Moved on to the Dark Side
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
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From: Texas
2007 Alpina B7
Moved on to the Dark Side
EDIT: PICS added below!!
Guys, I have a confession to make. At this point, an S63 is not in my future. Nor a Maserati Quattroporte. Instead, I have picked up a 2007 Alpina B7. There was one at the dealership I bought my wife's car from, and on a whim I went to testdrive it. Without actually naming any names, the posted speed limit was (accidentally) exceeded by 90 mph. So were my expectations. This thing is deceptively, unbelievably fast. It has cured, in my opinion, BMW's biggest flaw- the lack of torque/power relative to the AMG offerings. A B5 would be vastly preferable to an M5 for many people, believe me, as I've driven the M5 a few times. It's a fun car, not doubt, but it just doesnt 'kick' like the AMGs. This B7 is something else. It's the perfect size (based on the short wheelbase 7 series), as something in between my S55 and previous E55. Just right. And the handling/on center steering feel/overall agility blow either Mercedes offering away. I've had 2 Mercedes in the garage several times in the past, but for the first time ever, I have 2 BMWs!! As much as I love the tri-star, at this point, our needs were better met by BMW's offerings. Pics and in-depth review to come. I believe there's only 200 of these things in the US (or 500?), but at any rate, everyone considering an S63 should DEFINITELY take a look at one of these. There was an S63 at the Benz dealer right across town, but I passed. This black/black B7 exudes understated mean, looks like much more of a bully than the overweight S. Which isn't to say the S63 is a bad car, as it is far from it! But I'll let the pics speak for themselves. The 21" wheels =
Guys, I have a confession to make. At this point, an S63 is not in my future. Nor a Maserati Quattroporte. Instead, I have picked up a 2007 Alpina B7. There was one at the dealership I bought my wife's car from, and on a whim I went to testdrive it. Without actually naming any names, the posted speed limit was (accidentally) exceeded by 90 mph. So were my expectations. This thing is deceptively, unbelievably fast. It has cured, in my opinion, BMW's biggest flaw- the lack of torque/power relative to the AMG offerings. A B5 would be vastly preferable to an M5 for many people, believe me, as I've driven the M5 a few times. It's a fun car, not doubt, but it just doesnt 'kick' like the AMGs. This B7 is something else. It's the perfect size (based on the short wheelbase 7 series), as something in between my S55 and previous E55. Just right. And the handling/on center steering feel/overall agility blow either Mercedes offering away. I've had 2 Mercedes in the garage several times in the past, but for the first time ever, I have 2 BMWs!! As much as I love the tri-star, at this point, our needs were better met by BMW's offerings. Pics and in-depth review to come. I believe there's only 200 of these things in the US (or 500?), but at any rate, everyone considering an S63 should DEFINITELY take a look at one of these. There was an S63 at the Benz dealer right across town, but I passed. This black/black B7 exudes understated mean, looks like much more of a bully than the overweight S. Which isn't to say the S63 is a bad car, as it is far from it! But I'll let the pics speak for themselves. The 21" wheels =
Last edited by cantdriveonly55; Sep 23, 2007 at 04:55 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Toronto, ON
Bentley Flying Spur, CL550
Seriously....pics or ban
I read about this car. Looks like DIRECT competition to the S AMG's.
Does it feel faster than the s55?
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it.
I read about this car. Looks like DIRECT competition to the S AMG's.
Does it feel faster than the s55?
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
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From: Texas
2007 Alpina B7
I'm embarassed that the car is dirty! I bought it last night and it's been rainy on and off today. But I'll snap them within the hour. And yes, in my opinion, it is every bit as fast if not faster than the S55. Not to mention the speed it can hold around the corners. SteveFox-PMed with the price. Anyone else interested, I'll PM ya.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
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From: Texas
2007 Alpina B7
Alrighty, sorry the car is dusty, I gave it a quick wipe down but all this pollen is maddening! I'll have it waxed and washed better sometime this week, but I did manage to snap a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. Without further ado...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Enjoy the car!
The reviews make the ride sound extremely firm. How does it compare to the S55? It must be firmer, but not so much that you wouldn't want to spend long periods of time driving it?
