E28 Alpina B7 Turbo/1 #0083

[wkohler]

I purchased this car in April.

I had it shipped from Richmond, VA to Phoenix. It arrived pretty much as described and everything went smoothly despite having to round up four people to push a dirty E28 that had 11psi in each tire.

Aside from washing it and moving it from one side of the garage to the other (rolls much better with 40psi in the tires) when I parted out the red car, I've done absolutely nothing with it. I pushed it out of the garage today while I was shipping packages and trying to stay organized. Since a lot of people have been asking for photos...

Here you go.











































So, those are photos. I still don't have a title in my name since the state of AZ says the VIN is invalid, despite being correct on all previous paperwork. So, they have to do a visual VIN inspection, which I'm a bit worried about since the car has two VINs. All registration paperwork is done with the BMW VIN. Of course, since it doesn't run, I can't drive it to get the VIN inspected.

The car is a DC31 535i made 2/85. It was ordered from BMW as an Alpina car. I have the manuals and such for it. The first stamp in the service booklet is from Alpina.

Vehicle information
VIN long WBADC310200925384
Type code DC31
Type 535 I (EUR)
Dev. series E28 ()
Line 5
Body type LIM
Steering LL
Door count 4
Engine M30
Cubical capacity 3.50
Power 0
Transmision HECK
Gearbox MECH
Colour POLARIS/IMOLASILBER METALLIC (060)
Upholstery ANTHRAZIT (0129)
Prod. date 1985-02-01

Order options
No. Description
206 FUENF-GANG-SPORTGETRIEBE
300 ZENTRALVERRIEGELUNG ELEKTRISCH
320 MODEL DESIGNATION, DELETION
350 WAERMESCHUTZGLAS GRUEN, RUNDUM
401 SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC
411 WINDOW LIFTS, ELECTRIC
419 VORB.TELEFON,BEDIENUNG TUNNELM
428 WARNING TRIANGLE
498 HEADRESTS IN REAR, MECHANIC. ADJUSTABLE
500 HEADLIGHT WASHER SYS/INTENSIVE CLEANING
510 HEADLIGHT BEAM-THROW CONTR. F LOW BEAM
536 AUXILIARY HEATING
540 CRUISE CONTROL
920 ALPINA W/O REGISTRATION DOCUMENT
940 SPECIAL REQUEST EQUIPMENT

Here's the build sheet from Alpina:



Hopefully, sometime in the next few months I can actually work on getting everything freshened up to where the car will hopefully start. Then, I'll take it over for the VIN inspection and hopefully get registered. If they try to penalize me for being longer than 30 days, I'll show them the proof I tried to register it in May. Then we can get on figuring out everything else that's wrong with it. Fortunately, most of the stuff I've researched so far has BMW part numbers, so I shouldn't be looking at lots of money for much of the basic getting it running stuff. Fortunately, the interior is nice and all of the pieces are present sans the front airdam, which is hopefully on the way to the States.

[waxonwaxoff]

Good stuff. My favorite e28 interior.

[alijonny]

I forgot about this car, Looks good.

[cddallara]

Thanks for sharing! Regardless, beaucoup bucks will be spent doing it right, or "Kohlerizing" it.

[Das_Prachtstrasse]

Uber fuel tank. Nice.

[davidu]

so awesome!

[skip535i]

Thanks, Chris. Sorry we bugged you so much for pictures. We all live vicariously through you and your toys, you know that right?

[mooseheadm5]

You are the correct owner for this car.

[kvin111]

congrats on that. Any chance of you coming to the st paddys event next year with this?

[Black Steel]

I hate you!

[CoyoteStarfish]

"ladedruck" knob? On the fly boost adjustment? Oh my.

And I'm still WTFing at that A/C vent gauge-thing. I want one.

[tschultz]

would love to see any of your cars in person someday...why couldn't you have made it to Pagosa


Looks like a great find! I really enjoy hearing/seeing the progress of you cars, especially the E12 M535i (hint hint).

You have some awesome cars

[1st 5er]

Thanks for posting, and good luck with your dealings with the gubment, free country my a$$.

