Recommended shops in the Chicago area for VANOS rebuild + RACP/subframe reinforcement

[su45]

I recently purchased an '02 M3 Coupe with 63K miles and I'm planning out the standard preventative maintenance work.

I'm familiar with Fluid MotorUnion and Performance Eurowerks and was originally planning on one of those two shops. FMU was being a little difficult when I asked if they could specifically use Beisan parts (they won't warranty their work if they use Beisan parts for some reason), so I'm leaning towards Performance Eurowerks for the VANOS work.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these shops (or any others in the Chicagoland area)?

[cudzich09]

Yes, let me chime in.

My car is currently at PE for an extensive service.

• Upper reinforcement, Vince Bar from Europe
• Lower reinforcement, plates, aluminum bushing, protective coats, etc..
• ST suspension replacement, including every worn bushing..
• 4.10 gear upgrade

I highly recommend the shop, Alex is one of the owners. He is extremely knowledgeable on the e46 platform. In fact, he serviced my first M3 in 2016.
Be prepared to get on the list though, my appt. was 1 month out from the time I called and given the current situation sourcing OE parts such as the 4.10 gear is difficult. PM if you have any questions.

[Obioban]

Another vote for performance Eurowerks 👍🏻

[eacmen]

Ask either shop if they bench test their rebuilds to ensure the rebuilt unit holds enough pressure.

Or Buy a rebuilt unit from Mike from Naturally Agitated versus paying an hourly rate for someone to rebuild the unit. Mike bench tests all rebuilt units to ensure they'll hold pressure (up to 115 bar for VANOS!)


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[Maxima SE]

Agree with PE. owner is a good guy. ive dealt with him personally before.

[su45]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone, decided to go with PE.

[Bostonbruck]

PE answered my emails professionally and answered questions I had. +1

[SteelGreyM]

PE is fantastic

I had mine done at A&L in palatine. They have been doing these for years and mine turned out excellent. The owner is a great guy. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. Attractive pricing too.

Now I cant confirm if they can do your vanos rebuild as well. If you want both done at once then maybe PE is the best option.

I haven't heard anything specifically bad about FMU and I have actually seen some e46m3's at their shop when I went to Iron Gate. But PE and A&L is just so much more well known in the area that I would just pick them.