After 12 hours in the air, Melbourne, Australia beckoned. Despite the jet lag, my excitement propelled me forward. With the taste of a hastily devoured burger still lingering, I set my sights on SouthernBM. No time to waste – the Speedhunting begins now.

This journey all started with a Bimmer buddy of mine, who bombarded my social media feed with images of SouthernBM’s Andrew Brien showing off a jaw-dropping green E92 BMW M3 racer and a vintage BMW 3.0 CSL. After enduring what felt like endless shares and messages, my curiosity was thoroughly piqued. I knew I had to make a pilgrimage from my home in Shanghai, China to the Southern Hemisphere’s ultimate independent BMW sanctuary.

The excitement kicked in as I turned onto Sullivan Street in Moorabbin. It might as well be dubbed ‘BMW Boulevard’ given the array of Bayerische Motoren Werke models parked roadside, many of the M variety.

Stepping through the gates of SouthernBM, I was warmly greeted by Eric Wang, who ushered me into the Southern Classic Garage for a tour.

Connected to the main workshop, this area housed an impressive array of M cars, Alpinas, and classic BMW models. These cars, some belonging the company heads, and others brought in by clients for maintenance, rebuilds and refurbishments, showcased the rich history and passion for craftsmanship within SouthernBM’s walls.

My eyes immediately fixed on the M3 racer and the iconic 3.0 CSL.

There was little time for prolonged admiration, though. My feet led me towards the M5 with its hood popped open. Just like the adjacent E92 in matte Frozen Grey, both cars boast an SBM-developed supercharger kit.

Thanks to impeccable lighting and a pristine environment, the seemingly haphazard arrangement of cars inside SouthernBM was nothing short of ingenious. Vehicles were strategically positioned on different levels, creating a captivating visual spectacle. Shooting this dynamic space filled me with exhilaration.

It honestly made me feel like I’d been transported into a time-bending fusion of the 1970s and 2020s. The space exuded a charm that even surpassed that of the BMW Museum for me, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

As I stepped into the workshop, I saw Eric’s M2 Competition. This car, his daily track machine, even has its own dedicated Instagram account, a testament to his passion and dedication.

It may have been a real journey to get here, but visiting SouthernBM filled me with a renewed appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into every BMW creation. I left, eagerly anticipating my next Speedhunting adventure.

Bruno Han
Instagram: panin1x

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How To join the IATS program: We have always welcomed readers to contact us with examples of their work and believe that the best Speedhunter is always the person closest to the culture itself, right there on the street or local parking lot. If you think you have what it takes and would like to share your work with us then you should apply to become part of the IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER program. Read how to get involved here.