Workshops in Sydney

fly135 · 09-10-2010, 12:54 AM

Hi Guys, just wondering if anyone knew of any good workshops in the Sydney area who would be able to install my KW V2 coilovers which i ordered from **********s off this forum. Also, does anyone take their cars to workshops for servicing/oil changes in between BMW scheduled services?

So far i have received quotes from the workshops listed below, to install the coilovers and set up the suspension, wheel alignment, etc. The quotes have ranged between $550-$800. Maybe the quotes are a little heavy because i didn't buy the coilovers from them?

European Autoteck
East Coast Suspension
BWA Auto
City Performance Centre

Anyway, if anyone could vouch for any of these workshops or recommend one they know of, that would be great.

2bob · 09-10-2010, 01:38 AM

I can recommend two----Peak at parramatta know BMs backwards or Superior Automotive at Mona Vale who did a lot of work on my Mini Cooper s

Taymaishu · 09-10-2010, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fly135

Hi Guys, just wondering if anyone knew of any good workshops in the Sydney area who would be able to install my KW V2 coilovers which i ordered from **********s off this forum. Also, does anyone take their cars to workshops for servicing/oil changes in between BMW scheduled services?

So far i have received quotes from the workshops listed below, to install the coilovers and set up the suspension, wheel alignment, etc. The quotes have ranged between $550-$800. Maybe the quotes are a little heavy because i didn't buy the coilovers from them?

European Autoteck
East Coast Suspension
BWA Auto
City Performance Centre

Anyway, if anyone could vouch for any of these workshops or recommend one they know of, that would be great.

I have a great connection at Autostyle. Let me know if you'd like my guy's details and i'll get them to you. They deal in prestige sales, repairs and services so i'm absolutely certain they'll do something very competitive for you.

http://www.autostyle.com.au

Otherwise try Peak RPM/Peak Performance.

Zuzu · 09-10-2010, 01:53 AM

You can also try " AL'S PERFORMANCE " at Rydalmere..http://www.alsperformance.com.au/

mra · 09-10-2010, 02:01 AM

Yep, your quotes will be higher because you didn't buy from them. A few shops I've spoken to have said it's because they get stuck with the support when there are questions or issues.

I'd check out Spinning Wheel in Waterloo, they do suspension setups for plenty of high end cars and pricing is reasonable. They can do the alignment there as well.

East Coast I find too expensive but they do know their stuff. They are better for race cars than street.

I've used European Autotech for about 5 years and really like them - if you get them to do your suspension you'll need to get an alignment elsewhere as they don't do alignments but their install jobs are solid. Would highly recommend for servicing, tuning parts etc

MrBlonde · 09-10-2010, 04:17 AM

Good workshops? You can't go past East Coast Suspension, they are Australian KW distributor are they not?

I wouldn't go to Peak Performance. And it's ALS performance as in Andrew L Schmidt, not Al's performance!

City Performance Centre .. I can't recommend unless you want someone to call you to discuss your "philosophy" for your car. What that means is to screen you as a serious customer in a condescending way.

fly135 · 09-10-2010, 04:00 PM

Thanks heaps for all the suggestions guys. I'll give them all a call on Monday and get some more quotes. I now have a good list of workshops for future servicing and tuning as well.

Quote:

I have a great connection at Autostyle. Let me know if you'd like my guy's details and i'll get them to you. They deal in prestige sales, repairs and services so i'm absolutely certain they'll do something very competitive for you.

Thanks Taymaishu, if you could pm me your contacts name that would be great.

Quote:

East Coast I find too expensive but they do know their stuff. They are better for race cars than street.

East Coast were suprisingly one of the cheaper quotes so far, which makes me think that maybe i should just use them. They do specialise in performance suspension, so you would hope that they are pretty good at it.

Quote:

City Performance Centre .. I can't recommend unless you want someone to call you to discuss your "philosophy" for your car. What that means is to screen you as a serious customer in a condescending way.

Lol, a 'philosophy' sounds like a nice way of asking "how much money do you intend to drop on this project, sir".

Guran · 09-10-2010, 07:44 PM

I've not used them myself, but East Coast Suspensions are highly recommended by a mate who is competing in the state supersprint championship. They've done all the suspension work on his 1.6L naturally aspirated MX-5, to the point where he's down to 1:13.06 at Wakefield Park, which is the lap record for Class 2A. That's seriously quick for something with so little power. Oh, and he's a very good steerer too.

