Coopers quotes - worth it?

schpikster

Member
 Banstead, Surrey
Hi,

Just had an MOT and oil change at Coopers in Banstead. MOT has a few advisory items but nothing that caused a fail. Coopers have quoted me for the various items they recommend fixing. I've currently got a full BMWSH so generally would want to stick with it, but only if it's going to be worth it and i'm not being stung. I've got a 2007 E85 2.5i that's done 74k miles (about 8k in the last year).

What do you think of these prices?

MOT advisories:
Front brake discs/pads replacement - £290
Rear pads replacement - £175

Other stuff:
Front and rear bushes weak, £275 to replace (all)
Break fluid needs checking (not done for over 2 years), £95
Clutch high - £875 to replace
Wiper replacement - £45

I'm not going to replace the clutch as i'm generally ok with these things until they fail, and it's not too bad in my opinion anyway. I'm probably going to get the brakes and bushes done though, just not sure if the prices they've quoted me are worth it.

Any thoughts?
 
I personally would not take my car to BMW to have them done.

Actually, I won't take my car to BMW to have anything done!
 
CornishRob said:
I personally would not take my car to BMW to have them done.

Actually, I won't take my car to BMW to have anything done!

This. Most of that list DIYable, and if it must go to a garage mine would go to a good trusted indy. If BMW car maindealers are anything like the Motorrad ones I wouldn't go near them after my experiences with them.
 
At that age and mileage I would be looking for a good specialist independent.

Are you thinking that a full BMW service history will make it easier to sell?

Anyone looking for a 2.5 with any knowledge will accept and understand independent specialist stamps in your service book.

After my Zed (which is a 2008) comes to the end of it's warranty (one month to go) it will be cared for by a trusted and knowledgeable independent.

Unless you intend to part/ex back to BMW (which might not be your best way forward with the perceived high mileage).
 
I would try http://www.twgautomotive.co.uk/ in Camberley as they are ex-bmw staff, they are great people who don't have BMW prices. They had my z4 for 4hours looking a for fault and they only charged me £35.
 
None of these things would result in a stamp in the service book, so you would still have full bmw service history even if you did the work yourself.
 
Seems pretty expensive to me, as said above most are DIY jobs.
A quick check on Euro Car Parts will get you OE quality parts listed below;

Front discs - £50.28
Front pads - £47.88
Rear pads - £49.20
Front Windscreen wipers - £16.08
Dot 4 Brake fluid 1l - £4.68

So all parts except bushes coming in at £168.12

If you have a jack and a few basic tools you can change the discs and pads easily enough. I recently changed the brake fluid in my 3.0si and used one of these http://www.halfords.com/motoring/garage-equipment/car-tools-hand-tools/gunson-eezibleed worked a treat with the spare wheel of my misses car and allows you to easily change the fluid on your own.

So even if you buy the eezibleed at £20 thats £188.12 and a few hours of your time to do what the dealer wants £605 for!
Dont have any experience with the bushes so cant help with that im afraid
 
Mot last year I got the heads up on the rear tyres 4mm they said.
(They didn't mention it was only the outside edge)
4k and a year later I got the same 4mm warning .

On this basis, run flat bridgestones last forever!
 
I would give BMS in Leatherhead a call,they have a good reputation with BMW trained staff. My son has taken his 130i there and found them very competent .
 
maxman said:
I would give BMS in Leatherhead a call,they have a good reputation with BMW trained staff. My son has taken his 130i there and found them very competent .

I have never even heard of them and i work in leatherhead, may i will give them a try next time i need work doing :) thanks for the heads up.
 
Sorry I didn't mean to be rude, thank you so much everyone for your replies - i've not had a chance to move this forward yet but will take on board all the above advice and get things sorted in the new year. Will keep you all posted!
 
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