The D-series engines are based on the BMW M70, S70 and M73 V12 engines.

The D1 and D1/1 engines were also offered as aftermarket upgrade kit.

The D1 engine is based on the M70B50 engine from the BMW 750i with 300bhp (220kw) and 450Nm. It was the first V12 engine for Alpina. The D1 engine was first introduced in the B12 5.0 in early 1988.

The M70 engine series has Alusil applied to line the cylinders during the production process, which greatly increased the complexity of changing the cylinder bore afterwards. Modifications include custom pistons, camshafts, intake manifolds, modified cylinderheads, exhaust manifolds, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management.

The D1/1 engine is a slightly modified version of the D1 engine, to fit the E31 8-series. It was introduced in the B12 5.0 Coupe in early 1991.

The D2 engine is based on the M73B54 engine from the BMW 750i with 320hp (240kW) and 490Nm. The D2 engine was first introduced in the B12 5.7 in late 1995.

Modifications include custom engine block, crankshaft, pistons, camshafts, intake manifolds, modified cylinderheads, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management.

The D3 engine is based on the S70B56 engine from the BMW 850CSi with 380bhp (280kW) and 550Nm. It remains the only Alpina engine to date based on a BMW Motorsport engine. The D3 engine was first introduced in the B12 5.7 Coupe in late 1992.

Modifications include custom engine block, crankshaft, pistons, camshafts, intake manifolds, modified cylinderheads, exhaust manifolds, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management.

In 1998, BMW introduced the first technical update of the M73B54 engine with electronically heated catalyst and water cooled alternator. The D3/1 engine is based on the M73B54TÜ engine from the BMW 750i with 320hp (240kW) and 490Nm. In 1999, this BMW engine was winner in the prestigious International Engine of the Year awards.

The D3/1 engine was first introduced in the B12 6.0 in late 1999. It remains the largest capacity engine built by Alpina to date. Modifications include custom engine block, crankshaft, pistons, camshafts, intake manifolds, modified cylinderheads, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management.