BMW Alpina

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 25 model years from 3,398 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

90%

Total Tests

3,398

Highest Pass Rate

2018 (98%)

Years Covered

About the BMW Alpina

The BMW Alpina was MOT tested 3,398 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 25 model years (1997 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 90%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 98% from 127 tests. The 2009 model has the lowest at 82%. With a 16 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW Alpinas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 131,015 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 26,604 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2993cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,131

Per month£178/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the BMW Alpina?

vs average of all models+8% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average+2% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread16 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW Alpina by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	91%	186	26,604 mi
2020	97%	112	32,032 mi
2019	93%	170	37,777 mi
2018	98%	127	43,619 mi
2017	90%	87	53,539 mi
2016	90%	130	53,465 mi
2015	90%	181	65,952 mi
2014	93%	120	93,182 mi
2013	94%	64	98,526 mi
2012	95%	102	98,683 mi
2011	86%	176	94,377 mi
2010	90%	188	109,791 mi
2009	82%	223	114,033 mi
2008	90%	217	102,557 mi
2007	87%	313	140,615 mi
2006	95%	151	148,080 mi
2005	92%	90	87,087 mi
2004	86%	163	74,830 mi
2003	91%	85	97,621 mi
2002	86%	120	104,917 mi
2001	81%	80	110,085 mi
2000	88%	108	112,393 mi
1999	86%	79	110,744 mi
1998	75%	79	132,265 mi
1997	96%	47	131,015 mi

Questions about the BMW Alpina

Is the BMW Alpina reliable?

Across its 25 model years in our data (1997 to 2021), the BMW Alpina averages a 90% MOT pass rate, from 3,398 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2018 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 98%.

Which year BMW Alpina has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 BMW Alpina has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 82%, a 16 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.