BMW Repairs

[bulletproof]

Can anyone suggest a decent BMW repair shop in or near Irvine?
Please send info to Brumi@cox.net
Thanks

[mike]

What do you need done?

[bulletproof]

replace an alternator on a 1995 318ic.

[mike]

I'm a BMW master tech, and I hate taking food out of my own mouth, but doing a job like that here at the dealer doesn't make sense for you dollars wise. I don't really do side work anymore, but a really good BMW independent is Bullet Motorsports, right around the corner from my work in Santa Ana

http://www.bmsracecars.com/

[LUDXSPD]

Alternators are pretty easy. You could try to find a Bentley online and do it yourself? Otherwise All German Auto in Escondido is a great shop.

[GTIcrazy]

but a really good BMW independent is Bullet Motorsports, right around the corner from my work in Santa Ana

+1 -- I have friends that have been going there for years. Mickey is a great guy.

[bulletproof]

When I called Bullet Motorsports they quoted me "just over $700" . I thought that was extremely high for an old 1995 BMW 318.

[mike]

well I would venture 2.5 to 3.0 labor, plus parts, alternator and belts, so at a conservative $100 an hour, that would leave around $400 in parts, so it sounds close, here it would be over a G

[mike]

Just remember, its a BMW, not a chevy, nothing is cheap and easy, I just replaced a guys MK2 NAV computer in his X5 because he thought the dealer charged to much for an alternator (small world huh) and they fried it, I guarantee he didn't save $2300 by taking it to PepBoys.

[bulletproof]

I've got 2 E30's, an E46 and this E36 and I've been driving bimmers for 15 years, so I know they're not Chevy's. It's just that I've had the same mechanic at BMW Mastercare in San Diego for the last 6years and now that I've moved to Orange County, I don't know any reliable or trustworthy mechanics that aren't going to rip me off on such a simple job. I know the dealerships are always more expensive but it should only take an hour or two to switch out a $200 Bosch 80amp alternator (especially on the small 1.8 liter engine in the 318).
And most specialty mechanics run around $90/hr. So this should be a $400 job not "over $700". If I find a good mechanic, I remain loyal and I am not concerned about just trying to save a dollar. But I'm certainly not going to pay twice the price either.

[bulletproof]

I finally went to:
BROWN'S AUTOMOTIVE
$180 for a OEM Valeo 80amp alternator
$80 for 1 hour labor
Total: $273.95 out the door. :D
Randy & Dave took real good care of me.

Brown's Automotive
17571 Griffin Ln #A
Huntington Beach, 92647
(714)841-4130

[matt316felix]

how bout san diego area? any good shops?

sorry to takin over the thread :(

[bugzy]

how bout san diego area? any good shops?

sorry to takin over the thread :(
www.samtechauto.com (http://www.samtechauto.com)

talk to Eric or Sam, they are SCE friendly ;) not to mention they know E39's and E46's very well too
they take care of my M5, when my other buddies busy

[matt316felix]

nicee! thanks bugzy

u guys heard of "import auto specialist" off mission gorge rd in sd?

[Bimmer Pilot]

how bout san diego area? any good shops?

sorry to takin over the thread :(

I've had the same mechanic at BMW Mastercare in San Diego for the last 6years...

+ 1 on BMW Mastercare in San Marcos.