I Drag Raced a BMW M5 E39 v Alpinas!

Who’s ready for an almighty BMW v Alpina drag race?!

We’ve got Mat lining up in an Alpina B10 S, and he’s about to go head-to-head against an E39 M5 and a regular Alpina B10!

So let’s see how these legendary saloons compare. Starting with the B10 S, it’s powered by a 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V8 that can produce 380hp and 510Nm of torque. It powers the rear wheels only, and it tips the scales at 1,690kg.

As you’d expect, the regular B10 arrives with very similar stats. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 4.6-litre naturally-aspirated V8, which can put down 340hp and 470Nm. It also powers the rear wheels, but it’s also slightly lighter, coming in at 1,660kg.

Then finally we have the E39 M5. It’s equipped with a 4.9-litre naturally-aspirated V8 which can produce 400hp and 500Nm. So it’s the most powerful car here, but it has two disadvantages. Not only is it the heaviest car here, at 1,795kg, but it’s also the only manual car in this line-up!

Will the lack of an automatic gearbox prove to be its downfall? There’s only one way to find out… LET’S RACE!

Thanks to @BenCollinsDrives for joining us!
Thanks to everyone for lending us their cars:

[carwow]

Which other classic cars should we drag race?

[akshitsharma]

The aerial shots of the cars racing are just awesome. WE NEED MORE OF THEM

[Ellis]

One of the best sounding drag races I've heard in a while

[carsandcustard]

The E39, in almost any variant is one of the greatest cars of all time, without a doubt. Great video.

[coldmoonlight]

I enjoy these videos. Three guys edging each other over and over, but nobody really wins or loses.
Peak content.

[sjcj]

This gave me all of the feels!!! First car was a E39 540i and have been chasing that thrill ever since! Thanks Matt!

[gastoys]

Super disappointed that the M5 driver did not release the DSC system. You can clearly see the M5 drop / fall on its face with every gearshift as a DSC system muted the throttle due to wet pavement.

As an e39 M5 owner, my M5 records a 1/4 mile of 13.2 @ 108mph - STOCK.

Love the video of older sports sedan getting live - ty.

Do more of these, but make sure drivers know the quirks of these cars.

[bzilla-di]

Good to see the Stig. The E39 is one of the greatest cars ever made, truly a timeless design.

[BenCollinsDrives]

Thanks for having me on Mat - lovely car but she could do with a little er.. tuning :) hope you all enjoy the races, they run a tight ship on CarWow

[ISwearThatsDylan]

So happy Matt finally did the E39s in a drag race, have been waiting for ages

[ThaboTshuma]

Some say he once baked a cake using nothing but engine oil and a refrigerator, and that the only thing that terrifies him are the curtains at James May's house.

[snapwithchance]

The air footage! 🔥 with all that happened, the e39 M5 is still the winner in my books 😍

[aysbg]

BMW e39 M5 is my favourite car, ever. My late father had e39 530d and I was always in love with the way it looked, how it felt to drive the car and especially after driving the M5 version - I was in love. So yeah, thank you Carwow & Matt, this was an awesome video for me to remind how much I love this car.

[omarrazak]

The noise of the M5 ! Omg. The Ariel shot. Omfg ! 😊

[thatolouw]

It's great to see Ben! Haven't seen him in a while. I have complete faith in his driving skills.

[veridico]

It looked like Ben stuffed every gear shift up.

[atlegangletsoge]

That camera view from the top (5:30) is stunning. Its like an action movie. Well done🤩

[UzairW]

Ben Collins aka the Stig is by far the most charismatic and knowledgeable guest on Carwow. Frankly would rather have him on rather than that insufferable clout chasing knows-very-little about cars Yianni as a frequent guest in drag races. Ben's got tremendous pedigree and comes across almost as a gentleman-scholar on cars and their driving characteristics, all neatly presented in an erudite yet humble persona.

In short: more Ben (and less Yianni) please!!

[GGN-]

This is... a Classic drag race.
Thanks for sharing it with us.

[mennobros]

Good to see ben onboard. we like to make similar content!