Alpina Engines , how to tell the difference?

[GooneriC]

I'm supposed to go look at an Alpina E30 engine this coming weekend. The seller claims to have an Alpina M20B27 engine. How do i know which one it is? As i understand there were variants to the Alpina engines, he claims this one is a C2. How can i tell... can i trace the origin via the engine number? Any other visible signs / markings i should look for?

[HairyScreech]

best to post this in general chat as it wont get seen here, i'm sure all alpina heads had the head number stamped into them, failing that check the engine stroke, look for porting work, the cam should be higher lift.

i'm sure there is extra things to look out for, someone will confirm.

[nickphine]

I've got a proper c2 2.7 bottom end and it has c2/ then four numbers stamped low down on the block. Will try and remember to post a pic later.

[Ant]

^^ spot on, at the base of the dipstick is a large flat block of metal, the number will be there. C2 ****

no number, not genuine

if in doubt and the engine is out of car, pull the sump off and get in there with a torch, 135mm rods, 81 mm crank.

heads are marked along the intake side, by t/stat housing, VV hard to see this one TBH.

[GooneriC]

Great thanks , hopefully i wont have to go as far as pulling the sump. Will keep you guys posted. One more thing , how much would an Alpina C2 with 88,000 miles fetch if selling in UK?

[Ant]

the complete car, with history in good condition and full provenace would be 4-12K dependant on quantity of doors, colour and spec.

its a minefield but a good one will always make good dollar IMHO

[GooneriC]

Sorry didnt make myself clear , was speaking of engine only. I have seen the car but unfortunately its too far gone , the back of it was damaged by fire and the rest of it is rotted in too many places. The seller wants £800 for the engine

[GooneriC]

Checked the lump out , turns out its a US spec 2.7Eta and looks like its had the stuffing knocked out of it. Not a chance lol. Thanks for the info anyway guys

[Ant]

if its a super ETA with the 325i type pistons then its worth having still, needs to be cheap though, sub £150