Independant BMW Specialist in North West Essex?

[BillericayDickie]

Hi, my first post here and I'm asking for some advice.

I've just acquired an E39 530i (so pleased with it!) and need to find a good independant locally for servicing. We're in Great Dunmow, between Stanstead and Braintree, so anywhere North West Essex / West Herts would be good, or alternatively somewhere in East London, which is where I work.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[wattsm666]

Highams Park Motor Company, London E4. A two minute walk from the overground into Liverpool St. 020-8523-3443

[BillericayDickie]

Thanks Wattsm666, they came up on a search I did. Have you used them before? If so what are they like for price, facilities, service, etc?

[KenD]

I have used PMW in Chelmsford. Vey impressed with the service and pricing
Ken

[wattsm666]

Highams Park are excellent. I have used them for about 5 years on my current car and about 3 years on the one before that (Audi). Prices are good and knowledge is excellent from the principals (Clive and Stuart). M3John also uses them and rates them highly.

I can't recommend them enough.

[Egbert Nobacon]

KenD said:

I have used PMW in Chelmsford. Vey impressed with the service and pricing
Ken

Yep been going for years - nothing but praise. Peter (the proprietor) is an ex BMW tech, very knowledgeable and honest. Full diagnostics and MOT's on site.

They also will collect and drop off the car if a member of staff lives near you and I think that Dennis on service reception lives up your way. If not Chelmsford station is 10 mins walk.

Give them a ring - 01245 496739

[BillericayDickie]

Thanks guys, that gives me a couple of good options. Much appreciated.

[mmm-five]

I know a great fellow north-west of Braintree - specialises in M-cars (owns an e34 M5 and Skyline himself), and is highly recommended on the M5 Board (and by me of course).

Name : Darjac services (also know as Darren, Daz, Faz, Farrel on the M5 Board)
Location : Between Brainterr & Colchester
Contact details : 07807 689538
Services : too many to list

[M3John]

wattsm666 said:

Highams Park are excellent. I have used them for about 5 years on my current car and about 3 years on the one before that (Audi). Prices are good and knowledge is excellent from the principals (Clive and Stuart). M3John also uses them and rates them highly.

I can't recommend them enough.

Yes another vote here

These guys are really good at what they do. Would very reluctantly let anybody else touch my ///M3.

[matina]

Hi.

If you check out the M powered forum, Ive posted a very similar question for good specialists in the London and surrounding areas.

Its got loads of guys which hopefully will provide you and other members, tried and tested...and cheap specialists.

Having just bought an M3 Evo, i want to give it a Inspection II and am considering Bartley in Southampton or.....

Derek at West suffolk racing in Bury, near Cambridge/Ipswich.

He was a my old race engineer back in 06 when i raced my car in the BMW championship. He also engineered Rick Kerrys M3 who is racing in the British touring cars.

He is genuinely passionate about cars and very busy......and very cheap.

I havent spoken to him in ages, but his labour rate went up from £25 to £30 this year.

Ridiculously cheap.

I had him go through my whole car in terms of race prep, spent 10 hours on it and it cost me 300 pounds or so inc the odd part.

BMW would charge 1500 for the same time.

Thats a bargain.

He is a race engineer, so unless you have big issue, only then would it be worth talking to him as he may not want to get involved in small routine things.

Hope this helps either way.

[BillericayDickie]

Hi, thanks again to everyone, lots of good info here, everything from routine maintenance to race prep!

I hadn't considered racing my 530, but if a good engineer can be that cheap I might just give it a go...not sure what my wife would make of that idea though