Alpina´s C1 version of the original 323i had been among their most popular models, so it was reasonable to expect that their follow-up version would be well received. However, Alpina was forced to quickly reacted when BMW introduced the 325i by upgrading the 2.3 liter engine to 2.5 liter and later 2.7 liter.

With the introduction of the E30 3-series, Alpina phased out their popular four cylinder engines and focused their efforts on the small-block six-cylinder models. All of these cars were based on the same platform with different versions of the same basic engine. There was also a 4-wheel drive version, the C2 2.7 Allrad. The models that were produced:
* C1 2.3 with 170 bhp. 35 built.
* C1 2.5 with 190 bhp. 50 built.
* C2 2.5 with 185 bhp. 74 built.
* C2 2.7 with 210 bhp. 108 built.
* C2 2.7 with catalyst and 204 bhp. 52 built.
* B3 2.7 with catalyst and 204 bhp. 257 built.
* B6 2.7 (Japan-only model)

A special mention deserves the B3 2.7 which marks a major step in the relationship between Alpina and BMW. In 1986, BMW introduced the 195bhp M3 which undercut the C2 2.7 in price. Until that time the C2 2.7 had been the most powerful series-produced E30 - which justified a high price. This price also supported the expensive production process which involved Alpina buying a complete 325i and rebuilding it to C2 2.7. Now this no longer was financially viable, Alpina requested BMW to provide half-finished 325i bodyshells for C2 2.7 production. This wish was granted and the popular B3 2.7 was born.