[Samuel L Jackson]

I've generally avoided having my cars serviced at a dealership with my past cars since they tend to be overpriced and sometimes full of BS. I've found that a really good independent mechanic can not only be cheaper, but often times more honest and competent than a dealer (my experience with American, Japanese, and Swedish brands). I've got stories about those.

My car is still under warranty, but after reading the "Enhanced Maintenance" thread http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=break, got me thinking about doing more frequent maintenance. Especially the transmission and coolant fluid fills.

I live in the South Bay area (Torrance, Redondo, Hermosa, etc) and was wondering if anybody knew a good independent service shop in that area. I would be willing to drive to LA or OC for a really good one. Thanks.

[NinetyEight740]

i honestly wouldnt trust an independent touching my car, they are so advanced they will know nothing about them... I would only go to the dealer

[TMR]

www.aqmotorsports.com

He has done all mods on my car, HPFP and all service work for me.

[Samuel L Jackson]

Originally Posted by TMR

www.aqmotorsports.com

He has done all mods on my car, HPFP and all service work for me.

No offense, but it looks like a typical Japanese auto shop (judging by the pics and certifications). Does he work on a lot of BMW's? I'd prefer somebody who's got experience with BMWs. I think it makes a big difference. Thanks.

[TMR]

Originally Posted by Samuel L Jackson

No offense, but it looks like a typical Japanese auto shop (judging by the pics and certifications). Does he work on a lot of BMW's? I'd prefer somebody who's got experience with BMWs. I think it makes a big difference. Thanks.

That is actually Harman Motives old shop. His head tech took over the place and is doing work on all cars but has worked on many BMW's. He was the one that developed the Harmaon Motive / Vishnu Exhaust system. He has done ALL mods and service on my car and i have done ALL bolt on mods available. Has also replaced my HPFP 2 times. I am certain he has worked on quite a few other 335's. If you are in Torrance, swing by and check out the shop and talk to Adon.

[Samuel L Jackson]

^Ok, thanks for the heads up. I'll give them a call when I want to do the coolant, brake, and tranny fluid changes. Do they use OEM parts?

[Samuel L Jackson]

Originally Posted by NinetyEight740

i honestly wouldnt trust an independent touching my car, they are so advanced they will know nothing about them... I would only go to the dealer

I would agree with you if we are talking about a Ferrari or a Lambo. But BMWs are mass produced cars and if you have a good independent mechanic who specializes and invests in that brand, then they can be just as good if not better.

For example, I had a Volvo and the dealer could not figure out this weird clicking sound in the engine. They basically told me it was "normal" for older cars to produce odd sounds. I thought this was bullshit. So eventually I found a really good shop that specializes in Saab and Volvo (Swedish Pro-tech in MB) and they figured out what it was and fixed it. They were also a lot cheaper than the dealer in all their services. The owner and some of the mechanics were actually Swedish too, go figure. I've had many of those kinds of experiences with other makes too.

[niterider]

Originally Posted by Samuel L Jackson

I would agree with you if we are talking about a Ferrari or a Lambo. But BMWs are mass produced cars and if you have a good independent mechanic who specializes and invests in that brand, then they can be just as good if not better.

Its funny u write this because u would be surprised. BMW is actually more advanced as far as computers, diagnosing test plans and sensors go in their cars, then Ferrari. Ive spoken to a service manager from a Ferrari dealership and he told me If I could diagnose/repair BMWs, Ferraris would b cake...Anyways, Ill rec. BMW specialist in south central, right off the 10 fwy. Heres the number (213) 804-3530 and ask for RAY, tell him Brian reffered u. BMW master techs do all the work here and are very legit.

[TMR]

Originally Posted by Samuel L Jackson

^Ok, thanks for the heads up. I'll give them a call when I want to do the coolant, brake, and tranny fluid changes. Do they use OEM parts?

Yes they do. He just serviced my car today. Tranny, diff and oil. I used NEO Synthetic oils but he can get factory oil. He also adjusted my wastegate rattle, installed LED angel eyes and we are making a new custom exhaust setup on Sat.

I also threw my car on the GT1 and checked for codes and the REVII has kept it nice and clear.

[Samuel L Jackson]

Originally Posted by niterider

Its funny u write this because u would be surprised. BMW is actually more advanced as far as computers, diagnosing test plans and sensors go in their cars, then Ferrari. Ive spoken to a service manager from a Ferrari dealership and he told me If I could diagnose/repair BMWs, Ferraris would b cake...Anyways, Ill rec. BMW specialist in south central, right off the 10 fwy. Heres the number (213) 804-3530 and ask for RAY, tell him Brian reffered u. BMW master techs do all the work here and are very legit.

South Central LA??? Anyways, you'd be surprised how advanced any mass market cars are these days. Took my Mom's Lincoln to an independent shop for an oil change, the owner was telling how much $$$ he has to spend for equipment and to keep up to date with all the new American and Japanese cars. He told me he missed it when cars had carburetors.

Originally Posted by TMR

Yes they do. He just serviced my car today. Tranny, diff and oil. I used NEO Synthetic oils but he can get factory oil. He also adjusted my wastegate rattle, installed LED angel eyes and we are making a new custom exhaust setup on Sat.

I also threw my car on the GT1 and checked for codes and the REVII has kept it nice and clear.

Ok, thanks. I'll give them a call to do an in between service oil change. South Bay BMW wanted like $180.

[Samuel L Jackson]

Did the oil change there today. They used the OEM filter and oil. I can definitely recommend that place for your service and mods need. There was another BMW and some serious rides there.

The owner, Adan is a pretty cool guy and he was telling me that he will be taking on the Harman name brand, so the place will be called Harman AQ or something. He also said a new website is in the works. Go check it out.