I have previously documented how poorly the E46 M3's interior ages and decays upon planning and beginning my interior restoration of the Phoenix and the restoration of interior trims. 

This journal entry covers the fun stuff: upgrading the interior to OEM+ specifications with period correct 1x1 interior carbon trims and a preview of the CSL center console. 

What I mean by period correct.

The signature CSL 1x1 weave

The M3 CSL marked the commercial use of carbon composites across various use cases. 

Most of the carbon was in 1x1 weave pattern made using pre-preg methods. The roof, bumper, splitters and diffuser all featured the plain pattern. The airbox exception was the exception: sporting 2x2 weave.

They most likely opted for 2x2 as it is easier to conform to complex shape and surfaces without losing the signature straight aesthetics and optical direction of the weave. 

Full disclaimer: it's a stretch. 

The E46 M3 was never delivered by BMW with carbon interior trims. The CSL prototype interior trims were milled from iridium. 

Below is an original pre-production CSL interior trim. Don't ask :D

My OEM+ interior goals. 

I seek to restore and improve upon my E46 M3 original M-texture interior.

I previously fitted OEM+ Recaro Pole Positions reupholstered with M-texture and replaced the A & C pillar peeling trims, leaking mirror, torn up steering wheel, teared shifter knob and scratched center ashtrays & brackets.

Next on my list: I sought to tackle the peeling OEM titan silver trims and decaying, squeaking center console. 

Carbon interior trims can be tacky if done wrong, but done right - they can enhance the interior look, feel and most importantly: durability. 

What differentiates your inexpensive local carbon guy and OEM quality trims is often left unexplained.

It's all in the carbon process: Pre-Preg

This is how BMW M does it on their interior, and it's how René @ CarboProject does it.

Sounds counter-intuitive? It is.

Pre-preg is usually associated with a mold and autoclave.

With the trims, there is no mold. 

René first sands down brand new BMW trims before applying pre-preg carbon layers. The weave pattern is optically angled like genuine BMW M trims. 

It is then put into auto-clave to be cured at high temperatures. The pre-preg manufacturing process allows for a thin, visually consistent layer of carbon fiber.

Once it has cured, the trims are then clear-coated, wet sanded, and polished. 

My Full Kit specs:
1x1 & Gloss. 

"I have experience with carbon trims on the E60 and the E92. The E60 sports a gloss carbon interior that rejuvenated its aesthetics while the E92 uses matte carbon trims for a more subtle, purposeful appearance. 

I felt the E46's interior could use a small touch of gloss considering none of it touch points and trims are from the factory.

The end result is satisfying."
- Matt

Partially painted armrests for durability

The OEM E46 M3 armrests bottom section is coated with BMW's signature rubberized coating. 

Its a signature for all the wrong reasons: it greys out from sun exposure, and scratches & peels from daily wear & tear. 

René sands down this coating and paint the bottom armrests section in black paint with gloss 2 component clear-coat. 

From experience, this is much further durable than rubberized coating and can also be polished to eliminate swirls from daily wear & tear. 

Bespoke customization. 

Using the exact replica of the CSL center console from Karbonius, it meant the mirror adjustment switch on the drive side armrest would be relocated to the center console. 

René offers bespoke customization touches and offered to shave the gaps on both driver and passenger side armrests. 

It's a small, sleek touch I appreciate. 

"Up next: I chat CSL center console.

It's a simple project by all appearances.

Like most things CSL [...] it's isn't as simple as it looks."
- Matt