BMW E36 M3 Masterpiece: When Years of Obsession Pay Off

The BMW E36 M3, the M3 of the '90s, is not a universal favorite in the car scene. But this one is purple perfection. Turn your speakers up.

The American-spec model especially hasn't been revered like its predecessor the E30 or successors. But Alex Stearling's Techno Violet coupe might change a few minds about that.

[CARISMA is The Drive's new series exploring the connection between enthusiasts and their cars. See the full playlist:    • CARISMA   ]

The American-spec E36 M3 especially hasn't been revered like its predecessor the E30 or successors. Alex Stearling's Techno Violet coupe might change a few minds about that.

His journey to getting this car to where it's at today will probably sound familiar. He graduated from being obsessed with Hot Wheels as a kid to collecting actual wheels and tinkering with cars, and had a few projects before finding this one.

Getting immersed in car culture through VWVortex in that forum's golden era exposed him to the many ways in which cars can be customized. That clearly powered up a 1,000-watt lightbulb over his head, because as you'll see in this clip, he has refined tastes and a high standard for part selection on this car.

From wheels to door emblems to the e-brake boot, this E36 M3 has been dialed in to a gorgeous presentation without being over the top or goofy.

Stick around through the whole video and peep Stearling's wheel collection, too ... this can be a great piece of evidence to show your significant other if they start complaining that you're hoarding more wheels than you can use. (They're art, OK?)

Produced, shot, and edited by   / tomgorelik  

Previous episode →    • Time-Capsule '89 VW Polo: When the Ca...  

The Drive is the chronicle of car culture. We write stories you actually want to read. → https://www.thedrive.com/

FOLLOW US!
Instagram →   / thedrive  
Facebook →   / thedrive  
TikTok →   / thedrive_official  
X → https://x.com/thedrive
Threads → https://www.threads.net/@thedrive

WORK WITH THE DRIVE → [email protected]