The E-series engines are based on the BMW M50 inline-6 engine.

The E1 engine is based on the M50B25 engine from the 325i with 189bhp (141kW) and 245Nm. The E1 engine was introduced in the B6 2.8/2 in early 1992. Modifications include engine block, crankshaft, pistons, cylinderhead, camshafts, exhaust manifold, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management.

In 1992, BMW introduced the first technical update of the M50 engine with single-VANOS – variable valve timing – on the intake camshaft. The E1/3 engine was introduced in the B6 2.8/2 in late 1992. Changes from the E1 engine are limited to the technical update, power was not impacted however peak torque became available at lower rpm.

The E3 engine is based on the M50B25TÜ engine from the 325i with 189bhp (141kW) and 245Nm. The E3 engine was introduced in the B3 3.0 in early 1993. Modifications include engine block, crankshaft, pistons, cylinderhead, camshafts, exhaust manifold, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management.

The E3/1 engine is a slightly modified version of the E3, to fit the E34 5-series. It was introduced in the B10 3.0 Allrad in early 1994. The E3/1 engine was also offered as aftermarket upgrade kit.

In 1995, BMW introduced a major update – the M52 engine series. At the same time, the 325i was replaced by the 328i. In most markets, except the US & Canada, the M50’s cast iron engine block was replaced by the M52’s aluminum engine block. Therefore, Alpina choose to start using this engine block.

The E4 engine is based on the M52B28US engine from the 328i with 190bhp (142kW) and 280Nm. The E4 engine was introduced in the B3 3.2 in early 1996. Modifications include engine block, pistons, cylinderhead, intake camshaft, exhaust manifold, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management. Connecting rods, crankshaft, exhaust camshaft, air intake and secondary air pump were sourced from the US-spec M3 3.0. The E4/3 engine is a slightly modified version of the E4, to fit the E39 5-series. It was introduced in the E39 B10 3.2 in late 1997.

The E4/2 engine is based on the M52B28 engine from the ECE-spec 328i with 190bhp (142kW) and 280Nm. This engine was introduced in the B6 2.8 Touring in late 1996. Uncharacteristically, the aluminum engine block was retained and internal parts were not changed. Modifications include exhaust and reprogrammed engine management. Cylinderhead and camshafts were sourced from the US-spec M3 3.0.

In 1998, BMW introduced the first technical update of the M52 engine with double-VANOS – variable valve timing – on intake and exhaust camshafts. As part of the same update, the M52B28US cast iron engine block was replaced by an aluminum engine block with steel cylinder liners. Alpina choose to retain the M52 single-VANOS and cast iron engine block. This required a change to the engine block of the US version of the M3 3.2.

The E4/4 engine is based on the S52B32 engine from the US-spec M3 3.2 with 240bhp (179kW) and 320Nm. This engine was introduced in the E46 B3 3.3 in early 1999. Modifications include custom engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinderhead, intake camshaft, intake, exhaust manifold, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management. Exhaust camshaft, oil pump and oil pan are sourced from the US-spec M3 3.2. Radiator is sourced from the hot-climate version of the E46 3-series. The E4/5 engine is a slightly modified version of the E4/4, to fit the E39 5-series. It was introduced in the E39 B10 3.3 in early 1999.

The E4/6 engine is a slightly modified version of the E4/4. Changes from the E4/4 are intake and engine management. It was introduced in the E46 B3 3.3 LCI in late 2000. The E4/7 engine is a slightly modified version of the E4/6, to fit the E39 5-series. It was introduced in the E39 B10 3.3 LCI in late 2000. The E4/8 engine is a slightly modified version of the E4/6, to fit the E46 B3 3.3 Allrad.

The E5/1 engine is based on the S52B32 engine from the US-spec M3 3.2 with 240bhp (179kW) and 320Nm. This engine was introduced in the E46 B3 S in late 2002. Modifications include custom engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinderhead, camshafts, intake, high performance exhaust manifold, exhaust and reprogrammed engine management. The E5/2 engine is a slightly modified version of the E5/1, to fit the E85 Roadster S.