BMW ALPINA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 79 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
79
Avg Mileage
132,265 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 BMW ALPINA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 26 years old, 75% of BMW ALPINAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 79 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 132,265 miles.
How does the 1998 BMW ALPINA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 BMW ALPINA has 132,265 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW ALPINA?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 BMW ALPINA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific BMW ALPINA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 BMW ALPINA
The 1998 BMW ALPINA is a premium performance with a 3152cc petrol engine. 79 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 132,265 miles at 26 years old, BMW ALPINA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 BMW ALPINA Fuel Costs
The 3152cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 BMW ALPINA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW ALPINA Reliability Trend
Newer BMW ALPINAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 BMW ALPINA
At 26 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. Note: with only 79 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 BMW ALPINA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (+3%) from 8,191 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2000) 82% pass rate (+7%) from 3,688 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1999) 87% pass rate (+12%) from 3,668 tests
- MERCEDES C (1999) 82% pass rate (+7%) from 2,683 tests