2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe gets 600 HP and styling update

[WWnyc]

Nevertheless, it's all very exciting.
Keep us posted.

[dsad1]

Edit--- Never mind I have a week 26 build date.

[LimitlessLA]

Looks amazing!

[JimM6GC]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Edit--- Never mind I have a week 26 build date.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by JimM6GC

Jim, are you planning on keeping the Alpina wheels on? I am not a big aftermarket wheel guy, but I am also not sure if I really want these wheels. It could just be the bright silver finish that I don't like. Or that I have just got tired of seeing them on every Alpina car.

I did take an hour this morning to look at aftermarket wheels online, but got overwhelmed and just gave up. The hassle might just get me to keep the Alpina wheels on.

[JimM6GC]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Jim, are you planning on keeping the Alpina wheels on? I am not a big aftermarket wheel guy, but I am also not sure if I really want these wheels. It could just be the bright silver finish that I don't like. Or that I have just got tired of seeing them on every Alpina car.

I did take an hour this morning to look at aftermarket wheels online, but got overwhelmed and just gave up. The hassle might just get me to keep the Alpina wheels on.

I'm not overly thrilled with the Alpina wheels either (too many spokes for my taste), but we tend to keep our vehicles stock. Lack of inertia likely will keep us from doing anything different on it.

BTW, today I learned that our car is in the paint shop, which usually occurs just prior to assembly. Unfortunately, I don't know if paint is being applied or whether primer is being applied (with Alpina doing the actual painting). I always thought the body panels came primed, which would mean that BMW paints the car (to answer your previous question), but I just don't know for sure.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by JimM6GC

I'm not overly thrilled with the Alpina wheels either (too many spokes for my taste), but we tend to keep our vehicles stock. Lack of inertia likely will keep us from doing anything different on it.

BTW, today I learned that our car is in the paint shop, which usually occurs just prior to assembly. Unfortunately, I don't know if paint is being applied or whether primer is being applied (with Alpina doing the actual painting). I always thought the body panels came primed, which would mean that BMW paints the car (to answer your previous question), but I just don't know for sure.

My latest understanding is that BMW pretty much does everything, even the engine is shipped to BMW. I think Alpina is just doing the engine software mapping, and the little Alpina parts they need to put on like steering wheel, cluster etc...

I have a feeling this isn't how it's normally done, I think the German spec Alpina models probably get mostly built in the Alpina factory.

[JimM6GC]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

My latest understanding is that BMW pretty much does everything, even the engine is shipped to BMW. I think Alpina is just doing the engine software mapping, and the little Alpina parts they need to put on like steering wheel, cluster etc...

I have a feeling this isn't how it's normally done, I think the German spec Alpina models probably get mostly built in the Alpina factory.

That makes sense to me. I wonder if the "body in white" comment in C&D was an error (unless they were thinking abut German spec cars). I can't really picture Alpina painting the car after partial assembly. Of course, I could be wrong.

Earlier today I contacted BMW customer relations and asked the rep the question: "Who paints the car? Alpina, BMW, or a combination of both?" I was put on hold, and after some time the rep came back on and said: "According to my sources, that is an excellent question for your customer advisor." Well, that was helpful. Unfortunately, my CA is a salesperson. Period. I already caught the CA in the past giving me what turned out to be blatantly false information. The information seemed to be based on a hunch, the purpose of which was to get me off of said CA's to-do list. I can make wild guesses just as well as the next guy (or gal).

BTW, I learned that the car is now being assembled. The completion date is still listed as 4/29. It will be interesting to see how the status code changes, if at all, while the car is being handled by Alpina. I'll let everybody know as things progress so you know what to expect.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by JimM6GC

I'm not overly thrilled with the Alpina wheels either (too many spokes for my taste), but we tend to keep our vehicles stock. Lack of inertia likely will keep us from doing anything different on it.

BTW, today I learned that our car is in the paint shop, which usually occurs just prior to assembly. Unfortunately, I don't know if paint is being applied or whether primer is being applied (with Alpina doing the actual painting). I always thought the body panels came primed, which would mean that BMW paints the car (to answer your previous question), but I just don't know for sure.

