Anyone been to Munich Legends in Sussex?

[BEERBOY123]

Went last week. Was impressed with the cars, less so with the staff.

Any experiences?

[Alex]

i remember alot of people use to call them Munich bell ends

Probably a reason for it????

you sure it wasnt just because people down south arnt as friendly

[gooner1]

i remember alot of people use to call them Munich bell ends

Probably a reason for it????

you sure it wasnt just because people down south arnt as friendly

Spent a lot of time , dahn sahrf, Alex

[bss325i]

Que the slander!

(rightly so for the previous crowd running it but not the current lot......so far!)

Two of my previous coleuges work there, one technician and the parts manager.

[capri_rob]

Used to have a great reputation

Then Various stories surfaced about top-end cars with bits going missing whilst in their care.

IIRC the business has changed hands a few times though so the current owners may not be the ones associated with the dodgy dealings.

[Ajsingh]

We southern people are very friendly

[rotta]

they are good but expensive! i took my 3.8 e34 m5 there 4 years ago for a sump gasket and got a bill for £850

[richard300]

I appreciate that there is new ownership, and i have no experience of dealing with the new owners..... But the F@#king last ones i disliked a lot.

I went there 9/10 years ago after seeing that they had a Calypso Red E30 M3 Convertible on a K-Registration, it had 1/2 Leather 1/2 M-tech cloth good miles and back then all these specialist dealers hadn't turned the price of these cars into the silly amounts they now are. I think it was £10995.00

Phoned them, asked if the car was for sale still and they confirmed, asked if it was available to view and if i was keen after viewing was it available to drive.... They said yes/yes.

A friend took me up in his Supra (although they were not so common and chavvy back then) and when the older guy there saw i was only in my mid 20's and we had turned up in a Supra, he started telling me the car was SOR and he couldn’t let me drive it, but would contact the customer (but not that day) and get back to me.....

Several days later i phoned as i had not hear anything, and was told they would call me back, they never did, i called again and was told there would be no problem me going back up there and driving the car (it being LHD I really needed to drive it)

When i arrived 2 hours later, they must have thought that i was someone else when i was on the phone, as they said "Oh, its you..... sorry, but we just sold the car 15mins ago" I went home, got my friend to call them and he was told "Yes, its still for sale"

I wound up spending double the amount on a then relatively rare car on UK a roads, A Mitsubishi Evolution GSR from my local Mitsubishi dealer.

An almost exact same scenario played out a year later for a friend of mine (who was 21, but genuine and had the funds) trying to buy an Orinoco Edition 3.8litre M5 from them. He bought one privately in the end 6 months later and saved a considerable amount of money!

Am I right in thinking that those original ML idiots now run 'Classic Hero's' ???

[pacerpete]

I appreciate that there is new ownership, and i have no experience of dealing with the new owners..... But the F@#king last ones i disliked a lot.

I went there 9/10 years ago after seeing that they had a Calypso Red E30 M3 Convertible on a K-Registration, it had 1/2 Leather 1/2 M-tech cloth good miles and back then all these specialist dealers hadn't turned the price of these cars into the silly amounts they now are. I think it was £10995.00

Phoned them, asked if the car was for sale still and they confirmed, asked if it was available to view and if i was keen after viewing was it available to drive.... They said yes/yes.

A friend took me up in his Supra (although they were not so common and chavvy back then) and when the older guy there saw i was only in my mid 20's and we had turned up in a Supra, he started telling me the car was SOR and he couldn’t let me drive it, but would contact the customer (but not that day) and get back to me.....

Several days later i phoned as i had not hear anything, and was told they would call me back, they never did, i called again and was told there would be no problem me going back up there and driving the car (it being LHD I really needed to drive it)

When i arrived 2 hours later, they must have thought that i was someone else when i was on the phone, as they said "Oh, its you..... sorry, but we just sold the car 15mins ago" I went home, got my friend to call them and he was told "Yes, its still for sale"

I wound up spending double the amount on a then relatively rare car on UK a roads, A Mitsubishi Evolution GSR from my local Mitsubishi dealer.

An almost exact same scenario played out a year later for a friend of mine (who was 21, but genuine and had the funds) trying to buy an Orinoco Edition 3.8litre M5 from them. He bought one privately in the end 6 months later and saved a considerable amount of money!

Am I right in thinking that those original ML idiots now run 'Classic Hero's' ???

Yes indeedy, the 'Adams'/ Halse crew do indeed run Classic Heros. A leopard seldom changes their spots so undoubtably they have brought their less than salubrious business practises with them

[Andyboy]

I always remember a mate of mine going down there about 10 years ago to buy a red Sport Evo. Once they had powerwashed the green slime off it, the buyer noticed that one wing was a standard M3 panel.

"Oh, the late ones were like that because they ran out of correct wings". Serious!

I think ML started the whole 100'000 miles timing chain nonsense as well. Just horrible.

