Independent service recommendations Notts/Derby/Midlands

[Captain Answer]

Just picked up a lovely 318 touring for family duties and wondering if anyone could recommend a decent independent BMW specialist in my area.

Car was last serviced about 1k miles ago but by normal garage, looks to have been a mobile mechanic. Tempted to get it done now again so I know where I stand and that decent oil/filter are in play.

Alternative might be to do oil and filter myself though would rather have it done by an indie.

[SebringMan]

If you can do it yourself I would. OK I am now a dab hand and doing them but I guess time is precious to me. On my M3 I'll order the oil via mail order, call up BMW for a filter and literally dash in and dash out, unless I order it from Cotswolds.

40 mins all in and I am done. No waiting for garages to see you, no arranging transport to get to the garage, no numpty mechanics overtightening a sump plug with all of their weight and so on.

But if I do go to a specialist in the Midlands it probably would be Autobahn in Halesowen.

[dhutch]

I wouldn't go that far for servicing, but I can recommend BBM for any used BMW parts. Andy Hudson, Rocester, Staffordshire. 07779 956804.

Daniel

[toastyhamster]

Not BMW specialists (VW, Audi etc) but C&R in Nottingham will look after you if you're Notts way. Best garage I've been to by far.

[mudster]

I have used Sports Tech in Ilkeston. No complaints about their service - they were happy to spend time talking through the work.

[iSore]

Parkside Garage in Worksop, first rate. 01909 506555.

[Captain Answer]

SebringMan said:

If you can do it yourself I would. OK I am now a dab hand and doing them but I guess time is precious to me. On my M3 I'll order the oil via mail order, call up BMW for a filter and literally dash in and dash out, unless I order it from Cotswolds.

40 mins all in and I am done. No waiting for garages to see you, no arranging transport to get to the garage, no numpty mechanics overtightening a sump plug with all of their weight and so on.

But if I do go to a specialist in the Midlands it probably would be Autobahn in Halesowen.

Done plenty of services in the past tbh, and more serious works but as you say, spare time is now certainly a factor

Where you ordering oil from out of interest?

[Captain Answer]

toastyhamster said:

Not BMW specialists (VW, Audi etc) but C&R in Nottingham will look after you if you're Notts way. Best garage I've been to by far.

These guys look good, I could drop car there and catch tram to work for the day too

[SebringMan]

Captain Answer said:

Done plenty of services in the past tbh, and more serious works but as you say, spare time is now certainly a factor

Where you ordering oil from out of interest?

For my car I play off CP4L place against Opie Oils. I pay around £32 for 4 litres of Castrol 10W60.

For previous cars:

Clio 172 : it was between Halfords Mobil 1 choices and Nielson ; the latter sold Elf oil to the Renault Spec
Saab : eBay or Halfords : Either GM's Dexos II or similar from Halfords. I am lucky enough to have a trade card.
Ford Mondeo 2.5T : As the Saab but for the Ford oil .

For your car I suspect it would be closer to the Saab & Ford choices. I only go to BMW & Opie as they are about the only place I can get M approved 10W60 for relatively sensible money.