For Sale at Auction: 2003 BMW Alpina in Carmel, California

Chassis No. WBAEJ13423AH62462
Limitation No. 497/555

Born from the "Z07" concept that stole the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, the BMW Z8 was Henrik Fisker's modern homage to the 507, hand-assembled in Munich around a riveted aluminum spaceframe. When production ended, BMW had built 5,703 Z8s through 2003, plus another 555 completed as the exclusive Alpina Roadster V8.

Where the standard Z8 paired a six-speed manual with the M-developed S62 V8, Alpina pursued a purely grand touring character. In place of the M-Division's S62 engine, Alpina started with BMW's 4.6-liter engine from the 540i, using a slightly wider bore and longer stroke to reach 4.8 liters. The result produced 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, routed through a ZF five-speed automatic, shifted via Switch-Tronic shift buttons on the steering wheel. Alpina revised the suspension for a more supple ride and retrimmed the interior in softer Nappa leather, with marque-specific steering wheel, gauges, and gear-selection display. Massive 20-inch Ronal Alpina Dynamic light alloy wheels replaced the original 18-inch wheels.

Of the 555 built, 450 came to the United States, where it was the first Alpina model sold through BMW dealers. Chassis number 62462 is number 497 of the 555 Alpina Roadster V8s built, signified by the numbered plaque mounted between the seats. It is finished in Titanium Silver Metallic over Black Nappa leather, with a color-matched removable hardtop accompanied by a black soft top. Original equipment includes the distinctive Ronal wheels mounted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires, heated power-adjustable sport seats, navigation, air conditioning, a six-disc CD changer, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

According to the accompanying clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, the car was sold new in March 2004 and first registered in Austin, Texas in the same month. It passed to its second, Houston-based owner in 2005 with approximately 3,200 miles and remained in Texas for the next two decades, reportedly being garage-kept and enjoying regular services completed exclusively by authorized BMW dealers. Its CARFAX records regular attention at Momentum BMW Houston, including coolant, brake, and power-steering fluid flushes and a four-wheel alignment carried out in August 2025.

The Alpina was acquired by the current California-based caretaker in early 2026 and now shows a scant 5,400 miles from new at the time of cataloging. Significantly scarcer than the Z8 from which it derives, and offered here with strikingly low mileage and a continuous service history, it remains among the most collectible BMWs of the 21st century.