Special: how are Alpina’s built?
Posted on 13-05-2016 at 17:07 by MauritsH – 47 Comments”
Alpina is the official book as being a manufacturer and not as a tuner. How is that, and how are those lovely cars actually built?
The average AB-reader knot forced a bib for when something tasty from Buchloe on the frontpage appears. Young or old, diesel or petrol, V12 or V8; almost all creations of the breeder of BMW’s get our hands on each other. And that’s pretty an achievement. This is precisely why it seemed a good idea to try to figure out how to do those things exactly will be built. For those who first bit tasty in want to get: a driving test with the B3 Bi-turbo, check HERE.
The development
As soon as BMW with a new model coming up, it will take about four years before the Alpina. Please note: that’s only in the event that both engine and chassis “new” and thus have no experience with them is gained. Often starts the development with the tackling of the engine, in which use is made of testmules on the exterior does not reveal that under the skin the new technique is tested. Tests on the asphalt to find the location on the Nürburgring, in the vicinity of the factory in Buchloe, and-because of the high temperatures in the Middle East. In addition, the sources of power of course also under the microscope with the help of the test bench.
In addition to the motor section is also extensively paid attention to it as slick as possible to make the carriage, without prejudice to the design. That is why almost every Alpina also equipped with quite subtle spoilers and tabs, that the air resistance must decrease. Such matters are tested at Clermont-Ferrand, the testcomplex of Michelin. Sensors measure the pressure on the front and rear axle, on the basis of which the amount of lift is calculated. In the case of the Roadster S (based on BMW Z4), this resulted in 64% less lift on the front axle and 77% less lift at the rear axle. No small feat.
In any case, it is obvious that the test is thoroughly addressed before the cars are in their final forms.
The production
Before the in the production of Alpina’s, looking at which parts of BMW can be used by themselves. Not entirely illogical, because Alpina’s are just on the lines of the Bavarian moedermerk screwed together. If the BMW group (including MINI and Rolls-Royce) do not have the correct part, then it is possibly directly a supplier ordered. In the extreme case, makes Alpina the parts yourself.
Then, reservation Alpina slots on the production line of BMW, where the former indicates what adjustments to make to the wiring harness are necessary. If the chassis once assembled, it is difficult to here things have to change.
Engines
Every power source is one and the same mechanic with the hand screwed together. A leukigheidje is the ‘1-2-4-8’system. With new engines builds one senior employee the first instance. If he is satisfied, he can teach the trick to another senior employee. They learn it every then again to someone else, so in the meantime, four people are the engine build, after which they are again on four new engineers to explain.
Then, the motors including intercooler shipped to the assembly line of BMW. This includes the transmission, the distinctive rims (with tires), suspension, seats, dashboard, steering wheel, leather and other materials to the factory is sent. As I said however, it is also made use of standard BMW parts. Think of the chassis, glassware, cable harness, infotainment systems and airbags.
Back in Alpina: the finishing touch
As soon as the cars for the most part, they will be brought back to Alpina. Here are the spoilers and the “typical Alpina-affairs” is installed. Think of the stickers, badges, Alpina-vehicle identification number, and any special requests with regards to the interior. For in this latter regard: virtually every square inch of the interior with leather lined, so you can imagine that customers quite a bit of personal desires.
Then is the car ready to take to the customer to be shipped and/or the head of the average AB-the reader in a hollow. (source: an excellent article on thealpinaregister.com)
Photo via Autojunk