[Jeef]

Originally Posted by Ch3ss

lol waiting on the cable from smares then will try to figure out how to code.

What are you trying to learn?

Anyone in San Diego think we need better modification Shops?

[Jeef]

Originally Posted by smares21

There's plenty of good shops in SD. People in SD just aren't willing to pay for the good stuff. HG motorsports is great, as is TAG.

Yes those are good but aren't they only performance part shops? Are they reasonable with their labor pricing?

Do they do custom body work?

I was thinking like a good all in one shop.

[HTran]

Originally Posted by Jeef

Yes those are good but aren't they only performance part shops? Are they reasonable with their labor pricing?

Do they do custom body work?

I was thinking like a good all in one shop.

It's tough to find a specific BMW shop in SD. The prices arent as competitive as the LA/OC area. Since i've moved down here, I had to resort to drive all the way to el monte or anaheim to LTMW, EAS, Platteform A.G. etc.

Just make the drive. It's worth it.

[Jeef]

Originally Posted by HTran

It's tough to find a specific BMW shop in SD. The prices arent as competitive as the LA/OC area. Since i've moved down here, I had to resort to drive all the way to el monte or anaheim to LTMW, EAS, Platteform A.G. etc.

Just make the drive. It's worth it.

I already do make the drive to LTMW. It would be more convenient to have a shop like them down here in SD. Can't always find the time to make the drive up there and get a rental.

[HTran]

Originally Posted by Jeef

I already do make the drive to LTMW. It would be more convenient to have a shop like them down here in SD. Can't always find the time to make the drive up there and get a rental.

I agree with you on the inconveniences. If you find a reputable shop for bimmers, let me know!

[Augster]

Originally Posted by Jeef

Anyone in San Diego think we need better modification Shops?

Originally Posted by smares21

There's plenty of good shops in SD. People in SD just aren't willing to pay for the good stuff. HG motorsports is great, as is TAG.

Originally Posted by Jeef

Yes those are good but aren't they only performance part shops? Are they reasonable with their labor pricing?

Do they do custom body work?

I was thinking like a good all in one shop.

Originally Posted by HTran

It's tough to find a specific BMW shop in SD. The prices arent as competitive as the LA/OC area. Since i've moved down here, I had to resort to drive all the way to el monte or anaheim to LTMW, EAS, Platteform A.G. etc.

Just make the drive. It's worth it.

Originally Posted by Jeef

I already do make the drive to LTMW. It would be more convenient to have a shop like them down here in SD. Can't always find the time to make the drive up there and get a rental.

Originally Posted by HTran

I agree with you on the inconveniences. If you find a reputable shop for bimmers, let me know!

So what exactly is the type of shop you are all asking about? All around mechanical repair, coding, body and paint? Performance "mod" shop? All of the above?

When I first got my E46, I brought it in to Bimmerspeed for general repair and Ryan (if I recall his name correctly) did a good job and prices were reasonable (though his shop is pretty small and it seems like he's the only one working there). But as I learned more about the E46, the fantastic resources here and other forums, and then got into coding, first with BMW Scanner v1.4.0 and ODB-II/USB cable, then with INPA/NCS Expert with DCAN/USB cable for my E90, I never again had the real need for the services of a third party BMW shop.

[Jeef]

Originally Posted by smares21

HG does parts, service, fabrication. For paint/body, your best bet is Chapperone's in KM, or Amato's in Sorrento Valley. Amato's and HG are literally 1000 yards away from eachother.

I actually use to take my car to Chapparone, then something happened. overall Quality work but high priced.

[ucosta]

It's been a while since I've checked in. I hope everyone is alright. Works keeps me busy but had some time to make this video about my ride. I call it 3D - Dyno, drift, and drag. Enjoy

[DesertSmokeBBQ]

Originally Posted by smares21

My point exactly, from above. There's great quality here. You have to pay to play, and everyone here is a cheapass. (sorry, just telling the honest truth).

