bmw independant specialist southampton area?

[E21_Ross]

hi guys,

the E21 needs a fairly major job of having it's rear crank/main oil seal changing and local garage doesn't fancy taking it on. it's about a 4 hour job for someone who's fairly good i guess, BMW scotthall want a little too much so was wondering if anyone knows any good indy's around southampton sort of area?

thanks very much! phone numbers for them more than welcome

Ross.

[DarkMatter]

I've not tried them, yet, but you could consider http://www.brystone.co.uk/ at Rushington near Totton.

[Neil.D]

DarkMatter said:

I've not tried them, yet, but you could consider http://www.brystone.co.uk/ at Rushington near Totton.

Richard there is very good.

[pat_y]

personally i use Bartley BMW, not the cheapest but nowhere near dealer rates and they are very good at what they do.
http://www.bartleyuk.com/

[V8_chitty]

Bartley do mine too. Recommended.

[E21_Ross]

hi guys thanks for the replies.

i've phoned up both bartley's and brystones and checked their websites out, both seem willing to do the job, though brystone said they'd get back to me with a quote, probably tomorrow, and bartley are quoting about £200 in labour plus the part plus VAT, so maybe a little over £250 which sounds about right. my specialist in somerset is possibly one of the best in the UK for my car, since they only deal with bmws from before about 1995 or so i guess, maybe later if you're lucky. they know all older bmw's like the back of their hand.... fritz's bits they are called. but it's a lot of hassle getting the car there so just wanted to see what's around southampton area. what cars have you taken there and what are they like to deal with...very professional? some garages i find are lazy and if i ask for an inspection I or II service they miss bits, like checking brake lines for corrosion, checking for rust, all the little things; are bartleys and brystone good then?

thanks guys...so many questions

Edited by E21_Ross on Monday 21st December 16:04

[pat_y]

Being a bit of a BMW fanboy, Bartley have worked on a few of mine over the last 7 or 8 years:
1989 E30 320I (general easy stuff balljoints/bushes etc)
1990 E30 325i touring (warped cyl head fix)
1993 E36 318I pre-purchase inspection/servicing
1997 E36 M3 Evo, trailing arm bushes/servicing & diagnostics

and they are getting my '95 M3 in a couple of weeks for lumpy idle issues and clutch pedal bushes.

To be fair i have heard good reports about Brystone as well, it's just Bartley have always been good for stuff i need.

[///Mike]

Try Sean at Irridium

He is in Southampton and is a keen BMW enthusiast. Its his company.

http://www.iridiumengineering.co.uk/