Independent BMW specialists: list

What's happening in the wider BMW scene? Gossip and news about forthcoming models. Plus off-topic chat.
'Yadi
Joined: Sun 12 Apr, 2009 16:09
Posts: 47

  M coupe S54

Post by 'Yadi »

Totally agree with Alfie here

I visited MM a couple of months back for some diagnostics - Clive clearly knows his stuff, the expensive part he warned me to prepare for wasn't required as he cleared the fault and reset the ECU = far less hit on the wallet. I found Sue on reception be pleasant and professional - not what I'd prepared for based on some of the reviews.

A recent round of quotes for oil and fluid changes for the winter left me a little surprised at MM pricing however which was essentially the same as my local main dealer.

I've been fielding out the little jobs and queries on my car to other indies to get a feel for the places prior to the next Inspection service.

Visited CPC just this morning having made an appointment last week -Phil called me back the day after I left a message. Graham sorted my car this morning but I did meet Phil later on. Incredibly friendly, happy for me to look over their shoulders and ask questions and again clearly know their stuff. But of the two I'll be booking the next service in with CPC - very impressed with their approach and their pricing.



Alfie wrote: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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Alfie
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  M roadster S54
Location: Broadchurch....

Post by Alfie »

'Yadi wrote:...I'll be booking the next service in with CPC - very impressed with their approach and their pricing.
Spot on!
But don't tell everyone coz we'll have to wait even longer to get booked in!

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

  M roadster S50

Post by Murf »

Cheers guys, most useful. Having only had the car for a few days I'd appreciate the piece of mind having an expert giving it the once over (despite no obvious problems and flying through MOT last week) and replace the oil/fluids as this was last done almost 12 months ago.
**Z3**
Joined: Sat 02 Jan, 2010 13:03
Posts: 226

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Torquay

Post by **Z3** »

davieb wrote: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.
Hi

Do you have details for the torquay chap?
vzh7gk
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Joined: Fri 05 Feb, 2010 13:12
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  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheltenham, UK
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Post by vzh7gk »

Soon to be new owner.
Car has full BMW dealer stamped service book, but I don't believe in paying for a workshop's carpets :shock:
Has anyone in the Gloucestershire area tried Natton Garage near Tewkesbury for servicing? Any other recommendations for servicing in north Glos?
I have tried various forum searches, but drawn a blank (apart form a mention of Cotswold in Cheltenham).
Cheers,
Graham (G4FUJ)
'99 1.9 Z3 in black
(+ two Morgans and a Land Rover 90)
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W444 LKR
Joined: Tue 02 Sep, 2008 18:37
Posts: 124

  M roadster S50
Location: Cheshire

Post by W444 LKR »

For people living in the North West near Manchester, I use Darren Wood BMW specialists in Bredbury and can't recommend them enough.

Darren and Mike are ex Blue Bell technicians and know their stuff, prices are spot on and its refreshing to get an honest answer.

I know a few people from Z3Mcoupe site have started to use them also and have been happy with the service.

Getting some work done on my motor next week then the next mod is Racelogic traction control which they are fitting.

Not getting any extra discount for this!! Just think it might be helpful for any body in the North West looking for a honest decent garage!! (I have been had over too many times!! :roll: )
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dennisedlin
Joined: Sat 24 Oct, 2009 06:39
Posts: 140

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Nottingham

Post by dennisedlin »

I used Burton Motor Workshop yesterday. (Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent 01283 500750)

I'm always nervous when using a new garage, however these guys were very good.

I had to have the thermostat done on the Z3, I also asked them to check various other items too.

The car came back with the work done, and everything checked. They had the opportunity to add in all sorts of unnecessary extras but didn't.

Reasonable prices too.

I'll definitely use them again
z4lover
Joined: Fri 29 Aug, 2008 12:27
Posts: 31

  Z4 roadster 2.5i

BMW Specialist in SE London

Post by z4lover »

Can anyone recommend a good bmw specialist in south east (or east) london?
BristolZ3
Joined: Wed 30 Dec, 2009 13:23
Posts: 26

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Bristol

Clayton cars, Bristol

Post by BristolZ3 »

could I just take the opportunity to big these guys up again, I know they have already been mentioned twice. Very straight, know what they are talking about and good value. I will certainly be going back.

http://www.bmwrepairsbristol.co.uk/
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mooney
Joined: Fri 19 Nov, 2010 17:55
Posts: 160

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: thame

Post by mooney »

Have found these guys excellent in the past:

http://www.janddvehiclerepairs.com/

They are based in Saunderton near High Wycombe, Bucks.

