Contrary to popular belief, the BMW 850 CSi was not actually the pinnacle of the BMW E31 range. That accolade is reserved for the Alpina B12 5.7. Launched in 1992, it featured a derivative of the S70 V-12 engine from the CSi bored out to 5.7 litres and fettled with a modified intake, crankshaft, camshaft, and freer-flowing exhaust system. Power grew from 375 bhp to 412 bhp, and the resulting top speed was just shy of 300 km/h. B12 5.7s are recognisable by their trademark Alpina multi-spoke alloy wheels and body kit featuring a carbon-fibre louvred bonnet with a central NACA. Whereas over 1,500 850 CSi’s were produced, just 57 Alpina B12 5.7s rolled off the production line at Buchloe.