When the values of certain BMW models go through the roof, at first you read or listen in amazement, followed by a massive case of hindsight as you think about what you should have bought back then, so let’s go back just over half a decade to point out what’s been missed out on.

In front of me over the Christmas break was the October 2005 issue of Total BMW and the classifieds are full of what would be considered typos in 2012. A ‘superb example’ of a 1988 E30 M3 with 90k on the clock was priced at £6,950 – try a minimum of £20k today. An E34 M5 Touring finished in Daytona Violet, described as ‘immaculate throughout’ was commanding £3,250 – now a minimum of £10k. Other TBMW issues of 2005 have numerous 635 CSi’s for just £1,500, not to mention E28 M5s and E28 M6s for around £5,000. All of which have multiplied in value. Depreciation is also evident. The E46 M3, which was the current model back then, wasn’t going for much less than £30,000 – these are well under £10k today. Meanwhile E36 Convertibles were valued at closer to £10,000 – or from just £1,500 in 2012.

Question is, to prevent a bad case of hindsight in 2017, what’s lurking around at the moment that could be an investment? The E36 M3 is a current favourite, decent E36 328i Sports are also thin on the ground and, for future purchasing reference, how about the often overlooked WTCC homologated E90 320Si? Place your bets.

Adam Tait - Editor

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It’s my second Christmas issue since being in the chair at TBMW, and what a year it’s been. Thanks to you guys, feature cars are still being fed through these pages and with every build that passes through, a new one is started. Often by the owners of previous feature cars looking for their next challenge, so I’m looking forward to see what creations 2012 brings – some of which I’m already keeping tabs on.

A personal highlight to end 2011 has been driving the latest M5 (page 18). I’ve always had a thing for understated fast saloons, so this was just my bag and I’m sure it will be yours too. Car launches always tend to lavish journos with a lifestyle they don’t have, because spending two days in the south of France driving through mountain roads, finishing with a morning on-track doesn’t normally make up the average working week.  

However, I can always rely on one of my own BMWs to bring me back to reality. When I got back to the UK, the crankshaft sensor went on the E39 and I had to wait until pay day to buy a new one. Then the supposedly waterproof cover on my windowless E36 had an epic fail because the floor pans turned into a lido.

For readers struggling to find TBMW in newsagents (WH Smiths should be the first port of call), one alternative is to ask your friendly local newsagent to order it in, which should take the hassle out of finding it every month. Better still, take out a subscription and receive your copy before it’s even available in the shops!

Despite it still being November as I write this, I hope everyone has a brilliant Christmas and New Year – we’ll catch up again in 2012

Adam Tait - Editor

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Hopping from one BMW to the next certainly has its advantages, and you are forever drawing comparisons on how each one performs. However, since attending BMW’s Multimodel media day near Goodwood earlier this month, what struck me most were the astounding fuel economy figures that the current range are producing, thanks to the advances in turbocharging technology. Not the most exciting observation I know, but economy is the bane of any car.

The new 640d review on page 31 illustrates that a properly quick GT capable of dispatching 62mph in 5.5 seconds can achieve 51mpg. Ok, so that’s a diesel, but let’s take a petrol engine roadster as the next case in point. The Z4 may have had two-cylinders lopped off in favour of a four-pot turbo, but the 242bhp Z4 sDrive28i is quick with a 5.7 seconds 0-60mph, but returns over 41mpg. A figure E39 diesel owners pray for on a long run. 

This is all thanks to the EfficientDynamics initiative, which incorporates various systems in a strive for better economy: such as the arguably irritating Auto Start Stop, which must take its toll on the starter motor and battery; Brake Energy Regeneration, which uses kinetic energy to charge the battery when coasting or braking; electric power steering and, in the 1-Series, cooling ducts that shut-off when the radiator doesn’t need cold air to reduce air resistance –which contributes to the 170bhp 118i’s 48mpg economy figure.

Purchase costs aside, EfficientDynamics models are going to benefit those who buy new and anyone looking for affordable running costs in the future when they settle in to the used market. Who’d have thought running a 6-Series as a daily would ever make sense?

Adam Tait - Editor

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If you are in dire need of practicality, then page 78 will provide you with a one-stop Touring shop. I’ve recently been switching between an E39 saloon and a Touring, and within a day of using the saloon I found myself hankering after its van-like brother.

Mainly because I had to get all-season tyres fitted on a set of the 16-inch ‘Turbine’ wheels, which were shod in winter tread. Fitting all eight into a saloon was tricky; two in the boot, four on the back seat and two on the passenger seat, with dust sheets protecting the seats, before anyone sighs.

In a Touring however, this same load can be swallowed by merely folding the rear seats down, and there’s no need to ask your passenger to walk. The same goes for road trips; a Touring of any description, from E30 to E61, can be loaded to the rooftop with luggage, which leaves passenger room aplenty. The optional load cover found in the E39 Touring also has an integrated dog guard – canine benefits aside, this prevents occupants from getting decapitated by a stray bit of luggage under heavy braking.

On top of their load-lugging abilities, I’m a firm believer that Tourings are better looking in most cases than their saloon counterparts as well. The E30, E34, E39 and E61 wagons push all the right buttons for me, but I still prefer the E36 and E9X as a saloon or coupé. If I was in the market for a mile-munching 5 wagon and I had a few grand to play with, an E61 520d would be my pick because it sips diesel and won’t shun luggage for five, all for well under £10k...

Adam Tait - Editor

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