2003 BMW Z8 Alpina Roadster

Make

BMW

Model

Z8 Alpina Roadster

Year

2003

Listed price

$285,000

Location

Miami, Florida

Transmission

Automatic

Mileage

25,043 miles

The BMW Z8, a stunning homage to the legendary 507, was a bold statement from Bavaria at the turn of the millennium. Penned by Henrik Fisker, its design perfectly blended retro aesthetics with modern performance, intended as a halo car to showcase BMW's engineering prowess. Initially launched with the E39 M5's S62 V8 and a 6-speed manual, the Z8 was a rare sight, with just over 5,700 examples produced globally. However, for its final year of production in 2003, BMW partnered with Alpina to create a more grand-touring oriented version: the Z8 Alpina Roadster. This variant replaced the high-revving manual M-engine with Alpina's own E52 4.8-liter V8, paired exclusively with their ZF 5HP-30 Switch-Tronic automatic transmission, offering a smoother, more refined driving experience for a select few. This particular 2003 BMW Z8 Alpina Roadster stands as a testament to that unique collaboration. Showing just 25,043 miles on the odometer, it embodies the Alpina philosophy of combining effortless performance with luxurious usability. The heart of this machine is the bespoke Alpina 4.8-liter V8, delivering a robust 375 horsepower and a significant increase in torque over the standard Z8, all channeled through the smooth Alpina Switch-Tronic automatic transmission. This setup transforms the Z8 from a focused roadster into a sophisticated cruiser, ideal for long journeys and spirited drives alike. As collectors increasingly appreciate its exclusivity, usability, and historical significance, the Z8 Alpina remains a highly sought-after modern classic.