Can anyone recommend a repair shop in the Charlotte, NC area? I am looking to upgrade my brakes and am searching for a quality and affordable repair shop in the area.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

 

Not in Charlotte, but in Thomasville NC, Grassroots Garage Dan Zip is our mechanic of choice, very good, reasonable on prices and very knowledgeable of the Mini. Going up there this wednesday to get some work done on the Mini. Luke, Prez, m2c2.org

 

I have a friend whose a mechanic over at Lexus - he's ASC certified and works on all kinds of cars. Mostly imports.

 

I use touring car. They are just outside of 485. It's a BMW shop that has seen a lot of my car. That's where i put on my exhaust, big brakes, countless oil changes and more tire mounting than i'd car to talk about.

http://www.touringcarinc.com/home.htm

they also do free track inspections if your a member of the BMW club.

 

Chris, what are you planning on doing to upgrade your brakes anyway?

 

a) I'm a Dan zealot, getting the pulley/etc on 3/12

b) From what I've read/heard, the stock brakes are pretty stout, have you done all the other standard mod's first?

BTW, welcome and you can see why they call me MidnightDave...

 

Thanks for the info. I need new brakes and have decided that for the cost of a dealer repair of the stock brakes, I can get an aftermarket set. I just dont think I am brave enough to tackle them myself. What do you suggest? I have the stock 17" S-Lites.

 

The stock brakes have been fine but now they need to be replaced(35000 miles). I need new brakes and have decided that for the cost of a dealer repair of the stock brakes, I can get an aftermarket set. I just dont think I am brave enough to tackle them myself. What do you suggest?

 

I'm guessing that means your out of warranty. I got numerous sets of pads and rotors done under warranty. I'd be happy to help you do it. I can show you how so you can do the next one yourself. If that's the case i'd recomend factory pads from the dealership or very similar from tirerack. You should get new rotors too. you can get by without them but the car feels new again when you replace both and that's the way the dealership does it under warranty and when you're paying for it. parts should be around $300.

 

Yes I am out of warranty. And i have let the brakes go long enough that I would definately replace the rotors just to be safe. The dealer stated about $500 per axle to replace the pads and rotors per MINI specs. I have shopped around and found some sets of front and rear rotors,pads and brake lines for around $500. They would be slotted/drilled rotors, GreenStuff pads and stainless steel lines. I just figured that for the cost of having the dealer do 1 axle, I could get the parts to do both. I would just have to do the work myself or find someone to do it reasonably. I would appreciate your help when I finally get the parts together. Thanks for your support.

Chris

 

I think that's way to much on parts. I'd stick with solid rotors and OEM pads. Unless your tracking the car no need to upgrade. Lets just get the pads and rotors done first then we'll head out to the car shop one wed. night and do the lines. it's much easier on the lift. On wednesdays I hang out at the car shop and if you're a good customer they'll let you work on your car. I looked at tirerack and couldn't find any OEM rear pads. Check the price at the dealer for front and rears and i can check at the shop.

 

Thanks for all your input. The parts are not in my budget just yet. As soon as I am able to get all of the parts together, I will get in touch.

Thanks again.

Chris

 

Why wait until you get the parts.. come motor with us.. we are always looking for new vic.. er I mean members

 

Thanks! I will keep checking the boards for any events in my area. Hope to see you soon.

Chris

 

Chris, I keep an assortment of MINI brake parts in stock, $500 per axle is ridiculous. Please give me shout, at the least, I'll give you some ideas.

Cheers,
--Dan