Independent shop recommendation in Atlanta, GA?

[JP89e24]

I'm planning on picking up a '98 M3 sedan at the end of the month in Atlanta, GA. The car is in excellent condition inside and out, and the current owner recently had it serviced at the dealer. This included a full cooling system overhaul as well as some fluid flushes and other minor fixes.

Overall, it seems like a very nice M car with average (102k) miles for the year that's nearly stock with a tasteful color combo (Cosmos Black/Black) and nice options (heated manual seats, high-end German sound system, LTW wheels). However, I'd like to have an independent shop do a through pre-purchase inspection on it to ensure that I'm not about to buy a looming disaster. Would any of you Georgians be kind enough to recommend a good indie shop in Atlanta where I could take the car for a solid PPI?? I've searched long and hard over the past two months for a nice car that fits my budget, and I'm certainly willing to shell out $100-200 for a tech to give me the lowdown on my new ride.

Thanks!

[DuffeeM3]

Hey man, im from braselton...north of atl, but i know of a few good shops
up here that do AMAZING work and are VERY reliable

Strictly German- on hwy 53 off of I-85
7066549103 - Bobby (owner) talk to terry or dave

Autohaus of Gainesville - off atlanta hwy in gainesville
6784503282 -Mike (owner)

if you do go to either shop
tell them Chris Duffee sent ya, they might give ya a break on the price

[BimmerDawg]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=900000

[JP89e24]

Thanks to both of you.

BimmerDawg, any preference towards either Auto Europe, Bavarian Imports or RWL?? The car and its owner are in the city of Atlanta and I'd like to minimize the drive and the hassle.

[CDM5GO]

If they are down in the city RWL is the place for you. See Brendan

If they are on the northside of town the local forum sponsor is
known to do a ppi or two.

[BimmerDawg]

Thanks to both of you.

BimmerDawg, any preference towards either Auto Europe, Bavarian Imports or RWL?? The car and its owner are in the city of Atlanta and I'd like to minimize the drive and the hassle.

NP. See below.

If they are on the northside of town the local forum sponsor is
known to do a ppi or two.

This guy. I give him hell quite often for not tooting his own horn and he kind of did here, so go see David.

[s14realm3]

Atlanta is very sectional, north, south, east, west, midtown.... find out where the m3 is and look at the top of the georgia section, there is a locked thread on indy shops you can read about what they do and what part of Atlanta each shop is in. Of course most of us here will take your m3 and thrash it around for you on your gas.

[MSHii]

If the car is on the east side of the city or in one of the outlying cities in the metro area (Decatur, Tucker, Avondale, Stone Mountain, Snellville, etc.), I'd suggest Franz Blam Racing.

If it's downtown, RWL. Northside, Harrison Motorsports.

[M3Alpine99]

Definitely Brendan @ RWL if you are downtown!

[FFWD]

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm also considering a car that's in Atlanta. So which shop is best for a PPI regardless of distance, and do dealerships have any advantages because of their equipment? I figure if I'm going to take a few days off work to fly 1000 miles to see the car, asking the seller to drive a few extra miles to the best shop shouldn't be too much to ask. Thanks!

[MSHii]

FFWD: Although you contend that distance isn't an issue, "Atlanta" is a really spread out place that usually consists of other, outlying cities that are grouped into the Metro area. This is why you see most of the posters above (including myself) recommending cars based on their location. In order to answer your question best, let us know what iteration and model (ie. e36 M3, e24 633csi, e3 3.0csi, etc.) you're considering and what zip code the car is in. From there we can help you best. Otherwise, choose from the shops listed above, call two or three of them, and make a decision based on your gut feeling.

Good luck!

[993]

Another recommendation for Brendan at RWL!

[e30matt89]

a lot of independent shops have the same scan tools as the dealer just call them and ask

[s car]

I recommend giving Alan a call at German Car Repair.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1290890

[united323is]

I recommend giving Alan a call at German Car Repair.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1290890

+1

And Harrison Motorsports.

[Draddy]

Also eurowerks in sandy springs is a good shop as well... where I had my PPI done.

[FFWD]

I'm considering an E46 M3 SMG. The owner travels regularly out of state, so that's another reason why I said distance is not a factor. I just want the car inspected by the best - I'd like someone who has experience with this model and transmission that can spot potential issues that someone else might not. Not someone who just relies on the scan tools to tell them it's "OK". I'm starting to lean towards Harrison based on my gut, but my gut has been disastrously wrong in the past. Thanks!

FFWD: Although you contend that distance isn't an issue, "Atlanta" is a really spread out place that usually consists of other, outlying cities that are grouped into the Metro area. This is why you see most of the posters above (including myself) recommending cars based on their location. In order to answer your question best, let us know what iteration and model (ie. e36 M3, e24 633csi, e3 3.0csi, etc.) you're considering and what zip code the car is in. From there we can help you best. Otherwise, choose from the shops listed above, call two or three of them, and make a decision based on your gut feeling.

Good luck!