Dan's list of local repair shops

[///MARINE]

I'm looking for a shop that has experience with the S38 ///M6 engine. In or around Fairfax, Virginia or Southern Maryland would be great. My 1988 M6 runs like a charm. I don't want to wait until something goes wrong before I start looking for expert assistance.

Thanks in advance!

[onboost]

I'm looking for a shop that has experience with the S38 ///M6 engine. In or around Fairfax, Virginia or Southern Maryland would be great. My 1988 M6 runs like a charm. I don't want to wait until something goes wrong before I start looking for expert assistance.

Thanks in advance!

You need to see in VA... J&F Motors
If you prefer the service in MD.. then Sigy's, or Excluservice in Rockville, or Einstien's in Greenbelt.

Each of these shops is very familiar with the S38 engine and either the owners or at least one of the techs train on them when they were new. It makes a difference.

Paul

[Wildcats64]

Marine 3:

You might try Fairfax Service Center. They are at 2850 Prosperity Ave., Merrifield. Phone number is 703-560-1700. Speak to Reese.

[Real M3]

I'm looking for a shop that has experience with the S38 ///M6 engine. In or around Fairfax, Virginia or Southern Maryland would be great. My 1988 M6 runs like a charm. I don't want to wait until something goes wrong before I start looking for expert assistance.

Thanks in advance!

I second or third the advice to Call RRT and see what they have to say. S38 is an S14 on steroids and they know S14s! Barry and crew are straight shooters and will tell you what their quals are. Good folks and avid supporters of the club. I highly reccomend them.

[BlazenXLT]

Another thumbs up for Dan Martins. They did a pre-purchase inspection for me and saved me a TON of money.

[chicane]

Seriously, who is the best of the best as far as working on ///M engines in NOVA? I'm really not into throwing darts at board when it comes to my M3?

[Munchenman2]

Chicane,

You will not get a better answer than that from WoodyM3 in comment #42. You have gotten plenty of advice (and Woody's is usually pretty good), and nobody can guarantee that the service you will receive - even at the BMW factory - will be the best.

It is now up to you to do your duty and make your considered choice.

Best of luck!

Alan

[Ethan Blank]

Is there a shop you recommend for MD inspection?

I had my Miata pre-purchase inspection in VA at Convenience Car Center, and while they woul have passed the car for VA inspection, they can't do MD.

It's 16 years old with 175k miles, so I am afraid of bringing it to a shop without knowing anyone there.

I'm still relatively new to this area, so I don't have a regular mechanic yet (my '07 335 will keep me in that position for at least a few more years, I hope!)

Any shop near Columbia is a plus, but I will certainly travel to a good shop to avoid complications.

Thanks!

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Is there a shop you recommend for MD inspection?

I had my Miata pre-purchase inspection in VA at Convenience Car Center, and while they woul have passed the car for VA inspection, they can't do MD.

It's 16 years old with 175k miles, so I am afraid of bringing it to a shop without knowing anyone there.

I'm still relatively new to this area, so I don't have a regular mechanic yet (my '07 335 will keep me in that position for at least a few more years, I hope!)

Any shop near Columbia is a plus, but I will certainly travel to a good shop to avoid complications.

Thanks!

Eastham's Exxon in Bethesda is honest. I've done multiple inspections with them - the one car that they failed fully deserved to get failed. If it needs some leniency to pass, you probably won't get much there, but they won't break things or make shit up.

[woodym3]

Seriously, who is the best of the best as far as working on ///M engines in NOVA? I'm really not into throwing darts at board when it comes to my M3?

You don't even say which M3 you have. The E36 with S52 engine is pretty much the same engine as any 325 or 328 of the same era and any competent shop can handle that. The E30 and E46 engines are a little more unique. James at RRT near Dulles has tons of experience working on both. Bill Shook at Kraftwagon in Alexandria has worked on the E30's S14 for many years, including more re-builds than he desired. I don't know if he's taking on new customers now or not.

[chicane]

Thanks.