European car service & commercial van service & repairs require the right experience tools & parts. Its great to go to the dealers for the first service but after that it becomes very expensive, with inexperienced young and cheap labour at a premium price tag. At regular intervals logbook service comes in under $300 with us, or if spark plugs, diesel fuel filters, air filters, cabin AC filters the cost can rise to $500 but no where near crazy dealer prices.
Most European cars require brake pads & disc rotors around the 30000km mark. This is the time you want to have a trusted independent mechanic in Sydney that uses either genuine or OEM parts. With most newer models featuring an electric handbrake the correct diagnostic equipment and latest software is required to wind back the rear brake caliper pistons as they act as a electric handbrake as well as the regular rear brakes.
At our Rosebery workshop we have the experience tools, diagnostic equipment, specific oils & filters and suppliers to make sure the job is done right the first time. We offer affordable European car service, repairs & maintenance. From BMW mechanical repairs, Audi & Volkswagen service. If you’re searching for a Mercedes mechanic in Sydney, Skoda, Ford, GM, Alfa Romeo mechanical repairs, Fiat & Peugeot service, or if you are looking for a Volvo service in Sydney, we have the skills, patience & experience to do the job right and at a great price.
Keep your new car warranty with OEM parts, the correct oils as per manufacturer specification for logbook services. We also have the latest software to diagnose & programme all European makes & models. Including Ford service from Europe, GM, Volvo, the now defunct but dearly loved (by the owners) Saab. We take the time to do the job right. We get the small stuff right, the things not mentioned or charged for. Like tightening suspension, resetting computers, re adapting parameters, always included in the normal major or minor car service price.
European car service & commercial van service & repairs require the right experience tools & parts. Its great to go to the dealers for the first service but after that it becomes very expensive, with inexperienced young and cheap labour at a premium price tag. At regular intervals logbook service comes in under $300 with us, or if spark plugs, diesel fuel filters, air filters, cabin AC filters the cost can rise to $500 but no where near crazy dealer prices.
Most European cars require brake pads & disc rotors around the 30000km mark. This is the time you want to have a trusted independent mechanic in Sydney that uses either genuine or OEM parts. With most newer models featuring an electric handbrake the correct diagnostic equipment and latest software is required to wind back the rear brake caliper pistons as they act as a electric handbrake as well as the regular rear brakes.
At our Rosebery workshop we have the experience tools, diagnostic equipment, specific oils & filters and suppliers to make sure the job is done right the first time. We offer affordable European car service, repairs & maintenance. From BMW mechanical repairs, Audi & Volkswagen service. If you’re searching for a Mercedes service from a specialist in Sydney, or if you are looking for a Volvo service in Sydney, we have the skills, patience & experience to do the job right and at a great price.
Keep your new car warranty with OEM parts, the correct oils as per manufacturer specification for logbook services. We also have the latest software to diagnose & programme all European makes & models. Including Ford service from Europe, GM, Volvo, the now defunct but dearly loved (by the owners) Saab. We take the time to do the job right. We get the small stuff right, the things not mentioned or charged for. Like tightening suspension, resetting computers, re adapting parameters, always included in the normal major or minor car service price.
BMW
BMW cars have always been sporty to drive with free revving engines & sharp steering and suspension. There is no argument that BMW are the favourite amongst performance enthusiasts with the famous M series cars evolving until today into pure driving weapons! They also come with inherent cooling system overheating issues. This is caused by coolant leaks, water pump turbine failure, radiator fan module failure or malfunction, thermostat failure, and fatigue in plastic connectors and cracked radiator tanks.
From the E30 E36 E46 E90 to F22 and 135, 330, & M3 they are evolved from one another and seem to all be drivers cars, petrol or diesel all BMW cars are performance oriented.
The engines are very durable and can sustain a overheat event if brief. The important factor here is to quickly pull over and switch engine off. Of course preventative maintenance during service intervals helps! BMW cars also suffer from misfires usually due to ignition coil pack failure, VANOS valve timing failures, and oil leaks from the oil filter base and rocker cover gaskets.
Beware of lowered suspension on modified vehicles as this causes major wear on suspension bushings front and rear. BMW also all suffer from heavy rear tyre wear on the inside of wheel. This is normal and inherent to the independent rear multi link suspension.
Focused purely on cars ( and motorcycles) we find BMW to be the most reliable of the European manufacturers. ( BMW 320 X3 120 Diesel broken timing chain fiasco excluded!) We perform all logbook and service major or minor on BMW cars.
