Independent BMW specialists: list

What's happening in the wider BMW scene? Gossip and news about forthcoming models. Plus off-topic chat.
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Phoenix Nights
Joined: Mon 16 Feb, 2004 17:36
Posts: 681

  Not specified
Location: Leicester

Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Phoenix Nights »

I've researched a short list of Independents in the Midlands (from Staffs down to Milton Keynes). Only those in bold have actually been recommended to me by people. That doesn't mean the others are less good - simply that they are garages I've come across on the net, rather than via a direct recommendation.

OSC Motorsport, Rugby: www.oscmotorsport.co.uk
Burton Motor Workshop, Burton-on-Trent (Staffs): Tel: 01283 500750
NCB Autokraft, Birmingham: 0121 777 2083
Prestige Car Servicing, main office Leicester: www.prestigecarservicing.com
Martek Motorsport, Birmingham - recommended but I can't find contact details. Maybe they've closed down.
BM Euroservice, Wolverhampton: www.bmeuroservice.com
PCS Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes: www.pcs-mk.co.uk
BMW Auto Parts, West Bromwich: www.bmwautoparts.co.uk

I feel that this is an increasingly important area now that fewer of our cars are covered by BMW's abysmal extended warranty. I hope this list is helpful, and please feel free to add to it or share any further information. Or perhaps post details of quality independents in your area.
Last edited by Phoenix Nights on Mon 27 Mar, 2006 09:00, edited 2 times in total.
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Robin
Joined: Sun 14 Dec, 2003 18:35
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  M roadster S50
Location: Southampton
Contact:

Post by Robin »

Too true Pheonix.
Near Southampton are Bartley BMW
http://www.bartleybmw.com/
When my previous ///M was occasionally faltering, they plugged in their diagnosic unit to check things, for no charge.
Also, they told me about the braided steel clutch hose to solve the notchy gear shift, when all Scotthall did was try & sell me a new clutch to solve the problem !
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Phoenix Nights
Joined: Mon 16 Feb, 2004 17:36
Posts: 681

  Not specified
Location: Leicester

Post by Phoenix Nights »

DAVE L wrote:Last year I used Clayton Cars in Bristol:-
http://www.claytoncars.co.uk/mainpage.html
Inspection 2 with brake fluid and coolant change was £322. :D :D

Dave L
Fantastic! :) When I had my previous Zed - a '97 2.8 just like yours - I paid around two and a half times that for the same thing at a BMW main dealer.
Dav
Joined: Sun 08 Aug, 2004 13:53
Posts: 1075

  Z4 roadster 3.0i
Location: Axbridge

Post by Dav »

Last year I used Clayton Cars in Bristol:-
http://www.claytoncars.co.uk/mainpage.html
Inspection 2 with brake fluid and coolant change was £322. :D :D

Dave L
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Phoenix Nights
Joined: Mon 16 Feb, 2004 17:36
Posts: 681

  Not specified
Location: Leicester

Post by Phoenix Nights »

Just spoken to the very helpful Martin at Prestige Car Servicing: www.prestigecarservicing.com

The aim of the company is to set up a network of quality independents all over the country, servicing BMW, Mercs etc. They even pick your car up and deliver it back to you, should you choose. For an Inspection II on an ///M Roadster, I was quoted a mere £265 plus VAT which is - given that dealer prices can be three times that - highly competitive.

Give them a ring on 0800 169 1511.

Cheers,
Steve
jamdcam
Joined: Tue 03 Aug, 2004 21:44
Posts: 47

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wimbledon

Post by jamdcam »

Steve,

Thanks for the website. I have to send my baby in for a MOT soon and last year was taken for a bit of a ride by the dealers. I have only recently found a new group in and around Wimbledon being AMC who work on Mercs and BMW's but I haven't heard anything about them yet.

I'll definitely be giving them (prestige) a call to see if they have anyone in SW London to take the car to.

Thanks
James
ZZZEMMCO
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  M coupe S50
Location: Motown = Milton Keynes

Independent Specialist--The BIZ

Post by ZZZEMMCO »

MUNICH MOTORS Ltd 0118 9772236. Reading Road, Wokingham.

Clive has many years experience within Dealership before seeing the light, and starting own company.Great ZM engineman and Vanos guru and cured probs on set up and running when supposed Approved dealers£££££££ couldnt :head: .Has serviced Alpina for some years.Honest and says it like it is---The BIZ. Worth my 160 mile round trips.Always busy!!!!!
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davieb
Joined: Sat 31 Dec, 2005 13:21
Posts: 175

  M coupe S50
Location: Kingsteignton

Post by davieb »

http://www.thepaddockgarage.co.uk/

Starting in a couple of weeks in Whimple, on the old A30 heading out of Exeter towards Honiton

Temporary web-site thus far, but look again in a couple of weeks. Mark, the owner, has just done an oil service for me and pointed out a couple of things that I'll be taking back to the main dealer as warranty repairs. He's a really nice guy and like I said previously, was one of the most senior technicians at the main dealership. His business partner Natalie will be looking after car sales on the same site.

