any experience w/ Motorspeed West in San Jose? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

2km5 · 26th April 2006, 00:59

I was able to install the Rogue shifter a while back, but for the life of me, I couldn't get that second clip for the selector rod. After multiple trys on my driveway, I'd thought I'd look into a place to get it done. Most places don't want to try or want me to come in to see if they can do it.

I've been to The Driving Machine in Cupertino, when i got all the fluids changed in the beast. I was pleased with their overall service, but i've been waiting for them to get back to me on an install quote for the selector rod and tranny mounts. It's been over 2 months of calling and everytime they say they'll get back to me, and it's always the same guy. Anyways, they lost their shot, so I found a place in San Jose called Motorspeed West.

I went by Motorspeed West to talk with the owner and he seems to know everything about the car. They never installed a Rogue shift kit, but have a lot of experience with UUC. He was actually really impressed with the Rogue design and said he can put the selector rod, tranny mounts, and change the shifter seal for $90. sound decent?

anybody have experience with them before?

I'll let you know how it goes. The shop doesn't look as great (new) as The Driving Machine, but the guys seem to know their stuff and will do it for a reasonable price.

UltFamCar · 26th April 2006, 01:42

Have you checked out these guys www.gms.cc? I have been taking my E34 M5 and wife's E39 528iT for the last couple years and have been very happy with their price, knowledge and service. I am about to have Inspection I, brake job, and UUC SSK+DSSR done shortly on my M5. They quoted me about 1.5 hours labor on the SSK install. They also have no problems with customers buying their own parts and they just charge you for labor (which is what I have always done). Ask for Brian or the owner Saied.....both very knowledgeable guys.

Regards,
Charles

ard · 26th April 2006, 02:05

Very reasonable, this is a no-brainer install that any competent mechanic CAN do. It should take 30 minutes with a lift, so give it a go.

Remind him that the tranny mounts should be tightened with the tranny not supported, and not over tightened.

The second clip on the selector rod WAS a bear- I had to wear leather gloves and flip myself around to find the position where the geometry of arm-hand-access allowed be to generate enough force to snap it home. With a lift it'd be easy.

A

2km5 · 26th April 2006, 03:10

charles: I gave them a call after running a search on google a couple days ago. They toldme about 1.5 hours to install cause they have to move the driveshaft and drop the exhaust a bit to make some room. It's about the same time that Motorspeed West quoted, but GMS said $200 for the labor. I found it to be a little too much and a lot farther away.

Motorspeed West is about a mile from my work, so it's a bit more convenient.

A: That second clip was just pissing me off. I've been toying with cars since I was 16 (removing and installing engine, transmissiond, lift kits, etc), so having a little C-Clip stopping me from installing the selector rod was pushing me to the edge. I'm sure I could've squeezed up there more and finished the install, but I don't like working on my new driveway, since it's got about a 30 degree angle to it and the car just looked a little too funky on the jackstands. I'd rather just pay the $$ and have a shop do it without any risk of getting crushed. i'm an attorney now, so i've got to save my own *** every once in awhile..

hhehehehehe.

thanks for the advice.

2km5 · 26th April 2006, 03:11

charles: you wouldn't have been driving south on Almaden Expwy a couple days ago? I was cruising behind a nice black/black e34 m5.

UltFamCar · 26th April 2006, 03:29

Hmmmm.....don't think it was me, wasn't on that side of town. Mine has a Dinan badge

Here's a nice pic after a recent Zaino detail. But I was on the 280 between SF and Cupertino this past Sunday with the family going WOT after reading the whole carbon buildup thread in the E39 forum

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2km5

charles: you wouldn't have been driving south on Almaden Expwy a couple days ago? I was cruising behind a nice black/black e34 m5.

bgregg · 26th April 2006, 06:08

I've used Motorspeed West and Bavarian Motorsport. Both are good independents. As you say, the shop doesn't have the new look and feel, but they have steady customers. I like Bavarian Motorsport (Ramon LeFrancois) in Milpitas too, because he is quite active in BMWCCA events and can be seen at the track.

Both shops have seen my 540i and M5 and done mods for me. Also, Dinan in Mountain View. So you have lots of options in the South Bay.

-Bill

khiroshima · 26th April 2006, 18:59

I've got three buddies who swear by Motorspeed. I have yet to use them as I am still under the factory's dime, but as soon as that is over (October this year), I will be going to Motorspeed as well-- Kevin

BTW, I could have SWORN I have seen you around town (nice car BTW), I don't think we live too far from each other, but it's usually on the weekend and we are in an MDX . . .

palantirion · 26th April 2006, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2km5

I was able to install the Rogue shifter a while back, but for the life of me, I couldn't get that second clip for the selector rod. After multiple trys on my driveway, I'd thought I'd look into a place to get it done. Most places don't want to try or want me to come in to see if they can do it.

I've been to The Driving Machine in Cupertino, when i got all the fluids changed in the beast. I was pleased with their overall service, but i've been waiting for them to get back to me on an install quote for the selector rod and tranny mounts. It's been over 2 months of calling and everytime they say they'll get back to me, and it's always the same guy. Anyways, they lost their shot, so I found a place in San Jose called Motorspeed West.

I went by Motorspeed West to talk with the owner and he seems to know everything about the car. They never installed a Rogue shift kit, but have a lot of experience with UUC. He was actually really impressed with the Rogue design and said he can put the selector rod, tranny mounts, and change the shifter seal for $90. sound decent?

anybody have experience with them before?

I'll let you know how it goes. The shop doesn't look as great (new) as The Driving Machine, but the guys seem to know their stuff and will do it for a reasonable price.

-You might call Chris at BMS and ask him if he knows Motorspeed West. I'd trust him as a reference. 714-429-0257