The bloke is ex bmw tech and really knows his stuff.
Fab prices too.
jollyassassin
Joined: Wed 08 Oct, 2008 17:27
Posts: 176

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Warrington

Post by jollyassassin »

For anyone in the Warrington area these guys are fantastic http://www.davidpaulofwarrington.co.uk/ You'll always get an honest report of what your car needs & they are very reasonable. They have done a few jobs on mine this year & have always been honest & professional.
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Jamezee
Joined: Sat 21 Feb, 2009 23:46
Posts: 1411

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Royston Vasey

Post by Jamezee »

W444 LKR wrote:For people living in the North West near Manchester, I use Darren Wood BMW specialists in Bredbury and can't recommend them enough.

Darren and Mike are ex Blue Bell technicians and know their stuff, prices are spot on and its refreshing to get an honest answer.

I know a few people from Z3Mcoupe site have started to use them also and have been happy with the service.

Getting some work done on my motor next week then the next mod is Racelogic traction control which they are fitting.

Not getting any extra discount for this!! Just think it might be helpful for any body in the North West looking for a honest decent garage!! (I have been had over too many times!! :roll: )
I have just started using ( http://www.darren-wood.com/index.php ) this garage, first impressions are very good and was more than happy to leave my MLC with them for some TLC. Honest, decent and helpful are just a few words that spring to mind, which I must say is rare :)
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Jewell
Joined: Sun 13 May, 2007 16:56
Posts: 141

  M roadster S50
Location: New Forest

Post by Jewell »

Robin wrote: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 !
I'll second that Robin . . . I called them three times to pick their brains when looking for my new car and they were soooo helpfull. Nothing is to much trouble when you have a service and they will help you out when they can. Enthusiasm for the job makes such a difference.
wonderloaf
Joined: Mon 02 Aug, 2010 20:55
Posts: 518

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Basingstoke

Post by wonderloaf »

Have just had my first Inspection 2 carried out by Emtec http://www.emtecsalisbury.com/ in Salisbury, very pleased with the service and the price. Inspection 2 + coolant change cost me about £270.00 all in, they're open every other Saturday morning but book well in advance!

The manager there (sorry didn't get his name) is very knowledgeable and they even spruced up the brake calipers for me without being asked!
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Jewell
Joined: Sun 13 May, 2007 16:56
Posts: 141

  M roadster S50
Location: New Forest

Post by Jewell »

wonderloaf wrote:Have just had my first Inspection 2 carried out by Emtec http://www.emtecsalisbury.com/ in Salisbury, very pleased with the service and the price. Inspection 2 + coolant change cost me about £270.00 all in, they're open every other Saturday morning but book well in advance!

The manager there (sorry didn't get his name) is very knowledgeable and they even spruced up the brake calipers for me without being asked!
Sounds interesting, thanks, must admit I have heard their name, might ask them to quote me in future as pretty local. Doesn't hurt to shop around.
tracyk859
Joined: Tue 28 Dec, 2010 07:03
Posts: 1

  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU
Location: CXZCXZC

Post by tracyk859 »

Thanks for the post. Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.

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Wrinkley
Joined: Fri 25 Jun, 2010 19:11
Posts: 103

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Beverley

Post by Wrinkley »

J&JL Flanagan
in Beverley East Yorkshire.

They don't have the BMW diagnostic equipment,but are very good at what they do.

Father & son John and Jonathan, Jonathan looks after 2 or 3 Z3's.
Very small garage but always clean and tidy and very helpful guys.

Iv'e taken my cars to them for a number of years and always been pleased with the service.

Taken my 09 Volvo V50 d5 since it was brand new,they do exactly the same service for half the price of Volvo and I know it's been done correctly

Steve
devboy
Joined: Sun 09 Jan, 2011 16:52
Posts: 53

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Post by devboy »

As another newbie, I scouted around locally and found a BMW indie close by, I'd been pointed in their direction via a work colleague who had used them once and was pleased, before using someone else more local to him.

B.C. CarCare (Silverend Brierley Hill http://www.touchdudley.com/business/list/bid/1650962), not sure if anyone else in the Midlands has used them here (not noticed them mentioned on this thread)?