[HartgeH27]

Two very interesting and noteworthy posts.

[si1988]

try classic heroes in sussex, based less than a mile from me. a chap called barney started munich legends then sold it, thats when it went down hill! the staff are now crap! id go to classic heroes as thats where the passion is. hope this helps simon

[Kos]

try classic heroes in sussex, based less than a mile from me. a chap called barney started munich legends then sold it, thats when it went down hill! the staff are now crap! id go to classic heroes as thats where the passion is. hope this helps simon

read the above posts, Barney Halse was running munich ledgends when most of the horror stories were surfacing

simon13 has an e36 alpina with ML service history, despite it NOT having an LSD the previous owner was consistently charged for LSD oil

i know of a B7 e24 alpina turbo that had its diff oil cooler removed while they were servicing it

[bss325i]

try classic heroes in sussex, based less than a mile from me. a chap called barney started munich legends then sold it, thats when it went down hill! the staff are now crap! id go to classic heroes as thats where the passion is. hope this helps simon

A fool and his money.......

[pacerpete]

try classic heroes in sussex, based less than a mile from me. a chap called barney started munich legends then sold it, thats when it went down hill! the staff are now crap! id go to classic heroes as thats where the passion is. hope this helps simon

read the above posts, Barney Halse was running munich ledgends when most of the horror stories were surfacing

simon13 has an e36 alpina with ML service history, despite it NOT having an LSD the previous owner was consistently charged for LSD oil

i know of a B7 e24 alpina turbo that had its COMPLETE DIFF AND diff oil cooler removed while the car was there on SOR

Fixed

[richard300]

try classic heroes in sussex, based less than a mile from me. a chap called barney started munich legends then sold it, thats when it went down hill! the staff are now crap! id go to classic heroes as thats where the passion is. hope this helps simon

read the above posts, Barney Halse was running munich ledgends when most of the horror stories were surfacing

simon13 has an e36 alpina with ML service history, despite it NOT having an LSD the previous owner was consistently charged for LSD oil

i know of a B7 e24 alpina turbo that had its diff oil cooler removed while they were servicing it

Yep.... It was under Barney that mine and my friend's grievance from appalling customer service comes from.

[BEERBOY123]

I went there in my fairly minty iS but they didn't even bother to say hello. I know an iS is small beer to them, but for all they knew I was looking to upgrade to an M3 or something. There was absolutely no attempt by any of the staff to explore why I was there or to try to interest me in their stock or servicing options.

I came away thinking that they were a total bunch of arrogant c*cks.

[bss325i]

What did you do? Park up outside or did you actually go in?

[BEERBOY123]

Parked up, went in, looked at the cars in and out for about half an hour...

[bss325i]

I find it hard to believe that no one approached you at all, Stuart the general manager is normally on the front desk in front of the entrance and quite often there will be other members of staff in the show room.

It's not a big show room so to have some random person sniffing about would not go unnoticed!

That's if you really went there.

[Steve-E30]

That's if you really went there.

Barry your not saying beerboys telling porkie pies are you
Id agree he didnt go and this is another post to stir up a reaction ?
If you did go the comment off the front desk was "4 pot owner with no money , probably thinks its a baby m3"
When munich legends was taken over last time they should have changed there name surely ?
After seeing what people say about them over the bmw sites id avoid them , I remember years ago a meet was mentioned there , I didnt go and its local to me
Oh and changing there name to classic heroes wont work if everyone knows who behind it

[bss325i]

There seems to be some confusion.

Classic Hero's is what Barney Halse started up after he had to leave ML.

[Steve-E30]

Sorry barry
Thats what i meant

[spook]

I met a couple of chaps from Classic Heroes up at Cranleigh,seemed pleasant enough, let me sit in a nice Black E24 M6, i may have dribbled some semen due to the excitment.

[pukar]

that whole 100k timing chain BS.........GRRR!

if it was barry halse and crew that started this, they should be charged fof ripping innocent people off. if you;re supposed to be an expert and understand that people rely on experts advice, and then charge people £££s for something that is completely unneccesary, thats taking the pi$$. i woder how much they made doing this work.

i remember their catalogue of parts. in it was a horror story of an owner who did not change his timing chain at 100k and his car self-combusted, his family caught malaria and a nigerian prince who just wanted to pay him 10% of £15million in exchange for his bank details stole his last pay cheque!

[pukar]

BTW, if anyone wants a ML rear window sticker, i have some in stock ;)

[BEERBOY123]

Folks, I did 'really' go; I really was ignored, almost pointedly. Perhaps I parked in the wrong place or something.

I was in the area because I wanted to see the Bluebell Line, but it was bastard shut, and I went to the Lewes Harvey's brewery after. Sorry I didn't have my custard tin to hand.

I bought a mug and a key ring anyway...