[gray635]

Chris: I had been wondering when your B7 would finally surface! Thanks for the update. I agree with Paul that you are the right owner for this car and hope you will work up plenty of enthusiasm (and some $$) to get this example back on the road.

Look forward to seeing your progress and hope this really does become a build thread.

Regards,
Mike

[clangpap]

I love that car Chris and look forward to seeing it at 5er West next July.

Sorry for the dumb question, what is on the dash vent?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1w0U ... C_0847.jpg

[m-racer]

Based on the 3 Alpina cars (2002ti, B6 and B9) I have owned and the others I have piloted, I will tell you that these are really special cars. I do not know what magic that the captive dwarfs at Alpina do to the suspensions but I spent a gazillion dollars on many 2002's trying to duplicate the feel of my 71 Alpina Ti and never got there. I used to mark my best curve speeds with my E30 M3 and I hit every one of them with the (sorry Mike) B9. I could never hit them with the Euro M5. Yours is my favorite color (on all BMW's). Good luck with the re-hab!

[Mark in Toronto]

The car is a DC31 535i made 2/85. It was ordered from BMW as an Alpina car.

Interesting, Sia's B7 was built on an M5 chassis. Not sure which chassis was used for Roy's car.

[alijonny]

We all live vicariously through you and your toys, you know that right?

Agreed, in the most un-nutswinging (non ...er, likely homo) way possible.

[Nanajoth]

Those seats look to have worn really well.

[wkohler]

Thanks guys. Don't get me wrong, I'm enthused. The problem is I have no time to do anything and I have to do things correctly, so I don't want to rush into anything. There's a lot of work to just getting the car running and I have to start there. I've got some money put aside for when I can get started.

Sia's is one of the late catalyst cars that was built on an M5 body. I guess there are 40 of those. Interestingly, the BMW VIN on the ones I've seen is still that of a 535. Roy's car is a 528i.

I wasn't really enthused about Polaris, but now that I've had time to study the car, it's a fantastic color for the shape of the E28. This car is supposed to have the gold deko kit, too.

Hopefully things will start happening soon!

[mooseheadm5]

Hopefully things will start happening soon!

Not that I have to tell you, but don't rush it. You'll do things the way you do things and it will be all the better for it. That is why it is better for you to own it than me. I'd drive it with the fucked up bumpers and valance and never put it away long enough to make it perfect. I suppose it does help that you have another car to drive. Or three (maybe four?)

[skip535i]

Or three (maybe four?)

I believe it's a least 4 if you count the Volvo.

[austin8753]

Very cool. Excited to see some pictures of the progress!

[leadphut]

Very nice indeed. The polaris looks great too!

[Coldswede]

Chris, or anyone else, how much range of boost does the boost control knob provide? Or, what is lowest boost possible and the highest boost possible?

[RoyW]

Alright Chris... approaching the starting line

That car will soon (relative term ) be awesome under your care. As others have said, take your time and do her right!

-RoyW

[5280 JB]

It's worth saying again: You are the right owner for this car.

Special cars like that need and deserve stewardship, and it couldn't be in better hands. Take your time and enjoy the process - it's part of what owning these cars is all about.

Jim

[86GT635]

GETRIEBE: BMW 5ER 5-GANG GETRAG 265.0.0

Factory 5er eh? I never knew those existed. What is this they speak of?

Full turbo high five. Cool car, was it down in Washington for a while haha?

[GaAlpinaOwner]

Chris welcome to the club as I said before when you got her...take your time and have fun with the restoration. Hopefully one day we can get all of them together for a photo shoot....mine was also built from a 535i.

David Frankel

[wkohler]

Well, work has started on the car - albeit slowly. That said, figured I'd post an update.

I finally got the fuel tanks out of the car. The auxiliary tank wasn't a problem, but the main tank was, seeing has how someone fabricated a mount for an aftermarket exhaust using a bolt protruding through a beam under the trunk floor. They attached the mount welded to the muffler to the bolt using a nut, but welded the nut to the bolt, so I cut the mount off of the muffler after much screwing around with the bolt. I'll cut the bolt in two and that should solve that.

