Birds Auto - Iver

Author
Discussion

flux

Original Poster:

83 posts

248 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
hello

I am a newbie here. I am wondering if anyone has experience with Birds Auto in Iver, and if they would recommended using Birds.

look forward to your replies

K

Robatr0n

12,362 posts

223 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
I think Pete (verysideways) has used them before.

I know of a couple of chaps who have worked there and they knew their stuff but unfortunately I've never used them.

flux

Original Poster:

83 posts

248 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
thanks for that dude

VerySideways

10,243 posts

279 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
Without hesitation. I know quite a few BMW people who use them.
Main dealers whilst the car is in warranty, and Bird's ever since.
They're mechanics, not fitters, and they know the cars inside out, and their labour rates are around half what the main dealers are around here.
Oh, and i don't particularly trust most of the BMW main dealers within 40 miles of my house, but i trust Bird's.

If there's anything specific you'd like to know just ask here or PM me.

flux

Original Poster:

83 posts

248 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
thank you for your reply

i am after some assurance, my car is in there current for some repair work

the quote so far is pretty high (4 figures) and i want to make sure i am spending my money with the right people


topsparks

1,202 posts

254 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
Highly recommend Bird's Garage, the workshop looks like an operating theatre, Kevin Bird has been in the business for decades, very professional garage.

VerySideways

10,243 posts

279 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
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Ouch, what car and what are you having done?

flux

Original Poster:

83 posts

248 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
alpina roadster

it developed a noise last thursday night, left it home friday, i took it in took on saturday and kevin suggests it could be coilpack

left it home til wednesday, turns out to be head gasket

so, with fingers, toes and eyes crossed no other damage and a just the head gasket

although i am doubtful because the cars only done 60k and head gasket dont fail without reason...


murphy's law dictate that earlier the same thursday i booked the car into birds for a service and quote for quaife diff...

the diff will have to wait

VerySideways

10,243 posts

279 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
Sorry, but a head gasket is going to run into four figures anyway.

I'd suggest that the head gasket on a 60k mile Alpine Roadster either means the engine wasn't built right in the first place and did well to last this long (unlikely), or the coolant hasn't been changed every two years (these engines are VERY sensitive to coolant changes).

Having said that, if the reason you picked it up was a misfire (suspected coil pack) rather than overheating or excessive oil consumption then perhaps it's only a minor coolant leak into a cylinder.
What's more concerning is when you have an oil leak into a combustion chamber which often results in a superheated area which can cause significant damage to the head.

I digress (as usual!); if the head's still straight then it should be a pretty straightforward job to stick a new head gasket on - but if it NEEDS something more complex Kevin will let you know. He wants cars to leave his premises "right", not "cheap".

flux

Original Poster:

83 posts

248 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
indeed

the roadster came with "customer protect" warranty

and the documentation suggests it covers head gasket failure

so it should cover the cost of repair (the best part if not all)

although, i know its notoriously difficult to claim from these type of insurance

hey ho, i didt buy a fiesta at the end of the day

the enjoyment i get from the car is worth it

VerySideways

10,243 posts

279 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
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Indeed - Alpina Roadster is a cracking car.
When you get it back you'll have to join us for a Sunday morning breakfast run wink

VerySideways

10,243 posts

279 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
Oh, and is that what you're saving up for? biggrin


flux

Original Poster:

83 posts

248 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
i would love to join you guys

the roadster is a weekend toy

now it would be funny if i turn up in my purple volvo daily

and yes to the quaife, it will just to have to wait a little longer

Vixpy1

42,674 posts

271 months

Friday 12th February 2010
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Birds are very good, but also very expensive.

Phone Phil at CPC : http://www.cpcpe.com/

He used to work with the guys at Birds and will give an honest assesment of what it should cost.

VerySideways

10,243 posts

279 months

Friday 12th February 2010
quotequote all
Errr, Bird's are £3 an hour more expensive than Phil...

Vixpy1

42,674 posts

271 months

Friday 12th February 2010
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Maybe in hourly rate, but in total price for the job, especially a head gasket, Phil will be cheaper.

Sods Law

3,280 posts

232 months

Friday 12th February 2010
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VerySideways said:
Oh, and is that what you're saving up for? biggrin

I want one of these on the 330 yes

Greg964

1,178 posts

245 months

Friday 12th February 2010
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Vixpy1 said:
Maybe in hourly rate, but in total price for the job, especially a head gasket, Phil will be cheaper.
Another vote for Crouchy. He's a good guy.

CPCauto

9 posts

205 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
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VerySideways said:
Errr, Bird's are £3 an hour more expensive than Phil...
Chaps :


For the record we charge £55.00 per hour , Birds charge £65.00 per hour wink


Vixpy1

42,674 posts

271 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
quotequote all
5 posts in 28 months Phil, must try harder hehe