Andrew Brien is the owner and director of the BMW Specialist workshop, SouthernBM. He and his experienced team see cars in various states of condition, and in a restoration sense, every now and then a real gem lands in their laps.
An almost pristine BMW E36 M3 arrived and at first glance, it looks almost factory fresh. Closer inspection, smiles Andrew, reveals a few hiccups.
E36 M3 spec cars started to hit showroom floors in 1992 and wrapped in 1999. A sharp and edgy design, they still cut a fine figure on the roads. The early models packed a 3.0L straight six and 213kW. A 1995 update saw that increase to 3.2L and 236kW.
The Brief.
This particular example had been garaged for around five years. The work required isn’t big. A mild restoration of the exterior, with just a few scuff marks and wheel scratches to clean up, some light dent fixes, and an engine check is about the extent of what is required to bring this very tidy example back to a near showroom condition.
Venturing inside, some typical points of wear are immediately noticeable. The leather seats are tired and one has a perforated bolster, needing a retrim. The driver’s foot-well carpet has well and truly seen better days, a common problem with vehicles of this age, says Andrew.
Another common repair focus is the roof lining, with sags and tears an indicator of the age of the cars of this type. Sun damage to the rear parcel shelf too, he says, is a not uncommon repair requirement so makes for a relatively easy fix.
The Build.
The roof situation is an easy one. A quick look at the A and C pillar, and the SouthernBM team makes the call that Alcantara, a suede-like material known for looks and durability, is the perfect solution.
There’s also the new look of the seats once they’ve been re-upholstered that will bring a fresh look to the E36 M3.
The work is done, and Andrew proudly shows off the final result. It’s gone from a tidy if slightly dowdy M3, to a gleaming, almost off the factory floor shine.
Paintwork
The paint, a bright red, has been brought back to life, and now reflects every ray of light. The exterior door handle surrounds have been refreshed and in a matte black really complement the red.
Interior
Inside, the driver’s carpet issue has been overcome by firstly giving the area a deep clean, and then a leather-look patch has been sewn in. Not only does it look fantastic, the patch will provide some much-welcomed extra lifespan for the area for a relatively minor time and money investment.
For the seats, the team have deep-cleaned the leather and rather than replace the full seat coverings, have paid attention only to the areas that required their keen eyes. The bolstered sides now have new and firmer material with the new leather, for better support and again, a longer life.
Andrew also kneels down and points to the newly refurbished roof and pillar lining inside this E36 M3.
The jet black Alcantara stretches from front to rear window and across the rear parcel shelf. Andrew beams as he says how well it transforms the look and feel of the interior, and brings a truly special feel as the eyes swivel from one end of the cabin to the other.
The final touches came from a cleaning of the other trim areas such as the centre console, steering wheel hub, and doors, and closed off with a treatment to restore the shine.
Engine
The bonnet is popped and Andrew highlights the work performed here, such as replacing the plenum cover for the engine, plus a general clean for the engine bay. Minimal cost, maximum return is the aim and achieved goal here.
Exterior
Other exterior refurbishments were the original equipment side mouldings which were cleaned up and treated for a deep lustrous look. By using the originals, this saves money and a simple liquid or polish treatment can add plenty of visual and monetary value over a full replacement.
However, it’s perhaps the wheels that overtake the paint treatment; the gutter rash scrapes and scratches have completely disappeared, with the team meticulously preparing each wheel before the repair. They’ve also repainted the wheels in the original silver-hued colour and wrapped each corner with new Michelin rubber.
The Results
To conclude this relatively minor update, Andrew points out that for some cars like this E36 M3, not a lot of money needs to be spent in order to bring what is a modern classic back to a condition that makes it a potentially valuable future investment.
SouthernBM are an independent and specialist oriented BMW service centre. Andrew and the team not only have the experience required to work with you on your BMW, they have the passion and the love for the brand that shows in preparation and refurbishment of vehicles such as this BMW E36 M3.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can subscribe below to receive more like this in your inbox as they are published.
Ordered an oil cooler thermostat yesterday, it’s in my hands today, VIC to WA. Unreal service!
Nick Plunkett
Facebook Review
I Bought my M Performance Brake Kit here and installed today. I got my oil changed. Love the service as always. I only bring my cars to this place eventhough I live in the north side of Melbourne.
Demmy Sung
Google Review
Fantastic customer service from the team at Southern BM. Expertly repaired my 2011 323i and did so without the attitude and excessive cost of a dealer. Thank you and I will be back for all future servicing.
Glenn Corey
Facebook Review
Sean arranged a Quaife LSD for my 135i and I couldn't be happier. He advised multiple seals and bearings needed replacing unbeknownst to me so these were done as well. Now I have a more reliable car and one with tonnes more mechanical grip!
Nathan Mann
Google Review
Andrew Brien @ Southern BM has been helping me for years with my BMWs - he is extremely astute and has a refreshingly customer-first mentality. I trust him to do the best work and only the best!
Items marked GREEN or 'In Stock' are currently in stock at SouthernBM. Most orders are shipped within 1-2 business days. ‘Click & Collect’ orders are usually ready within 1-2 hours during normal trading hours.
Available to Order
Items marked YELLOW or ‘Available To Order’ are not currently in stock at SouthernBM, and need to be ordered in from the supplier. Please note the expected delivery time before placing an order.
No Longer Available
Items marked RED or ‘No Longer Available’ have been discontinued and are no longer available to be ordered. Please contact us for an alternative.
All orders are dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse. Most orders are delivered within 1-3 business days Australia-wide after dispatch. The expected delivery time on all 'Available To Order' items is only an estimate and wait times may vary from those provided. Please contact us if you have any questions.
All items listed on our website are not available for in store pick up without prior purchase. Please use the ‘Click & Collect’ option at checkout and we will let you know as soon as your order is ready.
Make a booking
Thanks! We've received your request. We will be in touch within 1 business day to confirm your booking. If you do not see the email in this time, please check your JUNK/SPAM folder.
Preferred Date
Drop Off Time
Vehicle
Registration #
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Keep me updated with news and exclusive offers
Phone
How can we help?
Send Request
By clicking the Send button, you acknowledge that this form is a request for service and not a confirmation.