As soon as I find the details on the Torquay guy I'll post them up.
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Alex L
Joined: Sun 23 Oct, 2005 21:16
Posts: 1559

  Other roadster
Location: North Oxfordshire

Post by Alex L »

I use http://www.pmwltd.co.uk/ in Chelmsford, am pleased with their friendly professional service and relatively cheap labour charges.

I understand that a number of other people on this forum also use them and are equally impressed.
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muppet
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Post by muppet »

I have just started using B M Motors . Station Road ,Law Lanarkshire tel 01698 375146

He is used by a fair amount of the guys in the BMWCC Scottish region .details on their web site. links from the home page


http://www.bmwccscotland.co.uk/bmmotors/
Last edited by muppet on Tue 26 Aug, 2008 20:25, edited 1 time in total.
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R80TER
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 08:05
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  M roadster S50
Location: newbury village

Post by R80TER »

I just had inspection 1 done by www.custom-werks.co.uk excellent service and highly recomended. located in Hayes and is 5 mins from Paddington main line (10 minute train)

Used a lot by the E36coupe.com people and is a specialist with all things BMW!
Now Car less :-(
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stu
Joined: Fri 10 Oct, 2003 17:49
Posts: 3540

  Z3 roadster 2.8 supe
Location: On the edge!

Autologic Hull

Post by stu »

Autologic Hull is run by Lee & Phil, both ex BMW and specialising in quality cars.

They still know how to properly fault find if required, but also have all of the latest diagnostic equipment. Prices are very reasonable, especially if your used to southern or stealer prices.

Contact them on 01482 640640.

They're in Hessle, to the west of Hull, about 0.5m off the A63 (Clive Sullivan Way).
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BEN!
Joined: Fri 10 Dec, 2004 22:36
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  M coupe S54
Location: Great Holland, UK

Post by BEN! »

Smooth tune in colchester.
01206 213035

been using them for years, great service and prices
Inductions kits, ACS flippers!.........
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/giantbe ... omZQQ_mdoZ
M3BMC
Joined: Fri 24 Mar, 2006 14:45
Posts: 76

  M roadster S50
Location: Lymm

Independent BMW Specialists in Cheshire

Post by M3BMC »

I have now had my fill of the main dealers seeing as the car is out of warranty. Halliwell Jones in Warrington just did my Inspection 1 and charged me £650 and I provided my own Mobil 1. What galled me was that they charged me for a litre of oil and some screenwash that they left in the car. It was in a nice presentation pouch but I didn't ask for it and they charged me £20 for it. Needless to say it got returned to them for a refund. Bit cheeky emptying the contents of their stores dept into my car and charging me for it. I am now looking for an independent to service my beloved M Roadster. Does anyone have any recommendation in Cheshire/Manchester area?
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Munich Legends in East Sussex

Post by Guest »

I used Munich Legends to fit my subframe bushes. Nice guys that know BMWs very well. The boss drives and M1!

http://www.munichlegends.co.uk/homepage.html

Ashdown Garage, Chelwood Gate, East Sussex. RH17 7DE.
Tel: 01825 740456, Fax: 01825 740094
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shabsbmw
Joined: Fri 21 Jul, 2006 20:10
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Location: Mars

Re: Munich Legends in East Sussex

Post by shabsbmw »

siwilson wrote:I used Munich Legends to fit my subframe bushes. Nice guys that know BMWs very well. The boss drives and M1!
Hi there,

have you ever used Vines of Redhill? :?: :?: :?:
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Re: Munich Legends in East Sussex

Post by Guest »

shabsbmw wrote:
siwilson wrote:I used Munich Legends to fit my subframe bushes. Nice guys that know BMWs very well. The boss drives and M1!
Hi there,

have you ever used Vines of Redhill? :?: :?: :?:
Yes, I am in there on a weekly basis at the moment. Not bad people, but they have made some 'mistakes' on my car.

Don't go near Vines of Gatwick though. Not nice people at all.
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shabsbmw
Joined: Fri 21 Jul, 2006 20:10
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Mars

Re: Munich Legends in East Sussex

Post by shabsbmw »

simon wilson wrote:Yes, I am in there on a weekly basis at the moment. Not bad people, but they have made some 'mistakes' on my car.