Bob did an Inspection II, MOT & ball joint replacement for £250, he's also replaced a brake calliper for £80. I found him quite helpful, he even picks up the car (while leaving his van on the drive) and returns it once finished. He's helped me identify some bits (that I needed for Bob) to replace on the zed, rather than getting him to chase them down and charging accordingly, he's entrusted me with finding the items and I'll be giving him the work (non-cosmetic).

So far so impressed to be honest. :)
sandy430
Joined: Sun 27 Mar, 2011 10:46
Posts: 13

  Not specified
Location: Banbury

Post by sandy430 »

I've always been impressed by NCB Autokraft in Solihull, Noel really is a dyed in the wool BMW enthusiast.
davieb
Joined: Sat 31 Dec, 2005 13:21
Posts: 175

  M coupe S50
Location: Kingsteignton

Post by davieb »

**Z3**

Sorry just seen your post about the Torquay garage - it's behind the Watcombe Service Station, by the mini roundabout next to the golf course. Brian Combes is the man. Might be called Fiveways garage.
HeadofZed
Joined: Wed 25 May, 2011 20:59
Posts: 1

  Not specified

Re: Independent Specialist--The BIZ

Post by HeadofZed »

smartypants wrote: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)
care to clarify?



But also recomend Munich Motors, very passionate about thier work and the marque.
Red Leader
Joined: Thu 18 Mar, 2010 15:33
Posts: 32

  BMW other
Location: Rossendale

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Red Leader »

One for the north west members;

Boundary Garage near Burnley (BB4 8RG).

Taken my last 2 BMW's there and have always been pleased with their service.
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BimBeema
Joined: Sun 16 Oct, 2005 22:55
Posts: 1753

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: London

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by BimBeema »

Any recommendations for an indie in/around North London?

In all the years owning my Zed its always been serviced by BMW but given its age and general rising living costs I think a good indie might be the route to go for future - still have two green lights on from last BMW service so not an urgent requirement, but one to know for future.

Thanks
wonderloaf
Joined: Mon 02 Aug, 2010 20:55
Posts: 518

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Basingstoke

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by wonderloaf »

Anybody heard of or used Beemech in Hook, Hampshire? I'm on the search for a new indie for my next service (4 greens to go) and have never heard of these guys.

http://www.beemech.com/index.php

Any info gratefully received.

Cheers, Wonderloaf
2001 Titan Silver 2.2 Sport
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BimBeema
Joined: Sun 16 Oct, 2005 22:55
Posts: 1753

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: London

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by BimBeema »

I found this link, it may be useful:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... 0&t=796191
Lewy
Joined: Mon 22 Oct, 2012 17:34
Posts: 206

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Wolverhampton

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Lewy »

I can certainly vouch for BM Euroservice in Wolverhampton, they've looked after my 6 series since I owned it and will now have my Z3 to sort out. Mark and Paul are the owners and they're both ex dealership so you get a dealership quality but nowhere near the price.
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Badman gee
Joined: Sun 14 Nov, 2010 10:45
Posts: 2299

  M roadster S50

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Badman gee »

Twg Motorsport in Peterborough are excellent.

Have used them a few times.

They are reasonable and experts.

I have no hesitation in leaving my car with them.

Top top draw.

And I'm probably the fussiest on the site.

Mark
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leach62
Joined: Wed 31 Dec, 2008 11:43
Posts: 75

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Chatham

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by leach62 »

Hi everybody, hope all is well with you all. I have just had a scan through the thread. Does the forum not maintain a list of indie garages throughout the country recommended by forum members ?

Regards Jim
larrygroke
Joined: Sun 22 Sep, 2013 09:16
Posts: 41

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by larrygroke »

the Mrs has got a 1 series from here down ere in Plymouth Devon and there very good! http://www.hyde-park-cars.co.uk :D
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Southernboy »

BMG is an absolute queen :queen: ....fussy doesn't explain him adequately... :roflmao:
"Normal is overrated"
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ARoosterinaRoadster
Joined: Thu 29 May, 2014 08:49
Posts: 349

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Lancashire

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by ARoosterinaRoadster »

