Good quality trustworthy service centre for E39 M5?
Discussion
I love me E39 M5 and despite having a budget for something pricier/newer, I went with a good example of this car and planned to completely refresh it so it drives as close to "as new" as I can get it.
Last year my E39 M5 needed an oil service, airbag light was on to fix and I wanted to take the opportunity to fit an e60 short shifter to replace the slightly loose OEM gearstick and check all the suspension etc as the car had a squeak. Took it to a well respected main dealer who wasnt interested in the work (comment I got was "Id be happy with a gear stick that feels like that in a car this age" - presumably they make more money from warranty work..) so found the most well reviewed independent dealer I could locally. They did the oil service, fixed the airbag light and replaced some bushings on the suspension that was causing it to fail its MOT so it could pass. However despite taking the car out for a test drive with the owner to show him the sound of the squeak, he said he couldnt hear it, thought it was normal that you can hear the sound of the shock absorbers going in and out (an air sound) and said they couldnt find the OEM suspension parts anywhere through their suppliers despite me being willing and wanting to refresh the entire suspension..! I tried to explain that I want to refresh the car so it drives as tightly as it would from new but he didnt seem to understand and despite being a specialist seems more used to fixing necessary problems than doing work like this to optimise driving experience on M cars. 2 weeks after I got the car back the airbag light came back on and they checked something else on the headlight for me but when I picked it up the light was gone and on inspection what I thought was a bulb out was actually that theyd forgotten to plug it in again (!) This all make me feel suspect whether the oil and transmission oils were actually changed..
Can anyone recommend a specialist who can actually be trusted and will do a great job on an E39 M5 to refresh the entire suspension? Anywhere in the UK location not an issue (can get car trailered there if necessary) I just want to make sure I'm getting a proper job done and be able to trust what I'm being invoiced for has actually been done!
Last year my E39 M5 needed an oil service, airbag light was on to fix and I wanted to take the opportunity to fit an e60 short shifter to replace the slightly loose OEM gearstick and check all the suspension etc as the car had a squeak. Took it to a well respected main dealer who wasnt interested in the work (comment I got was "Id be happy with a gear stick that feels like that in a car this age" - presumably they make more money from warranty work..) so found the most well reviewed independent dealer I could locally. They did the oil service, fixed the airbag light and replaced some bushings on the suspension that was causing it to fail its MOT so it could pass. However despite taking the car out for a test drive with the owner to show him the sound of the squeak, he said he couldnt hear it, thought it was normal that you can hear the sound of the shock absorbers going in and out (an air sound) and said they couldnt find the OEM suspension parts anywhere through their suppliers despite me being willing and wanting to refresh the entire suspension..! I tried to explain that I want to refresh the car so it drives as tightly as it would from new but he didnt seem to understand and despite being a specialist seems more used to fixing necessary problems than doing work like this to optimise driving experience on M cars. 2 weeks after I got the car back the airbag light came back on and they checked something else on the headlight for me but when I picked it up the light was gone and on inspection what I thought was a bulb out was actually that theyd forgotten to plug it in again (!) This all make me feel suspect whether the oil and transmission oils were actually changed..
Can anyone recommend a specialist who can actually be trusted and will do a great job on an E39 M5 to refresh the entire suspension? Anywhere in the UK location not an issue (can get car trailered there if necessary) I just want to make sure I'm getting a proper job done and be able to trust what I'm being invoiced for has actually been done!
A few with good reputations, some of which I've used on my E39 M5:
Redish Motorsport (I used this lot regularly, although they're better known for E46 M3 work. Based in Bristol)
CPC Performance Engineering in Amersham, Bucks (I haven't used this lot since 2012 though, so can't vouch for recent experience).
Mr Vanos (Darlington) Seems to have a good line in rebuilding S62 engines and the V10s too, I haven't used him though.
There are probably many other decent specialists of course, but the above are generally well thought of.
Redish Motorsport (I used this lot regularly, although they're better known for E46 M3 work. Based in Bristol)
CPC Performance Engineering in Amersham, Bucks (I haven't used this lot since 2012 though, so can't vouch for recent experience).
Mr Vanos (Darlington) Seems to have a good line in rebuilding S62 engines and the V10s too, I haven't used him though.
There are probably many other decent specialists of course, but the above are generally well thought of.
bedonde said:
A few with good reputations, some of which I've used on my E39 M5:
Redish Motorsport (I used this lot regularly, although they're better known for E46 M3 work. Based in Bristol)
CPC Performance Engineering in Amersham, Bucks (I haven't used this lot since 2012 though, so can't vouch for recent experience).
Mr Vanos (Darlington) Seems to have a good line in rebuilding S62 engines and the V10s too, I haven't used him though.
There are probably many other decent specialists of course, but the above are generally well thought of.
I can vouch for Redish, they’ve done some work on my current Alpina.Redish Motorsport (I used this lot regularly, although they're better known for E46 M3 work. Based in Bristol)
CPC Performance Engineering in Amersham, Bucks (I haven't used this lot since 2012 though, so can't vouch for recent experience).
Mr Vanos (Darlington) Seems to have a good line in rebuilding S62 engines and the V10s too, I haven't used him though.
There are probably many other decent specialists of course, but the above are generally well thought of.
I’ve also heard good things about CPC & Mr Vanos. You might also wish to consider BMR Performance in Sussex, again not used them, but I’ve heard positive things.
Cheers
I've used TWG Automotive in Camberley for my BMWs for over 5 years and have always been very pleased with the service I've received, as well as the prices. It is run by Will Gibson who is ex-Sytner, where he seems to recruit most of his staff! I know of two Z4M owners who use him exclusively and have also found it a positive experience. Plus he can do a Hunter alignment - he probably bought that kit originally to set up his race cars!
But late last year RBM Hampshire opened up in Hook, Hants run by Ross who spent 15 years at Sytner and he has done a few smaller jobs on my recently-acquired Z4MC. I mainly went there because he isn't as booked up, but I've been really pleased with the service and prices. The only downside may be that he doesn't have equipment for an alignment.
I will need an Insp 2 service soon, and would happily use either of them.
But late last year RBM Hampshire opened up in Hook, Hants run by Ross who spent 15 years at Sytner and he has done a few smaller jobs on my recently-acquired Z4MC. I mainly went there because he isn't as booked up, but I've been really pleased with the service and prices. The only downside may be that he doesn't have equipment for an alignment.
I will need an Insp 2 service soon, and would happily use either of them.
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