The reviews make the ride sound extremely firm. How does it compare to the S55? It must be firmer, but not so much that you wouldn't want to spend long periods of time driving it?
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Bay Area
2020 GTR Roadster, 2020 GT63S
Very sweet. I applaud your decision to go with the Alpina. I always find that one nice thing about having the S63 is the fact that it is somewhat "exclusive." A short run like the Alpina is even more so. 
Before I went with the S63, I looked at the Audi S8, but like the Alpina, it is only available in the short body. I really need the bigger back seat, so I'll just have to suffer with the AMG.
Before I went with the S63, I looked at the Audi S8, but like the Alpina, it is only available in the short body. I really need the bigger back seat, so I'll just have to suffer with the AMG.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 106
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From: Bolingbrook, Ilinois
1998 E320 3.2 V6
wow
nice
so what..is this like a modified 7 Series?
i bet you'll get treated like royalty at a dealership from what i hear about the pricing of this car
congrats on the stunning car
nice
so what..is this like a modified 7 Series?
i bet you'll get treated like royalty at a dealership from what i hear about the pricing of this car
congrats on the stunning car
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 740
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From: Charlotte, NC
No longer car shopping...
I read about the B7 in the recent edition of "Sports Car" or something similar while I was in an airport on Thursday. From that article it actually appeared LESS expensive than the S63, not more. AND it looks like it may well outperform the S63. Cudo's to BMW for re-vitalizing their performance shop.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Los Angeles
07 G500
Congrats on the ride. Nice.
How does the B7 compare to the M5? I have been torn between a wide spectrum of cars, M5, E63 and an S63. I like the handling and the ride of the M5 but it is lackluster on the torque. I have not considered the B7 but you have just added another variable to my dilemma.
How does the B7 compare to the M5? I have been torn between a wide spectrum of cars, M5, E63 and an S63. I like the handling and the ride of the M5 but it is lackluster on the torque. I have not considered the B7 but you have just added another variable to my dilemma.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
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From: Texas
2007 Alpina B7
Thanks for the compliments everyone! To answer a few questions-
The price is a little under that of a new S63, but they are all way up there.
The torque is phenomenal compared with the M5, which gets my vote on handling (just barely though) but definitely does not have the punch down low. This car is definitely competitive with the S63 and very well may be faster. It has a linear delivery a la M5, except the torque is pushing 200 lb/ft more at any given time in the revs. I find the delivery preferable to that of the AMG, believe it or not. The power is something like 20 more and the torque is virtually even. This car is tangibly lighter, has MUCH improved on-center steering, and the feel through the wheel is perfect for a car of this nature. Much better than the S. The ride is similar to that of my 99 E55, maybe a little softer. Incredibly isolated, but at the same time you can feel the road nicely and tell what the car is up to. The only time it's ever harsh in any way is going over nasty expansion joints on bridges. I could take a 4 or 5 hour drive and enjoy every second of it. If I missed any questions, or if you've got any more, don't hesitate to ask! More reviews and pictures coming as I get it cleaned up and get some more miles on the thing. I will say it picks up speed deceptively because of its linear nature and lack of supercharger whine. Lament all you want about not hearing the kompressor, but the engine as a whole sure does sound purdy. Just doesn't make it obvious that you're going twice the posted speed limit. Oops!
The price is a little under that of a new S63, but they are all way up there.
