Used car guide

2001 BMW Alpina: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW Alpina first registered in 2001: we looked at the 123 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 123 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

123MOTs of 2001 cars, done in 2023–2025
77%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 60%)
5,300typical miles a year
32%had brakes flagged

Common 2001 BMW Alpina MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 BMW Alpina MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    32% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    23% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    19% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    17% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Tyres
    17% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Rust and bodywork
    10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 BMW Alpina

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW Alpina?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW Alpina compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022–Too few tests
2021218Tyres 21%
2020–Too few tests
2019196Tyres 16%
2018165Tyres 18%
2017114Tyres 15%
2016170Tyres 24%
2015181Tyres 23%
2012136Suspension 17%
2011247Tyres 23%
2010274Suspension 25%
2009257Suspension 32%
2008283Tyres 19%
2007423Brakes 35%
2006210Brakes 26%
2005112Brakes 23%
2004215Brakes 21%
2003152Brakes 27%
2002191Brakes 26%
2000172Suspension 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW Alpina cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score