Fortunately, the muffler has a flange where it joins the resonator, so I just undid the four bolts for that - no cutting needed.

I worked the tank out, which is very tight, careful work because the tank extends all the way to the rear valance, which is also deeper, has a taller filler neck and a 90° elbow protruding from the access panel. Keeping all of these areas in mind adds frustration, but it was sorted in short order.



I took both tanks in to be cleaned. a good portion of the paint came off of the main tank, which they covered up with some black paint, but it looked horrid. I had the tank powder-coated, and picked it up yesterday.




I bought a TRE Performance 255lph pump which will be installed on the factory pickup assembly. Paul (mooseheadm5) has all of the parts at this time and has come up with a solution to the plumbing issue.

I am STILL WAITING for the fuel hose I ordered October 21, and have pretty much decided I'm done with Pelican Parts. First order I've made with them and I'm quite disappointed to say the least. Once that shows up, I can start changing out all of that. In the mean time, once I get some free time, I'll be working on cleaning the rear area under the car seeing as the exhaust and tank are out, which will make that easier.

So, that's it for now.

[leadphut]

A great start. I'm a bit jealous.

[pldlnr]

That tank looks fantastic. It is so nice to see someone put effort into doing these things the right way. Many people wouldn't put the time and effort into these aspects of a car.

[Jake D]

Whore.







Perhaps you'll have it "road-ready" by July 21st.

[mooseheadm5]

That tank looks fantastic. It is so nice to see someone put effort into doing these things the right way. Many people wouldn't put the time and effort into these aspects of a car.

And that is why I'm glad that someone like him bought this car vs. one of the bottom feeders like me.

[alijonny]

That tank looks fantastic. It is so nice to see someone put effort into doing these things the right way. Many people wouldn't put the time and effort into these aspects of a car.

And that is why I'm glad that someone like him bought this car vs. one of the bottom feeders like me.

+1

[UveBeenRobd]

I can't wait to see more of this as it gets more love...great pickup!

[wkohler]

I got a title and plates today!!!

Turns out the "invalid" VIN was from the database that gives them the original list price. They also have BOOKS that cover that, so I had a trainee today that decided to look at the BOOK and I getted a title and my copper plates.

[Brian D]

Excellent news Chris, I know that was a worry. Did you get the fuel line mess sorted out yet?

[shagrath]

I purchased this car in April. Everyone knows that because someone had to tell everyone. But, that's beside the point.

What's wrong with everyone knowing? Just curious.

I love Alpina's of the vintage type, and this one would be awesome to have, and I am sure you got it at a good deal. LOVE IT!

[Kyle in NO]

Bacause it's no one's business but Chris if he doesn't want to make it public.

[GaAlpinaOwner]

There is a story to this car....The only problem with this being a private matter is that several of us here on this board, including me and others not on this board either knew about this car 5+ yrs ago (when the previous owner to the seller abandoned it, never to be heard from again) and were waiting for it to go up for sale and/or were also interested in buying this car when it went up for sale this year....so it was already semi public knowledge even if Chris did not want it to be.....I was going to buy it as soon as it came up for sale to add to my stable and came within a hour of closing the deal the day it went up for sale before anyone else, but my wife literally would have cut my, you know what off....
I had just bought a mint 30k mile E30 M3 right before this Alpina came up for sale....and even though I had the cash and was even going to split it with another Alpina owner from here, I decided child support and alimony was not worth a 2nd alpina... hell the M3 almost cost me dearly anyway...

And besides all this, Chris does not strike me as the type to wanting to keep a Alpina or the progress on restoring it, silent....Chris is a perfect owner for this car and he will give it all the attention to detail it needs to make the car perfect...as you can see from the gas tank...Chris thanks for posting updates and please keep them coming. You have a very very special car as you know and I look forward to seeing it.

