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Hi all, following on from the earlier topic of independent servicing in Cambridgeshire, which gave a mention to Bartlett’s, I thought I’d add some comments on my experience here, should you find it helpful.

Today my Z4 is in with them for a service, MoT and replacement rear springs. I’ve dropped my car at their Huntingdon branch; a very smart premises that also caters for Mini and Porsche. Last time I was here there was a Rover SD1 in the workshop… They also have a Peterborough branch. I’ve used Damian Bartlett since he set up business in Huntingdon over 10 years ago, offering an alternative, attentive option to the (then) BMW franchise. At that time I owned an E46 M3 convertible.

They offer courtesy cars however today I’ve made use of their courtesy bicycle! It’s 3° and snowing!! But it’s less than a 30 min ride home and it’s probably good for me.

https://bartlett-auto.com/ Here’s a link to help you find Bartlett Automotive Ltd.

My previous trip to see them was to have the upgrade M Performance kit fitted, which they were able to source and fit. I later returned to have the colour matched rear calipers fitted with some new discs; I was going to do it and then chickened out. Very happy to hand over my car to their professional team. And they do seem to appreciate your car (I don’t suppose many Z4 go to them for TLC).

Final bit, for now. To be clear, I don’t work for Bartlett’s nor do I have any affiliation. A couple of years ago they opened their new service centre in Huntingdon which gave them more space and improved technology. There’s a nice little promo video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/cJERLME-fPw

I’ll post again once I’ve collected my car later today, or tomorrow if they uncover something troubling. A

Always good to get positive endorsements, especially sustained over a period of time

The Z4 is now home and back in the garage. One of those rare experiences where the cost was less than expected! It was booked for a full service but turns out it didn’t need it, instead we agreed on an interim oil service; it’s had an engine flush, new filter and some lovely Shell Helix

When changing the rear springs, it was noted that an anti roll bar drop link was damaged. I was advised before any work was done to replace this, even though it had to be done.

Another great experience. I’d certainly recommend for anyone in the area. Turns out it’s been a Zed day with Bartlett’s, with a couple of Z4 and a metallic blue Z3. So mine was in good company.

Now for the 326M alloy dilemma… which will feature elsewhere. A

jenniferlouise wrote: ↑Fri Apr 01, 2022 10:18 am https://bartlett-auto.com/ Here’s a link to help you find Bartlett Automotive Ltd.

My precious trip to see them was to have the upgrade M Performance kit fitted, which they were able to source and fit. I later returned to have the colour matched rear calipers fitted with some new discs; I was going to do it and then chickened out. Very happy to hand over my car to their professional team. And they do seem to appreciate your car (I don’t suppose many Z4 go to them for TLC).

I'm curious, what is the M Performance kit?

Hi Tiglon, I’ve posted about these elsewhere in the forum, so it’s worth a search. In short, BMW doesn’t offer an upgrade brake kit for the Z4 however there is an M Performance kit (as shown) for the fronts that fits from an E90 (I believe). It’s expensive but looks awesome IMHO

I have spoken to Bartlett's a couple of times but not used them yet. Peterborough will be the most convenient for me.
I have an ex-BMW mechanic locally but, although good, is too hard to track down and doesn't really seem bothered anymore.

jenniferlouise wrote: ↑Fri Apr 01, 2022 8:12 pm Hi Tiglon, I’ve posted about these elsewhere in the forum, so it’s worth a search. In short, BMW doesn’t offer an upgrade brake kit for the Z4 however there is an M Performance kit (as shown) for the fronts that fits from an E90 (I believe). It’s expensive but looks awesome IMHO

Thanks, I'll have a search

Another visit to Bartlett’s today, this time I came away with a new MoT and a clean bill of health. New wheel fitted to the rear and new valves on the front. May yet be back for some non RFT tread…

Oh and whilst you can book a courtesy car, I chose to (again) opt for the courtesy bicycle. I admit I was blowing a little on the way back, but I do feel righteous

This year I’ve visited Bartlett Automotive twice so far…
First up was Bartlett Peterborough with my Mercedes CLS, which needed an A service and MoT. Underpriced the local MB main dealer by quite a margin, provided me with a courtesy car and gave me all the assurance I wanted to hear when I turned up with the car for its engine and gearbox fettling. Unfortunately it failed the MoT due to some age related perishable parts, which they were able to supply and fit with. 24 hours, leaving me with a Puma for the night.

That was February. In April I’ve been back to Bartlett HQ at Huntingdon with the Zed for an MoT and inspection. 100% pass, no advisory marks, very happy. Carried out the inspection ‘service’ , added it to the on-board record and reset the indicator (all for the price of the MoT)
Ready for another year’s motoring. Thanks Damian, Natalie and team. We shall return! Just, hopefully, not yet… no offence.

Happy to continue my recommendations to anyone in the east of England.

I used Bartlett in Peterborough to service my 440i last year. Major service.
I found them to be expensive (for an indy), around 10% cheaper than the awful local BMW dealership (Sycamore).
The work was OK; it was a service so hard to cock up.
They tried to upsell other works to the car until I told them I was selling it, then completely lost interest.

So for me they are better than Sycamore BMW but that is not difficult. My local back street garages are still much better and far cheaper just they don't have the BMW software.