2004 Alpina Roadster S Lux

Property of a Gentleman.

The BMW Z4 was launched to worldwide acclaim in 2002, a beautiful new addition to the BMW line-up and second to the slightly earlier BMW Z8, the Z4 remains one of the prettiest cars offered since. Well proportioned and compact for urban errands and yet punchy enough for the open road, the Z4 captured the essence of spirited open-top driving, offering just enough luxury yet not too expensive, with a badge that was both understated and aspirational in equal measure. Talking of badges, or in this case, perhaps a Diamond Anniversary card, we celebrate Alpina’s 60 year partnership with BMW this year and are proud to offer a selection of BMW models enhanced by the engineering genius of the Alpina technicians, from the factory floors to the design studios above.

Alpina's approach is to refine and build on the latent driving and styling characteristics of a standard car, adding a certain Alpina 'magic' that only they can bestow on a BMW. Their reputation and following are very strong, appealing to discerning buyers who want a special, rare and characterful car. Such are their credentials, Alpina is now recognised by the German Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer in its own right.

Based on the BMW Z4 (E85), the Alpina Roadster S was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and it is understood that some 2,000 modifications were made to the standard Z4, not always recognisable at first glance, but patently obvious once on the open road. Although Alpina usually focussed on making luxury cars faster, the Alpina Roadster S was treated to a bespoke 6-speed gearbox, twinned to a E36 M3 straight-six with high-strength Mahle pistons and an Alpina head and crankshaft. The result is 296bhp and 266lb/ft of torque, enough to endow the 1,320kg convertible with a top speed of almost 170mph - after passing 62mph in a little over five seconds.

Badged as car #034 and one of just 167 examples supplied to the UK, this Roadster S Lux, finished in Maldives Blue over Black Oregon leather, was optioned with heated seats and sycamore wood trim in addition to the extensive Lux specification. The service book confirms it was given a pre-delivery check at Alpina’s Buchloe factory on 14th April 2004 before dispatch to Sytner BMW, Nottingham, who sold it to the first of five former keepers on 18th May 2004 for £42,600. As evidenced by the historic main dealer maintenance receipts, the car was maintained regardless of cost during the majority of the mileage covered. The historic MOTs on file also include the most recent, carried out at 52,958 miles in August 2024 and the car will be delivered with a fresh service and new MOT for the auction.

Presented with a detailed history file and Alpina badged bookpack, previous V5Cs and in great order, this car represents an ideal opportunity for those who appreciate rarity, enjoy a spirited drive and precision German engineering.