Repair & Servicing - One Solution

[Norrie]

It seems, sadly that hardly a month goes by without some post in Social media about ALPINA owners poor experience with main dealers? We have read the accounts of " we don't see many of these mate", to incorrect parts fitted, unable to identify the vehicle, damage to wheels, tyres, centre caps, the list is not exhaustive as alleged by those who post these experiences. But let us not dwell on main dealer bashing and see where members have found satisfaction and would, as I have recommend to others who expressed their concerns about ownership and the care for their vehicle in the hands of others.
Ironically a former Chairman of the BMW Car Club said to me " I would love an ALPINA, but who could I trust to look after it?" This gent lives in Lancashire, so any positive suggestions for him would be appreciated.
However, for me living about 12 miles West of Gatwick discovering BMR Performance at Turners Hill has been a revelation. I asked owner Barry Sherward who actually owns an ALPINA and has had a few in previous years, how many ALPINA cars they have serviced, refurbished or carried out major engine work on in the last 12 months or so. The list I believe is quite impressive as it spreads across 30 plus years of ALPINA.

E30 C2 2.7 x 3
E30 333i (South African)
E46 B3S x 2
E90 D3
E90 D3 Bi turbo
E92 B3 Bi turbo
E92 B3S
E28 B9 3.5 x 2
E34 B10 Bi turbo
E39 B10 V8 x 2
E39 B10 V8S
E61 B5 Bi turbo
F10 B5S
F10 D5
F11 B5 Bi turbo
G31 B5
E65 B7
E85 Roadster S

I am sure some members will recognise their cars, some of which had had major works carried out. BMR is just one example of a solution to the confidence and value for money concerns owners have. It is in the South, near Crawley so may not be convenient for all, but when I consider I was taking my car to Nottingham, that might put it into perspective. www.bmrperformance.co.uk 01293 773 774 owners Barry Sherward and Ross Ingram.

If there are other suggestions for any locations, please share them, I am asked on social media often, hence this post.

[BarryM]

I have recommended Lee Shannon in the past, he's based in Bentley, near Farnham, Surrey. Tel 01420-520880.

I've been to him on a couple of occasions but the first time was to replace the chain guides on my B10 V8 and he did a great job including photo updates and kept to his original estimate and time. He's very knowledgeable and friendly and I know that Kevin (E24man) has had work done by Lee too and if he can keep Kevin and me happy he must be very good

[Norrie]

I was just thinking about BMR and its about 25 ALPINA cars they have seen, the most I think I ever saw in one place was 105 at Synter for a meet. We had 44 at Gaydon this year, so 25 is a very good number, is it not?