MERCEDES BENZ
Mercedes Benz cars have always offered the comfort and traditional feel when driving. Newer models are sharper and sportier and have changed significantly from the early 2000’s models. Just look at the current A45 & C63 for example! We perform Mercedes logbook service and repairs with the experience and care required. The ASSYST service programme is well worth following to ensure reliability, with each variant differing in spark plug replacement, automatic transmission oil replacement, differential oil replacement and filter intervals.
Despite initial suspension smoothness & reliability many Mercedes models develop suspension knocks from lower ball joints and control arms. Oil leaks are usually a result of neglected service early on and are apparent from crankshaft seals, timing case seals, oil cooler seals, & transmission hose coolers and o-rings. The M Class have improved in reliability but still have inherent issues in the diesel variant when driven on short trips around town.
E Class S Class and older 203 chassis also suffer power steering leaks, sensor failures and poor drive ability from failed ignition coil packs, with hesitation and limp home mode is the outcome. Overall Mercedes cars and vans such as the Sprinter & Vito are reliable but only when strictly serviced with a keen eye for developing problems.
For example once engine oil leaks are moderate they begin to attack the rubbers on power steering racks, suspension, vacuum lines and even engine electrical harnesses. Some models suffer from window regulator failures and door lock failures such as the door not opening at all. We believe this is more common on doors that are slammed shut as they are so heavy.
AUDI VOLKSWAGEN SKODA
The increased popularity of these vehicles has brought them to the second most popular vehicles in the world. Many offer great reliability when serviced in accordance with recommended intervals, and unfortunately many do not. We Perform Skoda Audi & Volkswagen service major & minor. Logbook service and repairs like water pumps, radiators, brake pad and disc rotor changes, diagnostics for check engine lights, poor running, suspension noises, lack of power and transmission issues
Reliability issues result in high repair costs at the dealer. Just under Toyota in the worlds most popular cars stakes, they come in a myriad of petrol and diesel models, with superchargers, turbos, direct injection, TDI, TSI, TFSI, V configurations, V5, W configurations, the combinations of engine types are endless. With commercial models such as the venerable VW Caddy, Amarok Ute, Transporter & Crafter van also gaining popularity Toyota better come up with some more models or VAG is gonna take the crown!
From the popular Golf & Polo to the Audi A1 A3 & A4, Volkswagen Passat, CC, EOS, Audi A6, or Skoda Octavia, Rapid, Superb, all the vehicles in the VAG Group require specific engine and transmission oils. Transmissions vary from the now discontinued CVT, to DCT, DSG, or conventional automatic transmission. With valve body, solenoid, and mechatronic issues on top of worn out control arm bushings, faulty electric water pumps, thermostats and flow shutter failures in the intake manifolds, its very easy to become overwhelmed. You must have a pre purchase inspection before buying a used Audi VW or Skoda as many problems are hidden in the complexity of their design.
Correct diagnoses is essential to identify primary causes and or underlying issues. We find the more basic models of VW more reliable, the Audi’s and Skodas less so. Did you know these platforms extended to SEAT vehicles that were usually made in Spain, Porsche, Bentley & Lamborghini! Did you know TSI stands for Turbo Stratified Injection? And that TFSI stands for the same thing in Audi!
PEUGEOT RENAULT CITROEN
Peugeot Citroen & Renault cars have always appealed to those seeking practical motoring & comfort. With their suspension and comfortable seats always standing out over other brands. Not to mention the quirky styling! We perform Peugeot Citroen & Renault logbook service major and minor oil services, brake pad replacement, driveshaft boot repairs, general rough running diagnostics, fuel filter replacements and all service items.
Many of the petrol and diesel models of Peugeot & Citroen are quite similar and offer amazing reliability. Many do not! With overheating issues, failing timing belts, window regulators and drive line problems its essential to keep these cars well maintained to ensure the problems do not spiral into more serious ones.
With many commercial vans and smaller type wagons now available in Australia such as the Renault Kangoo, Renault Master and Peugeot Expert van usually in Diesel variants we are seeing just how reliable the French vehicles can be in their basic form.
The Citroen C2 and C3 can be very reliable. So can the Peugeot 306 406 2008 and 4008. Older models of 206, 306 306 GTi and 406 & 504 suffer from radiator failures, gearbox mount failures, battery acid leaks affecting wiring and other vital piping and computer harness wiring nearby, clutch cable and slave cylinder issues and general deterioration of paint and convertible roof materials.
