Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) have become the bane of many a modern diesel BMW owner. What usually happens is they become clogged, which not only affects performance and economy – but also sends dashboard warning lights into a spin.

Consequently worried owners have been making a bee-line for their nearest dealer or independent BMW specialist in search of answers – which, given the former, is likely to be the prospect of having to pay an extortionate amount for a factory replacement. Of course, there are other options – and we’ve taken the route of fitting a DPF delete pipe accompanied by a remap, which not only solves the problem but improves performance and economy at the same time. Win, win in other words. Read all about it this issue on pages 46-51.

Since the E36 3-Series entered banger-money territory a few years back, it lost much of the respect it had earned in previous decades. However, we reckon it’s still got a lot going for it – and if you find an unmolested one it will still provide plenty of enjoyment. Hell, it might even become a collectable given time. We’ve delved into the model’s history and highlighted some of the common maintenance issues in our ‘Truth About…’ piece on pages 32-36.

Elsewhere we’ve got a red-hot US turbocharged E46 M3, as well as a budget Z3 M-Coupé racecar to offer excitement and inspiration, plus all the usual hands-on advice from our tech experts.

Hope you enjoy the issue.

Ian Cushway - Editor

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The E28 B10 on the cover bears testament to the fact that aged BMWs can still hold their own against the latest products from the prestige car makers. Despite being 27 years old, it will happily do 150mph (on an autobahn, of course) and can cruise at licence-busting speeds, four-up all day long in surprising comfort.

The ultra rare classic, number four of just 26 cars ever produced, was left languishing in a yard before being discovered by its former owner who set about returning it to its former glory. Current custodian Mick Cousins then stepped in and has meticulously improved it, sorting the tired looking paint and interior, detailing the engine bay and totally renewing the suspension to make it drive like new. Having seen it in the flesh at this year’s BMW Festival, I was so impressed I decided it ought to be in the magazine. Perhaps what I like most is just how understated it is and this, along with the sheer quality of construction, has given it a really contemporary feel. Park it alongside a something new, chic and shiny in a Chelsea backstreet and it really wouldn’t look at all out of place.

So what else have we got for you this issue? Well, BMW model designation can make casino great britain your head spin, so new this month we’ve compiled a comprehensive E-number guide to help demystify the situation. It tells you when each model was made, a summary of what it was all about – as well as our expert verdict on how good or bad it was and how much you’ll need to spend to buy one. Essential reading, we’d say!

Finally, don’t miss our review of OMTs. Not to be confused with a pop group with silly hair from the ‘80s, if you are into restoration and need to cut metal – one of these Oscilating Multi Tools will prove invaluable. Find out more on pages 48-52.

Ian Cushway - Editor

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Buying a new car can either be fun or fraught with problems but, on the whole, is usually an immensely exciting prospect. Once you’ve decided what you want, the actual challenge of finding it can begin – and if you pay less than you intended, all the better.

But even for serial car buyers like me, there are potential traps and it’s all too easy to become lazy and complacent. Either you make the wrong decision, plump for an inappropriate model and regret it forever after, or you end up buying a pup – either by paying too much or ending up with a car that’s riddled with issues.

Of course the way to reduce the risks is down to one thing; homework. Talk to as many experts as you can, join clubs, go to shows, find out what can go wrong and what you ought to be paying. Also, view as many different examples as possible so you’ve got a benchmark by which you can judge others. Unless buying from a main agent it’s also worth getting a history check to avoid buying a BMW that’s clocked, stolen, written off, has outstanding finance – or just isn’t what you thought it was. BMW independent specialists are a good place to buy; they’ll know a car’s provenance which can save a lot of expense and heartache in the long run. Also, why not try a company we discovered at the BMW Festival – AnyM.co.uk which ‘vets’ cars – and their vendors – before putting them up for sale on its website.

Whichever BMW tickles your fancy, we’re here to offer a helping hand – not just with the buying, of course, as in this issue, but with keeping it in rude health forever after.

Finally, I have to say I very much enjoyed the BMW Festival this year – the standard and variety of cars was staggering. You can see my report on pages 15-19. Like everyone else, I suffered a bit in the afternoon heat – although it seems a bit ungrateful moaning about the small amount of sunshine we’ve had this summer…

Ian Cushway - Editor

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Modern cars can look a bit scary when you open the bonnet. In fact, with all the various plastic covers and housings it’s difficult to distinguish previously familiar items such as the alternator or air filter. Even the dipstick has gone on some BMWs. Yet, fundamentally, nothing’s changed. How they work, in principle, is the same – as is the fact that they still need regular care and attention.

Our 16-page practical section should allay some of the misconception that you can no longer do anything on a car yourself. Ok, some jobs on the very latest models are ‘dealer only’ but you should still be able to tackle most things. We’ve also provided a summary of what you’ll need in the way of tools and workshop gadgetry in order to carry out the basics. Plus, information about tapping into your car’s brain to diagnose problems. And if you ever wondered about which components fail most on various models, we’ve got that data too – courtesy of Warranty Direct which has provided us with a snapshot of BMW claims from its database.

If ever there was a time to have a go yourself, it’s now.

Finally, a word of thanks to my predecessor Adam Tait. I am new to all this but have learnt to hit the ground running – so hopefully I’ll be able to leap most of the hurdles. By all means tell me what you like, what you don’t – and what you hope to see more of and I’ll do my best to indulge your desires.

Ian Cushway - Editor

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