Independent BMW Garages

[droptheclutch]

Hi Folks

Can anyone recommend any independent BMW garages around the Fleet (Hampshire), or Guildford (Surrey) areas?

Just bought a 330 which is only just out of it's 3yrs warranty and I will avoid the stealerships at all cost (Barons, Vines etc).

Any comments greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

DTC.

[turbo tim]

This may help (no promises mind!!)

www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/garages_seng.html

(Use a 'ctrl' & 'f' and type in Surrey)

[gazzab]

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www.mercedes-specialist-surrey.com/index.htm

[M3John]

Not exactly in the Surrey area but not a million miles away...Highams Park Motor Co. (0208-523-3443) in Walthamstow i've found to be EXTREMELY helpful with both my BMW's which is owned and run by ex BMW master technicans.

[exboxster]

Give these guys in Wimbledon a go.
www.bmwserviceslondon.co.uk/index.php
I've taken my 2001 325i there for a couple of small things. Also taken my 318is there for a fan belt & service after I bought it- very fair rates and they quote fixed price servicing and called me with a couple of small things as well. It came back with a better inspection list than a main dealer did on the 325i
Very impressed and I wouldn't go anywhere else

[anonymous-user]

droptheclutch said:

I will avoid the stealerships at all cost (Barons, Vines etc).

I've been using Vines in Guildford for my BMWs for more than 15 years and rate them as consistently the best dealer for any brand of car that I've ever owned. Prices may be higher than shopping under the railway arches but their standard of service has been excellent.

For example, two weeks ago I had a service and the thermostat replaced as the temperature guage was falling on motorway runs and the car was slow to warm up. A few days later I noticed the engine was dripping coolant. Took it in on Tuesday (no appointment necessary) for them to have a look, suspecting the previous thermostat fix. The mechanic diagnosed leaking water pump and talked me through it at the car; diagnosis made sense as the cooling system is now getting up to full temperature/pressure. They changed the pump for me there and then in about an hour. Helpful service desk, helpful mechanic and "4 plus" discount as my car's getting long in the tooth. Sure, they ain't cheap but I've never come away feeling I've been ripped off.