[ChrissieB]

I have reversed my beloved Mini into another car, no damage to the other car thank goodness. It was at about 5 mile an hour but I still managed to get a small dent the size of a 50p and a few cracks and grazing to the paint. Not too bad to look at but I want my pride and Joy restored to it former glory!

Took to to BMW bodyshop who said it needs a new bumper skin which will of course include the chrome insert etc, waiting for their quote seems a but unecessary to me just for a bit of damage? Just taken it to an independant body shop who said it doesnt need a new bumper they can fill the small dent and sort the paitwork out and it will look like new again all for £150 which sounds more like it to me.

I do still wonder if it is better to take it along to BMW? Just wondered what some of your good people would do or have done in the past? The independant company say they do work for 'Call New' which fit colour coded bumpers etc to Minis has anyone heard of them?

Thanks for any advise, just need to make my mind up, my excess is only £100 seems a bit silly to go through insurance when I can get it done for £150.

[stargate]

The company that you mean are "Cool New" based in Romford.

Their website is www.coolnew.co.uk and they are a sponsor of MINI2.

I think that £150 sounds pretty good, but you'd better sit down when you get the quote from the BMW garage !
Not many main dealers have their own bodyshops nowadays, but ship the work out to a preferred bodyshop.
A friend owns a bodyshop and does work for the local Volvo, Honda and Rover dealers.

As with any supplier, if the work isn't up to scratch (excuse the reference !) then don't pay until it is done correctly !

Best of luck.

Mark.

[ChrissieB]

Thanks Mark, thats why I couldn't find them on the web..lol

I come to Berkshire a couple of times a month to stay with friends in Bracknell, so you ever do runs over there?

Good point I about the money, leaning towards the independant body shop.

Cheers. Chrissie