Garage 808

16/10/2026

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It's Friday, the 16th of October 2026.

Having an idea in mind, Colin-the-Main-Konyn was on the hunt for an old metal case to mount a gauge set-up in. He was looking for authentic wear and tear. Patina, if you like. The Milnerton Market was chosen as the first hunting ground on Saturday. On the way there, Things We See in Traffic delivered a unicorn two-wheeler Mad Max kinda bike. So… not only did Colin find a fantastic box in the form of a gas detector kit seemingly dating back to the 1950’s – and also used in the South African Railways’ Paul Sauer Building, but Adele Admin was also thrilled to have spotted a 2-gallon Shell oil can, hidden under a table. Google is a bit vague on the date, but it’s somewhere between the 1930’s and 50’s. Both amazing treasures, in our humble opinion.

Well, isn’t it a wonderful thing then on a Monday, to have not one, but TWO encounters with clients, whereby they provide really positive feedback?! Someone walked into the office and said 5 or 6 years ago, we did Stage 1 Performance Software on his Transit, and he needed to find out if we could do EGR Delete Software now. Knowing how we operate, we were able to locate that job card, check the details of what was done, and confirm within 5 minutes. When the client left, he said “you’ve got great systems in place!”.

Then a phone call came from a recently added MINI client. When he collected his car, we pointed out that normal tyres were fitted instead of run flats – and that he doesn’t have a spare tyre in the event of a puncture. He contacted the dealership who sold him the car, and they’ve agreed to fit 4 new run flats. He said “you guys are amazing for having noticed this, and making me aware of it”. That’s what we do! Partner with our 808 clients and community, as we have their best interests at heart.

Midweek, while some insect was doing a disorientated dance for Adele, Colin attended to a Chery from Powerflow Exhausts Bellville for software. And when we saw that South African flag proudly displayed INside the car, we thought these are our kinda peoples. 😊 From the sublime to the ridiculous then… It certainly seemed ludicrous when the realization hit that it’s time to buy next year’s diary already. Plans for 2027 abound – and need to be planned carefully. But then again, this time of year those spectacular morning skies proclaim that the summer (holi)days are around the bend. It seems like one oke already got his front row seat, ready and waiting for better days. :-D

It has to be said that all is not sunshine and roses in real peoples’ real lives. For businesses, it’s not much different from homeowners’ concerns when it comes to safety and security. Perhaps the greatest difference being that when a business is burgled, it’s those people’s way of generating income, that has been taken from them. The impact of that can be rather far-reaching. On the complete opposite end of the diligent working scale, would be the unemployed opportunistic crooks. And the business complex cameras got footage of two of those scoundrels as they vandalized the electric fence and the fence itself, to steal a battery out of a car within the fenced-in parking area, during the early morning hours one day. There’s an Afrikaans word: jafel. Pronounced yAA-fill. Well, the long and the short of that word’s meaning is someone who is just… not a lekke person. Uncivilized, disrespectful… fill in the blanks. Well, may those jafels reap what they’ve sowed. Thankfully, the on-duty security guard called for back-up and made a big enough scene for those skelms to scarper. Mr Landlord also doesn’t mess around when it comes to the tenants’ security, and repairs were done before morning teatime. Still, it’s not great for the affected business.

On a lighter note then, some time ago, we noticed that someone out there must have a remote control tuned to the workshop’s radio frequency. Randomly, a radio silence will descend. Pardon the pun. And other times, the music suddenly starts blaring at us as though a wake-up call was ordered! Perhaps that ghost controller will be revealed in the not too distant future.

The ringing of laughter was even louder than the radio when all Adele wanted to do was take a kiekie of the X5, when Colin’s head unexpectedly popped in view just as she clicked. And you know what they say… behind every photobomber is an appy canning himself. Danie 007’s stance captured the reaction perfectly! 🤣🤣🤣

Anyhoo, that was this week in the lives of . Working determinedly to find solutions to cars' problems, ensuring clients are back behind the wheel - safely, and growing towards our ultimate goals. All the while, still tweaking here and there on small things. Fine tuning, if you like. Implementing the knowledge and wisdom we're gaining in our coaching sessions with Estelle van Wyk.

