• Tighter suspension and EDC
• Larger and more powerful brakes
• First production car in the world with factory 20-inch wheels.
The E38 is known for its solid build quality.

Note:
- Center console recently failed completely (no power anymore) causing the blower, radio and related buttons to not respond.
- Steering wheel shakes slightly at around 90 km/h
- There appears to be some oil leakage somewhere (the underside is damp with oil traces. Probably a porous hose or loose clamp)
Further see photo gallery for your own judgement

Although the car, given its age and mileage, requires some attention, it drives, brakes and shifts nicely. The engine stays at proper temperature, no (blue or white) exhaust smoke. Interior lighting functions, windows go up and down well. The tires also have good tread.
Recent maintenance was done at 246,595 km (invoice available) including replacement of 2 tires, rear brake pads, front suspension rubbers, rear reaction arm, air filter, oil filter and oil.

INTERIOR
The beautiful black full leather interior is, as far as known, in its original condition and still looks nice for its age. The black headliner is still very neat. The trunk lining has several stains. Of course there are various small damages and signs of use in the interior.
For more details, see photo gallery

DOCUMENTS:
Leather portfolio with all manuals, including service book, is present, as well as a large folder with maintenance history (invoices and old technical inspection, etc.). For more details see photo gallery. with all accompanying booklets is present. In addition, there is a Dutch RDW vehicle report available with information from 2007 (the year the car was imported to the Netherlands, it is an original German car) up to the present.

PICKUP:
Pickup of the car is possible by arrangement.

OTHER INFORMATION:
A unique opportunity to own an extremely rare BMW ALPINA B12 (short wheelbase) from the legendary E38 series with extensive maintenance history. Original German car, hence the sought-after EU-spec.

Details

Brand
BMW ALPINA
Model type
B12 - 5.7 V12 - 1 of 143 - SWB
Year
1997
Located in
Netherlands
Mileage reading
247830 km
Registration papers
with Dutch registration
Transmission
Automatic
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Black
Horse power
387
Cubic capacity
5700
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
Yes
Valid MOT
No
Date until valid MOT
May 2, 2025
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Exterior)
Fine: dents, scratches and body panels that require replacement and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Good: shows signs of normal wear and usage. May require repair or replacement of parts
Condition (Frame and Underbody)
Good: frame/structure shows minor signs of surface rust, signs of usage/wear, may require some attention
Condition (Mechanical)
Good: mechanically sound. May require maintenance and repair
Condition (Overall)
Good condition: visible signs of wear and general ageing

Vehicle registration

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Disclaimer

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

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