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Independent Cheshire/ Staffordshire

"M" Specific discussion
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Captaincoles
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Independent Cheshire/ Staffordshire

Post by Captaincoles » Sat Jun 26, 2021 8:59 am

Morning All,

We’ve recently moved up to Cheshire and I’m trying to find a decent independent specialist to perform an Inspection 2 on my z4m coupe.

I’ve not had much luck so far.. we’ve got an independent down the road from us which would have been ideal but they don’t check the valve clearances. BMW Bluebell in Crewe also advised they no longer check the clearances as part of an inspection?!? I’ve always found independents to be more thorough and reliable than the stealers so before I contact more of them I was looking for recommendations within the Cheshire Staffordshire area for a good independent!

Thanks!
2004 E85 Z4, M4 Competition, M140i, 2007 Z4m coupe.

mmm-five
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Post by mmm-five » Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:11 pm

If BMW Bluebell don't do the valve clearances, then I'd expect their I1 and I2 prices to be very close to the oil service prices...but I bet they're still asking £500+ for the I1 and £1000+ for the I2.

If so, that's fraud as they're charging for stuff they're not doing.

I don't know how far you're willing to travel, but if you're near Crewe then these should all be less than an hour away from you: I've only used Darren Wood, David Paul and Graham Martin for my cars, and have stuck with Graham Martin as they're the closest to me (I'm in Liverpool)...although for some stuff (pre-Ring prep, I go to my mechanic mate in Cornwall, as the car gets set up and we drive in tandem from there).

The others are from recommendations I've seen on here/elsewhere.
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Some bits now over 163,000 miles, some less than 1,000 miles.
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maxman
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Post by maxman » Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:24 pm

Another one to try would be Autotech performance in Telford

mmm-five
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Post by mmm-five » Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:26 pm

maxman wrote: Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:24 pm Another one to try would be Autotech performance in Telford
That was the other one I was trying to remember :oops:
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Some bits now over 163,000 miles, some less than 1,000 miles.
Individual Ruby Black, Individual extended champagne leather, plus many options

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Mikey_Boy
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Post by Mikey_Boy » Sat Jun 26, 2021 4:10 pm

I use SJR Automotive in Chester - Richard who owns it is an ex M master technician and pretty fussy which is why I use him. :thumbsup:

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Post by blunderthumbs » Sat Jun 26, 2021 5:28 pm

I have been going to Dave and John at Hind Heath Sandbach for many years. Great service and knowledgeable
https://www.hindheathbm.co.uk/
Or Try Mike at the Zed Shed Newton Le Willows he's the go to guy in the Northwest for anything Z4 related. :thumbsup:
2004 Black Sapphire 3.0L SE. Red leather. Back box delete. Clutch valve delete. Roof motor relocated. 18" M star spoke style 193. Machine Monkey exhaust tips. Gap Tec. ZHP Gear knob. Clear side repeaters. Zun Sport lower grille.

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tomscott
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Post by tomscott » Sat Jun 26, 2021 5:33 pm

+2 for Darren Wood.

Man I found it hard finding a decent specialist in the Manchester area went to two who were cowboys then found Darren wood 👍🏻

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maxman
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Post by maxman » Sat Jun 26, 2021 8:42 pm

I have used SJR in Chester a couple of times.Found them ok.I don’t own an m though.There is nothing flash about the place,but the price they charge is very reasonable.

Captaincoles
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Post by Captaincoles » Sun Jun 27, 2021 11:28 am

Thanks Everyone that’s great. Lots to work with there!

Regarding Bluebell in Crewe they were still charging in excess of 1k for an inspection 2. I pushed several times regarding the lack of valve clearance check despite the huge price and each time they confirmed they no longer did it. Crazy!

Interestingly Hind Heath was the specialist I was going to use but they also confirmed they don’t check the clearances, but in fairness their price reflected this.. shame because they’re great guys.

Thanks again everyone!
2004 E85 Z4, M4 Competition, M140i, 2007 Z4m coupe.

PDJ
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Post by PDJ » Sun Jun 27, 2021 12:02 pm

If you just want your valve clearances checking in the Manchester area I can do that for you

The engine needs to be cold so it is a 2 to 3 hour wait for it to cool down to ambient temps but the Trafford center is a short walk for my house if you want to go shopping or you can just wait the house I live in is rented and not posh but if you want your clearances checking I can do it for you. M300JQ

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Post by PDJ » Sun Jun 27, 2021 12:54 pm

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Captaincoles
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Post by Captaincoles » Thu Jul 01, 2021 5:22 pm

Thanks for the offer PDJ but I’m booked in with Darren Wood as I need the stamp for the service anyhow!
2004 E85 Z4, M4 Competition, M140i, 2007 Z4m coupe.

Allan280
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Post by Allan280 » Mon Jul 05, 2021 6:24 pm

Hi
Just had my Z4M Roadster inspection 2 serviced at Darren Wood very good genuine service. Also very reasnoble cost wise.
Would defiantly recommend them .

Sjz4m
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Post by Sjz4m » Mon Jul 12, 2021 5:49 pm

In Stoke on Trent try DJ Autoelectrical, he is on line withBMW so same pot to drop your key in, but he is an independent and will do any level of work required, ask for Duncan.. he is the owner and guru

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