Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.This 1998 Alpina B10 V8 is a proper enthusiast's unicorn: a coachbuilt-by-Alpina E39 that most people will never see in person, wearing the maker's signature blue paint and gold pinstriping. Under the hood is an Alpina-massaged 4.6-liter V8, and the car is number 368 of roughly 850. Imported from Japan and now on a US title, it is offered at no reserve with a thick documentation file, which makes it a rare chance to buy a golden-era Alpina outright.1998 Alpina B10Bring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowClassic.com shows an average sale price of about $36,461 for the E39 Alpina B10 family, with an enormous spread that runs from a low near $4,600 for a rough inline-six car to a high of $337,500 for a late B10 V8 S. The V8 sits well above the six-cylinder cars within that range, so the average understates a clean, well-documented V8 like this one.AdvertisementAdvertisementRecent auction activity supports a stronger number for a good V8. A comparable 1998 B10 V8 sold on Bring a Trailer in August 2025 in a result described as being in the top tier of prices seen for these, reflecting how rarely clean, documented examples surface and how much interest golden-era Alpinas now attract.1998 Alpina B10Bring a TrailerGiven the rarity, the documentation, and the no-reserve format, I would call fair value roughly $30,000 to $45,000, with the possibility of more if two collectors engage. The current $20,000 bid with six days remaining is early, and because there is no reserve, this one will sell to the highest bidder.Condition and detailsThe documentation and recent mechanical verification are the highlights. The seller commissioned a compression test that returned strong, consistent readings averaging about 209 psi across all eight cylinders with only an 8-psi spread, plus a clean borescope inspection and fresh Bosch platinum plugs. The service file is deep, with documented work over the years including the air-mass meter, engine mounts, head gaskets and seals, an alternator, ignition coils, and valve-cover gaskets, along with a battery in late 2025. The car also comes with CarVX and CarProof reports, the Japanese auction sheet, an Alpina parts catalogue, a service booklet, two keys, and an original Alpina keychain.1998 Alpina B10Bring a TrailerThe flaws are modest and disclosed. The digital display has missing pixels, a common E39 issue, and the original Japanese-market head unit was replaced with a Pioneer Bluetooth stereo, with the original not included but readily available secondhand. The seller, a high-volume BaT dealer, describes the car as rust-free with a clean undercarriage and consistent paint-meter readings, attributing the preservation to snow-free regions in Japan and coastal British Columbia, and its Japanese auction sheet carried an above-average 4B grade.1998 Alpina B10Bring a TrailerTwo practical points for a buyer. This is a Japanese-market car now titled in Washington, so there are no additional import steps for a US buyer, though anyone verifying originality should note the odometer reads in kilometers, at 121,000 km, roughly 75,000 miles. And because Alpina-specific parts can be harder to source than standard BMW components, factor in that maintenance on the bespoke pieces, though the underlying M62-based V8 shares much with the contemporary 540i.The offerSpecificationDetailMakeBMW / AlpinaModelB10 V8 (E39)Year1998Mileage121,000 km (~75,000 miles) shownEngineAlpina Type F3 4.6-liter V8PowerApproximately 340 horsepower, 347 lb-ftTransmissionFive-speed Switchtronic automaticDrive typeRear-wheel driveExterior colorAlpina Blue Metallic IIInterior colorAnthracite clothCurrent bidUSD $20,000 (no reserve)Interested in this car? View the listing here.What makes the Alpina B10 V8 uniqueAlpina is not a tuner in the aftermarket sense but a recognized manufacturer that takes BMW platforms and comprehensively re-engineers them, and the B10 V8 is a perfect example. Based on the E39 540i, it received an enlarged 4.6-liter Type F3 V8 with a specially cast block, Mahle pistons, and Alpina's own crankshaft and camshafts, along with Alpina-specific engine management, a revised exhaust, sport suspension, aerodynamic bodywork, and the unmistakable blue paint, gold striping, and multi-spoke wheels. The result is a rapid, understated luxury sedan built in tiny numbers, with this car being number 368 of roughly 850.1998 Alpina B10Bring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThat rarity and the brand's cult following are why these have appreciated from cheap grey-market curiosities into sought-after collectibles. Golden-era Alpinas like this one appeal to the enthusiast who wants something faster and rarer than an E39 M5 while flying completely under the radar, and the seller makes exactly that comparison, saying he would take the Alpina over an M5. Values hinge on documentation, condition, and originality, all of which this well-papered, freshly inspected example has in its favor.My takeThis is a wonderful enthusiast's car and a genuinely rare one, and the no-reserve format means someone is going to own it in a week. My fair-value call is $30,000 to $45,000, and I would be comfortable pushing into that range for a documented, compression-tested V8 with this level of paperwork, recognizing that clean B10 V8s almost never come up.The buying advice is about the details rather than any big worry. Accept the missing display pixels as a period-typical quirk, decide whether the aftermarket stereo matters to you given the originals are available, and confirm you are comfortable sourcing Alpina-specific parts down the road. Do that, and the current $20,000 bid is an early number on a golden-era Alpina that rewards the enthusiast who has always wanted one.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.AdvertisementAdvertisementAutoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.