Bmw repair/service

[egg]

Has anyone used one of the non gen BMW garages? There's Bartley and Brystone who claim to be specialists.

 

I need to use someone for a manufacturer specific engine fault code but want to avoid the main dealer.

 

Any experiences?

[JonnyLove]

I live in Bournemouth and used a company called Kartechnic they are the only people I will ever take any BMW / Audi to.

 

I had an issue with the steering column fault sensor and main dealer wanted £1500 they did it for £700 and delivered the car back to my wife when convenient as I was away at the time.

 

I know your not near them but if it's important then might be worth a shout. They also don't mind you calling and asking advise / information, massively knoweldgeable.

[swannymere]

Go onto a BMW forum and ask for a recommendation, there's a brilliant Mercedes garage in Horndean which i found through a Mercedes forum.

[egg]

Cheers for your replies.

 

Kartechnic seem very good and charge fair money but are a bit too far away.

 

Having done a bit of research the go see people around here seem to be Bartley. They're much cheaper than Scotthall so I'll give them a go.

[SOTONS EAST SIDE]

Cheers for your replies.

 

Kartechnic seem very good and charge fair money but are a bit too far away.

 

Having done a bit of research the go see people around here seem to be Bartley. They're much cheaper than Scotthall so I'll give them a go.

Scotthall are a joke, they wanted to charge my mate.£698.99 to change his pads and discs on his 3series coupe, I got all gen parts for £300 and charged him a £100 to do it!! Its the £80 an hour labour that kills you!!!

[egg]

Scotthall are a joke, they wanted to charge my mate.£698.99 to change his pads and discs on his 3series coupe, I got all gen parts for £300 and charged him a £100 to do it!! Its the £80 an hour labour that kills you!!!

 

I think its more like £100 an hour. Bartley are £70. Brakes etc I wouldn't take to a "specialist" but when it comes to manufacturer specific fault codes and reprogramming they've got you by the b0ll0cks.

[cambsaint]

In Cambridge BMW dealer labour is more like £120.

I go to an ex BM mechanic who only does BMWs. His set up is small but absolutely immaculate.

Unfortunately the complexity of new cars is even forcing these highly skilled guys out as some of the stuff is just too complicated.

I would recommend asking around and taking personal recommendations.

[SOTONS EAST SIDE]

Also, try my purple garage off West Quay road in Southampton in the city industrial estate. They are doing free diagnostic tests within reason, at the mo.