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…