ok guys (and gals),
I've been getting great info from all you BMW owners out there and I have to say I've use almost all of it. I have some other questions if anyone out there cares to answer them.

1) '98 M3 - is the dashboard leather or is it simulated stuff.
- if simulated, what is the best product to use for clean/protect.

2) are the door panels all leather or just some of it.


- these may be pitiful questions but I have to make sure my baby is getting what it needs....

thanks for all the help...

I think that the dash is not leather, and only the door inserts around the handle are leather the reat is similar to the dash material. I use One Grand interior cleaner on my leather and everthing else and it workd great. I would recommend giving them a look, their products work very well, there all i use on my ///M:D One Grand (http://www.onegrand.com/)

The dash and the majority of the door panels on E36 M3's are vinyl. Only the inserts on the dor panel are leather. Meguiars has some new pre-moistened interior wipes that should do a good job for you. Personally, I use a dust cloth to clean my dash, vents, and the rest of the interior.

Brian

What about the steering wheel?

Russ - First off, it looks like we have identical cars!! Anyway, I highly recommend Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner (www.griotsgarage.com). One Grand is also very good. I am a bit partial to Griot's due to the consistent high quality products that they produce. One Grand DOES have the best window cleaner. I have yet to find anything better.

You can use either for the steering wheel too!! You will be amazed at how much crap they remove, half of which you never would have noticed!

thanks!!! i'm going to give them a try....

Everything is vinyl, except, the steering wheel, shifter boot, e-brake boot, door inserts, rear inserts, and seat surfaces (sides and back are vinyl/plastic).

I use vinylex for all plastic/vinyl and lexol for leather. It works great and makes it look factory fresh.

I have tried EVERY vinyl cleaner/conditioner on the market and I have still found nothing that I prefer more than Vinylex. My 6 year old dash and trim look brand new. Unlike Armor All, it doesnt dry out the vinyl .:D