BMW Specialist

[QED87]

This is my first post in the Northamptonshire section so first off, a very good morning to you all!

Now to the reason for my post. I own a BMW 330cd which I bought from BMW earlier this year. It went to Wollaston for an inspection 1 and having paid £318 for what I can only determine to be a glorified oil change, I'm a tad disappointed!

The car in question is an 06 with 38k on the clock and I'm seriously considering taking it down the specialist route once the warranty has expired in January. So the question I have is, does anyone know of a decent, honest BMW specialist in or around the Northampton area? We're located in a village about 8 miles to the west of Northampton.

Cheers

[cpas]

www.mbamotors.co.uk

This is a guy we know who lives in Wellingborough and offers a mobile service. Everyone we know who's used him has been more than happy.

[ian_uk1975]

Autobarn...

http://www.autobarnltd.co.uk/


M-Tek...

http://www.yell.com/b/M_Tek-Garage+Services-Northa...


I've used both in the past and would recommend M-Tek as a first choice.

[CBGB]

Another vote for M-Tek

[80quattro]

My experiences with Autobarn are not positive.
However, a few friends and myself have used M-Tek a number of times with no problems.
Speak to either Richard (younger one) or Ian (shorter one)..

[996 sps]

M-Tek vote from me as well, had nothing but trouble each time from Wollaston BMW,

[Redarress]

Wollaston BMW = rubbish. I would not use them even if they paid me.

[qstix]

Ditto to the Wollaston Bmw posts..

[996 sps]

Redarress said:

Wollaston BMW = rubbish. I would not use them even if they paid me.

Likewise useless and complete lack of customer care.

[Haze]

AUTOBARN

Taken mine there a couple of times, & have been impressed with the service received.

[matt21]

OSC Motorsport in Rugby is pretty good.

[ADM06]

Another vote for M Tek. The only problem I have is they are not open on Saturdays, but other than this they are great. I just took my car there for Inspection 1 (£150 inc VAT) and they lent me their Corsa van overnight at no extra charge. Autobarn are also good, but are more expensive.

Edited by ADM06 on Friday 8th January 07:30

[bigburd]

A colleague has used autobahn and more recently MTec...the latter I believe offered the more professional service with the better more up-to-date equipment

[markoc]

Going back about 4 years I used to take my BMW to M-Tek - really highly recommended. Bit "middle of nowhere" for things to do if you're waiting. I used to walk down to the University and sneak into their canteen for some cheap breakfast, then take the laptop into their library and work from there for the morning.

Also went to Autobarn before I found M-Tek, they looked to have moved from Abington now (?) From memory they did an Oil service and on another occasion changed the trailing arm bushes - don't know why but I didn't get a warm feeling. Always seemed a bit "back street garage" to me, but maybe they've gone up in the world with their move. Shame as it was 200 yards from my house.

I wouldn't go near Wollaston for servicing or repairs*, even though it was only a mile away from where I lived. They did an insurance repair on my 3 series and presented it back to me in such a poor state I couldn't believe their cheek. The bodyshop actually seemed pleased with the job. Door was so badly aligned it looked half open, wheelarches not sealed properly (as rust a year later proved), dust and crap all over the interior and engrained in the leather - and they filled the door dents rather than replacing the door as stated on the invoice. I wouldn't have minded but it was a 5k+ job to put a new rear quarter on a coupe.

*their parts department were however very good, and sorted me out with lots of stuff other dealers wouldn't - mainly Alpina wheel bits and "M3 Only - you're not having that without a chassis number sir" parts.

[Wilseus]

I just wanted to add that I agree with the above positive posts regarding M-Tek. I wouldn't take my BMW anywhere else now.

[80quattro]

markoc said:

Going back about 4 years I used to take my BMW to M-Tek - really highly recommended. Bit "middle of nowhere" for things to do if you're waiting. I used to walk down to the University and sneak into their canteen for some cheap breakfast, then take the laptop into their library and work from there for the morning.

Also went to Autobarn before I found M-Tek, they looked to have moved from Abington now (?) From memory they did an Oil service and on another occasion changed the trailing arm bushes - don't know why but I didn't get a warm feeling. Always seemed a bit "back street garage" to me, but maybe they've gone up in the world with their move. Shame as it was 200 yards from my house.

I wouldn't go near Wollaston for servicing or repairs*, even though it was only a mile away from where I lived. They did an insurance repair on my 3 series and presented it back to me in such a poor state I couldn't believe their cheek. The bodyshop actually seemed pleased with the job. Door was so badly aligned it looked half open, wheelarches not sealed properly (as rust a year later proved), dust and crap all over the interior and engrained in the leather - and they filled the door dents rather than replacing the door as stated on the invoice. I wouldn't have minded but it was a 5k+ job to put a new rear quarter on a coupe.

*their parts department were however very good, and sorted me out with lots of stuff other dealers wouldn't - mainly Alpina wheel bits and "M3 Only - you're not having that without a chassis number sir" parts.

Wollaston's bodyshop is not actually Wollaston's.. they farm the work out to a bodyshop in Northampton and add a bit on top...
I would recommend A.E Smiths in Kettering. Bit of a trek but they are very good and approved by a number of manufacturers. They've also been in business for approx 100 years!!

[GBB]

Wilseus said:

I just wanted to add that I agree with the above positive posts regarding M-Tek. I wouldn't take my BMW anywhere else now.

and another vote. Can't rate them highly enough. Know their stuff, totally trustworthy and great value. I've also borrowed the van on occasion.

[Shurv]

I've used Autobarn 3 times now for my 3.0 Z4. I have found them very good each time,far better than a franchised dealership.They stick to their quote for work done, they ring you if anything other than routine service parts are needed, and the car is ready at the time they say. In addition they wash your car for you.Also, their prices are good.I'm happy to recommend them.

[MPETT]

I use these guys. http://www.auto-technik.co.uk/
They are just about to move into a new building, in Lutterworth. Good honest guy runs it who is an ex BMW technician.

[Pork]

markoc said:

I wouldn't go near Wollaston for servicing or repairs*, even though it was only a mile away from where I lived. They did an insurance repair on my 3 series and presented it back to me in such a poor state I couldn't believe their cheek. The bodyshop actually seemed pleased with the job. Door was so badly aligned it looked half open, wheelarches not sealed properly (as rust a year later proved), dust and crap all over the interior and engrained in the leather - and they filled the door dents rather than replacing the door as stated on the invoice. I wouldn't have minded but it was a 5k+ job to put a new rear quarter on a coupe.

*their parts department were however very good, and sorted me out with lots of stuff other dealers wouldn't - mainly Alpina wheel bits and "M3 Only - you're not having that without a chassis number sir" parts.

Interesting. I had a minor parking ding on my M3 a few years back, little old lady next door held her hands up to it. Took the car to Wollaston for a quote - £860! I couldnt (WOULDNT!) ask the neighbour for that. Used a PDR guy for £40 or soemthing and some slow elbow grease/t-cut and it was 99.9 perfect.