Indie BMW workshops in Sydney

Jeef Beef · 05-10-2011, 10:18 PM

Alright so I've been looking around for a place that can install my KWs, tyres, change brake fluid and rear brake pads all in one go. Ideally, southernBM should exist in Sydney but we're shit outta luck in that department.

Took a look at Peak Performance (PeakRPM or Peak automotive whatever they like to call themselves) but I'm not so sure. Heard good and bad things about them.

Found a place very close to me in Castle Hill called BEMW http://www.bemw.com.au/index.htm who seem to look like they know what they're doing...but then I saw that they were dealers of King Springs which isn't a very good sign.

Bavariacars looks pretty promising, but their website is very short on detail. http://www.bavariacars.com.au/ I'm thinking they're the best bet.

Opinions?

Zuzu · 05-10-2011, 10:21 PM

Als Performance RYDE

130iguy · 05-10-2011, 10:25 PM

i would probably think that people who are KW dealers are best to install them

MrBlonde · 05-10-2011, 10:26 PM

JB I can recommend Advan Performance where Justin and I have had all our stuff done. I also have my M Coupe there and they did a lot of work on my E46 M3.

Benny the Kid has his cars there too.

Jeef Beef · 05-10-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuzu

Als Performance RYDE

Andrew recommended them too, but I can't find their website.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 130iguy

i would probably think that people who are KW dealers are best to install them

That's what I want, but there don't seem to be KW dealers that are also BMW specialists.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

JB I can recommend Advan Performance where Justin and I have had all our stuff done. I also have my M Coupe there and they did a lot of work on my E46 M3.

Benny the Kid has his cars there too.

Are these the guys in Auburn? I always thought there were JDM specialists and not BMW

MrBlonde · 05-10-2011, 10:34 PM

JB Advan do Euro cars as well as Jap cars. They started out with mainly GTRs and the like but have also moved into Euro cars in the last few years.

I had my KW coilovers installed and set up at Advan on my E46 M3. They also installed a bunch of aftermarket suspension stuff on there from Turner Motorsports.

Jeef Beef · 05-10-2011, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

JB Advan do Euro cars as well as Jap cars. They started out with mainly GTRs and the like but have also moved into Euro cars in the last few years.

I had my KW coilovers installed and set up at Advan on my E46 M3. They also installed a bunch of aftermarket suspension stuff on there from Turner Motorsports.

Yep I'll be checking them out. Auburn isn't too far from me either so should be good. Thanks!

dk130i · 05-10-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

Bavariacars looks pretty promising, but their website is very short on detail. http://www.bavariacars.com.au/ I'm thinking they're the best bet.

Opinions?

Do yourself a favour and give that place a wide berth.

Jeef Beef · 05-10-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk130i

Do yourself a favour and give that place a wide berth.

Yeh, I'm staying away. Bad experience?

Zuzu · 05-10-2011, 10:50 PM

[QUOTE=Jeef Beef;9572489]Andrew recommended them too, but I can't find their website. ]

Dont think they have one..

Details are:-(02) 9680 0774
2 Mary Pde Rydalmere NSW 2116

1q2w3e4r · 05-10-2011, 11:43 PM

Advan, for the reasons Kenny has stated. Peter did a lot of work on my E46 M3 when I had it, built my GTR and currently does my cars

Jeef Beef · 05-11-2011, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1q2w3e4r

Advan, for the reasons Kenny has stated. Peter did a lot of work on my E46 M3 when I had it, built my GTR and currently does my cars

I see from a post back from 2007 E90post that you highly praised Erik from Bavariacars. I guess that's not the case anymore?

1q2w3e4r · 05-11-2011, 01:45 AM

Erik built my e30 turbo that I still have, they also originally built Kenny's M Coupe. I've no issue with people using whoever they like, you asked for a recommendation that's who I use now and would recommend without hesitation. Whatever you are looking to do is well within their circle of competence

woosh · 05-11-2011, 03:39 AM

Yes, they are quite competent at what they do. They might be 2 minutes down the road from me, but like Benny, I do not use them anymore.

Drazen, long time man! Still have the 130?

1q2w3e4r · 05-11-2011, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woosh

Yes, they are quite competent at what they do. They might be 2 minutes down the road from me, but like Benny, I do not use them anymore.

