This 1979 BMW 533i (E12) is an Alpina-converted example carrying a dashboard-mounted Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen KG production plaque inscribed B8-533, converted by Zyfert and Mueller of Sydney, the factory-licensed exclusive Australian Alpina agents. Power comes from the 3.2-litre injected inline six, paired with a Getrag five-speed dogleg gearbox. The odometer reads 282,654 kilometres TMU.

The E12 BMW Motorsport 533i was itself produced in strictly limited numbers, hand-built to individual order at BMW's Garching facility between 1974 and 1979. Based on the E12 5 Series bodyshell and fitted with the injected 3.2-litre straight-six from the 633 CSi, the 533i left the factory with a 25 per cent limited-slip differential, Bilstein suspension, vented disc brakes, Getrag five-speed gearbox, and Recaro bucket seats. Fewer than 900 examples of all E12 Motorsport variants were completed across the entire production run, with this car dating from the final year of that programme. The Alpina conversion added the complete Bovensiepen aerodynamic package, upgraded differential with Alpina oil cooler, chassis and suspension tuning, and a comprehensively specified interior. A February 1982 road test of the 533i Alpina published in Motor magazine described the car as the world's fastest four-door production sedan, recording 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and a standing 400 metres in 15.16 seconds. Genuine, documented Alpina-converted E12 533i examples are extraordinarily scarce in Australia.

This example is finished in Saphirblau Metallic (factory code 149/1, confirmed by the original paint label in the engine bay), with the full Alpina aerodynamic body treatment comprising deep front air dam, side sills, and boot lid spoiler, finished in the house coachline of blue and gold. The interior features the signature blue, black and green striped Alpina cloth upholstery, four-spoke Alpina steering wheel, Alpina-branded VDO instrumentation with 220 km/h speedometer, and wooden gearknob with Alpina roundel. The car rides on period Alpina multi-spoke alloys wearing 205-section fronts and 225-section rears. The Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen KG production plaque inscribed B8-533 is mounted to the dashboard.

The seller, a prominent and long-standing Alpina collector, advises that this car was used by BMW Australia and Alpina for road testing and press purposes, and believes it to be the first Alpina-converted 533i to have been brought to Australia for that purpose. The Australian Alpina conversion programme was conducted by Zyfert and Mueller of Edgecliff, Sydney, who operated as the factory-licensed exclusive Australian agents, installing Alpina components supplied from Buchloe on BMW-provided vehicles. The Motor magazine article included in the accompanying documentation file shows the car on New South Wales registration plates, consistent with Australian press use. These claims are accepted by Trading Garage on the basis of the seller's knowledge and the supporting documentation provided, but bidders are encouraged to satisfy themselves independently prior to bidding. The car was subsequently discovered in storage and restored by the seller around 2016. During the restoration the engine block was replaced with all internal components retained, which buyers should note. The rear subframe has been reinforced around the differential mounting points, addressing the known weakness of the 533i under load in this area, with the seller advising the reinforcement exceeds the original factory standard.

The seller advises the car presents exceptionally well throughout following the restoration.

This BMW 533i Alpina will be sold with the dashboard-mounted Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen KG production plaque, original engine bay paint label, the Motor February 1982 magazine article, and accompanying documentation as described.

As per Trading Garage Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage has completed the following checks bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars. This vehicle is currently unregistered. There are no security interests registered on the PPSR against the serial number and it is not recorded as written off or stolen.