I took my car in around Christmas time to get the VANOS service done on my 2004 BMW 330i ZHP. They were offering 20% off. Since I don't have the patience, space and time to work on cars any longer, I took my car in. Another plus is that they use Beisan Systems when rebuilding your VANOS.
I emailed them months before I even thought about coming in. They were helpful the whole way. Mike let me use one of the loaner BMWs at no extra charge under the stipulation that I return it with a full tank of gas and that I had to listen to Maggie May by Rod Stewart since the radio was stuck on that song. I enjoy this type of goofy humor in a business. Since the valve cover gasket needs to be removed to get to the VANOS, and the spark plugs are in easy access, I had them perform these services since my VCG was leaking, anyway. They offered a fair price for the spark plugs, VANOS service, VCG and labor.
Anyway, I brought my car in at the time specified. I gave Mike my information, asked if they could take care of the screw in my back tire, we traded keys, and I went on home to my parent's. I get a call about an hour later asking if it's okay if they drive the car to make sure the VANOS is in order and the car runs. Fair enough - maybe they don't have access to a machine that can test the VANOS through the car's computer. I get scared leaving my car in a mechanic's hands, since I'm a DIYer, but I trust him.
The next day at around 11:00 a.m., I get a call from Mike asking if he's seen my email. I was drunk the night before and I slept in late. I just told him, "No." He said my car's ready and the total is x amount. He informed me that the office is closed from 11:00 - 2:00 for a party, but is going to remain open until 5:00. I told him I would see him at 2:30.
I arrive at 2:30 to pick up my car. The total is exactly as expected - they even removed the screw for free! - and there were no surprises. They even added about a quarter tank to pay for the gas they used. He gave me specific break-in instructions for the new VANOS seals, and this is a good sign of competence. That means they care about what happens after I leave the shop and want to ensure I don't come back with any problems due to improper break-in procedures. The parts and work came with a warranty, however. Good to know.
I paid, Mike and I chit-chatted, traded keys and I went to my car. I looked it over. Nothing was different on the outside, i.e. no scratches, stains, etc. Good sign. The seat was out of adjustment, as were the mirrors, and the radio was left on. Not a huge deal at all. I'm just particular, but I'm more concerned about the mechanical abilities of the shop - not their particularities. The odometer was reset and a new mileage was on, so I had no idea how far the car was driven. This was my only gripe. I trust the shop, but you never know. I thought he was gonna just drive the car around the block, but he took it home. I don't think the car was joyridden, because there were a myriad of other, faster, more exciting cars in the parking lot. Either way, the ZHP has a more durable motor than my old, geriatric E30, so it wasn't a huge deal.
I got home and popped the hood. There was a noticeable new gasket, and a small smudge on the valve cover gasket. Good sign. That means the work wasn't faked. Several thousand miles later, I leak way less oil, have more power and am happier with my car.
I ended up giving their card to my best friend who also drives imports. I would definitely go back to this shop. Good guys here. read more