Don't go near Vines of Gatwick though. Not nice people at all.

Tell me about it, i had a non fault accident in May this year and as i bought the car from Vines of Redhill and got good service i though i would give them the car after the accident, they had the car sent off to one of BMW's approved repairs centre, and the car had to go back...................wait for it .......8 TIMES, as the paintwork wasn't right, the wheels had marks on them, and the bonnett grills were different, one chrome and one black!!!
I have now got the car back, but i can't believe they kept sending it back to this approved repair place, in the end they sent it to Vines of Guildford who had the car twice!!!

What can i say........ :head: :head: :head:
maxman
Joined: Sat 09 Dec, 2006 20:55
Posts: 301

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: wrexham

Post by maxman »

These are situated just outside Wrexham .I will let you know how good they are in a couple of weeks.www.smithsbm.co
The prices they quote dont seem over the top.
RogerPJ
Joined: Fri 24 Nov, 2006 18:29
Posts: 58

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Post by RogerPJ »

I use:

Emtec - 13b Middleton Rd, Salisbury, SP2 7AY - 01722 349 333

and have always found their service excellent as well as good value. They're really passionate about BMWs and gave me lots of free advice when buying my Z3.
BcsBob
Joined: Thu 08 Dec, 2005 10:16
Posts: 1

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Aylesbury

Independant BMW specialists

Post by BcsBob »

I have used BMWorx near Aylesbury for the last 3 years. excellent service from very experienced BMW mechanics. Reasonable prices as well.

:D :D :D

BMWorX Rusell or Stewart
TEL:01296 614646
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Racing Tortoise
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Joined: Mon 07 Nov, 2005 15:53
Posts: 894

  Z1 roadster
Location: SW6

Re: Munich Legends in East Sussex

Post by Racing Tortoise »

shabsbmw wrote:Yes, I am in there on a weekly basis at the moment. Not bad people, but they have made some 'mistakes' on my car.
The view on Munich Legends seems to be mixed. However they've always given me top-notch service. Possibly because I bought the car from them.
Currently: bereft of Z1
Previously: 1991 Ur-grun Z1 and 1991 Traum-schwartz Z1
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smartypants
Joined: Tue 09 Jan, 2007 12:15
Posts: 1210

  Other roadster
Location: Bracknell

Re: Independent Specialist--The BIZ

Post by smartypants »

ZZZEMMCO wrote:MUNICH MOTORS Ltd 0118 9772236. Reading Road, Wokingham.

Clive has many years experience within Dealership before seeing the light, and starting own company.Great ZM engineman and Vanos guru and cured probs on set up and running when supposed Approved dealers£££££££ couldnt :head: .Has serviced Alpina for some years.Honest and says it like it is---The BIZ. Worth my 160 mile round trips.Always busy!!!!!
I have used these also - and can vouch for them. Although I would recommend staying with the car if you are putting it in for an MOT, and they use the monkeys across the road who seem to have a blatant disregard for the owners car whilst moving it from a parking bay into the MOT centre (and its only 40 yards)
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Re: Munich Legends in East Sussex

Post by Guest »

RacingTeatray wrote:
shabsbmw wrote:Yes, I am in there on a weekly basis at the moment. Not bad people, but they have made some 'mistakes' on my car.
The view on Munich Legends seems to be mixed. However they've always given me top-notch service. Possibly because I bought the car from them.
Actually that comment was mine and was referring to Vines of Redhill, not Munich Legends.

Si.
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Racing Tortoise
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Location: SW6

Re: Munich Legends in East Sussex

Post by Racing Tortoise »

siwilson wrote:
RacingTeatray wrote:
shabsbmw wrote:Yes, I am in there on a weekly basis at the moment. Not bad people, but they have made some 'mistakes' on my car.
The view on Munich Legends seems to be mixed. However they've always given me top-notch service. Possibly because I bought the car from them.
Actually that comment was mine and was referring to Vines of Redhill, not Munich Legends.

Si.
Whoops. Sorry.
Currently: bereft of Z1
Previously: 1991 Ur-grun Z1 and 1991 Traum-schwartz Z1
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T48 TRE
Joined: Mon 10 Nov, 2003 07:22
Posts: 359

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Coventry

Post by T48 TRE »

anyone know of an indie in or around Coventry,
Phil
Joined: Sun 09 Mar, 2008 10:43
Posts: 2697

  M roadster S54
Location: Solihull

Post by Phil »

Crackley Motors, Kenilworth ----------- talk to James

Look out for his E30 M3 in Warsteiner colours --- awesome. He brought it out on the last Drive and Dine and stole the show :lol:
Sapphire black/Imola red and black interior/ red roof/ S54 - the only RHD one made.

