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BMW ALPINA (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 120 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2979cc24 years old120 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2979cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,427
Per month£202/mo
Per week£47/wk

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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 24 years old, 86% of BMW ALPINAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 120 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,917 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars53th of 403(top 13%)
Rank among BMW models1096th of 1,564(top 70%)
vs national average+4%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average+13%(73% avg)
vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,917

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 BMW ALPINA has 104,917 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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 2002 sits between the two at 86%.

BMW ALPINA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202191%18626,604 mi
202097%11232,032 mi
201993%17037,777 mi
201898%12743,619 mi
201790%8753,539 mi
201690%13053,465 mi
201590%18165,952 mi
201493%12093,182 mi
201394%6498,526 mi
201295%10298,683 mi
201186%17694,377 mi
201090%188109,791 mi
200982%223114,033 mi
200890%217102,557 mi
200787%313140,615 mi
200695%151148,080 mi
200592%9087,087 mi
200486%16374,830 mi
200391%8597,621 mi
200286%120104,917 mi
200181%80110,085 mi
200088%108112,393 mi
199986%79110,744 mi
199875%79132,265 mi
199796%47131,015 mi

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About the 2002 BMW ALPINA

The 2002 BMW ALPINA is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 120 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2002 cars for reliability.

With an average of 104,917 miles at 24 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 BMW ALPINA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2002 BMW ALPINA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
BMW ALPINA(2002)86%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2427
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£30
MERCEDES E(2004)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£30
BMW Z4(2003)79%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£30
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2003)82%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£180

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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