VOLVO SAAB
Volvo & Saab have always had robust simple durable engines & panels with an emphasis on safety. in saying that many older cars suffer from poor service routines and extended oil change intervals which end up causing breakdowns & oil leaks. We perform Volvo & Saab service & repairs such as engine gearbox mounts, drive shafts, water pumps, also logbook services, engine & transmission diagnostics and can help keep your Volvo running smooth and reliable.
Volvo & Saab have their complexities with all wheel drive systems, turbochargers & high performance models like the Saab 9-3 Viggen & Volvo 850R. These models require more frequent service and burn more engine oil than basic models so keep an eye on your engine oil! We have seen so many issues caused by low and burnt engine oil.
We love the S60 Polestar T6 AWD what a beast! Weather its a Volvo 240GL, the dutch built 360GLT, 740, C30, S40, S60 XC70, XC90 we have experience on Volvo & Saab service & repairs.
Weak points on the Volvo XC90 XC70 XC60 for example are suspension bushes, steering racks & vacuum pumps. All Volvo models have superior braking to most other cars and this results in heavy brake pad and disc rotor wear. Volvo is making a comeback now with some great new models with powerful efficient engines and nice interiors. But be wary and always get a pre purchase inspection when buying a used Volvo as genuine parts in Australia are very expensive with some OEM aftermarket parts not always available.
With parts on Saab now limited its best to maintain it as best you can to avoid larger failures. Saab cars have issues with engine mounts, direct ignition pack failures, fuel pump failures, crankshaft position sensor failures, vacuum leaks and clutch slave cylinder failures. We are very familar with the Saab 900, 9-3 9-5. What a sad ending it was for Saab when GM switched the power off!
ALFA ROMEO FIAT
Being Alfa Romeo enthusiasts in the past we have experience with service & repairs on Alfa Romeo 33 boxer and 33 IE, 75 2.5 & 3.0 V6 155 (only 2 in Australia and we had 1 lol ) 156,147,159, Mito 2 Cylinder and other models as well. The service and maintenance of Alfa cars is essential, to ensure reliable motoring. We use Selenzia oil or if available a OEM spec oil. Weak areas are suspension upper and lower arms, oil leaks, selespeed failures and starter motors and alternators. Also window regulator failures, fuel pump failures and timing belt tensioner issues. The popular Fiat 500 is best in its basic form and we have found it to be very reliable. The high performance Abarth has proven to be more troublesome with air condition compressor failures and electrical issues. The Fiat Ducato van has become popular with campers and can be a motorhome! Its huge. Fiat Ducato is popular with businesses for its large cargo capacity and comfortable driving experience. Yet suffers from gearbox failures and doesn’t seem to like our hot climate with cooling system issues, timing belt failures and electrical faults.
GM FORD OPEL OF EUROPE
The earlier Holden Astra, Vectra & Barina are all German Opel cars and have always been advanced with electric steering and complex engine electronics. Astra with the ECOTEC Z18XE and XER, and the 2.2 litre Z22XER engines are prone to early timing belt and water pump failures, air flow meter failures and the dreaded check engine light coming on incessantly at times. Lower rear and front engine mount failures cause severe knocking and thudding, and sometimes Automatic transmission speed sensors fail.
A flat battery left for a long time in an Astra will sometimes result in the engine computer and transmission computer losing communication and requiring reprogramming. The TS and AH Astra Covertible roofs are another world of complexity. Especially on the twin top.
The Barina is more reliable with radiator failures, and engine mounts being more common. We service and repair Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Ford Mondeo & Ford Transit. With petrol and diesel engines reliability is usually ok. But weak points are timing belt failures, electrical issues, throttle body failures & shock absorber failures. We like to use genuine ford parts for the timing belt and water pump.
Later models are GM Opel Daewoo Hybrids. A good example of this is the earlier Holden Captiva which is a Daewoo Winston. And the Holden Cruze with its oil cooler leaks and rocker cover leaks which can get very severe if not attended to. The Cruze is a Chevrolet Malibu. Confusing hey! Always get a pre purchase used car inspection before buying a used Holden Astra, Epica, Cruze, Barina, Captiva as these cars can be neglected and unreliable with costly repairs and expensive European parts as many are German cars.
If you are in the Inner West suburbs and looking for European Car Service in Sydney, you’ve come to the right place! We’re perfectly located to be your mechanic in Rosebery, which is close to Mascot, Botany, Beaconsfield. If you’re searching for a car service in Kensington or Kingsford, we’re a convenient choice. Contact us today for a booking or call 93317051