Performance Package

**Mark0** · September 26th 2018, 15:48

My Alpina is at the Naples BMW dealer attending to a new starter and I asked them about the cost to install the suspension performance package to thwart any potential damage. The advisor, Chuck, stated that they can't put the performance package on an Alpina without significant work and cutting into some structure to do so. This doesn't sound correct, is there any substantive difference between the Alpina and the other Z8's that would prevent the package from being installed? I do drive the car each week yet am particularly careful with it...thoughts? Suggestions?

Signed, confused in Florida

**Z-acht** · September 26th 2018, 20:39

The Alpina Performance kit is slightly different to the Z8 one: it has different airbox brackets. The Z8 version did not need any cutting so I think the Alpina bracket does not need either. I saw one yesterday but I did not see any sign of "cutting"

**DirkZ8** · September 27th 2018, 00:56

The Alpina has softer suspension and 'normal' tires for which the frame was designed, and the performance package is a bit of an overkill. Having said that, no significant work or cutting is required to install the Alpina specific performance package on the Alpina. Scary thought that the SA tells you that. Time to pick up your car and bring it somewhere else, like Braman in Miami? Regarding the starter, I went through 4 or 5 BMW replacement starters (always the same click-click solenoid issues). Finally, I took it to my independent mechanic, got the BOSCH starter from a different source (new in the box). Haven't had an issue since.

**pendrod** · September 27th 2018, 02:08

Had one installed a year on a Alpina by Matt Carver at Peter Pan BMW in San Fransisco. Straight forward no cutting. Have them call Matt and ask him how he does it.

**pendrod** · September 27th 2018, 02:19

Had one installed a year on a Alpina by Matt Carver at Peter Pan BMW in San Fransisco. Straight forward no cutting. Have them call Matt and ask him how he does it.

**Thackray** · September 27th 2018, 14:23

Perhaps someone will contradict me but I don't think that the cross bar member of the "performance" package is necessary to protect the shock strut tower. The bolt down disks (shown in the DirkZ8 photo above) are all that is needed. I believe that the inclusion of the cross bar part of the "performance" package was a political move by BMW to avoid admitting the weakness in the design of the aluminum shock tower. But the cross bar should stiffen the engine cage and improve handling somewhat. I did have the full "performance" package put on my Z8 but if I were putting the "performance" package on today I'd just put the disks on the shock towers. Normal, careful driving without the "performance" package should not deform the shock towers. But hitting a big pot hole or a curb with a bit of speed could cause some damage. However, from a resale viewpoint, perhaps the full "performance" package would be best. YMMV Phil

**Mark0** · September 27th 2018, 14:41

Originally Posted by DirkZ8

The Alpina has softer suspension and 'normal' tires for which the frame was designed, and the performance package is a bit of an overkill. Having said that, no significant work or cutting is required to install the Alpina specific performance package on the Alpina. Scary thought that the SA tells you that. Time to pick up your car and bring it somewhere else, like Braman in Miami? Regarding the starter, I went through 4 or 5 BMW replacement starters (always the same click-click solenoid issues). Finally, I took it to my independent mechanic, got the BOSCH starter from a different source (new in the box). Haven't had an issue since.

Just for clarification, the Naples BMW service advisor stated the performance suspension they looked at would require some adjustments or cutting to install on the Alpina and advised AGAINST it. Just did't want anyone to think their first inclination was to break out a sawzall or grinder!

**Norcal** · September 28th 2018, 00:48

I do think the crossbar is required, or at least helps. Some of the damaged cars I saw had separation down near the bottom of the frame, not just the “domeing” at the top.

**CraigKay** · September 28th 2018, 16:35

Originally Posted by Mark0

Just for clarification, the Naples BMW service advisor stated the performance suspension they looked at would require some adjustments or cutting to install on the Alpina and advised AGAINST it. Just did't want anyone to think their first inclination was to break out a sawzall or grinder!

Mark - I just saw this beautiful Alpina at Germain BMW.

