BMW ALPINA (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 80 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3300cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3300cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 25 years old, 81% of BMW ALPINAs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 80 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,085 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,085
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 BMW ALPINA has 110,085 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2001 sits between the two at 81%.
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
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About the 2001 BMW ALPINA
The 2001 BMW ALPINA is a premium performance with a 3300cc petrol engine. 80 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2001 cars for reliability.
With an average of 110,085 miles at 25 years old, BMW ALPINA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 BMW ALPINA Fuel Costs
The 3300cc 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 2001 BMW ALPINA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2001 BMW ALPINA
At 25 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 80 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 BMW ALPINA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 110k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2001 BMW ALPINA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW ALPINA(2001) | 81% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£360 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2003) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| PORSCHE 911(2002) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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