Reliable garage near Ipswich?

[spencetj]

Does anyone know of a decent garage for servicing in the Ipswich area? Until now I have taken the car to a BMW dealership and on the last two occassions it has come back with scratches. After the last service I had to take it back 3 times for various problems, and they charge a fortune.

Can anyone suggest a reliable independent garage with more reasonable rates, preferably a BMW specialist?

The car has just turned 5 years old, I plan to keep it for several more years so I figure by the time I sell it, a FSH from an independent BMW specialist would be just as good or maybe even better than FSH from BMW in terms of the resale value. Do you agree, or is it worth paying the BMW rates? I'm not sure I even have a BMW FSH now because it used to be a lease car and they were a bit slack about getting the service book stamped.

Thanks, Tim

[sohlman]

I no of some good contacts around the Norwich area, but thats about a 50 mile hike for you. However I would recomend joining and or contacting the BMW Drivers club. They are based in Norwich and will be available to suggest someone. They will also give you discounts available with different insurance and parts specialist which will save you money in the long run. Annual subscrption is only £25. Another good contact is Motormec which is a BMW only parts specialist which have been helping me with my cars restoration and on my last service I went over to see them in Lowestoft. They should be able to recomend to you a good independent and will be able to supply you with original parts at cheaper prices.

The BMW Drivers club, 41 Norwich Street, Dereham, NR19 1AD. Telephone [phone]

Motormec, unit 23-25 Colville Road works, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 9QS. Telephone [phone]

Hope that helps

Regards