Any Good Indies in the Orpington / Bromley Area

[Matt_EClass]

Morning all, And Happy New Year. My 2001 W210 Avantgarde 220CDI is due a B service - I bought the Car in March and this is the first time Ive had to get it serviced, dont want to go to a stealer if I can help it so my question is.......Does any one know of a good indie in the Orpington / Bromley / North Kent area?

Many Thanks

Matthew

 

[verytalldave]

Hi Matt.........
Sounds like you live very close to me. I live in Orpington south. I have a 2004/5 W203 that requires a B service in 1100 miles. I have been looking like you for an indie with a good reputation. Cost is secondary to quality of service and as such I am still debating in my head whether to stick with a stealer and maintain my FMBSH for another few years at least or whether to trust an indie.
Over the course of a few months I have located 4 different independent Mercedes indies fairly close to Orpington.
The first and the closest is located up Rushmore Hill in the village of Knockholt (near Orpington). There is a sign outside an entrance to a farm and some industrial units saying "MOT's and BMW and Mercedes servicing here". Their phone number - 01959 533359. A friend at work has knowledge of them and is recommended.
Another is Steve, a very good Mechanic working in Maidstone. Unfortunately, I dont have his contact details but someone here may be able to help.
Another is a named "KEYS" and is located in Bexleyheath. I will try to get contact details.
The last is a indie located near Tonbridge/Hildenbourgh. I do have details somewhere but I cant find them at the mo.
And as a PS, MB in Tonbridge comes recommended as well.

 

[Matt_EClass]

Hi VeryTallDave - Thanks for your response, your right sounds like we do live quite close to each other, Im in Chelsfield. Used to be more central Orpington, up by the Fire Station. Moved in September, out to Chelsfield. I Know the units at Rushmore Hill as I used to go to the Vauxhall Breakers that was there a few years ago. I will give them a call and see what they say. I will let you know what happens, apart from a B service, Im thinking of getting the Auto Box fluid changed (cars done 90,000 now) it also needs a new Brake light switch and the anti roll bar bushes need changing (I think)

Thanks again for your response.

Regards

Matthew

 

[pace]

Does anyone have experience with independant specialists in the Reading or Oxford area?

 

[Stevie B]

Star Motors in Reading changed my camshaft about 3 weeks ago (F Reg 260E). Also carried out some other work they found whilst doing the change. When I collected they made sure they showed me the bits they had replaced.

Labour is £60 per hr and they seem very friendly and accomodating. I know that someone from Star is a member on this site. If you can't find any links with a search - just google them

Recommended

 

[Daeths]

To me the main issue is using someone you trust and are happy leaving your car with. I also have an E320 cdi 2001 and I live West Kingsdown - about 15 mins from you guys.

I took mine to BlackC55 who did a great B service at a nice price. It was a jaunt which probably cost me £35 in diesel but the savings more than offset this cost and it was a nice jaunt out (and Olly's a nice bloke too !)

I plan going back when next service due despite half a dozen indies being nearer.

Dunno if this helps

 

[verytalldave]

To me the main issue is using someone you trust and are happy leaving your car with. I also have an E320 cdi 2001 and I live West Kingsdown - about 15 mins from you guys.

I took mine to BlackC55 who did a great B service at a nice price. It was a jaunt which probably cost me £35 in diesel but the savings more than offset this cost and it was a nice jaunt out (and Olly's a nice bloke too !)

I plan going back when next service due despite half a dozen indies being nearer.

Dunno if this helps

Actually it does - Thanks - because I was in 2 minds to do the very same thing. He is located near Portsmouth if my memory serves me correctly - and I know comes highly recommended from many others on this forum. Apparently he does it while you wait. I wouldn't want to have to do 2 round trips right down there!
However, I am also thinking about keeping my FMBSH intact, so I really dont know. I am still mulling it over. I have about 1000 miles to come to a decision, so there's no immediate rush.

BTW-----Matt.....I live on the newish hospital estate just along from the Crescent way shops towards the big railway arch - so not far at all.

 

[verytalldave]

Just been on the one up Rushmore hill's website. Looks tempting - and nice and close. Only downside is that it seems more inclined towards Beemers. I would truly prefer a 100% MB place.
What do think Matt?

 

[BlackC55]

Hello.

If you come down to me bring a warm coat. It's ****** freezing today!

 

[verytalldave]

Its probably only a degree or so warmer up here in NW Kent! Yesterday was real brass monkeys..............

BTW........as you are no doubt aware from reading this thread, my late 2004 W203 requires a B service in about !000 miles - or thereabouts depending. I am expected the front pads to need changing as the guy who did my first MOT marked it as something to do.
Any idea of what sort of costs we are looking at here?
If you prefer, you can contact me directly on my home email - verytalldave@hotmail.com .

Cheers...............