The H-series engines are based on the N62B44 engine from the BMW 745i with 333PS (245kW) and 450Nm. In 2002, this BMW engine was winner in the prestigious International Engine of the Year awards.

This is the first supercharged engine for Alpina. It is also the first Alpina engine produced outside the Alpina factory, only the massive cooling package was produced in Buchloe.

In March 2003, at the Geneva motorshow, a prototype of the H1 engine was shown, quoted at 470PS and 650Nm. Later in the year, the production version of the E65 B7 was presented with 500PS and 700Nm.

The H1 block is cast to Alpina´s own specifications. The crank is forged, instead of cast and lower compression pistons from Mahle are used. The supercharger supplied by ASA is patented. Here is what Alpina says about the engine:

“The engine’s forced induction differs from conventional solutions: it is neither turbo, nor of the type of super-chargers that drain a great deal of power from an engine, especially at higher rpm. A radial or ”Nautilus-type” compressor delivers the ALPINA V8’s boost pressure: one might see it as a combination of super-charger and turbo-charger. It isn’t propelled by exhaust gases, as a turbo would be, but rather belt-driven from the crankshaft. The inner workings of the radial compressor compare to the intake side of a turbo: a small turbine generates up to 0.8 atmospheres of boost to the cylinders. Before reaching the engine, the air passes through a generously-dimensioned inter-cooler, capable of sinking intake air temperature up to 70°C. The advantages of this innovative technical solution? The radial compressor never stops spinning, with no time lag when power is demanded. Under the types of low to partial loads found in everyday driving, the engine operates as if it were normally aspirated, using the full functionality of Valvetronic (variable valve lift). This is the deciding factor in creating advantageous fuel economy. The compressor is controlled through the use of an ”upstream” throttle plate in the intake system – a development unique to ALPINA, and one that makes the charging of the Valvetronic V8, without the use of a common throttle body, even possible.”

Alpina states that the H-series engine consists of circa 1/3 BMW parts, 1/3 parts from BMW suppliers and 1/3 parts from Alpina´s own suppliers.

The H1/1 engine is an update to make the H1 engine suitable for the North American market.

In 2005, BMW introduced the 550i, 650i and 750i with improved N62B48 engine. However, Alpina choose to retain the N62B44 engine as basis for the H-series engines.

The H1/2 was introduced in the E6x B5 S and E6x B6 S in late 2007. The additional 30PS and 25Nm over the H1 takes advantage of upgraded engine management installed in the LCI upgrade of E60 and E63 models.

The H1/4 engine was installed in the first generation B6 GT3 race car.