Bob Jr

The Invincibles. Not one, but two M6s packing well over 700hp and some seriously tasty modifications make this brace virtually untouchable on the road. Words: Bob Harper. Photography: Matt Richardson.

Advanced and innovative technology: the determining factor in the development of outstanding automobiles and the cornerstone of BMW's quest for automotive excellence.

Market watch: BMW E9 CS Coupés. This month we take a break from the auction floor and have a look at the E9 Coupé with the help of the BMW Car Club’s John Castle and Nick Hull from the club’s CS register.

These two bad boys represent the pinnacle of their generations but are we seduced by the V8-engined M3 or the turbocharged M4? Words: Bob Harper. Photography: Dave Smith.

Time was BMW had the engines and dynamics, Mercedes the tech and ride quality. And now? We expected the new BMW 5-series to be the superior driver's car. But better comfort and technology than the benchmark Mercedes E-class? Surely not... We're gonna need a bigger boat - BMW and Mercedes both larger, more spacious.

Bring Eighties excess back with the sleek 6 Series. Two-door coupés are always special. The sleek looks marry well with the rarity factor and many are rapidly become sought-after classics. Following the 630CS and 633CSi coupés of the 1970s, the 635CSi arrived in 1983. On the charts for seven years, the 635CSi and M635CSi were phased out in 1989 and replaced by the all-new 850i E31. These were days of big-engine rivalry and, with a car such as the Jaguar XJS boasting a 5,3-litre V12, BMW upped its cylinder game and the 850i made a switch from the traditional straight-six to a 5,0-litre V12 (M70).

Tech Focus: M2 Exhausts We look at some of the choices available to those wanting more noise from their M2. If you’re lucky enough to own the new M2, you’ll perhaps be considering a few subtle enhancements. First for many is an exhaust upgrade – but which is the best way to go? We join serial supercar tuner Litchfield as it works through its development programme for this most tuneable of platforms. Words: Dan Clow. Photography: Chris Wallbank.

The E46 Compact has been overlooked for far too long – it’s a great steer – bag one before they vanish. If you’re looking for a cheap runaround then a four-cylinder E46 Compact could be a remarkably fine choice or if a hot hatch is more up your street then may we suggest you consider the excellent 325ti? Words: Bob Harper and Andrew Everett.

Giant Test - Bavarian motor works - Jaguar XJ6 4.0 vs. BMW 535i Automatic SE E34. Jaguar's new 4.0 litre XJ6  (XJ40) versus the best saloon car the Germans make.