Neighbourhood Customs 街坊車房

Neighbourhood Customs 街坊車房 Your Friendly Neighbourhood Mechanics 🔧

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We do:
-Mechanics and Diagnostics
-Bodywork / Crash Repairs
-Custom Modifications

This Panamera came to us with a no-start fault. After diagnosis, the culprit was clear — a failed hybrid high-voltage b...
03/04/2026


This Panamera came to us with a no-start fault. After diagnosis, the culprit was clear — a failed hybrid high-voltage battery pack.

We’ve partnered with to carry out a full cell-level rebuild and upgrade. Here’s what the process involved:
⚡ The repair process:
The OEM 970 E-Hybrid battery uses lithium-ion prismatic cells rated at 24Ah, giving a 9.4 kWh pack. Each cell was inspected, failed cells identified and stripped out, and the modules rebuilt using high-capacity 54Ah cells — more than doubling the energy density within the same physical housing. The battery management system (BMS) was then recalibrated to recognise the new cell specification before the pack was reinstalled and the vehicle put through a full hybrid system recommission and test drive.

The result? Significantly extended electric-only range compared to the original factory spec — and a car that actually starts again.

All our hybrid battery repairs come with a warranty, with coverage depending on repair type

The Panamera now is back with its owner, and back to doing what Porsches do best 🏎️💨🏁

This almost brand new BMW G05 X5 30d came to us after it had an accident on the passenger side door. With these damages...
31/03/2026



This almost brand new BMW G05 X5 30d came to us after it had an accident on the passenger side door.

With these damages being so close to the frame of the door we usually replace the doors but this is a Brand New X5 worth £90k+, with 3000miles on the clock, a used door is prohibitively expensive and also extremely rare, with a brand new door from BMW costing even multiples.

In the end we opted to repair the door which hadn’t been the easiest job. We first did PDR to push the dent out as much as possible, re-sculpt the panel lines. But due to weight savings from BMW the aluminium panels have gone even thinner, causing it to crack and we had to patch-weld it to fill up the hole.

Manhattan Green is also a very difficult colour to match; but our paint supply had been on point as always, and we successfully blended in the repair.

The results really speak for itself.

Manhatten Green exterior with white interior on modern BMWs might be my favourite colour combination in my opinion!

This BMW E81 came to us due to knocking noises while driving and unstable steering responses. We noted the bush arms wer...
28/03/2026



This BMW E81 came to us due to knocking noises while driving and unstable steering responses.

We noted the bush arms were worn out with evidence of torn rubber. We therefore measured the normal right height, replaced all the suspension arms, raised the hub to ride height before final torquing of the suspension arms.

The car is now driving smooth and straight again!

The E8x series 130i has to be one of my favourite BMWs ever. While the VW Golf R32 is a very strong contender, there’s nothing that beats a compact car with a lovely N52 3L engine and rear wheel drive dynamics, creating a lovely inline-6 noise and driving experience that simply no other hatchbacks can remotely match.

Ooh and if you think a 3L N52 engine isn’t enough, how about a N54 twin turbo / N55 single turbo engine?

This customer had a non fault accident which we provided assist. As this car is relatively new, panel parts are prohibit...
09/03/2026



This customer had a non fault accident which we provided assist. As this car is relatively new, panel parts are prohibitively expensive. We’ve repaired the bumper and the rear quarter panel, rebuild the panel lines and blended in with the rest of the body.

Car is looking brand new again!

This BMW came to us with two issues: 1) High oil consumption 2) Drivetrain error on the dashboardThe customer had prev...
08/03/2026



This BMW came to us with two issues:
1) High oil consumption
2) Drivetrain error on the dashboard

The customer had previously been quoted by another garage who advised that everything oil-related needed replacing, which we found suspicious.

After verifying emissions during the MOT and checking the spark plug condition, we identified the issue as a leaking valve cover gasket. The oil was running down towards the oil filter housing and gearbox. The PCV system had also failed, which on this engine is integrated into the valve cover.

We also found the auxiliary water pump, which helps cool the turbo after driving, was malfunctioning.

Repairs carried out:
• Valve cover replacement
• Auxiliary water pump replacement
• Engine oil service

While carrying out the work we also checked the timing chain, which is nice and tight. The camshaft and cylinder head are clean with no scoring or sludge, indicating a good sign of a healthy engine.