The torque is phenomenal compared with the M5, which gets my vote on handling (just barely though) but definitely does not have the punch down low. This car is definitely competitive with the S63 and very well may be faster. It has a linear delivery a la M5, except the torque is pushing 200 lb/ft more at any given time in the revs. I find the delivery preferable to that of the AMG, believe it or not. The power is something like 20 more and the torque is virtually even. This car is tangibly lighter, has MUCH improved on-center steering, and the feel through the wheel is perfect for a car of this nature. Much better than the S. The ride is similar to that of my 99 E55, maybe a little softer. Incredibly isolated, but at the same time you can feel the road nicely and tell what the car is up to. The only time it's ever harsh in any way is going over nasty expansion joints on bridges. I could take a 4 or 5 hour drive and enjoy every second of it. If I missed any questions, or if you've got any more, don't hesitate to ask! More reviews and pictures coming as I get it cleaned up and get some more miles on the thing. I will say it picks up speed deceptively because of its linear nature and lack of supercharger whine. Lament all you want about not hearing the kompressor, but the engine as a whole sure does sound purdy. Just doesn't make it obvious that you're going twice the posted speed limit. Oops!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 725
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From: SoCal
05 E55
But the wheels... ARGH.... I NEVER have liked the Alpina wheels... on any car... and its nice to know that after 15 years they still haven't changed them. BLAAAACCHHHH... they just totally turn me off, no offense. I yanked them off my car within 2 months. To each his own.... but I say get new wheels!
~
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
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From: Texas
2007 Alpina B7
Loren-(flybynight)-A potentially really groovy RUSH reference..
I must say, I am a fan of the wheels. I can totally understand how not everyone would be, but I think they suit the car really well. I would consider some other rims, but they would be one hell of a tough sell. I think they look great, and offer tenacious grip! 9 up front and 10.5 rear! Nice 8 though, that is a COOL car, brings back some memories of the BMWs of yore. Nice to find them starting to seamlessly integrate forced induction to bring their power up to par with some of the other offerings. Anyone checked out the 335 engines yet?!
I must say, I am a fan of the wheels. I can totally understand how not everyone would be, but I think they suit the car really well. I would consider some other rims, but they would be one hell of a tough sell. I think they look great, and offer tenacious grip! 9 up front and 10.5 rear! Nice 8 though, that is a COOL car, brings back some memories of the BMWs of yore. Nice to find them starting to seamlessly integrate forced induction to bring their power up to par with some of the other offerings. Anyone checked out the 335 engines yet?!
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Loren-(flybynight)-A potentially really groovy RUSH reference..
I must say, I am a fan of the wheels. I can totally understand how not everyone would be, but I think they suit the car really well. I would consider some other rims, but they would be one hell of a tough sell. I think they look great, and offer tenacious grip! 9 up front and 10.5 rear! Nice 8 though, that is a COOL car, brings back some memories of the BMWs of yore. Nice to find them starting to seamlessly integrate forced induction to bring their power up to par with some of the other offerings. Anyone checked out the 335 engines yet?!
I must say, I am a fan of the wheels. I can totally understand how not everyone would be, but I think they suit the car really well. I would consider some other rims, but they would be one hell of a tough sell. I think they look great, and offer tenacious grip! 9 up front and 10.5 rear! Nice 8 though, that is a COOL car, brings back some memories of the BMWs of yore. Nice to find them starting to seamlessly integrate forced induction to bring their power up to par with some of the other offerings. Anyone checked out the 335 engines yet?!
I'm getting ready to move on myself,especially after continous service problems with my "daily".
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: Texas
2007 Alpina B7
It's funny to see people strongly disliking the wheels! Of course I take no offense to it, as I tend to dislike some wheels that the owners themselves just LOVE. Which is all that's really important, right? The car got all cleaned up, waxed, etc on Monday, so I'll try to shoot a few CLEAN pics with a tripod this weekend, give ya'll some clearer views of this car when it's looking nice and shiny! Maybe if I had picked the wheels myself from something like an HRE catalogue, they'd be a little different, but for STOCK wheels that I can get a wheel/tire warranty for a shade under $700, I am very pleased. Keep the comments coming guys, I really love hearing what other car folk have to say. And so far, nothing but great opinions coming from the driver's seat!
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From: Southern, CA.
V12-Biturbo
It's funny to see people strongly disliking the wheels! Of course I take no offense to it, as I tend to dislike some wheels that the owners themselves just LOVE. Which is all that's really important, right? The car got all cleaned up, waxed, etc on Monday, so I'll try to shoot a few CLEAN pics with a tripod this weekend, give ya'll some clearer views of this car when it's looking nice and shiny! Maybe if I had picked the wheels myself from something like an HRE catalogue, they'd be a little different, but for STOCK wheels that I can get a wheel/tire warranty for a shade under $700, I am very pleased. Keep the comments coming guys, I really love hearing what other car folk have to say. And so far, nothing but great opinions coming from the driver's seat!