[cecotto479]

Not only did ML start the 100000 mile M3 timing chain thing - a misconception based on the pretty much absolute requirement to change the single sprocket M88 as opposed to the duplex S14 timing chain at 100000 miles - they promulgated it through superb self publicity. Any time TV or magazine required info on classic BMWs they were on hand to advertise themselves and their abilities.

Along with the timing chain bollocks they also recommended and promoted the S54 spring chain tensioner upgrade on all the M88/S38/S14 hydraulic tensioner engines.

I've now heard of two people with M88s in for service at the "new" ML who have had the S54 tensioner removed and replaced by the "correct" original hydraulic one on their recommendation.

Brilliant business. Recommend something unnecessary. Once everyone has followed the recommendation, recommend that they change it back.

Look out for ML recommending all M88/S14s get an S54 timing chain tensioner upgrade in about 5 years.

[MrH]

I have no "history" like some of you guys but have recent dealings.

I have bought cars from both these places - the "New ML" and "Classic Heroes". I bought from both firms as they had the cars I wanted - yep they are not cheap but you will be getting top end stuff and if you look after them then you will most probably shift them for the same money in a few years time (to another person like me!) My view of it is you get no enjoyment of having spare cash in the bank so why not hold your money in a car (that hopefully wont go down in value if you choose wisely - well thats what I tell myself!).

You get one crack at life......so live it to the max. I'm just a normal hard working guy who doesn't like wasting money on "new" cars - played that game and depreciation always wins


Classic Heroes is basically run by Barney - small set up - deep knowledge and a passion for cars - I spent many hours looking at his personal collection of cars and those for sale. Personally I had no issues at all with Barney. Pretty much a normal guy. He doesn't have the cars/turn-over as ML does and I think is following his "passion". A straight forward guy and likes a chat and know BMW history and cars back to front ( at least compared to me). My car was delivered fully prepared and I will be amaze if anything "major" goes wrong - and I'm pretty sure if it did then it would be sorted with the minium of fuss.

Munich Legends - bigger set up by far - proper service facilities and Stuart really know his stuff as well. They have people "looking" all the time - they won't hassle you as they have many people just wanting to look at the cars - you can freely sit in the all the cars - except maybe the M1. Of course they will take you out for a test drive if you are a serious buyer - just ask the main man - Dan. But remember at the end of the day they are a business and won't go bending over backwards if people are just window shopping. Personally again no problems - I'm a friendly outgoing sort of person and not backward in engaging in conversation - and always get a response.

Recently had a little issue with the car - ML fixed without fuss at at no cost - had a chat with the service Tech whilst sorting my car out and went out with him on test drive. Compared with a BMW main dealer they are "human" beings and will remember your name after 6 months...........and all the service guys are from BMW background whom actually seem to care. They have no "BMW Corporate" targets to meet - they are standalone business whom rely on having a good name to survive - my recent experience of a BMW main dealer was a joke - it made Basil Fawlty seem a professional. God knows what they teach them at the BMW academy at Wokefield Park ( nice training venue though)

I have absolutely no relation with any of these companies.......both different both had the CARS I wanted. Treated with respect by both - no pressure selling - just a real passion for BMW. Like I said at the bginning - this is my recent experience which might help ( or prehaps inflame!)

The bottom line is we all have a choice no guns against our heads - if I'm not happy then I just vote with my feet and "pass on by" ( bye bye BMW "local" dealer!)

[bss325i]

my recent experience of a BMW main dealer was a joke - it made Basil Fawlty seem a professional. God knows what they teach them at the BMW academy at Wokefield Park ( nice training venue though)

Which BMW main dealer?

And for your information, the training at Wokefield park is second to none, at least the technical training as that is all have experience of there.

Also, do you remember which technician you dealt with at ML, two are ex Vines Redhill and one is ex Chandlers Hailsham?

[Rodderz]

What cars did you buy?

[anothere21323i]

There seems to be some confusion.

Classic Hero's is what Barney Halse started up after he had to leave ML.

I didn't realise he had to leave?

[bss325i]

There seems to be some confusion.

Classic Hero's is what Barney Halse started up after he had to leave ML.

I didn't realise he had to leave?

The Yank owner sold ML to Dan Norris and co, they wanted to run it, Barney was surplus to requirements.

[TPS]

my recent experience of a BMW main dealer was a joke - it made Basil Fawlty seem a professional. God knows what they teach them at the BMW academy at Wokefield Park ( nice training venue though)

Which BMW main dealer?

And for your information, the training at Wokefield park is second to none, at least the technical training as that is all have experience of there.

I'm surprised to hear this, every BMW dealer I've visited in my Profession & as a customer has been faultless. The workshops are clean & tidy & the staff are very helpful.

[anothere21323i]

There seems to be some confusion.

Classic Hero's is what Barney Halse started up after he had to leave ML.

I didn't realise he had to leave?

The Yank owner sold ML to Dan Norris and co, they wanted to run it, Barney was surplus to requirements.

Oh ok, that's interesting.