Best BMW Dealer in CPT

[Swiegie]

Howdy

I am looking for the best BMW dealer in Cape Town.

There is a couple of small irritations I want sorted out on my moms 2005 E46 318i BMW.(81 000km on the clock)

1. Slight noise from front suspension - Lower Control arm bushes replaced about 14 000km ago.
2. Rattling sound coming from engine, does not sound normal to me, but had it at two dealerships who states that nothing is wrong.
3. Wheel alignment must be done as steering wheel is slightly off-centre.
4. Shocks might need replacing as car feels a bit bumpy and loose when travelling at higher speeds on a less than perfect road.
5. Clunking sound coming from rear when engaging reverse and changing in lower gears - Dealership has checked diff bushes.


I have heard that Donford BMW in Stellenbosch is the place to go to!!

Please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Sith]

Hey there. Think it's a pretty personal decision. I have been using Auto Atlantic for many years and am very happy with the service they have given me. Then again, I have heard of others who have not been happy. If your mom's car is off Plan, also consider a non-franchised BMW specialist. There are some good ones out there that are not only cheaper then a main dealer, but often provide a more "personal" service. Call a few, get a "feel", and go with your gut. Hope that helps

 

[Philip Foglar]

Not to hijack your thread, but also looking for good places to take my Wife's E46 for work to be done etc. I was looking through the "3 Series Things to look out for" thread and I see than in Cape Town area Precision Wheel Alignment in Parow is a good starting point for suspension issues - going to see if I can take the car through to them later today or sometime this week.

Any other recommended places for other work? Saw on the gum there is also a local company that can replace the window mechanisms for reasonable money (new items) - both front windows need to be done.

 

[ZED1]

I've been a year with SMG at canal walk, and for post motor plan customer and car service they are great. I've done my servicing there including braking sytem and power pump replacement. No issues and very pleasent experience. The only draw back is that for post motor plan cars, your paying cash for that kind of service.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Actually had a flyer placed on my car from SMG when looking at this E46 - might use them for services if their prices are that much better than the agents...

 

[Roundal]

SMG is a BMW agent.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Oh, I always thought they were a completely independent company. :thinking:

---

Also, where best to take the car to have the codes (diagnostics) read, what should one expect to pay?

 

[Bayn46]

I've taken my car to Bruce's Spares in Kenilworth twice now. They have pretty decent pricing and deal specifically with BMWs. I've been happy with their work and turnaround time and I think they are accredited with BMW :dunno:

They also have a spares shop next to the work shop that sells original BMW parts along with the "generic" stuff so you have options.

 

[Philip Foglar]

I've heard of Bruce's Spares, will keep them in mind - have arranged to take the car to the place in Parow to have the suspension looked at. On your sig pic, those were the wheels I was trying to get for my Wife, but obviously was sold quicker than I could get hold of the guy! But my Wife has her heart set on another set of 17" wheels that are available and do actually look good too!

 

[Mufasa]

Stay away from Auric BMW dealer in Claremont,they just got laties there that just no how to change spark plugs!

 

[Bayn46]

I've heard of Bruce's Spares, will keep them in mind - have arranged to take the car to the place in Parow to have the suspension looked at. On your sig pic, those were the wheels I was trying to get for my Wife, but obviously was sold quicker than I could get hold of the guy! But my Wife has her heart set on another set of 17" wheels that are available and do actually look good too!

I love those wheels, came with it when I bought it, nice clean design! Here's a link if you want the part number: 17" Alloys.
I don't see this design to often, might not be looking hard enough :dunno:
Saw some original BMW rims in the parts section of Bruce's so might be worth giving them a call for a quote.

 

[Philip Foglar]

I love those wheels, came with it when I bought it, nice clean design! Here's a link if you want the part number: 17" Alloys.
I don't see this design to often, might not be looking hard enough :dunno:
Saw some original BMW rims in the parts section of Bruce's so might be worth giving them a call for a quote.

Yep, those Style 119's are awesome! Saw them on a black 330i! :drool:
Such a pity I missed out on a set with tyres that was advertised on gum - but my Wife seems to like the Style 47 which is also a 17" wheel that I have managed to find.

 

[Bayn46]

I love those wheels, came with it when I bought it, nice clean design! Here's a link if you want the part number: 17" Alloys.
I don't see this design to often, might not be looking hard enough :dunno:
Saw some original BMW rims in the parts section of Bruce's so might be worth giving them a call for a quote.

Yep, those Style 119's are awesome! Saw them on a black 330i! :drool:
Such a pity I missed out on a set with tyres that was advertised on gum - but my Wife seems to like the Style 47 which is also a 17" wheel that I have managed to find.

Nice, those will look really good on the e46

 

[Philip Foglar]

I actually saw a pic of a board member's 330i which is otherwise identical in appearance to my Wife's 320i, and those Style 47 transforms the look of the car! So hopefully can get these wheels soon!

 

[whattingh]

i have not had much dealing for Donford so far but so far it was good. I have not yet heard anything bad from donford.

 

[freerider]

They are all much of a muchness and I feel that at the end of the day it comes down to personal choice and how you interact with said service manager etc that will determine how your service and work items are carried out.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Well, a thumbs up for Precision Wheel Alignment in Parow - I get the impression that they know the E46's quite well. And I reckon R1500 for replacing and fitting the front lower control bushes is quite reasonable and this includes alignment of course...