Hi to you all out there and on this occasion to those in the Lancashire area but more specifically West Lancashire and the immediate areas of Ormskirk,Southport,Burscough,Mahull & Sefton.
I have heard very good reports of a BMW specialist in Southport called Linwar Motors,has anyone on the forum had experience of them and especially with their Z3.
I believe that they have been around in the area for a long time and above all else they dismantle and sell-on BMW parts.
Having been under the driver seat of my Z3 (on another topic page) I just might get them to look at it.
After a total left knee replacement in November of 2007 and a very recent 2nd Arthroscopy on my right knee I have very limited articulation and mucking about with the seat is not something that is appealing since I have been out again and reviewed the situation.
Happiness is a well kept Z3 and preferably running with the hood down - weather permitting.
transcup
Joined: Sat 15 Jun, 2019 16:46
Posts: 11

  blank

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by transcup »

2019 14:00

Hello
Do you have any good z3m people/ garages for repairs And servicing in the Preston area.
Just bought new car 2000 roadster in Dakar yellow
May need it looking over.
Any other owners nearby who do own repairs??
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Boysie
Joined: Sat 23 Apr, 2005 14:24
Posts: 1654

  M roadster S50
Location: Wallington Surrey
Contact:

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Boysie »

This has reminded me,
I recently had my Zed Mot’d by a highly recommended local local,
also I must add I have moved to West Sussex, whilst chatting to the guy at the garage I said I need an oil service and fluid change on the M///Roadster as the lights have come up,
I made a point of mentioning it was an ‘///M’ he said no problem Sir, our hourly rate is £60 per hour, so an oil change/service inclusive of vat and materials £100, I was aghast the last oil service I had at Munich legends several years ago was well over £600++,
I said what about the fluids he said they would check the Zed service requirements and do what was needed,
I’m now scratching my head,
I know the dealers are £150+ Hour labour and have massive overheads.
I treasure my Zed and have never let anybody apart from Munich legends touch it, but it’s so far away, plus the cost now.
Must add I’m now retired 🙄😩😋
Any comments on this
I’m not after crowd funding 😆😆
Ray

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ARoosterinaRoadster
Joined: Thu 29 May, 2014 08:49
Posts: 349

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Lancashire

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by ARoosterinaRoadster »

Hi to you all out there. Further to my post of 31 May 2014, 21:17.
Unfortunately I did not go to Linwar in Southport I had difficulty in getting an answer on the phone and gave up.

That said and after further searching I did find Deepdale Service Station in Preston,Lancashire and have been going there ever since.
I have had my Z3 2.0 litre Automatic (now sold-on and three other BMW's serviced there;an 03 320i Touring Automatic and a recently sold 325CI Convertible and my present 2001 330i Touring Automatic.
I cannot fault the service and considerations that I get from Andy and his team and whilst I have a BMW I will always get it serviced and repaired there.
Happiness is a well kept Z3 and preferably running with the hood down - weather permitting.
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
Posts: 9521

  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Gazza »

Boysie wrote: Mon 01 Jul, 2019 14:43 This has reminded me,
I recently had my Zed Mot’d by a highly recommended local local,
also I must add I have moved to West Sussex, whilst chatting to the guy at the garage I said I need an oil service and fluid change on the M///Roadster as the lights have come up,
I made a point of mentioning it was an ‘///M’ he said no problem Sir, our hourly rate is £60 per hour, so an oil change/service inclusive of vat and materials £100, I was aghast the last oil service I had at Munich legends several years ago was well over £600++,
I said what about the fluids he said they would check the Zed service requirements and do what was needed,
I’m now scratching my head,
I know the dealers are £150+ Hour labour and have massive overheads.
I treasure my Zed and have never let anybody apart from Munich legends touch it, but it’s so far away, plus the cost now.
Must add I’m now retired 🙄😩😋
Any comments on this
I’m not after crowd funding 😆😆

Ray, I priced up an oil service at Sytner main dealer for my Z4M @ £199 all inc parts.
I would think for £600+ at Munich Legends it would have been an Inspection service.
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"

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Boysie
Joined: Sat 23 Apr, 2005 14:24
Posts: 1654

  M roadster S50
Location: Wallington Surrey
Contact:

Re: Independent BMW specialists: list

Post by Boysie »

Hi Gary
It could have started as an oil service maybe 🙄🤔
Did they do all the fluids ie brakes and coolant
Ray

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1970 Austin Healey Sprite, Original ' Now Sold :-(
2002 Harley 1130cc V Rod Custom

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