Garage recommendation for a Major service and MOT

[kishg]

Hi all, I am a new car owner and my E90 320D is due for major service, I don't want to take the car to a BMW dealer but an independent specialist who will do a good job for a reasonable price.

Earlier there was a couple of BMW specialist listed for London, Technosport and Brunswick - In Technosport George spoke to me well when I went to the garage to ask for a bumper replacement quote couple of weeks ago but to my disappointment, they never managed to send me the quote even after chasing them a few times.

Brunswick over the phone has been responsive and details but they are no longer listed.

How about KMK, a new addition to the list? I live in Wembley so none of them are nearer to me except Technosport but I am not confident if they will be responsible and committed to what they say.

Anyone else you would recommend?

I'll ask a stupid question being a new car owner. How can I trust and leave the car with a garage without being worried that they may change some parts? what would cover me and what check should I do to have peace of mind?

[bimjim]

I always found Bmerc, in Barnet, to be excellent.

[Smuler]

No reputable garage is going to change parts!

If you’re not certain about any of the independent specialists , get a price from BMW ?

Otherwise a previous owner of my M3 used techno sport. They can’t be too bad cos car is running sweet years later.

[Mr Whippy]

In my experience, if no random jobs need doing, BMW prices aren’t that far beyond a good independent for normal servicing.

Problems arise when say they want to do brake fluid and shear a nipple and start charging for brand new calipers vs reconditioned etc.

[tonyinbrighton]

Main dealers offer fixed price servicing but the mechanic is restricted to the time allowed by BMW standards: I'm told this means they will cut corners when they have to rather than do a thorough job and in my experience they will ignore any additional work beyond the minimum.
A friend's brother is a BMW Master Technician and finds the whole process demoralising...

[Captain_Pugwash]

Has anyone used KMK? My 520D is due a service - they've quoted £360 vs. £550 or so at BMW Nine Elms.