Parts used:
Valve cover supplied by Elring
Auxiliary water pump supplied by Pierburg

Both are BMW OEM manufacturers, meaning the same quality as dealership parts but at a fraction of the price to help keep costs down for the customer while maintaining proper standards.

Another BMW back on road running properly again!

This BMW came in after the owner noticed the ride had become noticeably harsher and the steering no longer felt straight...
07/02/2026



This BMW came in after the owner noticed the ride had become noticeably harsher and the steering no longer felt straight. After a quick inspection, we found both front springs were broken, causing the car to sit unevenly and tramline badly on the road.

With these suspension springs and bushings they have to be torqued as per ride height and with the load of the car otherwise it would introduce additional stress on the bushings, of course we have done so as per manufacturer’s specifications!

New front springs were supplied and fitted, restoring proper ride height, handling, and ensuring the car is safe and comfortable to drive again.

This Mazda CX-3 was on its way to us for an Apple CarPlay installation and its annual service when it made light contact...
12/12/2025



This Mazda CX-3 was on its way to us for an Apple CarPlay installation and its annual service when it made light contact with a high titan kerb.

On many German SUVs, this would usually result in a simple, straightforward repair. However, Mazdas are designed a little differently. What first appeared to be a minor repair quickly became more complex. The impact landed directly on the bumper stiffener which is quite unnecessary on any other vehicles, is mounted to the subframe. That same subframe also supports the slam panel, suspension arms, and the shock tower. Because of this design, a small impact created a chain of damage that required a much more extensive front-end rebuild than expected. The subframe was also excessively bent so it keeps rattling on the gearbox whenever the car was accelerating or turning as well.

So work done to the car is following:
- Front bumper resprayed and refitted
- Front end rebuild (slam panel, bumper reinforcements etc)
- Front suspension arms, drop links, shock tower replacement
- Front subframe replacement
- Apple CarPlay fitted
- Front wheel tracking
- Oil service

Once the repair is done, the CX-3 now leaves us looking—and driving—as if nothing ever happened!

PS: 嚟到英國如果有咩車嘅需要可以dm我，睇車改車壞車整車炒車同MOT都得👍🏻👍🏻


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This Jazz came to us because the car was juddering at low speed, struggling to change gears, occasionally stalling the e...
17/10/2025



This Jazz came to us because the car was juddering at low speed, struggling to change gears, occasionally stalling the engine at a traffic light and refusing to start engine.

After a quick diagnostic we found the clutch is fully gone and pin-pointed the clutch actuator to cause the engine to not start.

We replaced the clutch, refurbished the clutch actuator, and car runs and drives again!

This Porsche Boxster S came to us for a spark plugs and brake pads change. The Porsche Boxster, being a mid-engined car...
29/09/2025



This Porsche Boxster S came to us for a spark plugs and brake pads change. The Porsche Boxster, being a mid-engined car with a flat-6 engine, means the spark plugs are quite well hidden inside the engine bay; but it’s no trouble at all for us!

The old spark plugs were taken out and it’s definitely seen better days, and the customer is also advised to change the valve cover gasket as well.

New brake pads are also fitted, and crikey they are almost to bare metal! Luckily that’s also fitted before it’s completely run out.

Back to the drop top life it goes!

This Mercedes Benz came to us due to an issue with erratic braking. During braking the brakes would judder, and occasion...
11/09/2025



This Mercedes Benz came to us due to an issue with erratic braking. During braking the brakes would judder, and occasionally there’s no power steering.

After a quick diagnostic it’s determined the front passenger side wheel speed sensor sensor has failed, causing issues with ABS as the car would imagine the front passenger wheel was locked and therefore modulated the brakes. Due to the speed sensor failing the power steering also couldn’t determine the amount of assist to the steering wheel as well, hence the failed power steering.

A new wheel speed sensor provided by Bosch has been replaced, and the car is good to go!

Although I have to say the mileage of the car is only at 25000 miles, and it’s already have a failed wheel speed sensor. I have to say I’m disappointed at the build quality of these entry level Mercedes, and they are not the indestructible tanks they once were famous for.

This Porsche Boxster came to us because the passenger side window couldn’t open and close. We opened it up and found the...
17/08/2025



This Porsche Boxster came to us because the passenger side window couldn’t open and close. We opened it up and found the wires inside the window regulator is completely mangled.

A new unit has been sourced, replaced, and now the passenger princess can finally open the window and enjoy the breeze!!

(Customer explicitly requests the peace sign to be displayed in the photo)

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Romford

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