Independent garage in Liverpool \ Manchester area

For the M Powered Z3 derivatives
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Ian Kelly
Joined: Sat 09 Oct, 2010 18:56
Posts: 168

  M roadster S50
Location: Kirkby

Independent garage in Liverpool \ Manchester area

Post by Ian Kelly »

Hi,

Not bought my car yet but wondered if anyone can recommend a decent sensibly priced garage for Z3M servicing? I'll end up doing lots of the basics myself but think the first service would be good to get it looked over thoroughly.

Also, what would the rough cost of an inspection 1 and 2 service be? I have checked through the forum and there's lot's of different figures quoted, so if anyone has recent experience of prices at a NW garage I'd be glad to hear (subject to the actual costs!!!).

Thanks, Ian
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Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Ian, I've recently been using Autotech who are just outside of Liverpool city centre (near Stanley Docks).

They are OK but I think are set up for run of the mill stuff and anything out of the ordinary seems new to them.

I previously used David Paul of Warrington who were fantastic and really know their stuff.

They've recently moved to a new place I think which is nearer to the M6 but I've not been there.

http://www.davidpaulofwarrington.co.uk/
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
jontymo
Joined: Sun 08 Aug, 2010 18:52
Posts: 630

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Huddersfield

Post by jontymo »

Hi Ian

I used BMtech in Manchester for a stage 2 service and brake fluid on my 2.8 a few months ago from what i remember i paid £290

Some of the guys also use Darrenwood in Stockport

jontymo
1998 2.8 Roadster "Gone but not forgotten"
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Ian Kelly
Joined: Sat 09 Oct, 2010 18:56
Posts: 168

  M roadster S50
Location: Kirkby

Post by Ian Kelly »

Hi,

Spoke to David Paul in Warrington and they were really helpful, offered advice on what to look for when buying M Roadster.

Inspection II is c£470 incl. VAT which I think is reasonable based on other prices I've seen on here. c£30 extra for brake fluid change, which includes fluid!

Many thanks,

Ian
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Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Ian, its worth noting that price probably does not include checking the valve clearances which is an inspection II item. They are good enough to know when they get your car if they feel the clearances need checking by the way the car runs.

If they don't do the clearances though they may not be willing to stamp your book as an inspection II carried out so discuss with them first.

They basically refused to check the clearances on my first S50 ///M as they said they did not need doing and I would be wasting my money. They were proved correct by great dyno results soon after, how many garages would be that good/honest :wink:
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
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calbens
Joined: Mon 12 Dec, 2005 23:21
Posts: 1213

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Appley Bridge
Contact:

Post by calbens »

Hi Ian,

Although I've never used them Linwar Motors in Southport have been reccommended to myself and a few members on here over the years and appear have an excellent reputation.
The only reason I haven't used them is because I trust my local garage too much :wink:
Be warned their web site isn't the best lol :lol:
z head
Joined: Mon 04 Jun, 2007 10:35
Posts: 274

  Z4 roadster 2.5si
Location: Ormskirk

Post by z head »

Bex who do you use ?
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calbens
Joined: Mon 12 Dec, 2005 23:21
Posts: 1213

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Appley Bridge
Contact:

Post by calbens »

z head wrote:Bex who do you use ?
Mike we take the 4 cars inluding my '73 Fiat 500 to Autoweld in Standish. It's only a small place but they're honest, trustworthy and don't charge exuberant prices. They've serviced & repaired all our cars for the last 11yrs and more importantly they know how much I love my zed lol :wink: xx
M3BMC
Joined: Fri 24 Mar, 2006 14:45
Posts: 76

  M roadster S50
Location: Lymm

Post by M3BMC »

I would recommend David Paul in Warrington. Reasonable prices and very helpful.
M3BMC
Joined: Fri 24 Mar, 2006 14:45
Posts: 76

  M roadster S50
Location: Lymm

Post by M3BMC »

I would recommend David Paul in Warrington. Reasonable prices and very helpful.
Jamezee
Joined: Sat 21 Feb, 2009 23:46
Posts: 1411

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Royston Vasey

Post by Jamezee »

jontymo wrote:Hi Ian

I used BMtech in Manchester for a stage 2 service and brake fluid on my 2.8 a few months ago from what i remember i paid £290

Some of the guys also use Darrenwood in Stockport

jontymo
Trying Darren Wood for inspection 1 and brake fluid this week
Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one. Harry Callahan.

BMW dust caps x 4 (replica)
Little Tree Air Freshener-Vanillaroma (now worn out and in the bin)
2006 AA road atlas (with the latest safety cameras)
Jamezee
Joined: Sat 21 Feb, 2009 23:46
Posts: 1411

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Royston Vasey

Darren Wood Ltd

Post by Jamezee »

Had inspection 1 and brake fluid service. Plus they sorted some other bits for no extra and cleaned the car and steam cleaned the engine :)
Both Darren and Mike were very helpful and certainly seem to know their stuff.
I will be going there again
:thumb:

Plus I now have 5 lovely green lights and that silly clock symbol has gone :D

http://www.darren-wood.com/index.php
Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one. Harry Callahan.

BMW dust caps x 4 (replica)
Little Tree Air Freshener-Vanillaroma (now worn out and in the bin)
2006 AA road atlas (with the latest safety cameras)
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W444 LKR
Joined: Tue 02 Sep, 2008 18:37
Posts: 124

  M roadster S50
Location: Cheshire

Re: Darren Wood Ltd

Post by W444 LKR »

Jamezee wrote:Had inspection 1 and brake fluid service. Plus they sorted some other bits for no extra and cleaned the car and steam cleaned the engine :)
Both Darren and Mike were very helpful and certainly seem to know their stuff.
I will be going there again
:thumb:

Plus I now have 5 lovely green lights and that silly clock symbol has gone :D

http://www.darren-wood.com/index.php
I use these guys to and cannot recommended them enough! :drive
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Ian Kelly
Joined: Sat 09 Oct, 2010 18:56
Posts: 168

  M roadster S50
Location: Kirkby

Inspection 2 on newly bought S50 MR

Post by Ian Kelly »

Picked the MR up from David Paul in Warrington tonight. Results -

Inspection 2 service done as per BMW main dealer check list,
valve clearances checked - all ok
brake fluid changed,
suspension bushes checked and all ok
clutch hose checked - found to be ok, despite reluctance to engage 1st
gear shift checked - no faults found, despite staying over to right when disengaging 5th
diff mount \ brackets checked - all ok

Faults found -

dust seal on a front brake caliper is displaced
thermal oil level sensor faulty
rear shock top mounts worn

I'll have a look at the caliper seal this weekend as it could affect the brake piston and cause more problems. The oil sensor can apparently wait until next oil service, and the top mounts are not an immediate repair either but I will look into doing these myself.

They guy I spoke to emphasised how important it was to check the valve clearances, especially looking for too little clearance as opposed to loose \ tappety ones!

Overall they were very helpful, and talked me through the work done. They seem like a really professional outfit. And they 'only' charged £400 including VAT, which is less than I expected for an Insp II with brake fluid changed and valves clearances checked.

Many thanks to those that recommended them

Cheers, Ian
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