Drazen, long time man! Still have the 130?

I should clarify, I've just re-read my post and it doesn't read very well.

I was referencing that Advan are more than capable of handling anything with a BMW and currently do the work on my vehicles. No issue with anyone wanting to use any other vendor, I just put my 0.02c in adjusted for inflation for who I would use now.

Nick135i · 05-11-2011, 07:19 PM

I would recomend Ric Shaw Performance in Five Dock. Ric did a lot of work on (and raced) BMW 335i's in production car racing.

Also Erik from Bavariacars put an LSD in my car and I was very happy with the work.

Nick

dk130i · 05-11-2011, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

Yeh, I'm staying away. Bad experience?

You could say that.
Also, on the few occasions I visited their workshop it was always empty.
It has crossed my mind later on that it would not be surprising that they were losing customers if they treat them the same way they treated me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woosh

Yes, they are quite competent at what they do. They might be 2 minutes down the road from me, but like Benny, I do not use them anymore.
Drazen, long time man! Still have the 130?

Hiya! Still have the beast but am thinking it is time to change. Just can't find anything suitable..

woosh · 05-12-2011, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk130i

Hiya! Still have the beast but am thinking it is time to change. Just can't find anything suitable..

Hmm might pop by yours then to have a little chat re cars this time around. Got any BBS wheels for me to buy again though? Make my trip worthwhile! haha

And Benny, got ya. Makes sense now. All good..

Jeef Beef · 05-12-2011, 10:07 AM

Thanks for the tips guys! Had a good email exchange with Peter from Advan and it seems all good. Will be giving him a call tomorrow to book a time for the car.

///M-pressed · 05-13-2011, 10:02 PM

Funny how the guys whom went to Bavariacars for quite a while won't say a word about them anymore.

The problem with these independent workshops is they are purely mechanics, and wouldn't know the meaning of the word 'customer service' if it hit them in the head. They basically talk mechanic jargon to you most of the time if you question the work done on your car.

I don't know if an independent mechanic in Sydney that is professional and concise exists..

bfi2906 · 05-15-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attuale

I don't know if an independent mechanic in Sydney that is professional and concise exists..

Give Peter Mabey BMW Car Care - Crows Nest a try. They've been in business for years. I think they only work on BMW's. Have all the equipment to diagnose. And can converse with humans.

They don't do mod work - just servicing and repairs.

I haven't used them for a few years, but only because I turn cars over pretty regularly, and get free service and loaner cars from the dealer.

But my experience has only ever been good.

bfi2906 · 05-15-2011, 11:40 PM

The other one you might try is Bromspec at Brookvale.

Alistair is a "bit of a lad" - nice guy though. He was taught by one of the best - Jim Bromfield, before Jim retired and Alistair took over the business.

I also used to use these guys before I started buying new BMW's, and again, only ever had good experiences.

I've also heard good things about these guys
www.bee-ems.com.au

No personal experience, but I know enthusiasts that will only use them.

