Dan's list of local repair shops

[1996 328ti]

http://www.dvsmith.net/bmw/service/dc_service_shops.php

[SharkD]

If anyone has any updates, I'm happy to add them. (I need to add RRT and some other info... Car maintenance has been taking precedence over web maintenance, lately.)

[Psi5]

If anyone has any updates, I'm happy to add them. (I need to add RRT and some other info... Car maintenance has been taking precedence over web maintenance, lately.)

Two comments on shops. First Auto Advantage is now "Advantage Certified" and I have recently had several excellent experiences with them. I can go into more detail if anyone likes, but I would recommend them based on my experience.

The second comment is actually a question (and the reason I went to Advantage). Briefly, I went to a local independent who advertises in db and who was recommended by another NCC member. I had an *awful* experience with them, including bad advice, incomplete jobs, lack of knowledge about my car ('98 540i), "fixes" that caused other problems, and difficulty in getting warranty work done. I ended up going to Advantage and they were very straightforward, honest (including inviting me into the shop to see particular problems myself), reasonably priced, and they actually fixed all the problems (and found obvious others that the first shop missed).

So, here is my question. Do I leave it alone and attribute my bad experience to luck? To me? Or do I let other NCC members know about it? I wouldn't want others to have the same bad (and expensive) experience I had but recognize that I am an n=1 of my interaction may not be representative of how this shop does business.

Thoughts?

[1996 328ti]

So, here is my question. Do I leave it alone and attribute my bad experience to luck? To me? Or do I let other NCC members know about it? I wouldn't want others to have the same bad (and expensive) experience I had but recognize that I am an n=1 of my interaction may not be representative of how this shop does business.

Thoughts?

Feel free to express your opinion about your experience.
Everyone has had good and bad experiences from the same independent or dealer.

[bwalter0822]

I know this post is kinda old but any info on RRT for service work?

If anyone has any updates, I'm happy to add them. (I need to add RRT and some other info... Car maintenance has been taking precedence over web maintenance, lately.)

[pseto]

I know this post is kinda old but any info on RRT for service work?

RRT does very good work and run by BMW enthusiasts.

[bentone]

RRT does very good work and run by BMW enthusiasts.

Second this, nothing but great experiences with RRT on multiple occasions/cars. Very knowledgeable, reasonable rates, true enthusiasts.

[bwalter0822]

Thanks guys! Im glad to hear you all have had a good experience with RRT. I will have to check them out.

Second this, nothing but great experiences with RRT on multiple occasions/cars. Very knowledgeable, reasonable rates, true enthusiasts.

[1996 328ti]

Yea, Bill is no longer at J&F. And thanks for the list!

[John in VA]

Yea, Bill is no longer at J&F.

Where is he now?

[1996 328ti]

Where is he now?

I want to say the Tidewater area of VA but I'm not sure.

[4WDrift]

Bill Brochu is somewhere in Tidewater with his brothers I believe.

[hoyabmw]

Where is he now?

He went to work for Terry Baker in VA Beach. I believe it's Atlantic Autowerks.

Kevin

[John in VA]

So, is there anyone we "like" at J&F these days? I haven't been there in ~8 years. I have old cars, so that might make a difference.

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Yes there is and actually it is a better shop than J&F ever was. Problem is they aren't taking any new customers. Shop is great for older cars especially E30's and M's.