Choice of independents in Essex!

[Scamp's Walker]

I am sure that this question has been asked before but it's time for my e39s first servicein my care and I have so far got a choice of FOUR recommended garages and don't want to get ripped off! They are:

PMW @ Chelmsford

Smoothtune @ Colchester

MRR @ Chelmsford

Hallmark @ Maldon

Has anyone got any strong opinions on which ones are the best, have good and bad tales about each of them so am undecided. Don't want to feel ripped off, nor shortchanged! All opinions gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

[MazDave]

I've only had experience of PMW (even though I live in Maldon) and Peter M there has always been very straight in my experience. I'd be interested in others feedback too as Hallmark are definitely closer to home.

Dave

Edited by MazDave on Thursday 30th August 08:13

[911JUS]

ive used PMW too time stated to do a job wasnt the best and overrun but apart from that was pleased

J

[ANWP]

There is one other you can try,

Bennetts in South Woodham Ferrers.

I was given there detail by a friend who is also in the trade and I'm taking my E46 M3 there next Monday for a Inspection 1. They have all the camshaft tools that are needed for an M3 so give them a bell they may be able to give you a quote thats OK as my quote was.

[Scamp's Walker]

ANWP can you let us know how you get on and what you thought of their service, Thanks.

[Egbert Nobacon]

MazDave said:

I've only had experience of PMW (even though I live in Maldon) and Peter M there has always been very straight in my experience. I'd be interested in others feedback too as Hallmark are definitely closer to home.

Dave

Edited by MazDave on Thursday 30th August 08:13

Have used PMW for some years - highly recommended.

[Rooman]

Hallmark, are good on service. Fair on price (miles better than Main Dealers) – many of the BM owners over here in Burnham use them as Hallmark will also collect & drop the car off.

[belleair302]

There is a guy in Braintree who does great work on M cars....will post his details later today.

[ANWP]

Just some feed back I have just had my inspection 1 done at Bennetts.

I have added a post on www.bm3w.co.uk in the service section for a review.

To sumarise:

Very Good value for money (compared to BMW dealers in Essex), good cusutomer service (again compared to BMW dealers in Essex) and quality workmanship (compared to BMW dealers in general).

They now will be my garage of choice for the M3.

[mmm-five]

Darjac services near Colchester (Darren aka Farrell on the M5 Board) - although you'll have to PM to get his contact details - he also offers a mobile service as long as you're willing to pay his mileage expenses.

Highly recommended, excellent value(£29.50/hr) and most of us e34 M5 guys are willing to drive from all over the country to have him service & maintain our motors.

Link to M5 Board post from him...http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=1077343&postcount=23

[Goatboy]

I can'recomend Jon Paul Motors in Thornwood near Epping highly enough. They have looked after my E34 M5 my E34 540i Touring my 993 c2. I have always found them honest and their work first rate. Just depends where you are really as also heard only good things about PMW.

[GTS Turbo]

avoid MRR i bought my car from them, won't say to much bout it but i'd never go to them for anything again that's for sure!

the one in south woodham i've heard good things about and is right close to me. not used them myself though.

[DJFish]

Just got back from PMW myself, pretty much everything you could want from an independant specialist, ie they fix your car well and for a fair price.

No frills, just value for money.
I'd recommend them and will definately be going back again.

Dave