Nick135i · 09-10-2010, 08:45 PM

I can recommend 2 workshops:

Ric Shaw Performance in Five Dock, (02) 9716 7690
Ontrack Motorsport, Windsor, (02) 4577 2779 (Garry Mennell)

Both places have worked extensively on BMW's and in particular BMW's used in production car racing.

Ontrack Motorsport look after both of the BMW 130's that race in production cars- and I know both of these cars use KW suspension.

Taymaishu · 09-12-2010, 10:39 AM

Hey mate,

I'll PM you the details of my contact @ AutoStyle. Know the owner.

Cheers

WOPALX · 09-12-2010, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mra

I'd check out Spinning Wheel in Waterloo, they do suspension setups for plenty of high end cars and pricing is reasonable. They can do the alignment there as well.

+ one on these guy's. Peter is the owner and a nice guy, Stuart the alignment tech is great and does 1st class work.

ALS in Rydalmere did my LSD and a good job too, just distance wise is not convenient.

fly135 · 09-13-2010, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guran

I've not used them myself, but East Coast Suspensions are highly recommended by a mate who is competing in the state supersprint championship. They've done all the suspension work on his 1.6L naturally aspirated MX-5, to the point where he's down to 1:13.06 at Wakefield Park, which is the lap record for Class 2A. That's seriously quick for something with so little power. Oh, and he's a very good steerer too.

Quote:

I can recommend 2 workshops:

Ric Shaw Performance in Five Dock, (02) 9716 7690
Ontrack Motorsport, Windsor, (02) 4577 2779 (Garry Mennell)

Both places have worked extensively on BMW's and in particular BMW's used in production car racing.

Ontrack Motorsport look after both of the BMW 130's that race in production cars- and I know both of these cars use KW suspension

Cheers guys...

Quote:

ALS in Rydalmere did my LSD and a good job too, just distance wise is not convenient.

How much did your LSD end up costing you if you dont mind me asking, and do you feel it was it worth the money. Do you have an auto or manual?

WOPALX · 09-13-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fly135

Cheers guys...

How much did your LSD end up costing you if you dont mind me asking, and do you feel it was it worth the money. Do you have an auto or manual?

From memory it was about 900 GBP + delivery and duties for the LSD and around $500 for the installation but it was several years ago now.

Best mod I have ever made on this car.

I'm an early AT so bolted crown.

If your interested in an LSD I'd suggest talking to Andrew at SBM, he's the Quaife agent from memory in Aus and will be able to give you info as to if your car has a bolted or welded crown.

fly135 · 09-13-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WOPALX

From memory it was about 900 GBP + delivery and duties for the LSD and around $500 for the installation but it was several years ago now.

Best mod I have ever made on this car.

I'm an early AT so bolted crown.

If your interested in an LSD I'd suggest talking to Andrew at SBM, he's the Quaife agent from memory in Aus and will be able to give you info as to if your car has a bolted or welded crown.

Sounds good although it is quite a bit of cash. Im pretty sure my 2011 6 speed manual will be a welded unit so probably cost me a bit more. I might give him a call later down the track and find out whats involved.

I think all performance cars should come standard with an LSD or it should at least be an option. It's way better than an electronic traction control.

mra · 09-13-2010, 08:23 PM

I've been looking into getting the Quaife for myself - manual and DCT are welded, auto is still bolted.

Getting from the UK looks to be the cheapest option. Locally, quoted around $4.5k + fitting, US around $5k + duties + fitting, UK around $3k + duties + fitting. This for a welded unit.

fly135 · 09-13-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mra

I've been looking into getting the Quaife for myself - manual and DCT are welded, auto is still bolted.

Getting from the UK looks to be the cheapest option. Locally, quoted around $4.5k + fitting, US around $5k + duties + fitting, UK around $3k + duties + fitting. This for a welded unit.

So looking at approx 4k total then.....hmmmm interesting.

TimMc · 09-13-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fly135

So looking at approx 4k total then.....hmmmm interesting.

Cheaper if we have a group buy...?

Nick135i · 09-14-2010, 12:19 AM

I put a Drexler LSD in mine. Absolutley thrilled with it.

My car is a 2008 manual with a welded diff.

I got it installed by Drexler Australia - http://www.drexler-motorsport.com.au/contact.html

The contact is Erik.

The price for the Drexler installed was not far off the prices quoted above - I do believe it is a superior solution.

