The 1/18 BMW M3 (E36) Coupe, by Ottomobile

It seems that with each successive month, the releases from Otto keep getting better and better. Collectors have noticed, and new models are selling out more and more quickly, to the point where pre-ordering directly from the manufacturer has become the safest option to ensure that I get these before they're gone. The month of April brings us a recolor of one of their fan-favorite castings, the E36 M3, this time in a sunny Dakar Yellow.

This just so happens to be my favorite generation M3 paired with my favorite color for that particular car. This is also the fourth time that the E36 has been in Otto's lineup, after the lightweight CSL, the GT, and the base version in Estoril Blue. Therefore, not much has changed with regards to the qualities and the build of this model. Some would argue that this iteration could have been spiced up with some new wheels, or at least something to differentiate it from its blue twin. Like the old saying goes: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Clearly, seeing as how the value of the Estoril Blue model has skyrocketed over the past few months, it's safe to say that Otto will be just fine.

There are some minor things you could nitpick about: the solid front grilles, the paintwork on the black trim lines, and the fact that the car does not sit perfectly flat on all four wheels. However, all of these are acceptable given the relatively low price point of these models, so take it for what it is. The detail is still very good, and the proportions are still virtually exact to the real car. Otto can do no wrong when it comes to the accuracy of the wheels and the realism of the badges, two areas which have received commendation from me since day one. Bottom line: it's still the best E36 you'll find at this scale.

The BMW M3 (E36) CSL "Lightweight" in 1/18, by Otto Models

The E36 generation is my favorite M3 model. I’m a 90's kid. I like my 90's cars. As with other iconic cars of this era, it has that timelessly clean design without looking too boxy or too old. It’s only right that I went and got myself one of the rarest variants of the E36. This is the BMW M3 (E36) CSL “Lightweight”, by Ottomobile, in 1/18 scale.

A bit of an aside on the brand itself: Otto Models and GT Spirit are sister companies that produce resin models in 1/18 and 1/12 scale. Their product catalogs place an emphasis on European vehicles, both classic and modern, stock and tuned. Otto's models have a lower price point; thus, their models typically have less detail and fewer individual parts. From my fledgling experience in this scale, their quality is also not as good as that of GT Spirit. Keep that in mind as you take a look through these photos.

Back to the E36 CSL. This one has been on my watch list ever since I started collecting eighteenths a couple months ago. It’s an older release, so I had to pay a bit of a markup. That's what happens when you're late to the game, but it's always better late than never. Otto is the only company that makes the CSL variant, and the only one that currently makes any E36 models in 1/18, so this was a must have. 

There’s so much to love about the Lightweight. The colorful checkered flags. The high rear wing. Those unique wheels. Even the patterning on the seats. As always, Otto does a wonderful job in getting the look of the car just right. Up close, there are numerous flaws for the nitpickers. The black trim lines are sloppy. The decals are cheap. There's evidence of cost-cutting throughout the model. It's almost a shame because they have such a potent lineup of vehicles that nobody else produces. It’s all typical Otto, good for those who want a centerpiece for display, bad for those looking to get the most for their money. 

Consider me part of the former, because I'll gladly take more of these. They have an E36 GT in British Racing Green and a beautiful Estoril Blue stock E36 in their arsenal. You know what's gonna happen next...

Happy 100th, BMW!

In this day and age, everyone loves celebrating anniversaries. First anniversary? Let's host a big event! Twenty-sixth anniversary? Sure, why not? But BMW just reached the century mark, and that's something definitely worth celebrating. One. Hundred. Years.

And for that, I brought out all of my BMW's for a group photo. It's way past midnight here and I'm still up writing this. It's totally worth it. You only reach 100 years once and it's an incredible milestone.

As diecast collectors, we've been blessed to have access to miniatures of some of the best cars to come out of Bavaria. We've seen Hot Wheels do its thing, bringing heat in both modern and classic models. Sure, there have been a few duds, but mostly studs. Matchbox, after a brief hiatus, has given us a number of gems in the past few years. While BMW may not have the diecast presence of some of the other major automotive brands, it's slowly getting there. Let's take a look back at some of the best (and maybe some not-so-good) ones!

The 1-Series M is my favorite BMW of all time. It's fat, it's stubby, it's got ridiculously wide hips and an abnormal number of ducts, vents, and creases, but I love all of it. It's only right that it is also my favorite Matchbox model of all time. Nothing beats the orange of the debut release.

The M5 Polizei was my choice for Matchbox model of 2015. That's quite the praise considering the stiff competition it faced, with models such as the Tesla Model S and Alfa Romeo 4C. Four-doors are my kind of car, and they're largely under-appreciated when it comes to diecast. Thank goodness for Matchbox. We need more of these cars.

The E30 M3 is one of the best Hot Wheels mainline releases in recent memory, the silver one in particular. Gold wheels are always a plus, and so are the seldom-used lace wheels. It's a wonderful casting, but it hasn't always been executed to its full potential. I have to say I'm not a fan of the other three colorways (red, white, blue). Let's hope this model receives the proper treatment in the future.

The 2002 was the gateway for Hot Wheels to produce European classics and signaled the return of BMW. Since this was released back in 2012, we've seen new BMW models in the mainline every year. This Jun Imai casting still remains one of the best. It's hard enough as it is to find this casting in my neck of the woods. That's a testament to the 2002's popularity.

This is the BMW 1M from the Hot Ones series a few years back. A seldom used casting, it will be making a return in the upcoming (or depending on where you live, already out) Walmart-exclusive BMW series. It screams throwback, with its realistic livery and the school wheels. 

From here on out, I'll let the pictures do the talking. You might see some that are drool-worthy, and some that may be cringe-worthy.

It's ironic how some of the best castings here are the most rarely used. Z4 GT3 and M3 GT2? Only appeared as first editions with a recolor. 2002 and E30? Haven't been in the mainline the past 2-3 years. I think we can all agree that we need more of those and fewer E36's and M4's. The good thing is that we have plenty coming in the future. The Hot Wheels BMW series, for one. Then, the debut of the 3.0 CSL. Oh, and Matchbox has a variation of the Police M5 that just released.

All I have to say is, keep 'em coming!