[raptor_f22]

*NB: If this post belongs elsewhere on the site please let me know*

Hi all,

It can be difficult especially for new BMW owners such as myself to know where to turn for servicing, repairs etc when looking for an indy specialist nearby. As well as what the costs *might* be.

Today I gave my car in to Leigh at LB Automotive and thought it would be helpful to anyone living locally if I left a review of the work done and my experience.

I should point out that a lot of guys on forums mention Chris Plummer in this area and I did use Chris last time when I had a seized rear caliper. Thought I'd try someone else this time.

The car
330d M Sport Auto Coupe

Work carried out
MOT, replacement of rear brake discs and pads and handbrake shoes

Background
I knew the rear discs were wearing thin and after a rear caliper was fixed by CP, I needed to replace the pads too. Through google I kept stumbling across Leigh's website, however not much info coming up on the forums and the website doesn't give much away either (not unusual though I suppose).

I decided to give Leigh a call - good idea - and found that unlike the majority of indy's I'd contacted, he was actually willing to discuss what the problem was. Advice offered without pushing his services down my throat and was generally a great guy to talk to about a number of questions I had.

A couple of weeks later, I asked for a quote to be emailed to me so I knew what the damage would be and decided to get the MOT done at the same time. The quote was in my humble opinion, really quite reasonable!

It's not a cheap car to service and replace parts on. Yes, when you add it up you can source the parts yourself cheaper (what I used to do on my other cars) but I don't have a workshop or mechanic best mate, and with a powerful car like this I wouldn't take it to a non-BMW indy. So the quote was in line with what I expected I guess. I asked for ATE brakes & pads.
When giving me the quote, Leigh mentioned the handbrake shoes might need replacing...a strange prediction which came true in the end. He also gave a ballpark figure for that too.

Service provided
At the time of booking, we'd agreed an early start time of 07:30 and a replacement car for me to totter around in (Mini cooper) whilst my car was being put through it's paces. I was also made aware that a nearby garage would carry out the MOT.

Punctuality, timing and sticking to your word is v.important to me so I was pleased that despite me arriving early, Leigh was welcoming, ready and the Mini was waiting for me to drive away in

He had a few other cars he was working on and I wasn't in a rush so wasn't expecting the car back until the end of the day.

Got a text at 12.30 to say the car was ready for me to collect

No problems heading back in the Mini and arrived at 12.50 to pick up the car. Leigh had the old parts outside, which I stopped to look at and breathed a sigh of relief that I'd booked the car in when i did - apparently the brake shoes were cracked in some places.






Another thing important to me as an ex-detailer is getting my car back clean and damage free - another tick in the box there, no problems!

Not sure which brand the discs are but Leigh installed Brembo pads in the end as there was an issue with the ATE's. Again good to know he has the latest info on the parts.

Car had been driven around to bed the brakes in - maybe 20 miles or so? Not reviewed the dash cam footage yet.

I was told there was juddering when braking at high speed - confirmed what I already suspected that the front discs would need replacing at some point.

Then paid up - card payments accepted and no surcharge for using a credit card

The final price was in-line with the quote with no nasty surprises.



After I paid, off I drove and for now everything feels perfect

Overall impression
As an Engineer, typically I'm used to and enjoy watching my car being worked on. Not possible in this instance but it still felt like the car was in safe hands.

Good communication, sticks to his word, no up-sell techniques or scare mongering, punctual and friendly. Would recommend to others!

Over to you
If anything stands out to you about my review e.g. price, level of service etc do leave a comment below!

[mjn77]

I bought original rear pads for cheaper £44 and paid ~half (£24) what you did for my MOT in Sept.

£45 is full price for MOT.

[raptor_f22]

Originally Posted by mjn77

I bought original rear pads for cheaper £44 and paid ~half (£24) what you did for my MOT in Sept.

£45 is full price for MOT.

That's interesting - where in Hampshire / Surrey did you get this done? What was the mechanic/garage like? Will keep in mind for when I get the front discs and pads changed