For the most addicted of car enthusiasts -- and I include myself in that number -- it's awfully easy to develop a bad case of "I want that" with every visit to a hobby shop.

You want one of every thing you see. But you have to draw the line somewhere, right?

For many people, that means collecting models of just their favorite brands, ignoring the rest. I don't know how they do it!

BMW has to be one of those makes that draws fervent devotion from collectors -- and it's easy to see why. The make is revered, it's produced a huge variety of fascinating, historic models over the years, and BMW replicas are readily available.

But some are better than others, and among the better models are those produced by one of my favorite companies, AUTOart. They build highly detailed models of BMWs in scales ranging from 1:64 and up, and each one is a worthy addition to a collection. Prices vary depending upon scale, with the 1:18 versions costing anywhere from $50 to $70 apiece, depending upon the hobby shop or mail order outlet you use.

The earliest BMW model I examined was a 3.0 CSi, a gorgeous coupe that BMW launched in 1971. Equipped with bodies by Karmann, they have a timeless beauty that still looks contemporary today. By the time production of these cars ended in 1975, some 30,713 had been produced.

The snow white model I reviewed had every detail right, based on the brochures from my collection for the 3.0 CSi. The paint has a gloss and depth that accurately represents the real car, and even the tiny emblems on the dash, hood and hubcaps are duplicates of the original. Under the hood you'll see plates, stickers and other details from the real car. Even the trunk has the receptacle under the lid used to hold tools.

The next model I examined was the classic 633 CSi, from the line of coupes that succeeded the 3.0 CSi. This is the design I think of most often when I remember two-door coupes made by BMW. It's a larger car than its predecessor, but is remarkably elegant, with a graceful, thin-pillared roof, balanced proportions and clean flanks. It also amassed quite a record for itself on race and rally courses. Quality control on these cars was particularly outstanding.

Like the previous model, the rendition of the 633 CSi was completely accurate, but I suspect it may have been based on the European model because AUTOart included mud flaps, which were seldom seen on the 633s here. Their presence on the model tends to detract from the overall look. This model also had closed windows, which made it more difficult to open the doors to enjoy the interior detail.

But it nevertheless was a gorgeous rendition that you won't find anywhere else at the price usually paid for AUTOart replicas.

The last model was of the 2001 BMW M3 Coupe, a holy terror on the road if ever there were one. This is the car that attracted many an imitator from other brands although none duplicated its speed and agility on the road. Of course, that can be said for virtually any M series car produced by BMW. The very first M3, by the way, was launched in 1986.

All I would have needed would have been miniature keys to start the replica I examined. The proportions and profile were particularly accurate, which is no small feat, judging from other models of the BMW 3 Series that I've seen. Emblems, decals, shadings, trim, all are duplicated nicely on this car, which was done in my favorite color for that year-- Laguna Seca Blue.

For more information, visit the AUTOart Web site: www.autoartmodels.com.