**Mark0** · September 28th 2018, 18:21

Looking good, thanks for the pic! Can't wait to get it home. Note the caps missing on the lockable lug nuts! If it's not one thing it's another.

**jawz** · October 7th 2018, 06:38

Originally Posted by Mark0

Looking good, thanks for the pic! Can't wait to get it home. Note the caps missing on the lockable lug nuts! If it's not one thing it's another.

I had the performance package installed on my Alpina years ago and there was NO cutting required but I believe there was a slight difference as someone said earlier. Go for it.

**TheJQ** · January 28th 2019, 11:01

Hi all. I'm a former owner and forum member, turned current owner again. Bought an '03 over the weekend and it doesn't have the PP 👀... Can I just order that through my local dealership? Also, do I need the strut/brace or can I just go with the plates that go on the domes?Also, any thoughts on inspecting it before I officially drive it off the dealer's lot? Should I hire someone to do a thorough physical/mechanical inspection?

**pendrod** · January 28th 2019, 15:21

In theory any BMW should be able to order the performance package. In practice good luck. i have used Matt Carver twice to order the part and once from a BMW dealer who was selling the Z8. As has been mentioned the Alpina or the Z8 will take the part. The Alpina must have a censor box moved out of the way...a 2 minuet job. Where is the car at? In Naples area Germain does a very good job on Z8's , In ca Peter Pan is the best.

**TheJQ** · January 28th 2019, 16:39

I'm in CT now. I used to have my prior Z8 serviced at Germain when I lived in Naples. Yes, they're very good. I'll reach out to my local guy and see what he says.

**pendrod** · January 29th 2019, 01:23

https://www.bmwdarien.com/ Did the competition on a Z8 I purchased last year from them. Nice job.

**TheJQ** · January 29th 2019, 20:17

May I ask what they charged you to install it? I was quoted about $1,000 for the parts. Haven't heard back yet on labor.

**Peter Koh** · February 3rd 2019, 23:08

Similar to Pendrod reply. Had one installed two years ago on a Alpina by Matt Carver at Peter Pan BMW in San Francisco before vehicle head down to Australia. Straight forward no cutting. Have them call Matt and ask him how he does it.

**llioz** · May 27th 2019, 19:11

Originally Posted by TheJQ

I'm in CT now. I used to have my prior Z8 serviced at Germain when I lived in Naples. Yes, they're very good. I'll reach out to my local guy and see what he says.

I had a performance package put on my 2001 Z8 about 6 years ago by Ray Catena BMW in White Plains.They have a Z8 tech guy, John Warren. It cost about $2,000. I recommend him.Sorry for the late response. Just saw your post.Larry

**DLM** · August 22nd 2019, 04:17

Another Z8 protected from death. Just got my car back today from having the performance package installed at Rochester NY BMW. They (senior tech Pat) did a nice job and I could feel the difference on the way home. Anyway will be nice to not worry about the possible damage. Also did a bunch of maintenance and switched to the Wolf 10/60 oil which quieted down the Vanos at idle.

**2112** · August 22nd 2019, 07:33

Wolf 10w 60. Hadn't heard of it so I looked it up

https://www.wolflubes.com/EN_EU/prod...aspx?cat=17563

interesting that it is a semi synthetic.

**DLM** · August 23rd 2019, 00:06

Sorry, I don't know where in my brain that came from, guess I was tired. I used the LiquiMoly 10/60 which of course is full synthetic. Apologies. Did have a great day touring about 150 miles in the car today.

**2112** · August 23rd 2019, 05:07

I need to get out more, not familiar with Liqui Moly either. I need to bone up on oils.

https://products.liqui-moly.com/synt...-10w-60-1.html

**boomster** · August 23rd 2019, 12:12

I have been using Liqui -Moly 10w-60 in my 2002 E39 M5 for several years now with absolutely no issues. It is made in Germany and has been well accepted by the E39 M5 crowd as fully equivalent to Castrol TWS 10w-60.