E61 V8 Bearding

[ATM]

Mini update and moan of incompetence about my new chosen bmw specialist. So I took my 335i in for some work to fix a limp issue. They called to say it was ready so I went in the 550i and collected the 335i obviously leaving the 550i there. I told the guy on the phone I would be doing this. When I arrived the guy talked to me about my bill for the 335i and then said we could swap cars round as he had to move a couple. He said give me the key for the 550i and then you can leave straight out in the 335i once i move this car or what not.

Anyway that was just over 3 weeks ago. I've had no phone calls or anything form them. So I decided to go to see them and see whats going on. When I arrived I asked about my car and the guy looked confused. We then spent 5 minutes wandering round together while he tried to find it. I was there saying no thats not mine. He said oh I remember its the one that was dumped on us and we didn't know what needed doing to it. So long story short is the car has been sat there for 3 weeks while everyone looks at it wandering what to do or who it belongs to.

[Patrick Bateman]

That's why I never leave it too long before phoning a garage to see how they're getting on.

[WarnieV6GT]

This thread needs to evolve into an E60/E61 V8 bearding as it's just too quiet and let's face it both are very rare cars.

And no I'm not just saying this because I've just bought a E60 V8 and want to join in ......

[JamesRF]

ATM said:

Mini update and moan of incompetence about my new chosen bmw specialist. So I took my 335i in for some work to fix a limp issue. They called to say it was ready so I went in the 550i and collected the 335i obviously leaving the 550i there. I told the guy on the phone I would be doing this. When I arrived the guy talked to me about my bill for the 335i and then said we could swap cars round as he had to move a couple. He said give me the key for the 550i and then you can leave straight out in the 335i once i move this car or what not.

Anyway that was just over 3 weeks ago. I've had no phone calls or anything form them. So I decided to go to see them and see whats going on. When I arrived I asked about my car and the guy looked confused. We then spent 5 minutes wandering round together while he tried to find it. I was there saying no thats not mine. He said oh I remember its the one that was dumped on us and we didn't know what needed doing to it. So long story short is the car has been sat there for 3 weeks while everyone looks at it wandering what to do or who it belongs to.

I’ve read this a couple of times and can’t make sense of it? Why would you go to collect the 335 leaving another one of your cars there? Could you have not got a lift down there?

Also they were probably expecting you to go back and get the 550 fairly soon, why did you leave it 3 weeks before wondering what’s going on? Were you expecting the garage to drive it back to your house for you? Surely you don’t need reminding by them that your car is still there, just go back and get it?

I can’t see what the garage has done wrong. You’ve dumped a car down there for 3 weeks that didn’t need any work doing. I’m suprised they were so patient to be honest. My local specialist wouldn’t be parking one of my cars up for that long taking up space.

Sounds like you have a decent garage there who were patient enough to wait so long and the only incompetence has been by you.

[BrownBottle]

WarnieV6GT said:

This thread needs to evolve into an E60/E61 V8 bearding as it's just too quiet and let's face it both are very rare cars.

And no I'm not just saying this because I've just bought a E60 V8 and want to join in ......

Makes sense.

[ATM]

JamesRF said:

I’ve read this a couple of times and can’t make sense of it?


Sounds like you have a decent garage there who were patient enough to wait so long and the only incompetence has been by you.

I'm not sure how you decided to call me incompetent if you couldn't make sense of it. Perhaps asking me to explain might have been the better thing to do. But then this is the internet and the new breed of pistonhead members who know best.

[JamesRF]

ATM said:

I'm not sure how you decided to call me incompetent if you couldn't make sense of it. Perhaps asking me to explain might have been the better thing to do. But then this is the internet and the new breed of pistonhead members who know best.

I couldn’t make sense with regards to you blaming the garage in this situation.

Perhaps I’ve misinterpreted it then, are you able to clarify where they were at fault? I am apparently just the new breed after all

[ATM]

JamesRF said:

I couldn’t make sense with regards to you blaming the garage in this situation.

Perhaps I’ve misinterpreted it then, are you able to clarify where they were at fault? I am apparently just the new breed after all

I don't like slating garages or businesses and want to give them the benefit of doubt. I did tell them on the phone that I was dropping one off for a service and picking one up. Clearly this got lost. They had my phone number and details for the one car but didn't make the connection with the second car even though the guy spoke to me and helped move cars around when I arrived. Now they definitely have my number and a job sheet saying what's been discussed so let's see what happens.

[ATM]

ATM said:

Mini update and moan of incompetence about my new chosen bmw specialist. So I took my 335i in for some work to fix a limp issue. They called to say it was ready so I went in the 550i and collected the 335i obviously leaving the 550i there. I told the guy on the phone I would be doing this. When I arrived the guy talked to me about my bill for the 335i and then said we could swap cars round as he had to move a couple. He said give me the key for the 550i and then you can leave straight out in the 335i once i move this car or what not.

Anyway that was just over 3 weeks ago. I've had no phone calls or anything form them. So I decided to go to see them and see whats going on. When I arrived I asked about my car and the guy looked confused. We then spent 5 minutes wandering round together while he tried to find it. I was there saying no thats not mine. He said oh I remember its the one that was dumped on us and we didn't know what needed doing to it. So long story short is the car has been sat there for 3 weeks while everyone looks at it wandering what to do or who it belongs to.

3 weeks since this and the car is ready now for collection. Oil service and filters, brake fluid change and air con regas - £444. Air con regas is probably a waste of money as it stopped working 2 days after the last regas. But they obviously didnt get this message even though I am sure I explained it.