Like may people I was supprised by how much of a difference the LSD makes to the car - I think if you are buying a 135 for performance you must install a LSD diff.

As is frequently pointed out in the handling section of these forums the 135 is a bit of a pig understeerer. Some of the understeer can be managed by suspension mods - but it can only manage / mask the problem to small extent. The LSD gives the driver the ability to drive the car with the throttle and gives them the most important tool to manage the under steer. I don't think you can solve it any other way.

No matter what the BMW marketing literature tells you - the 135i e-diff is no substitute (not even close) for a true mechanical LSD.

TimMc · 09-14-2010, 03:20 AM

Some good points there Nick. Thanks. Mind you, until you power oversteer, a traditional clutch type LSD will actually introduce more understeer as it wants both rear wheels to keep turning at the same rate - even around corners. Not sure if the new one's improve on the old design here.
That said, I still want one!

WOPALX · 09-21-2010, 08:13 PM

Does anyone have any experience with these guy's?

Now my car is out of warranty I'd like to start using an independent that is somewhat close to home (Wahroonga) or work (Alexandria).

ALS would be the obvious choice if it was not so far out of my way, hence looking at these guy's.

Cheers,

S

dontask · 09-21-2010, 11:33 PM

I've got a Drexler in mine too... only probl compared to the Quaife is maintenance. The Quaife is set and forget... the Drexler needs regular servicing. Will be changing the diff oil during the next service...

mra · 09-22-2010, 02:12 AM

I think if I was doing a lot more track days then I'd be interested in the drexler. Quaife seems like a good everyday option that can cope with a bit of punishment when required.

Those of you who have the drexler, what's it like on the street? I got the impression it wasn't really suited for everyday city driving..

