ALPINA is an independent brand based in Bavaria, Germany, specializing in modifying BMW vehicles. While ALPINA is often regarded as a BMW tuner, it actually has no subsidiary relationship with BMW, similar to the relationship between Brabus and Mercedes-Benz—Brabus is also a manufacturer dedicated to modifying Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Vehicles produced by ALPINA bear only the ALPINA logo, with no BMW branding visible. ALPINA is also considered one of Germany's smallest car manufacturers. ALPINA was founded in 1965 by German Burkard Bovensiepen (1936). The company was initially named Burkard Bovensiepen-KG and was located in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, in southern Germany. Originally, the company produced typewriters. However, after Buckard's successful stock investments, he established a business modifying and tuning BMW models, initially focusing on carburetor tuning and cylinder head improvements. ALPINA's production process is integrated into BMW's assembly lines. For example, the ALPINA B7 is produced alongside the standard BMW 7 Series at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany. Its 4.4-liter V8 engine is hand-assembled at ALPINA's headquarters in Buchloe before being transported to BMW's production line for installation. Completed ALPINA vehicles are then returned to ALPINA headquarters for final refinements. Although ALPINA's models are based on BMW products, since the late 1970s—when ALPINA became a TÜV-certified car manufacturer—its vehicles have been registered as ALPINA products rather than BMW. Despite this, ALPINA models can still be purchased through many BMW dealerships and serviced there. Although ALPINA operates as an independent brand, the BMW vehicles it modifies exhibit superior performance and configurations. ALPINA can modify nearly all BMW products, including the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 6 Series, and Z4. ALPINA originated from BMW but surpasses it. The collaboration between ALPINA and BMW began in motorsports, where ALPINA-supplied engine components significantly enhanced the performance of BMW race cars. This led ALPINA to transition from a parts supplier to a development partner for BMW's racing division. Technically, ALPINA upgrades the powertrain and significantly improves safety in chassis and suspension tuning. It employs modified turbocharging and braking systems while also refining the exterior and interior to make the vehicles more sporty.
