I live in Burlington County (Exit 6 off of the TP). I am looking for a quality mechanic that can perform work on my MC. I am looking for someone that I can rely on to perform both the mundane maintenance work as well as some suspension and brake performance modifications (nothing fancy). I would prefer a mechanic that works on Minis and/or BMWs and NAM members have good experiences with. Can anyone recommend any mechanics in or near Burlington County? I am willing to drive up to 30-40 minutes to get to the shop. Thanks!

 

I would give Eric at Helix Minisport a call. check him out at www.helix13.com the end all and be all of mini knowlegde.

Motor ON!
Mike

 

Does Helix have a regular garage that works on MINIs? Do they install the performance parts they sell?

 

Installation is the main part of their business. They recently expanded the shop: 2 bays for service and a third for the dyno.

 

CHECK IT OUT HERE

http://www.helix13.com/html/shop/shop.php?h=m

He installs everything he sells, and if you talk to him i'm sure some hes doesn't


Motor ON!
Mike

 

I take my MINI to this place because they really know what they're doing:

http://www.bodymotion.com/

Thing is, it's in Eastern Monmouth County, which is a good 60 to 90 minute drive for you, depending on traffic conditions.

rock on,

-boognish

 

I go to Eric for everything, I'm past the maintainance and warranty. Get oil changes done, brake pads and rotors changed, sway bar, camber plates, exhaust, etc. Since I track my MINI regularly, I'm there a lot! Soon to get new front control arm bushings and a new belt tensioner assembly for my S.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I will probably go with Eric. I am past 36,000 miles so I think I am outside of the scheduled maintenance window. I will probably go with Eric at Helix to do the Oil Change and Brake Fluid flush, since the the owner's manual recommends that you flush the fluid every 2 years. I will probably go with an aftermarket fluid with higher boiling points, though i only autox and never track the car.

 

As a former Cooper owner - I would without question add my support for Eric and the Helix crew. I drive down from Somerset County to Philly to have him do the work on my 5 series...some say I am nuts, but he is a straight shooter, great guy and attentive to detail....

 

I'm near trenton NJ. I have an 04 s with about 110,000. I'm not looking to add any performance parts, I basically just want someone with experience to give the once over and ensure it's go another 100. Is Eric still the guy or is there someone closer with a good rep?

 

I've been using Dave at Autobahn in Lakewood NJ:

http://www.njautobahn.com/

He can handle anything on your MINI.

I like Eric at Helix too, but since they moved the shop is just too far away for me now.

 

I drive all the way from Manhattan to have my car serviced at Helix.

 

+1 for Dave at NJAUTOBAHN.

 

Anything in northern NJ closer to NYC, Bergen county, or even souther NY state (suffern or nyack area)?

 

Here's a link that may help. Being unfamiliar with your area, if you check out the New York and New Jersey listings there may be some independent shops close by. Good luck.

 

Try Frank at ECP Auto Service, 12 Somme St, Newark, NJ, 973-589-5871
Facebook: ECP Auto. Frank is a MINI Owner as well as the Shop Owner.

Frank specializes in European cars and owns the shop. I just had an oil change for under $65 (European Specs)

Frank did my one ball mod, plugged my tire, seasonal tire change, lower strut brace...

 

his website is pretty horrible but he is only 15 minutes from hoboken. perfect! Thanks!

 

One thing about Frank...He is very fair, honest, and passionate about making a car right...

I watched his brother and him put the black aero grills on his MINI...and he was slowly showing me the steps and telling me why he did certain things.

 

I am up for a mid year oil change. I will give him a call. Should I assume he has the mini spec'ed oil and filter or should I bring my own. I usually use royal purple for the oil changes I pay for.

Thanks!

 

Frank uses TOTAL Synthetic (European Spec'd) Oil and gets the MINI Oil Filter from a MINI Dealership. Franks does alot of BMW Oil Changes and they require the European Specs.

 

While my MINI Cooper has only about 15,000 miles on it I will, at some point, be looking for an non-dealership mechanic. Any recommendations for western NJ? I'm in Hunterdon County not too far from Frenchtown on the Delaware River. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Any recommendation for a trusted and knowledgeable R53 mechanic in Princeton, NJ area?