09-10-2010, 12:54 AM	#1
fly135 Private First Class 18 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe N55 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 135i [5.50]	Workshops in Sydney Hi Guys, just wondering if anyone knew of any good workshops in the Sydney area who would be able to install my KW V2 coilovers which i ordered from **********s off this forum. Also, does anyone take their cars to workshops for servicing/oil changes in between BMW scheduled services? So far i have received quotes from the workshops listed below, to install the coilovers and set up the suspension, wheel alignment, etc. The quotes have ranged between $550-$800. Maybe the quotes are a little heavy because i didn't buy the coilovers from them? European Autoteck East Coast Suspension BWA Auto City Performance Centre Anyway, if anyone could vouch for any of these workshops or recommend one they know of, that would be great.
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09-10-2010, 01:38 AM	#2
2bob Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 264 Posts Drives: AW white135 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: bilgola plateau NSW australia iTrader: (0)	I can recommend two----Peak at parramatta know BMs backwards or Superior Automotive at Mona Vale who did a lot of work on my Mini Cooper s
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09-10-2010, 01:53 AM	#4
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	You can also try " AL'S PERFORMANCE " at Rydalmere..http://www.alsperformance.com.au/
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09-10-2010, 02:01 AM	#5
mra Private 0 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Yep, your quotes will be higher because you didn't buy from them. A few shops I've spoken to have said it's because they get stuck with the support when there are questions or issues. I'd check out Spinning Wheel in Waterloo, they do suspension setups for plenty of high end cars and pricing is reasonable. They can do the alignment there as well. East Coast I find too expensive but they do know their stuff. They are better for race cars than street. I've used European Autotech for about 5 years and really like them - if you get them to do your suspension you'll need to get an alignment elsewhere as they don't do alignments but their install jobs are solid. Would highly recommend for servicing, tuning parts etc
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09-10-2010, 04:17 AM	#6
MrBlonde Colonel 122 Rep 2,695 Posts Drives: Audi TTRS, M Coupe, 1299 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Merewether iTrader: (0)	Good workshops? You can't go past East Coast Suspension, they are Australian KW distributor are they not? I wouldn't go to Peak Performance. And it's ALS performance as in Andrew L Schmidt, not Al's performance! City Performance Centre .. I can't recommend unless you want someone to call you to discuss your "philosophy" for your car. What that means is to screen you as a serious customer in a condescending way. __________________ .-=[ 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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09-10-2010, 07:44 PM	#8
Guran Captain 24 Rep 895 Posts Drives: 08 135i Coupe Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wollongong, Australia iTrader: (0)	I've not used them myself, but East Coast Suspensions are highly recommended by a mate who is competing in the state supersprint championship. They've done all the suspension work on his 1.6L naturally aspirated MX-5, to the point where he's down to 1:13.06 at Wakefield Park, which is the lap record for Class 2A. That's seriously quick for something with so little power. Oh, and he's a very good steerer too. __________________ 08 BMW 135i Sport Coupe \| Manual \| Sparkling Graphite \| Coral Red Boston Leather \| 10 Speaker Hi Fi Last edited by Guran; 09-10-2010 at 07:49 PM..
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09-10-2010, 08:45 PM	#9
Nick135i Private 4 Rep 58 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I can recommend 2 workshops: Ric Shaw Performance in Five Dock, (02) 9716 7690 Ontrack Motorsport, Windsor, (02) 4577 2779 (Garry Mennell) Both places have worked extensively on BMW's and in particular BMW's used in production car racing. Ontrack Motorsport look after both of the BMW 130's that race in production cars- and I know both of these cars use KW suspension. __________________ 135i Sport \| Black Saphire Metalic \| Boston Black \| 6speed \| 10 Speaker Hifi \| Sunroof
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09-12-2010, 10:39 AM	#10
Taymaishu Banned 145 Rep 3,016 Posts Drives: I love massive black cocks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: in my ass and around my mouth iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 125i [5.50]	Hey mate, I'll PM you the details of my contact @ AutoStyle. Know the owner. Cheers
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09-13-2010, 08:23 PM	#15
mra Private 0 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I've been looking into getting the Quaife for myself - manual and DCT are welded, auto is still bolted. Getting from the UK looks to be the cheapest option. Locally, quoted around $4.5k + fitting, US around $5k + duties + fitting, UK around $3k + duties + fitting. This for a welded unit.
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09-14-2010, 12:19 AM	#18
Nick135i Private 4 Rep 58 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I put a Drexler LSD in mine. Absolutley thrilled with it. My car is a 2008 manual with a welded diff. I got it installed by Drexler Australia - http://www.drexler-motorsport.com.au/contact.html The contact is Erik. The price for the Drexler installed was not far off the prices quoted above - I do believe it is a superior solution. Like may people I was supprised by how much of a difference the LSD makes to the car - I think if you are buying a 135 for performance you must install a LSD diff. As is frequently pointed out in the handling section of these forums the 135 is a bit of a pig understeerer. Some of the understeer can be managed by suspension mods - but it can only manage / mask the problem to small extent. The LSD gives the driver the ability to drive the car with the throttle and gives them the most important tool to manage the under steer. I don't think you can solve it any other way. No matter what the BMW marketing literature tells you - the 135i e-diff is no substitute (not even close) for a true mechanical LSD. __________________ 135i Sport \| Black Saphire Metalic \| Boston Black \| 6speed \| 10 Speaker Hifi \| Sunroof
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09-14-2010, 03:20 AM	#19
TimMc Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	Some good points there Nick. Thanks. Mind you, until you power oversteer, a traditional clutch type LSD will actually introduce more understeer as it wants both rear wheels to keep turning at the same rate - even around corners. Not sure if the new one's improve on the old design here. That said, I still want one!
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09-21-2010, 08:13 PM	#20
WOPALX Lieutenant Colonel 86 Rep 1,993 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (2)	BEE EEM's in Hornsby Does anyone have any experience with these guy's? Now my car is out of warranty I'd like to start using an independent that is somewhat close to home (Wahroonga) or work (Alexandria). ALS would be the obvious choice if it was not so far out of my way, hence looking at these guy's. Cheers, S __________________ Vishnu PROcede V5 \| VK Motorworks FMIC \| AR Design OCC \| Forge DV's \| Bilstein PSS9 \| M3 Lower Control Arms & Caster Rods \| Quaife LSD \| HiTech Exhaust \| BMW Performance Illuminated Door Sills \| BMW Performance Gear Selector & Boot \| BMW Performance E-Brake Cover
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09-21-2010, 11:33 PM	#21
dontask Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 286 Posts Drives: White BMW 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (1)	I've got a Drexler in mine too... only probl compared to the Quaife is maintenance. The Quaife is set and forget... the Drexler needs regular servicing. Will be changing the diff oil during the next service... __________________ Modded 135i RHD Bumblebee
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09-22-2010, 02:12 AM	#22
mra Private 0 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I think if I was doing a lot more track days then I'd be interested in the drexler. Quaife seems like a good everyday option that can cope with a bit of punishment when required. Those of you who have the drexler, what's it like on the street? I got the impression it wasn't really suited for everyday city driving..
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