In late 1996, Alpina concluded an agreement with BMW to join forces in developing “the ultimative diesel sports engine”. It would be the first diesel-powered Alpina model.

BMW offered Alpina two alternatives for the development of the new engine: either the brand-new 3,9 litre V8 or the 3 litre six-cylinder. Alpina chose the six-cylinder because it fits perfectly into both the 3-series and the 5-series and it is even more economical than the V8.

In March 1999, at the Geneva motorshow, Alpina introduced this car – the D10 BiTurbo. It was available as Limousine and Touring.

The D10 BiTurbo is based on the 24 valve, 3.0 litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine from the BMW 530d. Together with BMW, Alpina developed probably the most advanced diesel engine at that time. This 3.0 litre engine features the second-generation Bosch common-rail fuel injection with a maximum system pressure of 1600 bar.

The D10 BiTurbo has two turbochargers featuring, for the first time ever in a six-cylinder diesel, grid-controlled, electromechanical adjustment of turbine geometry. To reduce the boost temperature, the D10 has a Behr high-performance intercooler which reduces the intake temperature as much as 100C. Alpina also installed new light-alloy pistons, a new exhaust system and new valves. The power is up from 184 bhp to 238 bhp and produces 500 Nm of torque from 1800 to 3000 rpm.

Two gearboxes were available, a Getrag six-speed manual and a ZF five-speed automatic with Switchtronic.

The wheels are 18″ with Michelin Pilot tires, 235/40 front and 265/35 rear.

The D10 BiTurbo has same exterior changes as its other 5-series Alpina brothers. That means a deeper front-spoiler, 18″ wheels (optionally 19″) and bigger exhausts. The deco-set in gold or silver as well as a rear-spoiler are no-cost options.

The interior changes include sport seats with Alpina upholstery, a hand-stitched leather steering-wheel, Alpina wood-interior including a nice gear-knob, Alpina carpets and the silver plaque. As in the B10 models, the instruments are replaced with Alpina items, blue with red needles, however the D10 has a unique speedometer marked to 300 km/h.

Alpina claims a 0-100 km/h time of 7,2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h+.

Autobild´s test of a manual D10 BiTurbo managed to achieve 0-100 km/h in only 7,0 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 26,3 and a top speed of 254 km/h. The D10 that was tested by Auto Motor und Sport was equipped with Switch-Tronic gearbox and believe it or not, it was even faster, with 0-100 km/h in 6,7 seconds, 0-160 km/h in 16,9 but the top speed was the same at 254 km/h.

Not bad for a diesel…