Since I don't work on mini's for others,I have been sending people to Best. I keep getting told they charge a bunch of money and don't fix the problem. Anyone know any other independent mini shops that are any good? Chris
I've used Best probably 4 times. Been pretty happy so far. My only complaint has been he's so busy it's not always easy to get in. MAG has been saying they'll do my work - even install aftermarket parts. They have a special price for cars over 100k mi. I think $80/hr - about $20 less than Best. I have only taken either MINI there for warranty work.
I have nothing against Anson. I have issues with John. Which I've spoken privately about with some folks. But he lied straight to my face and I knew he was lying. He wanted big bucks out of me and constantly confuses r56 issues with r53. Also, I just wanted to back Chris up. Not trying to start anything here. So please no attacks like the MAG post like 2 years ago. From what I've heard they typically have great service. Maybe I caught them at a bad time. You guys can give me a call when you need something done. I won't do it. My dads mechanic at his shop loved working on my car and has the tools for just about everything. Yes! Even clear codes.
No complaints here with the good folks at Best Motor Werks. They've worked on both our MINI's & have done a stellar job. They have become friends & our family MINI wrencher's. Are they cheap, no but they are good. I'm paying for good service & knowledge of MINIs, that is what I get. Well worth it for me, your mileage may vary. I think if someone has a problem, that's not good. I know nothing of your friends problems Chris other than you saying it costs money. Let me know if you find that free MINI service place. Maybe a man to man talk with the person you have the a problem with would go a long way to resolving their particular issue. Going away mad & then slamming that person here is IMHO not a good call. You guys are my friends, but this thread is pure chicken shirt. And yes this thread does remind me of some old MAG thread.
I trust them so much I don't know nor do I care what the rate is I just pay the bill for quality work done right everytime.
Plain and simple, I have been sending mini people to best on the recommendation of people here. They are not looking for free service but expect to have the work they pay for done. And yes these people are having the face to face about the lack of service. I had to go today to check a car that continued to leak oil after a $4000 repair at best. The car went In for the oil leak and was sold a bunch of other stuff. Maybe just and oversight. I would love to hear recent good reports of work done there. But for now I will not recommend anyone.
I took My MCSa to Best In January at Chuck's suggestion to get my Aisin transmission checked out. MAG has stated I needed a new one, but I did not want to pay $7800 for a replacement. Then, they told me they would change the so-called "permanent" transmission fluid for "only" $900! I made an appt. with Anson and went over. He hooked up my car to his scanner and we went for a long ride. He suggested that they change the fluid, but at a cost of $300. That was 2000 miles ago and the car has not run this well since it was new. Needless to say, Best IS THE BEST, at least for me. My wife's MCSa as well as my Cooper cvt will be going there for new transmission fluids later this Spring.
Chris I've been sending folks to Best Motor Werks for quite a while & will continue to do so. Try as you might they will continue to be there doing a good job for MINI & BMW owners. People wait in line to get their cars in there. The fact their shop is so busy speaks volumes about the quality work they do. Recent good report, a new Jarvik 7 thermostat housing went into Skooby along with a transmission fluid flush. Same great service I've always received. MAG $900 for a transmission flush & fill. :smilewinkgrin:
I'm glad they still do good work. I'm allowed to talk about the bad work too. I will not send anyone there anymore because it has went against my own rep. I will update how they resolve my guy's oil leak issue. Sounds like someone needs to give Ansion his own shop.
I have heard both sides and the negatives do seem to involve John. I personally have not had any work done there as I do most of it myself. There are some people I have do some things I can't. They don't specialize on any one make. They just do good work.