BMW ALPINA (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 102 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Total Tests (2024)
102
Avg Mileage
98,683 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2012 BMW ALPINA reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 12 years old, 95% of BMW ALPINAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 102 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,683 miles.
How does the 2012 BMW ALPINA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 BMW ALPINA has 98,683 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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%. The 2012 sits between the two at 95%.
How much does a 2012 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 2012 BMW ALPINA
The 2012 BMW ALPINA is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 102 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 98,683 miles at 12 years old, BMW ALPINA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 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 2012 BMW ALPINA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2012 BMW ALPINA
At 12 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%.
Alternatives to the 2012 BMW ALPINA
The BMW ALPINA is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premium performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2014) 87% pass rate (-8%) from 63,059 tests
- VAUXHALL INSIGNIA (2011) 77% pass rate (-18%) from 42,781 tests
- BMW 1 SERIES (2013) 84% pass rate (-11%) from 34,105 tests
- AUDI TT (2011) 85% pass rate (-10%) from 14,831 tests