Since your car is in paint process, I think this video is interesting for you

[JimM6GC]

Holy cow!! I never knew how paint was applied during production. Definitely don't want to do that after the car is even partially assembled. Based on that video, it seems like my question should have been in the "well, duuhhh" category and very easy for the Customer Relations person to answer. Perhaps another example of someone who just didn't want to make even the slightest effort to get the answer.

Thanks!

[dsad1]

The grey color it was in before they sprayed it blue looked nice.

[JimM6GC]

Sure enough, today's status is "production complete." I assume it will stay that way for a couple weeks until Alpina gets done with it.

[JimM6GC]

??? Today I was informed that "your vehicle is being transferred to the port of exit." I thought it was supposed to go to Alpina. The last VIR that my CA printed out for me specifically stated that it was for an Alpina B6, so I assume there is no error in the model actually manufactured. Unless it stops off at Alpina on the way to the port (and therefore takes 2+ weeks to get to the port), I don't know what to make of it.

Maybe djsaad1 is right - the whole thing is actually done at BMW for US spec cars. If so, cool. That means we'll get the car two seeks sooner.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by JimM6GC

??? Today I was informed that "your vehicle is being transferred to the port of exit." I thought it was supposed to go to Alpina. The last VIR that my CA printed out for me specifically stated that it was for an Alpina B6, so I assume there is no error in the model actually manufactured. Unless it stops off at Alpina on the way to the port (and therefore takes 2+ weeks to get to the port), I don't know what to make of it.

Maybe djsaad1 is right - the whole thing is actually done at BMW for US spec cars. If so, cool. That means we'll get the car two seeks sooner.

I do believe it gets sent to Alpina, a few people have told me that. But considering how many people I have had to go through to get certain things ordered, they seem to be very unorganized/confused on the Alpina process.

It usually takes a few days to get ED dates on a typical order, it's been two weeks and the ED department still doesn't know what dates are available.

I am guessing your car is going to Alpina soon, but the phone system/website doesn't have that information.

[doug_999]

I asked my dealer the question twice and the answer was the same (including when I asked for more details) - apparently he does not like being bothered on Saturdays I do suspect his info is correct however.... and that is

"All cars are fully completed as a normal car and then shipped to Alpina."

[dsad1]

Depending on what date I get for ED, I am going to ask if they can set up a tour for me at the Alpina factory. Seems like it's about a 45 minute train ride from Munich.

I guess all we had to do was a quick youtube search to answer our questions.

[POBA]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Depending on what date I get for ED, I am going to ask if they can set up a tour for me at the Alpina factory. Seems like it's about a 45 minute train ride from Munich.

I guess all we had to do was a quick youtube search to answer our questions.

Thanks for sharing, pretty cool. Good info about quality wine and cars.

[JimM6GC]

Thanks for the info, Doug and djsaad1. Great videos. It would be awfully nice if they would crack open one of their bottles of fine wine as part of the factory tour.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by JimM6GC

??? Today I was informed that "your vehicle is being transferred to the port of exit." I thought it was supposed to go to Alpina. The last VIR that my CA printed out for me specifically stated that it was for an Alpina B6, so I assume there is no error in the model actually manufactured. Unless it stops off at Alpina on the way to the port (and therefore takes 2+ weeks to get to the port), I don't know what to make of it.

Maybe djsaad1 is right - the whole thing is actually done at BMW for US spec cars. If so, cool. That means we'll get the car two seeks sooner.

Any updates on the build?

[M6-Coupe]

Did you guys know the specification is now available on BMWNA website?

Curb weight: 4780 lb
weight distribution : 46.9/53.1 (front/rear)
Power: 591 HP @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 3500-4500 RPM

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

[dsad1]

The site contradicts itself a lot, they seem to be really unorganized when it comes to this car.

[JimM6GC]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Any updates on the build?

As of today, it's still at "your vehicle is being transferred to the port of exit." I assume it is what I was wondering in my previous post - it stops off at Alpina on the way. Given that, I assume it will retain that status approximately through this week.