BMW Alpina (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 47 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

96%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Great Choice

96% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 14 points above average.

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Petrol2979cc29 years old47 tests131k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

96% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

96% of MOT tests on BMW Alpinas from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 47 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 131,015 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models12th of 306(top 4%)

Rank among BMW models161st of 1,548(top 11%)

vs average of all models+14%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+21%(75% avg)

vs BMW average+8%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

131,015

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 BMW Alpina had 131,015 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1997 scores 96%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW Alpina by Year

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

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Porsche 911

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Porsche Boxster

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About the 1997 BMW Alpina

The 1997 BMW Alpina is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 47 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 131,015 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Alpina owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 BMW Alpina Fuel Costs

The 2979cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 BMW Alpina?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

BMW Alpina 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.

Buying a Used 1997 BMW Alpina

At 29 years old, the BMW Alpina is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 47 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 131k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 BMW Alpina stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW Alpina(1997)	96%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,588
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£300
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Porsche Boxster(1999)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 BMW Alpina

Is the 1997 BMW Alpina reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 96% of MOT tests on 1997 BMW Alpinas ended in a pass, from 47 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 BMW Alpina cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 BMW Alpina?

96% of 47 MOT tests on the 1997 BMW Alpina ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 12th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 4%).

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% and the 2009 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 BMW Alpina?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 BMW Alpina is 131,015 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.