[ATM]

[junglie]

Good evening,

I am looking for a sub £10k estate that has something about it.

Must be 5 cylinders or more, petrol and RWD / AWD. Also looking for some space so V70, 5 series, A6, Superb size.

I am keeping an eye out for all the usual suspects such as V70 T6, Superb 3.6, R36, E500, Legacy 3.0 etc.

This has cropped up and I like the V8 and manual box combo.

I know there is the issue of the oil pipe in the V but are there any other issues.

Any general thoughts?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[WarnieV6GT]

junglie said:

Good evening,

I am looking for a sub £10k estate that has something about it.

Must be 5 cylinders or more, petrol and RWD / AWD. Also looking for some space so V70, 5 series, A6, Superb size.

I am keeping an eye out for all the usual suspects such as V70 T6, Superb 3.6, R36, E500, Legacy 3.0 etc.

This has cropped up and I like the V8 and manual box combo.

I know there is the issue of the oil pipe in the V but are there any other issues.

Any general thoughts?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

link not working

[ATM]

WarnieV6GT said:

junglie said:

Good evening,

I am looking for a sub £10k estate that has something about it.

Must be 5 cylinders or more, petrol and RWD / AWD. Also looking for some space so V70, 5 series, A6, Superb size.

I am keeping an eye out for all the usual suspects such as V70 T6, Superb 3.6, R36, E500, Legacy 3.0 etc.

This has cropped up and I like the V8 and manual box combo.

I know there is the issue of the oil pipe in the V but are there any other issues.

Any general thoughts?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

link not working

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804265937275

[smashie]

Doesn’t look like a manual box on that one.

[junglie]

I think it might be a link to a suitable alternative!

[ATM]

First one we've seen for sale I think with lpg. Halving the fuel bill definitely interests me. I can't imagine noticing any less poke on lpg although I still believe I can tell the difference between standard fuel and Tesco 99 in mine. It sort of makes the throttle feel a bit angry if that makes sense. I've missed it for sure. The 335i has not turned a wheel since I got the 550i back. But I do have 4 cars.

To answer your question about these cars. Mine has a few simple problems which I ignore as it is 13 years old. I drive reader on fritz. Ac dead but recent regas working for now. Rear hatch button has a mind of its own. Screen wash / spray has stopped - that's new. Finally valve stem oil seals so it will smoke if left idling for a few minutes when properly up to temp and it probably drinks some oil. No leaks though as that would pee me off. Dare I say it car feels bullet proof - trust me.

I just noticed the little white lines moving on the rev counter when it's cold - never noticed them before. Anyone else?

My car has updated bilstein dampers so it is a bit stiffer but rides well and stays flat if you throw it into bends. No run flats here. My current setup is a set of conti 5 in 245 40 18 rear and 225 45 18 front. Steering is super light at low speeds but gets firmer and the feel is good at motorway speeds.

[pewe]

philmots said:

Well that LCI imola red one has a deposit on it already... looks lovely, could use privacy glass and still not keen on the grey leather. Good points being a really late E61 it’s got the newer nav...

Well guys I have to report that I'm now the proud owner of this one.
Having bought a black one which turned out to be a dog and went back PDQ I spotted it as soon as it went up.
Being fairly local I shot down there next morning, drove it and put my deposit down.
The description didn't really do it justice. The grey leather isn't totally to my taste but you're sitting on it rather than looking at it when driving. It's one owner, FSH and obviously been looked after.
I expressed some concern over the front discs.
By the time I rang them the next morning to say maybe I'd been a bit harsh they had already re-newed both front discs and pads PLUS they had scheduled to repaint the passenger door mirror and whilst at it would be re-painting the rear bumper as it was slightly scratched.
However (and that's a big However) not long after collection it became apparent there was a major fault which was undetectable on a relatively short test drive.
Long story short the garage which supplied it, Hawthorns in Farnham http://www.hawthorns.co.uk/ fell over themselves to fix it.
They immediately sent a low-loader to collect it, supplying a loan car for the duration (Mini Cooper S).
Their well-qualified in-house engineering department were unable to fix the fault so they sent it off to a local BMW engine specialist.
Given his speciality booking time was extensive so a lot of patience was called for (not helped by our taking a trip down Route66 in the meantime and being subjected to all those throaty V8's the Yanks are so fond of).
Finally last week the car was ready for collection and at no cost to myself.

This weekend has been spent really enjoying it for all its attributes - the more I drive it the more attributes it has (reinforced by at trip from RG1 to Bedford Autodrome for a milestone birthday treat on one of Mr Palmer's Activity Days - highly recommended). The drive back was spectacular especially once the Sport button was sussed.

Finally I must compliment Jonathan, Jane and Dan at Hawthorns for their response and service levels in what was potentially a difficult situation.
Their attitude to customer relations sets a standard rarely found in the Motor Trade and others could do well to match.
Would I buy from them again? You bet.
Am I a satisfied customer? You bet!
Am I made up with owning a 550i M-Sort Touring? You bet!!
Cheers, Pewe

[Jobbo]

What was the fault? Engine or gearbox?

[pewe]

Valve stem oil seals.
Hawthorns initially replaced the vacuum pump, oil and other ancilliaries without success.
After that they decided to send it to the engine specialist.
As is probably known two heads, 16(?) valve seals, 2x head, 2x cam cover gaskets, labour etc. etc = not a cheap job and they took it on the nose - exceptional value and service in my book.

[bmwmike]

Good to hear of a garage doing the right thing!!!

Congrats on the car too.. would love to see more pics of it !