ALPINA
Roadster S.

A Z4 with Buchloe priorities

The E85 BMW Z4 provides ALPINA with a short-wheelbase roadster with strong fundamentals, but the Roadster S was not conceived as a harder-edged Z4. Its purpose was broader: muscular naturally aspirated performance, high-speed stability, a compliant ride and the ability to cover serious distance with the roof down.

Production began in 2003 and ended in 2005. Only 370 were built, making it one of the rarest modern ALPINAs. The commonly published right-hand-drive figure is 167, although some UK sites report 166.

More than extra capacity

The 3,346 cc E5/2 straight-six uses the US-market S52 architecture as its foundation. ALPINA’s changes created a free-revving 300 bhp engine with 362 Nm of torque, breathing through a model-specific intake and exhaust arrangement and controlled by ALPINA engine calibration.

Its character is central to the car: immediate throttle response, a broad usable mid-range and a willingness to pull cleanly to the upper end without a turbocharger. Power reaches the rear wheels through a ZF six-speed manual gearbox.

Fast without becoming nervous

ALPINA specified its own spring and damper tuning, 19-inch Classic wheels and Michelin tyres. Subtle front and rear aerodynamic pieces reduced lift without changing the Z4’s essential shape. The steering remained the E85’s electric system, while brakes and running gear combined BMW foundations with Roadster S-specific calibration and detail components.

A few options

UK buyers were offered both Roadster S and Roadster S Lux versions. Lux cars typically added desirable comfort and technology equipment such as Professional Navigation, Bluetooth preparation, cruise control, xenon lights, parking sensors, heated seats and upgraded audio.

All cars carried ALPINA identifiers: a numbered plaque, blue instruments with red needles, bespoke steering-wheel details, ALPINA sills and Dynamic wheels. The principal cabin treatments were black leather with blue/green or red stitching, and beige leather with maroon piping and stitching.

A narrow moment in sports-car history

The Roadster S arrived after the analogue roadster formula had matured but before turbocharging, dual-clutch gearboxes and selectable chassis modes became dominant. It combines a naturally aspirated six, manual transmission and compact two-seat body with the comfort and individuality that separate an ALPINA from an M car.