David Frankel
Alpina B7 Turbo/1 #116 owner

[ScottWL38]

Chris is a perfect owner for this car and he will give it all the attention to detail it needs to make the car perfect...as you can see from the gas tank...

+1

I think Chris's gas tank is nicer than most of my car.

[SD45T-2]

I got a title and plates today!!!

Turns out the "invalid" VIN was from the database that gives them the original list price. They also have BOOKS that cover that, so I had a trainee today that decided to look at the BOOK and I getted a title and my copper plates.

Did you go to Chandler DMV?

[wkohler]

I did. Thought I sent you a PM thanking you for the tip. I was at the window for an hour, but just elated to get this finished finally.

Huge weight off my shoulders. Plate is on the car and the registration in the glovebox. Wishful thinking, I guess.

[SD45T-2]

I did. Thought I sent you a PM thanking you for the tip. I was at the window for an hour, but just elated to get this finished finally.

Huge weight off my shoulders. Plate is on the car and the registration in the glovebox. Wishful thinking, I guess.

Glad it worked out for you, I really am.

[wkohler]

There is a story to this car....The only problem with this being a private matter is that several of us here on this board, including me and others not on this board either knew about this car 5+ yrs ago (when the previous owner to the seller abandoned it, never to be heard from again) and were waiting for it to go up for sale and/or were also interested in buying this car when it went up for sale this year....so it was already semi public knowledge even if Chris did not want it to be.....I was going to buy it as soon as it came up for sale to add to my stable and came within a hour of closing the deal the day it went up for sale before anyone else, but my wife literally would have cut my, you know what off....
I had just bought a mint 30k mile E30 M3 right before this Alpina came up for sale....and even though I had the cash and was even going to split it with another Alpina owner from here, I decided child support and alimony was not worth a 2nd alpina... hell the M3 almost cost me dearly anyway...

And besides all this, Chris does not strike me as the type to wanting to keep a Alpina or the progress on restoring it, silent....Chris is a perfect owner for this car and he will give it all the attention to detail it needs to make the car perfect...as you can see from the gas tank...Chris thanks for posting updates and please keep them coming. You have a very very special car as you know and I look forward to seeing it.

David Frankel
Alpina B7 Turbo/1 #116 owner

Just saw this and the other posts about it, etc.

David - I wasn't trying to keep the car private. I had not yet finalized the paperwork on the deal and didn't want to say anything as I've had deals in the past fall apart despite thinking they were a sure thing. Until I had the thing settled, etc, I didn't want to say anything. I put a lot of money out just to buy this car (I know to some it isn't much, but being 5x more than I've paid for any BMW aside from my 535is, it's a big purchase/risk - and on the other side of the country). In fact, it wouldn't have been a big deal if Jon had said it. I just decided it was best to keep quiet about it - at least for the time being. It was never intended to be a secret. God knows I need all the help I can get.

The problem came when the person who made everything public insulted both me and the car I put up for sale. It turned sour quickly and ended up putting a bad taste in my mouth on the whole deal, greatly reducing my enthusiasm about the car, which I know seems ridiculous, but it happened, I'm over it and I don't care to discuss it any longer. I've tried hard to get other lingering issues taken care of so I can devote my "spare time" to this car.

I greatly appreciate all of the support and positive comments. I hope I can live up to the fanfare.

The current stage of the project is simply to get the car running and assess the mechanical needs of the car. I'm very much looking forward to hearing the motor run.

[Sleeper21]

Man...what a great find. That is such a special car.

Only seen one B7 before, driving through the streets of Tallahassee one thanksgiving a couple of years back. Uber rare. Cant wait to track the progress...

[GaAlpinaOwner]

Chris I never thought you were keeping this car private...although I was not aware of all the drama, insults etc...

Great job on the purchase, assessment and great success on the renovation. It is all time and money and it took me nearly 4 yrs and a bunch of $$ to get mine together.

[hubble1953]

Chris: Enjoyed seeing this car; the pictures. Those seats look so nice. Will be a great project, and fun to follow your progress. Keep up the good work,
jm

[E.rouzbeh.28]

This is the one with 300 something hp, right?