It deserves to live on.
The Generational Gap.

As a millennial, I grew up with the E92 and E60 as my M poster cars.

The E46 M3 was a faint signal on my radar: I understood the classic appeal yet it wasn't enough to trigger an emotional purchase.

Until it did.

After getting my hands dirty revamping the E92: I wanted a new restoration challenge.

This is it - and I might just be in over my head.

Welcome to my build journal.

- Matt / @m3_epoustouflant

Read the Series

The CSL'ification

Every entry documenting everything CSL.

The Body.

The paint & body restoration, with a twist.

The Interior Program.

Everything related my interior restoration and rejuvanation.

"Gone in 60 days" from idea to product in hand.

The 1:1 CSL Carbon Diffuser.

The grunt work.

Covering the entire mechanical restoration and extensive upgrades.

The specs

My E46 M3 is a MY2003 produced for the Canadian market. It is finished in the signature Phoenix Yellow Metallic paint.

The car is optioned with the M-Texture Alcantara interior upholstery.

When combined with the paint color and 6spd manual transmission, it makes it 1 of 7 in the world.

Rare doesn't always mean valuable.

Matt / @m3_epoustouflant

My latest entries

In this entry, we re-assemble the Strada CS seats: the frames, covers, foams and all accessories come together. I'm light on words and heavy on pictures - enjoy!

In this entry, I document the complete sewing processes of the Strada CS covers. I chat threads, stitching techniques, and our choices to surpass Recaro's original specifications on the Sportster CS covers.

In this entry, I chat about the Strada's unique logo stamping, starting with the differences between de-bossed and embossed stamping by reviewing BMW's collaboration with KITH. I document the technical challenges we faced and the unique techniques & equipment developed to create a repeatable process for quality.

On the 5th entry to the series, we finally begin creating the new Strada CS seat covers. I start with my reasoning to an anti-climatic selection of materials. I then document the processes to tracing and cutting all sections of the new covers. I touch on the foundational materials used on underside of your covers to prolong their life.

In this entry, exposed black plastics are the enemy. The backrests get painted and accessories are recovered in Alcantara. I document our design choices and the selected customization processes.

In this entry, we turn our attention to the Sportster's backrest and accessories, exploring opportunities to augment the Strada's profile. We then disassemble the seats for upcoming customization work.

The Phoenix's Journey
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