Sounds like (for once) here in the uk we get a better deal than you americans... We get a subscription to the magazine for 3 years, and if you want to continue getting it after the 3 years, you just send back a form that comes with it. Easy! I got the mag for 4 years with my E46 and now I am in an E90, I just keep getting it!
Agree, that it's not that great, but for free as something to read - it'll do fine!!