BMW Alpina (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 120 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2979cc24 years old120 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on BMW Alpinas from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 120 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 104,917 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models52nd of 391(top 14%)

Rank among BMW models1089th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+13%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,917

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 BMW Alpina had 104,917 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2002 scores 86%. 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 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-9%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-8%

BMW Z4

2003 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,958/year

79%

-7%

Porsche Boxster

2003 · 3179cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

-4%

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About the 2002 BMW Alpina

The 2002 BMW Alpina is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 120 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 104,917 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Alpina owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 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 2002 BMW Alpina?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2002 BMW Alpina

At 24 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%.

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 24 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 105k 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.

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 2002 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(2002)	86%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
BMW Z4(2003)	79%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958+£150
Porsche Boxster(2003)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£345

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 2002 BMW Alpina

Is the 2002 BMW Alpina reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2002 BMW Alpinas ended in a pass, from 120 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 BMW Alpina cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 BMW Alpina?

86% of 120 MOT tests on the 2002 BMW Alpina ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 52nd of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 14%).

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 2002 BMW Alpina?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 BMW Alpina is 104,917 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.