John,
Just wanted to say Thank you for doing a fantastic job on my 2002 330i. A few thoughts while they are still fresh in my head:
Details Details
Champions and the best of each profession do two things well; the basics, and the details. As a fellow BMW enthusiast, I am very appreciative of the attention to detail you gave my car. I DID notice:
1) You must have tightened the steering feel somehow--the car tracks straight truer and the suspension feels firmer, like when I bought it.
2) That you washed AND armor-alled the tires (the dealers don't even do this--but enthusiasts notice cool wet looking tires) and steam cleaned the engine (again, shows your passion for these cars).
3) Didn't gouge me. Value means quality at a very good price. One without the other is a bad deal. As a type-A and demanding consumer, I'm not easily impressed. You are the only one I've ever met who had a good answer for every question that I had--we share a love for cars and BMWs in particular.
You have earned my trust for the rest of the miles for my car. I had been concerned about the high cost of maintenance of BMW vehicles from all the internet posts and dealer overcharging ($800+ to "inspect" the car, not including parts!), but I am very assured that at least I don't have to worry about finding an honest mechanic. The only sad part is that the way BMW design is going these days, this might be my one and only BMW (the current 3 and 5 series have an undeniable solid, muscular prescence about them which I find missing in the new designs--too much going on).
Meanwhile, the love affair continues with my Orient blue SP--the late night drives alone on twisty two lane roads, the look back as I walk away from it in the parking lot, telling my wife "I miss my car" when I don't drive it for a few days. Not too many cars can do this to you, huh? (I actually do something redeeming in my life--I'm an eye doctor). Thanks again for making the "experience" roll on!
Santi Smithsuvan
PS-I'm serious about photographing your cars/shop/you. I'm an "advanced" amateur who would love to volunteer my time to learn on this very favorite topic of BMW cars. Your website could use some updating--why pay someone when it will be fun to work on it together! I'll take some pics of my car and show you to get ideas. Your business is going great so if your site brings in more customers great, but I would love to photograph BMWs for the same reason you are into them-- passion.