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
Martin
Joined: Mon 14 Feb, 2005 17:56
Posts: 145

  Z4 roadster 3.0i
Location: Warwickshire

Post by Martin »

Autotech Lock Lane Warwick. OK for mechanical repairs but does not have BMW diagnostic kit.

Only other downside is the state of Lock Lane OK if you have X5/X3 but its a killer for Zeds!

Can anyone else give more info about Crackley Motors in Kenilworth?
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nero
Joined: Wed 08 Oct, 2003 22:23
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Edinburgh
Contact:

Post by nero »

muppet wrote:I have just started using B M Motors . Station Road ,Law Lanarkshire tel 01698 375146

He is used by a fair amount of the guys in the BMWCC Scottish region .details on their web site. links from the home page
Website link - here
BMWCCScotland

Nothing is as frustrating as arguing with someone who knows what he's talking about.
Tim II
Joined: Fri 17 Aug, 2007 19:18
Posts: 21

  Z4 roadster 2.2i
Location: Belfast, UK

Post by Tim II »

Does anyone know of any BMW specialist garages in the Greater Belfast area?
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spokey
Joined: Fri 20 Feb, 2004 11:11
Posts: 4586

  blank
Location: The Big Smoke

Post by spokey »

I use Bensten in St Ives, Cambs. http://www.benstenmotors.co.uk/

(Sorry I don't know anyone in Belfast. :) )
Ciao,
Spokey
jackal on PH wrote:i love your profile... an endless pornographic paroxysm of the letters BMW

do you actually like driving at all or are cars to you just a manifestation of some sort of pathological mother complex ?
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
Posts: 9521

  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Post by Gazza »

Used regularly, very helpful and knows his stuff

East London/Essex area

http://www.sbseclipse.co.uk/

Gazza.
Gazza

"Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car, oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and torque is how far you take the wall with you"

Z3 S54 M roadster Image, BMW Z1, BMW M3 CSL, Z4M Coupe
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domross
Joined: Fri 25 May, 2007 16:58
Posts: 232

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Post by domross »

I've used Grants of Wellington (just outside Taunton) mainly for my old E30 and always found them to be efficient and knowledgable....think they charge about £45+VAT as an hourly rate although Inspection 1's/2's etc. are all fixed prices.

http://www.grantsbmw.co.uk/
tedster
Joined: Tue 31 Jul, 2007 21:33
Posts: 19

  Z4 roadster 3.0i
Location: newcastle under lyme

independents

Post by tedster »

hind heath bmw in cheshire are very good indeed very flexible very well priced and really know there stuff ive taken all my bmws there been brilliant.
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beemer
Joined: Sat 20 Oct, 2007 21:08
Posts: 142

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Cheshire
Contact:

Post by beemer »

There are a couple of independant places here in the Northwest that i know of. I've used the two below and they've both been good and reasonably priced too...

BMTech, Manchester http://www.bmtec.co.uk/

David Paul, Warrington 01925 232515

I've also seen a couple of big sign for Black Diamond in Warrington who used to specialise in Rovers and MG's from what i can remember. They now look after BMW's and Minis. i haven't tried them but could be worth googling
///M_aniac
Z Register member
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  M roadster S50
Location: Belfast

Post by ///M_aniac »

Indy in Belfast:

Bernard in Ventry St -

028 90 244213
BMW Z3, the only way to build a true roadster

Image - The most powerful letter in the world.
Cloz wrote:There is something that will never change is my love for Z3
smartypants wrote:Conor?

With an M??


The World's gone mad :D
smartypants wrote:The Z3 rear is a great thing to behold ;)
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ChrisXL
Joined: Fri 06 May, 2005 21:16
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  M roadster S50
Location: Somewhere under the rainbow
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Post by ChrisXL »

AC in Dublin, very sound and know a lot about M's.

http://www.accarsales.com/

Ask for Richie or Alan.
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R80TER
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 08:05
Posts: 462

  M roadster S50
Location: newbury village

Post by R80TER »

One in Bath/Bristol for you:

http://www.beemer-redeemer.com/

Only place my car will go and i drive 60 miles for the pleasure, but its worth it.

James there is a long term member on e36coupe.com and is a sound fella. if you go there, say rooter sent you ;-)
Now Car less :-(
Tim II
Joined: Fri 17 Aug, 2007 19:18
Posts: 21

  Z4 roadster 2.2i
Location: Belfast, UK

Post by Tim II »

///M_aniac wrote:Indy in Belfast:

Bernard in Ventry St -

028 90 244213
Know what Bernard's hourly rate +vat is please?

