BMW Alpina (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 79 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3152cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific BMW Alpina

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol3152cc28 years old79 tests132k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3152cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

75% of MOT tests on BMW Alpinas from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 79 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 132,265 miles.

Got a BMW Alpina you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models159th of 325(top half)

Rank among BMW models1486th of 1,548(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-13%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

132,265

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 BMW Alpina had 132,265 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

Looking at a specific BMW Alpina?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 1998 scores 75%. 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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+3%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+7%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+12%

Mercedes C

1999 · 2799cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+7%

Check a Specific BMW Alpina

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1998 BMW Alpina

The 1998 BMW Alpina is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3152cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 79 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 132,265 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 1998 BMW Alpina?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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 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 1998 BMW Alpina

At 28 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 79 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 28 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 132k 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 1998 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(1998)	75%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Mercedes C(1999)	82%	£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 1998 BMW Alpina

Is the 1998 BMW Alpina reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1998 BMW Alpinas ended in a pass, from 79 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 BMW Alpina cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 BMW Alpina?

75% of 79 MOT tests on the 1998 BMW Alpina ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 159th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

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 1998 BMW Alpina?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 BMW Alpina is 132,265 miles, 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.