BMW Mechanic in Chicago

[hnichols]

Does anyone know of a good -- reasonable, honest -- mechanic in the Chicagoland area who works on old BMW's?

I'm contemplating getting a 2002 and identifying a good mechanic seems a good place to start.

Also -- any advice about maintaining an '02 in a snow state? I'm trying to convince myself that having one here is worth it. ...

Thanks!

HughN

[tjones02]

I have heard that The Werk Shop does service work as well as their restorations....

http://www.thewerkshop.net/serviceCenter/

I believe that Filippo Morelli and Ben Thongsai are based out of Chicago.

http://www.bimmers.com/02/

Also look here, here, and here, and call around for an '02 specialist...

http://www.bimrs.org/2008MapPage.html

http://www.bimmershops.com/

http://www.bmwshops.com/

HTH

[tiitouring02]

Definitely Ben Thongsai for mechanical work. He's down in Westchester. Don and the Werk Shop crew certainly will do maintenance, but are more a resto shop.

[tjones02]

Please post an update when you find a shop you are happy with so that others may find this thread in a future search.

THX

[Mike_B]

Another vote for Ben.

[74AlpinaTii]

The Werk Shop in Lake Bluff will definately handle maintenance. Last time I was there about a year ago, they had acquired a second building in the same location and have the original building designated specifically for maintenance. Before I moved out of state, I had a e9 coupe restored there and after the restoration, they performed the regular repairs

[kamo]

Master Ben,

We here in the Chicagoland area are very blessed indeed to have him take care of our 02s. No one else touches my car but him. and he's a cool guy too.

[Guest Anonymous]

Following up on tjones's suggestion, here's my update for future reference. I've brought the car to both Ben Thongsai (several rel. minor repair) and the Werkshop (door seals). Based on my experience admittedly, only 1 visit to ea.), I'd say that Ben is the ideal mechanic: incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and very reasonable. He's also willing to talk about your car, so you learn something -- a big plus.

I hate to say it, but I was disappointed with the Wekshop. The owners are very friendly and professional, and they have a great facility: seeing all the classic BMW's there is almost the price of admission. But I think they are more geared to well-healed customers with investment cars. Fine work, but absolutely top dollar.

I also had them do a "post-purchase" inspection where I received some questionable recommendations. For example, I was told replacing engine and transmission mounts would require dropping the transmission for an extra $500. They also recommended that I replace the front calipers when all I really needed were fresh brake pads. I was also told that my '76 had the "wrong" cylinder head taken from an E21, but I believe that is the head it came out of the factory with.

[Guest Anonymous]

Following up on tjones's suggestion, here's my update for future reference. I've brought the car to both Ben Thongsai (several rel. minor repair) and the Werkshop (door seals). Based on my experience admittedly, only 1 visit to ea.), I'd say that Ben is the ideal mechanic: incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and very reasonable. He's also willing to talk about your car, so you learn something -- a big plus.

I hate to say it, but I was disappointed with the Wekshop. The owners are very friendly and professional, and they have a great facility: seeing all the classic BMW's there is almost the price of admission. But I think they are more geared to well-healed customers with investment cars. Fine work, but absolutely top dollar.

I also had them do a "post-purchase" inspection where I received some questionable recommendations. For example, I was told replacing engine and transmission mounts would require dropping the transmission for an extra $500. They also recommended that I replace the front calipers when all I really needed were fresh brake pads. I was also told that my '76 had the "wrong" cylinder head taken from an E21, but I believe that is the head it came out of the factory with.

[Guest Anonymous]

Following up on tjones's suggestion, here's my update for future reference. I've brought the car to both Ben Thongsai (several rel. minor repair) and the Werkshop (door seals). Based on my experience admittedly, only 1 visit to ea.), I'd say that Ben is the ideal mechanic: incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and very reasonable. He's also willing to talk about your car, so you learn something -- a big plus.

I hate to say it, but I was disappointed with the Wekshop. The owners are very friendly and professional, and they have a great facility: seeing all the classic BMW's there is almost the price of admission. But I think they are more geared to well-healed customers with investment cars. Fine work, but absolutely top dollar.

I also had them do a "post-purchase" inspection where I received some questionable recommendations. For example, I was told replacing engine and transmission mounts would require dropping the transmission for an extra $500. They also recommended that I replace the front calipers when all I really needed were fresh brake pads. I was also told that my '76 had the "wrong" cylinder head taken from an E21, but I believe that is the head it came out of the factory with.