Originality and collectibility

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by testdriver

modifications might drop the value to the collector's that love pure originality, but there is plenty more people on the market that don't care as much.

I agree with this and this is where there are two different people in the market. Those that want a car to be 100% original and those that just want something that's different and rare.

Originally Posted by Lord Vader

If I was to purchase one I personally would look for one that is still original from the factory

This is my thought as well, but it's not everyone's thought. Personally, if I'm looking at an Alpina I want it to be 100% original. If it's an auto, then so be it. If you want to swap an auto for a manual why not just get a "normal" BMW, and slap some Alpina badges on it.