It's not about being cheap IMHO, more that LA/OC areas have more options hence, competition which keeps everyone honest and prices competitive. HG and Tag do great work but at that price point, they SHOULD. Symbolic sells beautiful exotics but lack of competition means they get to set the market... Up North, there is enough competition to give buyers a choice and that make shops step it up, gotta provide a quality product at a competitive price or your customers might go elsewhere

[HTran]

Originally Posted by DesertSmokeBBQ

It's not about being cheap IMHO, more that LA/OC areas have more options hence, competition which keeps everyone honest and prices competitive. HG and Tag do great work but at that price point, they SHOULD. Symbolic sells beautiful exotics but lack of competition means they get to set the market... Up North, there is enough competition to give buyers a choice and that make shops step it up, gotta provide a quality product at a competitive price or your customers might go elsewhere

Right on point. I guess my layman's economic logic wasn't clear. Majority of the shops are of great quality, but when you get save to a few dollars for the opportunity cost to use it on other things, why not?

[bicoastalbmw]

Yo - I have a 2007 e90 silver rear deck lid with OEM tail lights. Deck lid has one small scratch on top. Pick-Up in SD. Message for more info and photos.

[Augster]

Originally Posted by smares21

For paint/body, your best bet is Chapperone's in KM, or Amato's in Sorrento Valley.

My cousin used to work for AJ USA and highly recommends them for "high-end" paint and body... but they are also uber expensive. So if money is no object...

[Augster]

Originally Posted by HTran

Right on point. I guess my layman's economic logic wasn't clear. Majority of the shops are of great quality, but when you get save to a few dollars for the opportunity cost to use it on other things, why not?

I agree with this point; most of us shop for the best deal whenever possible as any savings can be used for other purposes. It's not about being a "cheapass," but being careful with how we spend our finite, hard-earned money. Even my sister and her husband, both successful corporate tax attorneys, and my brother a successful surgeon for the past 20 years, are always looking for the best deals, whether it be airfares, car rentals, or automotive repair (now, my brother's wife trying to sneak her two small dogs on an airplane to avoid paying their airfare, THAT is being a "cheapass!" She got caught, by the way).

And this is what makes a (somewhat) free-market society successful: supply, demand, but more importantly, competition. More competition usually results in overall better "value" (higher quality, lower cost, more options, etc) for the money spent.

But I would always select higher quality over lower cost of lesser quality any day of the week, within reason.

[Jeef]

Originally Posted by smares21

My point exactly, from above. There's great quality here. You have to pay to play, and everyone here is a cheapass. (sorry, just telling the honest truth).

No. Like the price down in here in SD IMO is jacked up way too high. I'm willing to pay.

[GSEN820]

Moving down from LA the prices here in SD are a lot higher per say.....I have been lucky as to find shops that I trust to do certain work.....I met some really great people in SD that are willing to help me wrench with their help.....

One thing I have found in SD the more you go to the same places the better your discount gets....

[saiyolang]

Originally Posted by Jeef

You won't pass... Your going to have to pay someone to pass smog probably!

Thank you for the reply.
Do you know why? Is because of the 2nd cats are deleted.

[Ch3ss]

Originally Posted by Jeef

What are you trying to learn?

Anyone in San Diego think we need better modification Shops?

I just want to code some stuff like rolling windows up with the fob and folding mirrors in. stuff like that

[byoung8]

My wife and I spotted what looked like an M3 coupe with orange angel eyes that matched the rims on Sorrento Valley Blvd. My wife was on the phone and it still caught her attention so it must be working.

Anyone here?

[Jeef]

Smares any updates on the dyno? Excited! Haha

[new2the3]

Hey guys, where do you recommend I go to get new tires installed plus an alignment? Is discount tire good enough?

[rwalker]

Discount Tire is great for tires, but they don't do alignments. I use Performance Tire on Miramar for alignments.

[QuikSilvr]

Originally Posted by new2the3

Hey guys, where do you recommend I go to get new tires installed plus an alignment? Is discount tire good enough?

Discount is pretty good on tire prices, My buddy's shop (Hawthorne Tire & Wheel) up in Escondido gets some pretty good deals to.

As far as alignments go...I use Firestone Complete Auto Care in Santee off Mission Gorge Rd, its like $180 for lifetime alignments as long as you own your car. You don't have to go to that one store for alignments but that's the one I use.