As far as the wheels go there something of an anomaly, and ridiculously expensive to replace (I read they are listed at $1500-$2000 each
& have hidden integrated valve stems, verry kool) alas I would opt for something smaller to pick up even more perf, the 21's make your gear ratios even taller = less umph I'd slap some nice 19"-20" HRE's on there if not just looks but sheer fear of having to replace one of those over priced 21"sNotice the missing Valve Stems? there integrated behind your center caps...
If it were up to me I'd have the center spokes painted/powder coated gloss black & that fkr will be BADDD
Although that rear Calpier looks a wee-bit anemic, I've seen Motorcycles w/bigger rear Calipers
Last edited by Thericker; Sep 27, 2007 at 08:43 PM.
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Panamera Turbo, R63, "71 280SL
I drove the B7 for a day prior to getting the S63 a few months ago, also had a 4-porte for a day. I think the B7 was a great car, I lease all my cars because I drive too much and the B7 leased a bit less than the S63 and the 4-porte but I was worried about getting a car that was going to change bodies next year and didnt want to be in it for 2 more years with the new BMW body out.
It had less grunt than the S63 but was great all around. Fun wood inside, nice seats and and very rare. I like my S63 but don't love it like my S55. I think the 4-porte was the most fun to drive but had a useless nav system and that is why I passed on that car, but a damn sexy car.
Can't go wrong with any of those 3 cars - I think the new body style 4-porte will the car to have though....
It had less grunt than the S63 but was great all around. Fun wood inside, nice seats and and very rare. I like my S63 but don't love it like my S55. I think the 4-porte was the most fun to drive but had a useless nav system and that is why I passed on that car, but a damn sexy car.
Can't go wrong with any of those 3 cars - I think the new body style 4-porte will the car to have though....
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
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From: Texas
2007 Alpina B7
If the upgrade becomes available stateside, I'll certainly look into it. Just what this car needs, more power! I noticed the integrated valve stems right away, these wheels are really slick. In fact, I've gotten more thumbs up on the wheels than I ever did on my S55 in 18 months of ownership! Not sure if that's a good thing considering I like to fly 'under the radar'. Main reason I passed on the QP. It's an amazing car, but it's tough taking your priest out to coffee in a Maserati. Surely some of ya'll can dig that. I know the image of the brand is changing, but I'm not quite there.
Anyways.. the valve stems are so slick hidden in the middle! Not only does it look suave, but it apparently helps minimize the amound of weights needed to counterbalance the valvestem if it were mounted on the lip. The brakes are THE biggest let-down relative to the AMG. The car can stop just as quickly in panic-brake situations, and in fact, the pedal feel is better and more linear, but the AMG's RIGHT NOW braking is missed. Still loving the car though!!! Thanks for all the compliments guys, I really do love the car, and hope to swap into an S63 when they slap on the twin turbos that we all know are coming (hoping for a SWB model too!)
I noticed the integrated valve stems right away, these wheels are really slick. In fact, I've gotten more thumbs up on the wheels than I ever did on my S55 in 18 months of ownership! Not sure if that's a good thing considering I like to fly 'under the radar'. Main reason I passed on the QP. It's an amazing car, but it's tough taking your priest out to coffee in a Maserati. Surely some of ya'll can dig that. I know the image of the brand is changing, but I'm not quite there. Anyways.. the valve stems are so slick hidden in the middle! Not only does it look suave, but it apparently helps minimize the amound of weights needed to counterbalance the valvestem if it were mounted on the lip. The brakes are THE biggest let-down relative to the AMG. The car can stop just as quickly in panic-brake situations, and in fact, the pedal feel is better and more linear, but the AMG's RIGHT NOW braking is missed. Still loving the car though!!! Thanks for all the compliments guys, I really do love the car, and hope to swap into an S63 when they slap on the twin turbos that we all know are coming (hoping for a SWB model too!)