Tim
henrycrun
Joined: Wed 18 Apr, 2007 19:48
Posts: 522

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Ely

Post by henrycrun »

Martin wrote:Autotech Lock Lane Warwick. OK for mechanical repairs but does not have BMW diagnostic kit.

Only other downside is the state of Lock Lane OK if you have X5/X3 but its a killer for Zeds!

Can anyone else give more info about Crackley Motors in Kenilworth?
BTW I notice that Autotech, Warwick lists diagnostics in their Yellow Pages entry. Presumably this is not BMW specific ?
kanerz09
Joined: Sat 21 Feb, 2009 12:13
Posts: 1

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Post by kanerz09 »

Any indies in Ayrshire, or Glasgow??
woo first post
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Boysie
Joined: Sat 23 Apr, 2005 14:24
Posts: 1654

  M roadster S50
Location: Wallington Surrey
Contact:

Munich legends

Post by Boysie »

Hi

Munich Legends I feel are the Best

If you live within acceptable driving distance its worth it.
They are so so knowledgeable and friendly, the mechanics have been there for years.
Which in these days its hard to find a garage with that.
I visited there recently and the owner is proposing an M day with food as well.

When i know of the date I will post it.

Ray Hall
Boysie
Ray

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Torres09
Joined: Sun 21 Sep, 2008 14:16
Posts: 210

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Southport

Post by Torres09 »

Linwar motors in Southport are excellent. great service and good prices. Ian used to own a zed so knows his stuff. He also has a warehouse of all things BMW so you can always find bits and bobs
Why does mineral water that takes a 1000 years to flow up through the earth, have a sell by date on the bottle?
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BexZ3
Joined: Wed 04 Mar, 2009 09:48
Posts: 30

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Dunstable

Post by BexZ3 »

Thorney Motorsport in Milton Keynes HAS to be one of the best lpaces specialising in M powered cars but also BMW's in general.

In Warrington there is David Paul.

I'd like to know what indi's there are up near me in Aberdeenshire!
_wendy_
Joined: Thu 05 Mar, 2009 22:13
Posts: 288

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: nottingham

Post by _wendy_ »

anyone know a good indy in derby or notts area?
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shoegazer
Joined: Fri 24 Jul, 2009 21:53
Posts: 53

  Z4 roadster 3.0i

Post by shoegazer »

http://www.Autohausdiagnostics.co.uk Wigginton, York come with a fine reputation. Both owners are well respected BMW/castle trained mechanics, I have several mates who speak very highly of them.

Not had need to use them yet but will let you know how I get on when it's service time.!
Last edited by shoegazer on Sat 19 Jun, 2010 01:36, edited 1 time in total.
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mattdedasc
Joined: Tue 09 Oct, 2007 11:10
Posts: 52

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Newcastle
Contact:

Post by mattdedasc »

http://www.auto-bavaria.co.uk/

Newcastle - Auto Bavaria - Looks after my auld zed very well. George is very knowledgeable around beemers and has all the tools.
Murf
Joined: Wed 25 Nov, 2009 21:53
Posts: 156

  M roadster S50

Post by Murf »

Anyone know a decent specialist in the west berkshire area? Wouldn't mind a specialist having a good like at my car whilst I have a short (ish) warranty.

Only name that seems to crop up is Munich Motors in Wokingham but it opinion on other forums seems to be split right down the middle with them and I'm keen to find an honest garage who will be only too happy to look after my new wheels and business in future. Cheers :D
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Alfie
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Posts: 3312

  M roadster S54
Location: Broadchurch....

Post by Alfie »

Murf.

Derek and Clive (yeah, really!) of Munich Motors in Wokingham have decades of BMW experience and certainly know their stuff. You shouldn't shy away from talking to them. They did my 'end of dealer warranty check' and were very thorough.

But I use Phil Crouch of CPC Performance Engineering in Chorleywood, just off J18 of the M25. He's a very busy man and can be difficult to pin down, but he really knows his Beamers and ///Ms inside out, and he charges sensible prices.

Call Phil on 01923 283274 or click www.cpcpe.com
Good luck!

A.
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Murf
Joined: Wed 25 Nov, 2009 21:53
Posts: 156

  M roadster S50

Post by Murf »

Cheers Alfie - I think I'll give Munich Motors a go, my folks live in Wokingham so it's a no brainer. I think I may have got muddled up with Legends for the poor reviews - the only bad bits I saw for MM are an awful receptionist which I think I can live with!

Also found out yesterday reading through old threads that the last but one owner is/was a forum member :)
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