At IAA 1978, Alpina introduced the B6 2.8 as well as the B7 Turbo and B7 Turbo Coupe. With these introductions, Alpina made a major step towards becoming a car manufacturer.<\/p>\n
Engine\/Gearbox<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
The B6 2.8 is based on the 323i with a 2.8 litre six cylinder engine from the 528i. Alpina further modified the 2.8 engine with forged Mahle-pistons, modified combustion chambers, increased compression as well as a new fuel injection system, made by Zenith-Pierburg-DL. The main focus of these modifications was not only to increase power but also to improve fuel efficiency. The BMW 2.8 engine – which in stock form is rated at 177hp – now produced 200 bhp with torque of 248 Nm.<\/p>\n
The 323i\u00b4s original four-speed gearbox was upgraded to a Getrag five-speed unit.<\/p>\n
In August 1981, the B6 2.8 received a more highly-developed induction system which made the 2.8 litre six cylinder produce 218 bhp, exactly the same as BMW\u00b4s 3.5 litre engine.<\/p>\n
Suspension\/Brakes\/Wheels<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
For the B6 2.8, Alpina fitted the suspension with new Bilstein struts with gas-pressure shocks and shorter\/stiffer springs from Ahle. <\/p>\n
The 15in Alpina alloy wheels are 6″ wide with 195\/50 tires at the front and 7″ wide with 205\/50 tires at the rear.<\/p>\n
The front brakes are uprated with ventilated, drilled discs however the solid discs at rear are retained from the standard 323i.<\/p>\n
Interior\/Exterior<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Inside the front seats were replaced with Recaro bucket seats with much better support. The steering wheel is covered with leather and is made by Momo.<\/p>\n
The gauges were modified with red needles and (obviously) a higher speed range.<\/p>\n
Furthermore the B6 2.8 sports a front spoiler, rear spoiler, Alpina wheels and the optional Alpina stripes.<\/p>\n
Performance<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Even by today’s standards the B6 2.8 is still a fast car. For the 200bhp B6 2.8, Alpina claimed 7.5 seconds from 0-100 km\/h however independent road testers found the time to be closer to 6.9 seconds. The B6 2.8 has a top speed of around 225 km\/h. In performance the B6 2.8 could compete with much more expensive sports cars of its time such as the Porsche 911 3.0.<\/p>\n
For the 218 bhp B6 2.8, Alpina claimed a 0-100 km\/h time of only 7 seconds and a top speed of 229 km\/h.<\/p>\n
Production<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
The production of the B6 2.8 started in March 1978 and ended in January 1983 with the introduction of the E30 3-series. A total of 533 cars were built.
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