Recommendations for BMW shop?

[88carrera]

I sold my '88 911 and I may pick up an '04/05 E46 M3 for a few years until the 993 prices come down a bit more.

I've done some searches and the only issue that I can see are cracked subframes (from dropping clutch/drag race) and SMG. I'm looking for a manual coupe.

May I ask for some independent BMW shops in the capital area?

[VaSteve]

Manassas Motorwerkes in Manassas. Clarke here on the board will get you set up.

[Helios59]

Dan Martin's shop is much closer, if you're in G-burg.

He's on Beechcraft Ave at 301-926-8977.

He also owns an E46 M3.

We've taken our cars to him for several years. Honest and affordable.

[John Clay]

I've used Dan Martin for several years. I'd still recommend him but I've been a little dissapointed recently. Like a lot of smaller shops, it has to be tough for the owner/mechanic to hire and supervise the right help.

[roundel]

Contact Bill Shook. His shop is Kraftwagon in Alexandria. (703)9410733

Dan Martin is a great choice too

[smdubovsky]

RRT out near Dulles. Good guys. They race too (club & professional). 'nuff said.

[FTS]

RRT out near Dulles. Good guys. They race too (club & professional). 'nuff said.

+1 and add Piper Motorsports, and At Speed to the list.

[86911TLCAB]

There is a nice looking 95 M3 on the board for sale...

[Mark in Baltimore]

PM me if you want the names of some shops to clearly avoid.

[jerome951]

A friend at work recommended this guy in Rockville:
Sigy's Service Center
110 Crabb Avenue, Rockville, MD (301) 881-6725 ‎

I took my M3 to Autoy in Rockville for some minor work (~5 years ago, though) and had no complaints:
http://www.autoy-autowerke.com/

[racer]

Out of curiosity, why would you think 993 prices are still going to come down? Unless you look for a 100-120K mile example, I just don't see prices falling. imho, the 12-15 year old age range puts them at or near the bottom of their depreciation cycle.

As for a BMW shop, I have no recomendations.. but I hope you enjoy your new to you M3!

[Mark in Baltimore]

Out of curiosity, why would you think 993 prices are still going to come down? Unless you look for a 100-120K mile example, I just don't see prices falling. imho, the 12-15 year old age range puts them at or near the bottom of their depreciation cycle.

As for a BMW shop, I have no recomendations.. but I hope you enjoy your new to you M3!
993 prices are really soft. Quite a few decent cars with 60,000-100,000 miles that can be had for low $20K's. Unless the economy gets better next year, I don't see prices going anywhere but further down.

[Clarke]

If you want to stay in MD. I would recommend Autoy in Rockville. 30-770-0700. The owner, Dave, races with us. His lead BMW tech is really sharp.

If you dont mind the drive to VA, I just might know someone......

[Dr K]

If you want to stay in MD. I would recommend Autoy in Rockville. 30-770-0700. The owner, Dave, races with us. His lead BMW tech is really sharp.

If you dont mind the drive to VA, I just might know someone......

I haven't used Dave for mechanical work, but he's a very nice guy. I needed a small part of a Recaro seat and he found and gave it to me. He also opened his trailer to let me check my fit in a BMW race car (this was before I built the coupe).

BTW, Clarke is a really nice guy, too, and from what I've heard, well worth the drive to Manassas. In addition, if you're thinking of tracking a Bimmer, he can help you find a car and will help you find a good one.

[N0tt0N]

Thread resurrection.

I'm looking for a reputable shop for a checkup on Tina's 2006 M5. We're getting some noisy chatter from the engine and figured we should have someone look at it. Live in NW DC, work in Arlington Courthouse, but really the trust factor is more important than the location. Thanks for any updated recommendations!

[roundel]

His shop is Kraftwagon in Alexandria. (703)9410733

Bill Shook is a great guy.

[onboost]

Thread resurrection.

I'm looking for a reputable shop for a checkup on Tina's 2006 M5. We're getting some noisy chatter from the engine and figured we should have someone look at it. Live in NW DC, work in Arlington Courthouse, but really the trust factor is more important than the location. Thanks for any updated recommendations!



Funny, I'm in NW DC as well

Give Sigy's Auto Service a call. 301.881.6725 (ask for Mike or Sigy)
110 Crabb Ave, off of Stone St near Rockville Metro

Fair, honest, delightfully obnoxious, but most of all knows his shit.
All BMWs, old to new and has all the latest equip and knows how to use it!

Good luck

[N0tt0N]

Tina drove over a ramp wrong and put a hole in the exhaust somewhere. Boy, if you thought the M5 was loud stock....

Bill Shook turned the work away - to busy as a one man shop and M5's are a 'time intensive car'. Totally get it.

I'm dropping it off with Sigy's tomorrow.

[N0tt0N]

Yay, Sigy!

No hole in the exhaust, she just knocked a clamp off.

Although the diagnostics indicated a throttle body motor actuator when they were taking it down the clean things up first they noticed that one of the plenum boots was crushed partially closed due to a previous work mistake apparently - hard to get a nice balanced air/fuel across banks that way. :bang: Cleaned and lubed the TBs, replaced the boot, and the searching idle seemed to go away. They closed it back up without the additional labor or parts involved in the TB motor actuator job. Pretty sure most dealers would have went ahead and done the specified work anyway. Saved some serious dough and much appreciated.

He even quoted me, "Especially for an M5, BMW means Bring Money With to the shop. Of course, the M5 is pretty extreme."

[onboost]

Martin.. glad to hear all worked out well.. although I knew it would. Great folks over there! :D

Paul-