AutoArt 1:18 BMW DA2 Lieferwagen "Kundenservice"

So you're 3 hours outside of Munich in the Bavarian Alps and your Dixi breaks down; who ya gonna call? Pray the man who wears the propellor badge shows up in a DA2 Lieferwagen Kundenservice. The Dixi AKA DA-1 was built under license as it was basically an Austin7 with left hand drive and metric fasteners. After 1929, the next model up was the DA-2 3/15 (DA initials mean "German Version"). It still was powered by the 15hp 4 cylinder engine, but now actually sported 4-wheel brakes.

This particular variant by AUTOart is the Lieferwagen Kundenservice or customer service delivery van. This gorgeous little model is up to all of AUTOart's usual high standards of build quality and fidelity. The DA-2 is a very simple machine so an attempt was made here for an almost complete replication. As a result you've got all the little wires, gadgets and gizmos right out there for your enjoyment, from the replica cloisonne radiator ornament to the little hydraulic jack in the rear toolbox. The only probable anomoly in the parts count would be the roof mounted rearview mirror which, with windowless rear doors, would probably have been a delete on this model. The undercarriage reveals the intricate mechanical brake system with its simple exposed linkage and wire cables. What appears to be missing are the rear brake cables, although the brakes are present as well as the cable securing loops on the ends of the cable linkage bar... a curious omission that made me scurry back to my research notes to verify there were 4-wheel brakes on the car.

AUTOart has been a master of illusion for using relatively low cost materials to simulate perfectly scaled metal parts like screens, fasteners and the like. Unfortunately, when operating parts are so simulated, there's a certain built-in fragility to the model that can be exaspirating. Just opening the panels for the photography revealed two such problems. Opening the hood requires some deformation of the tiny fender mounted latches that are mounted under stress to keep the lower hood panels aligned and stabilized when closed. To close the hood, one or both of the latches need to be pulled back to slide the hood in place. Pulling the latch back a couple of millimeters caused one latch to fail the first time. The two pieces are stil barely connected, but impossible to repair or brace.

Most annoying is the rear door setup. Aa cut some corners here by molding-in a simulated latch mechanism. The door handle is a press fit PVC part that cannot be used. Panel fit doesn't allow any grip. Instructions are absent. I figured the best way to pop the door was to insinuate my finger through the driver's door and push open the doors from the inside. This resulted in the total failure of the left door. The inside panel popped and the soft metal hinges, only supported by two tiny plastic locator pins, deformed and made a definitive repair major surgery. As it turns out, there is a pin/hole system at the bottom of the right door to insure a positive seat... too darned positive. One more caveat here. the straps that secure the roof mounted spare are soft vinyl and heat formed to form the end loops. There's enough memory left in these straps so that any attempt to reposition these straps will open up the loops permanently.

OK... enough griping. In spite if my trials and tribulations, this car is so darned cute and so well done and, for Bimmer enthusiasts, such a conversation piece that I have to highly recommend this little gem.

Look, enjoy, marvel.... but try not to touch too much.

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