Good garage near North London? And other service related Qs

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janijoeli
Joined: Wed 26 Jun, 2013 15:51
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  M roadster S50
Location: Isojoki, Finland
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Good garage near North London? And other service related Qs

Post by janijoeli »

I bought my Z3M a couple months ago. So far I have done very little miles on it, but a very long roadtrip is in the plans for late spring / early summer. As I don't know much about the history of Giorgio, I would like to treat it with a thorough service before the roadtrip.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good, knowledgeable, reliable - and preferably affordable - garage somewhere in North / North East London or relatively nearby? I am located in Palmers Green, near Enfield.

For a 1998 M Roadster that has done nearly 50k and with unknown history, what should be on the agenda? I've come up with the following list. If something else should be included or something is unnecessary, please let me know - any help is greatly appreciated! :bow

- Inspection 2, plus the following (if not already included):
- Change liquids and flush systems: Engine, gearbox, diff, coolant, brakes, anything else? Is changing clutch and power steering fluids a bit overkill?
- Change all filters (sans air filter, as Simota): Oil filter, fuel filter, anything else?
- Add the missing bolt to the LH drive shaft! Also check that the CV joint has not dried up due to bolts being loose.
- Check valve clearances (apart from shims I have all parts for this already, so if I have time I might do it myself)

Cheers,
Jani
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janijoeli
Joined: Wed 26 Jun, 2013 15:51
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  M roadster S50
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Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by janijoeli »

Any recommendations of a garage, anyone? Anything?

Should I expand the area a bit - anywhere in London, or somewhere a bit north from north London? :D
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Murf
Joined: Wed 25 Nov, 2009 21:53
Posts: 156

  M roadster S50

Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by Murf »

Not used them myself (other end of the country) but CPC in Amersham always get a lot of good comments over on PH - they just about fall under north of north London :D
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janijoeli
Joined: Wed 26 Jun, 2013 15:51
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Location: Isojoki, Finland
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Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by janijoeli »

Thanks mate, you opened the Pandora's box - searching even just this forum with "CPC" and several posts come up, nothing but praises. Haven't found a single negative comment about them yet!

Some people have also recommended Stephen James in Enfield. They would be conveniently close to me, but google reveals that the quality of their workmanship varies... Some good reviews, but also some very negative ones. So I think it's worth driving a bit further and trying to get my car to CPC (trying, as according to many, they are very busy).
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Riccardog
Joined: Mon 03 Mar, 2014 23:09
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Location: London, UK

Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by Riccardog »

I've taken my BMW (not an M) to CPC in Amersham and found them very good. Its not the cheapest (still cheaper than main dealer) but Phil is very knowledgeable in BMWs and I would trust him with any BMW, probably even more with M cars.
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motco
Joined: Tue 18 Aug, 2009 18:12
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by motco »

CPC have had my Z3, my son's 320TD Compact, and also his Z4M Coupé at various times. I was in there this morning actually. He's is a rare animal; he actually does know what he's doing. :)
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janijoeli
Joined: Wed 26 Jun, 2013 15:51
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  M roadster S50
Location: Isojoki, Finland
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Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by janijoeli »

Thanks chaps, you've convinced me! :D I'll give Phil a call tomorrow. Wish me luck!
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Gooseacre
Joined: Thu 10 May, 2012 18:18
Posts: 152

  M roadster S50

Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by Gooseacre »

Plus 1000 for Phil at CPC

He is looking after my S54
2001 Z3M S54 LB64010 #10/73
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bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
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  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by bertiejaffa »

Maybe a daft question but what is the garage going to do with your simota induction kit? I have a K&N on my A5 and a BMC on my 2.0l but looking for advise and future actions for my S50
Here come the girls.....
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janijoeli
Joined: Wed 26 Jun, 2013 15:51
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  M roadster S50
Location: Isojoki, Finland
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Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by janijoeli »

Car Doctor Phil booked for Monday! :D

Lee, I just emailed you about Simota (and other things).
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Alfie
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  M roadster S54
Location: Broadchurch....

Re: Good garage near North London? And other service related

Post by Alfie »

CPC looked after RED before we moved away from London.
Phil is an incredibly knowledgeable chap and passionate about everything BMW old and new, unlike most main dealers.
Unless your car is still under BMW warranty, a top quality independent such as CPC will always be better and cheaper than a main dealer.
If he has time, he'll happily show you round all the ongoing projects he usually has dotted around his workshop.
Only problem is getting a booking because he is definitely a victim of his own success!

Luckily, I now have Eden Motors in Yeovil (a very similar set-up to CPC) who (so far) I trust just as much.... :)

A.
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