Hope that helps

05-10-2011, 10:18 PM	#1
Jeef Beef Lord Captain Commander 110 Rep 3,093 Posts Drives: a sleeper Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Indie BMW workshops in Sydney Alright so I've been looking around for a place that can install my KWs, tyres, change brake fluid and rear brake pads all in one go. Ideally, southernBM should exist in Sydney but we're shit outta luck in that department. Took a look at Peak Performance (PeakRPM or Peak automotive whatever they like to call themselves) but I'm not so sure. Heard good and bad things about them. Found a place very close to me in Castle Hill called BEMW http://www.bemw.com.au/index.htm who seem to look like they know what they're doing...but then I saw that they were dealers of King Springs which isn't a very good sign. Bavariacars looks pretty promising, but their website is very short on detail. http://www.bavariacars.com.au/ I'm thinking they're the best bet. Opinions? __________________ E82 135i M-sport: SGM/6MT/Black
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05-10-2011, 10:21 PM	#2
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	Als Performance RYDE
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05-10-2011, 10:25 PM	#3
130iguy I'm Riley, I'm awesome 30 Rep 696 Posts Drives: e92 M3 Comp Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Qld, Australia iTrader: (0)	i would probably think that people who are KW dealers are best to install them
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05-10-2011, 10:26 PM	#4
MrBlonde Colonel 122 Rep 2,695 Posts Drives: Audi TTRS, M Coupe, 1299 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Merewether iTrader: (0)	JB I can recommend Advan Performance where Justin and I have had all our stuff done. I also have my M Coupe there and they did a lot of work on my E46 M3. Benny the Kid has his cars there too. __________________ .-=[ Kenny ]=-. 1999 BMW M Coupe 10.775 @ 134.35 mph w/1.600 60' (Best 136.07 mph) 25th August 2004. +2010 X5 35D+ Check out the 1Addicts Drag Racing Standings and Drag Racing 101.
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05-10-2011, 10:34 PM	#6
MrBlonde Colonel 122 Rep 2,695 Posts Drives: Audi TTRS, M Coupe, 1299 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Merewether iTrader: (0)	JB Advan do Euro cars as well as Jap cars. They started out with mainly GTRs and the like but have also moved into Euro cars in the last few years. I had my KW coilovers installed and set up at Advan on my E46 M3. They also installed a bunch of aftermarket suspension stuff on there from Turner Motorsports. __________________ .-=[ Kenny ]=-. 1999 BMW M Coupe 10.775 @ 134.35 mph w/1.600 60' (Best 136.07 mph) 25th August 2004. +2010 X5 35D+ Check out the 1Addicts Drag Racing Standings and Drag Racing 101.
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05-10-2011, 10:50 PM	#10
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=Jeef Beef;9572489]Andrew recommended them too, but I can't find their website. ] Dont think they have one.. Details are:-(02) 9680 0774 2 Mary Pde Rydalmere NSW 2116
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05-10-2011, 11:43 PM	#11
1q2w3e4r Breakfast at Tiffany's 24 Rep 1,053 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Advan, for the reasons Kenny has stated. Peter did a lot of work on my E46 M3 when I had it, built my GTR and currently does my cars
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05-11-2011, 01:45 AM	#13
1q2w3e4r Breakfast at Tiffany's 24 Rep 1,053 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Erik built my e30 turbo that I still have, they also originally built Kenny's M Coupe. I've no issue with people using whoever they like, you asked for a recommendation that's who I use now and would recommend without hesitation. Whatever you are looking to do is well within their circle of competence
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05-11-2011, 03:39 AM	#14
woosh Colonel 212 Rep 2,938 Posts Drives: rs Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: bne iTrader: (0)	Yes, they are quite competent at what they do. They might be 2 minutes down the road from me, but like Benny, I do not use them anymore. Drazen, long time man! Still have the 130?
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05-11-2011, 07:19 PM	#16
Nick135i Private 4 Rep 58 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I would recomend Ric Shaw Performance in Five Dock. Ric did a lot of work on (and raced) BMW 335i's in production car racing. Also Erik from Bavariacars put an LSD in my car and I was very happy with the work. Nick __________________ 135i Sport \| Black Saphire Metalic \| Boston Black \| 6speed \| 10 Speaker Hifi \| Sunroof
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05-12-2011, 10:07 AM	#19
Jeef Beef Lord Captain Commander 110 Rep 3,093 Posts Drives: a sleeper Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the tips guys! Had a good email exchange with Peter from Advan and it seems all good. Will be giving him a call tomorrow to book a time for the car. __________________ E82 135i M-sport: SGM/6MT/Black
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05-13-2011, 10:02 PM	#20
///M-pressed Lieutenant 276 Rep 417 Posts Drives: E46 M3, F82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sydney & Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	Funny how the guys whom went to Bavariacars for quite a while won't say a word about them anymore. The problem with these independent workshops is they are purely mechanics, and wouldn't know the meaning of the word 'customer service' if it hit them in the head. They basically talk mechanic jargon to you most of the time if you question the work done on your car. I don't know if an independent mechanic in Sydney that is professional and concise exists..
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05-15-2011, 11:40 PM	#22
bfi2906 Captain 35 Rep 685 Posts Drives: 135 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	The other one you might try is Bromspec at Brookvale. Alistair is a "bit of a lad" - nice guy though. He was taught by one of the best - Jim Bromfield, before Jim retired and Alistair took over the business. I also used to use these guys before I started buying new BMW's, and again, only ever had good experiences. I've also heard good things about these guys www.bee-ems.com.au No personal experience, but I know enthusiasts that will only use them. Hope that helps
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