| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1988 |
| Production Years: | 1988 - 1994 discontinued in 1994 |
Precise measurements of the 1988 Alpina B12, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5025 mm197.8 in16.5 ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1860 kg4101 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 2380 kg5247 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Tire Size: | 265/40 R17 (W:265 | H:40 | D:17) |
The Alpina B12 (E32) is a full-size luxury sedan produced from 1988 to 1994, renowned for blending high-performance engineering with classic German craftsmanship. Based on the BMW 7 Series E32 platform, this model carries strong Alpina modifications that enhance both driving dynamics and exclusivity. Measuring 5025 mm (197.6 inches) in length, the B12 offers a commanding road presence with spacious interior dimensions typical of its class. The vehicle’s curb weight stands at 1860 kg (4101 lbs), while its maximum permissible weight is 2380 kg (5249 lbs), reflecting the robust construction and accommodating features of the sedan. It is equipped with 265/40 R17 tires, which provide excellent grip and stability in conjunction with the car's refined suspension setup designed by Alpina. The sedan’s blend of substantial size and thoughtful engineering makes it a desirable choice for enthusiasts seeking a combination of luxury, performance, and spaciousness. Its production period from 1988 to 1994 places it in a pivotal era of automotive development, where Alpina successfully enhanced BMW’s hallmark characteristics with their signature tuning, creating a distinctive grand tourer with substantial road presence and refined execution.
Discover the standout features that make the 1988 Alpina B12 a leader in its class
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The Alpina B12 (E32) sedan measures 5025 mm (197.8 inches) in length. This substantial length reflects its full-size luxury sedan status, providing a commanding road presence and ample interior space. The extensive length also contributes to spacious legroom and comfort for both front and rear passengers, characteristic of its class during this era.
The Alpina B12 (E32) has a curb weight of 1860 kg (4099 lbs), which is the weight of the vehicle when fully equipped but without passengers or cargo. Its maximum weight, including passengers and cargo, is 2380 kg (5247 lbs). This weight range places it firmly in the category of heavy luxury sedans, emphasizing solid build quality and robust engineering.
While the exact width dimension isn’t specified, the Alpina B12 (E32) features 265/40 R17 tires that enhance the vehicle's grip and road handling, indicative of a wide stance suitable for stability. These tires are relatively wide and low-profile, offering a balance between performance and ride comfort, typical for a luxury-performance sedan.
The exact height specification for the Alpina B12 (E32) is not provided, but vehicles of the E32 generation typically range around 1400 mm to 1450 mm (55.1 to 57.1 inches) in height. This moderate height ensures the sedan fits comfortably into a standard residential garage, which usually accommodates vehicles up to 2100 mm (82.7 inches) tall with ease.
Yes, the Alpina B12 (E32) fits into a standard garage but the owner should note the vehicle's length of 5025 mm (197.8 inches) is on the upper side for many residential garage spaces, which often range around 5000 mm in depth. It may require careful parking or a larger garage for easier access, though most standard widths will easily accommodate its width, especially with 265 mm wide tires enhancing stability.
The Alpina B12 (E32) is based on the BMW 7 Series E32 platform and generally shares a similar size footprint. Compared to its predecessor (the BMW 7 Series E23), the E32-based B12 features slightly increased length and refined proportions that suit a luxury sedan of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The B12’s dimensions help improve interior comfort, technology space, and aerodynamics, marking an evolutionary step forward in terms of size and refinement.
The Alpina B12 (E32) is comparable in length and weight to other full-size luxury sedans of the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 and Audi V8. Its 5025 mm length (197.8 inches) positions it among the larger luxury sedans, providing generous interior space and a commanding presence. This dimension, combined with its hefty curb weight, emphasizes luxury and performance but may make maneuvering in tight urban environments slightly more challenging relative to smaller executive sedans.
The Alpina B12 (E32) rides on sizeable tires measuring 265/40 R17. This specification means the tires are 265 mm wide with a sidewall height equal to 40% of the width, mounted on 17-inch wheels. These relatively wide, low-profile tires contribute to excellent road grip, improved steering response, and enhanced cornering stability—important attributes for a high-performance luxury sedan aiming to combine comfort with dynamic driving capabilities.
Thanks to its considerable length of 5025 mm (197.8 inches) and its full-size sedan design, the Alpina B12 (E32) offers a spacious cabin environment. Passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, especially in the rear seats where luxury models focus on comfort. The width, paired with thoughtful interior packaging, allows for comfortable seating width, making it well-suited for both chauffeured and driver-focused use. This spaciousness complements its luxury status and long-distance cruising capability.
With a curb weight of 1860 kg (4099 lbs), the Alpina B12 (E32) is a relatively heavy luxury sedan, which impacts both performance and fuel efficiency. The weight contributes to a solid, stable ride quality, enhancing road manners and comfort by absorbing road irregularities effectively. On the downside, higher weight typically reduces fuel economy and may slightly affect acceleration and braking distances compared to lighter vehicles. However, Alpina’s performance-tuned engineering balances weight with powerful engines to deliver impressive driving dynamics despite its heft.
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