Where does a BMW restoration begin?
Every classic BMW restoration begins with an inspection on the lift: the state of the body beneath its protective coatings, matching numbers, history, compression and leaks. That assessment leads to a detailed quote, item by item, and a clear decision between targeted work and a full bare-shell restoration.
In the latter case, the shell is stripped, corroded metal is cut out and replaced with repair sections or new panels, and the structure is protected before paint. The general stages, from strip-down to road test, are described on the full restoration page.
BMW 2002: where does the rust hide?
Light and simple, the 2002 has often led a long life as an everyday car. Its monocoque shell is checked point by point:
- wheel arches, front and rear wings, sills and jacking points;
- floors, boot floor and spare wheel well;
- front strut tops and front valance;
- windscreen base and rear window surround.
E9 3.0 CS and CSL coupés: corrosion above all
The E9 coupés, whose bodies were assembled by Karmann, have a firm reputation for rust. Wings, sills, floors, chassis rails, wheel arches and windscreen pillars are checked once the trim has been removed, because an E9 that looks sound often hides old repairs.
On a 3.0 CSL, the aluminium opening panels and the version’s specific parts are preserved as a priority. The abundant brightwork — bumpers, window surrounds, trim strips — and the wooden dashboard are part of the job: chrome plating is handled by the workshop, as is refurbishing the woodwork alongside the upholstery.
E24, E30 and E30 M3: restoring the youngtimers
The E24 6 Series coupé needs watching at the front wings, sills, wheel arches and boot floor; its M30 six, or the M88 of the M635CSi, is overhauled according to its condition. The more recent E30 rusts mainly at the rear wheel arches, sills, jacking points and around the windscreen.
The E30 M3 calls for particular rigour: flared wings, specific body panels and equipment, the 16-valve S14 engine. A successful restoration keeps as many original components as possible and documents every part replaced, which matters for the car’s authenticity.
BMW Z1: a restoration of its own
The Z1 is built on a galvanised steel shell clad in removable composite panels. Its doors drop into the sills, driven by an electric mechanism that has to be checked and adjusted with care. The composite panels require paint preparation suited to them, different from that of steel; the 2.5-litre six-cylinder is treated like the other BMW engines of the period.
Engines, paint and upholstery of a restored BMW
The M10 four-cylinder of the 2002, the M30 six of the E9 and E24 and the S14 of the E30 M3 are rebuilt after strip-down and measurement: cylinder head, valves, timing drive, pistons, bearings. The engine quote is based on the condition actually found, never on a notional estimate.
On the bodywork side, gaps and alignment are corrected before paint, applied in the original colour traced by its code or in a colour of your choosing. Upholstery, made entirely in-house, renews seats, door cards, headlining and carpets in leather or period cloth. For routine servicing and recent M cars, see the BMW page.