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 1/18 BMW M3 (F80) Sedan, by GT Spirit

Yas.

Four is always greater than two. I'm always more partial towards 4-door vehicles. The overall shape looks more balanced. You get much more utility out of the extra space. What if you could have a sports car that you can actually bring all your friends and family (and their baggage) along for the ride, without them crushing each other to death right behind you? What if you wanted fun and practicality?

Well, that's exactly what this car is all about. This is GT Spirit's BMW M3 Sedan, 1/18 scale, in Yas Marina Blue.

I just can't get enough of GT Spirit these days. Their models are pure perfection. Perfectly crafted to look just like the real thing. Are they plastic? Yes, but there's zero evidence here of cost-cutting. The details are excessive inside and out. Do they lack opening parts? Yes, but how often do you really open the doors of your little toy cars? Moreover, do you actually display them open or closed? The wheels barely rotate, but who's going to be rolling these across their desks?

I was once a doubter, in the same shoes as many other collectors who gripe about the increasing shift towards sealed resin models. When I got my first one, I was actually surprised with how sturdy and weighty they were. I was impressed. Then, I got my second. And my third. Perhaps a couple more to add to that as well. And the more of these that entered my hands, the more I started to like them. In fact, besides AUTOart, there's no other brand I would take, at this price range, than GT Spirit.

If they all looked this good, I'd like to have more plastic, please.

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...