UK launch for BMW Classic Partner Programme
We've heard a lot about BMW's Neue Klasse future recently; here's some good news if you have an original...
The appeal of running an older car at the moment is considerable. As newer machines continue to get larger, pricier and more complicated (without being any more fun), so it’s only natural to turn to the past for a better compromise of usability and entertainment. Stick a CarPlay unit in most things from the 21st century and you’ll have a lovely daily driver; an old car in 2026 is a very different prospect to what it would have been in, say, 2005.
But there’s a problem, of course, and it’s parts. Running an old car is great, right up until something breaks and what’s needed is unavailable. That’s not just ancient, esoteric classics, either: we’re already at a point where owners of the B7 Audi RS4 - one of the best fast Audis of all time - don’t have great factory support for important bits. As they and so many other cars of their ilk continue to appreciate, and therefore people want to keep them in tip top condition, it’s a problem that’s going to persist for a while yet. Because, however good the aftermarket undoubtedly is, sometimes you only want actual OE. Especially if your old car is now worth a bit more than it was.
It’s something BMW is now attempting to tackle (have you seen what people think M3 CSLs are worth?) with the introduction of the Classic Partner Programme in the UK. A pilot scheme over here for now, don’t be surprised if expansion comes pretty soon as owners seek out factory approved standards of cars. For now, the premise of the first four locations is simple: ‘Their appointment ensures that UK customers with classic BMW models can access dedicated support locally, while benefiting from the assurance and quality associated with the global BMW Classic programme, to help maintain the value of their classic vehicle over the longer term.’ Those initial locations are Dick Lovett Bristol for the south west, Group 1 Hailsham for the south, Sytner Stevenage for the south east and Halliwell Jones for the north west. They really will offer up everything, too, from minor maintenance to a full on resto. So whether you’re keen just to keep BMW stamps in the book, or there’s a long abandoned family heirloom in the garage, the BMW Classic Partners are on hand to help.
Werner Pagenstert, BMW UK’s Customer Support Director for Aftersales, said: “The launch of the BMW Classic Partner programme represents an important milestone for BMW Classic in the UK. By officially recognising these four retailers as part of our global BMW Classic Partner network, we are strengthening our ability to support customers who are passionate about preserving and enjoying their classic BMWs. This programme ensures that specialist knowledge, heritage expertise and manufacturer?approved standards are available locally, while remaining fully aligned with BMW Group Classic internationally.” See, it’s not all electric SUVs and panoramic iDrive just yet; BMW is still bothered about handsome old cars with straight sixes in them, which is nice to hear. And what a time to encourage you towards that old school Bimmer purchase, particularly if you’re near one of those retailers. PH is chock full of fabulous machines, of course, from CSL to Compact. With 2002s, E28s, M5s and 8 Series for good measure. There’s never been a better time, surely…
Not like that's exactly a new situation though when it comes to Audi. You get the same with other big OEMs when it comes to important bits for some models. Can be pot luck!
Though with Audi it's been that way fairly consistently for years.
WTF do you need connectivity when you are driving a classic
I guess dealer’s franchises are seeing their takings down in the service departments with the advent of EVs, so they are hoping this will plug the shortfall a little.
btw, try to find a original BMW M coupe brake booster or was it the thing on top were the fluid goes in, yes I think it was that, new? its out (at least back then) so had to find a good old example at the time and so with more parts.
The repair piece I've ordered as a stop gap apparently left Germany 16th March
The repair piece I've ordered as a stop gap apparently left Germany 16th March
The rear casing of the diff with the bushes has jumped from £150 to £500ish (BMW don't sell just the bushes) and the convertible arb bushes are something like £90 each. Fortunately Powerflex have cost effective options for both.
The Aliexpress wiper cowls are getting good reviews on M3cutters for the price (£80ish) so I'll probably give one of those a go considering how bad mine has suddenly got.
The rear casing of the diff with the bushes has jumped from £150 to £500ish (BMW don't sell just the bushes) and the convertible arb bushes are something like £90 each. Fortunately Powerflex have cost effective options for both.
The Aliexpress wiper cowls are getting good reviews on M3cutters for the price (£80ish) so I'll probably give one of those a go considering how bad mine has suddenly got.
I'll check out the Aliexpress ones, thanks for the tip.
@PH: why does an old car need an CarPlay unit to be 'a lovely daily driver'?
If you are using a semi-classic car daily (say, a perfectly efficient E39 or an M10 5 series) then the only thing separating them massively from the latest offerings is the connectivity tech on board. Which is handy, because it lets you stream your music from Spotify, allow you to use google maps and to search through your telephone book seamlessly using Siri or its android equivalent. Let’s not pretend that the voice control on the first series range sport were perfect or that the sat nav on your 15 years old Mercedes will be perfectly fine.
It’s not strictly necessary but it’s a nice addition to the car. And you don’t need to buy some cheap crap from temi, there are some nice units for the right price. Let’s not be luddites, forumites.
If you are using a semi-classic car daily (say, a perfectly efficient E39 or an M10 5 series) then the only thing separating them massively from the latest offerings is the connectivity tech on board. Which is handy, because it lets you stream your music from Spotify, allow you to use google maps and to search through your telephone book seamlessly using Siri or its android equivalent. Let s not pretend that the voice control on the first series range sport were perfect or that the sat nav on your 15 years old Mercedes will be perfectly fine.
It s not strictly necessary but it s a nice addition to the car. And you don t need to buy some cheap crap from temi, there are some nice units for the right price. Let s not be luddites, forumites.
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