BMW tuning firm Alpina is marking its 50th anniversary in 2015 with the release of a video that details the company’s history. The documentary sheds light on the brand’s transition from a small tuning shop to one of the world’s most respected BMW tuners.
Alpina has earned that respect by creating some impressive cars. These vehicles occasionally offer performance and handling capable of worrying BMW’s official M-branded machines. They do this while often maintaining a ride quality that appeals to drivers looking for comfort.
Origins on the Track
The company’s story starts with its creator, Burkard Bovensiepen. He first began tuning the BMW 1500 by dropping in an extra carburettor to increase the car’s power. That simple modification laid the foundation for a business that would grow significantly over the following decades.
From there, the company went racing. Alpina achieved plenty of success in touring car events, establishing a reputation for engineering excellence. The team even signed notable drivers, including Niki Lauda and later Hans Stuck, to pilot their cars.
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This early commitment to motorsport provided technical credibility that few competitors could match. It proved that the company’s modifications were not merely cosmetic but were robust enough to withstand the rigors of professional competition. For the consumer, this legacy suggested that a road car from Alpina offered a depth of engineering that went beyond a standard aftermarket upgrade.
Technical Innovations
On the road, Alpina was an early adopter of turbocharging. The firm integrated this technology into its vehicles to boost performance well before it became a standard solution in the wider industry. The brand is also widely known for its early take on race-style gearchanging.
They developed the Switchtronic steering wheel button system. This feature allowed drivers to change gears without removing their hands from the wheel, a concept that was quite advanced for its time.
Adapting to the Market
Alpina has kept pace with modern trends by expanding its engine lineup. The firm created its first diesel model in the late 1990s with the D10 Biturbo. This move was followed up in 2006 with the 320d-based D3, which helped popularize the idea of a performance diesel.
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More recently, the brand launched the XD3. Based on the X3, this model was designed to plug a gap in the luxury crossover market. It showed that the company could apply its performance philosophy to the growing SUV sector.
A Distinctive Style
On a purely aesthetic basis, there’s also something hugely satisfying about Alpina’s traditional combination of design cues. The cars typically feature arch-filling multi-spoke alloy wheels and demur color schemes.
Perhaps the most recognizable visual element is the brand’s distinctive ‘Deko Set’ stripes. These subtle exterior details set the vehicles apart from standard BMWs without being overly aggressive. The company’s high-performance, luxurious take on BMWs continues to this day, as does its involvement in racing.