A very grateful Team 808 over and out for the weekend.

(S.D.G.)

16/10/2026

Age is not a factor when it comes to BMW Spinners! certainly seemed to have had a ball with the E30. 🏎️

16/10/2026

Some days we just want to celebrate the simple things. Like the fact that has more than 27 years of BMW / BMW M Motorsport and MINI specific and specialist experience and knowledge between the two people who work on these wonderful cars every day! :-D :-D :-D 🥳🥳🥳

15/10/2026

808 Did You Know: That CATS can look like balls of dirty sheep’s wool?

We’ve shared footage of leaking B38-engine turbos in the past. But as with so many failures on a car, this too can cause consequential damage. Coolant contains chemicals and has an oily texture. Mixed with water in the engine’s cooling system, it’s perfect for lubricating the components and warding off rust in the system. But when a turbo fails and allows coolant to leak through into the catalytic converter (which is situated in the exhaust)… well, that’s a recipe for MORE damage. The once perfectly shaped CAT starts blocking up, deteriorates and breaks into pieces. This in turn slows down the engine’s gases from escaping. One problem creating another.

13/10/2026

The motor industry is notorious for "back yard mechanics", "grease monkeys", work charged for, but not done, work done that was not required... and the list goes on.

Therefore, it's no surprise to when we uncover nasty little secrets covered up by other workshops' mechanics. Point in case: an E46 rear wheel bearing replacement showed us just how rough and tumble the person was who last worked on this car. The old wheel bearing was split and damaged, and a grinder or saw blade was taken to the wheel hub in order to remove the bearing race from the hub.

Easy does it, tiger... No need to manhandle the car.

Not to worry, the repair has been done correctly now. :-)

09/10/2026

,

It's Friday, the 9th of October 2026.

When opened for business on Monday morning, there was a sudden and unexpected onslaught of breakdowns lined up, eagerly waiting to make their way to us. From dead batteries to coolant leaks, damaged centre bearing to overheating. Quite the variety – above and beyond the actual secured bookings. Like doing a spring repair kit on another Z4M coupe’s park brake system. Isn’t it lovely then that Colin-the-Main-Konyn could sit, raised to the perfect level, on his little racer chair? It was a fast forward after a relaxing weekend and attending the Franschhoek Classic Car Festival - where the pace was decidedly slower.

Before we knew it, the one day blurred into the next. Adele Admin slugged out another marathon round at the dental laboratory – and left victorious with a brand-new smile. 😁 Although, that was after having to deal with a rather lengthy nosebleed on Colin’s side. These biological encounters can be significant energy sappers. Yet, a positive mindset can overcome just about anything. And besides, some showers of blessings were enough to wash away any moody blues wanting to creep in.

We also had the pleasure of being able to release a repaired MINI to a new client. That may sound remarkably ordinary. And for the most part, it was. Except, the vehicle came to us after a dealership diagnosed it. Turns out, incorrectly so. By the time the car left our stable, the client had paid approximately R77 000 less than what she was previously quoted. Hence, therein lies the great satisfaction knowing that another car has been taken great of, sorting out the actual issue, keeping the client happy and safe in her car again. Their display of appreciation was so very unexpected, yet absolutely awesome! A collectible bottle of Stellenbosch Vineyards “The Flagship” 2018 Cabernet Franc w**e. Anyone who’s been in our reception even, would be able to tell you in a heartbeat that we absolutely loooooooooove collectible things. Granted, this would be our first red w**e. But even the sheer weight of that glass bottle, the smoothness of the wax seal and the classically designed packaging, had the team grinning from ear to ear.

We do deal with such a vast variety of clients. The difference of characters and mindsets, behaviours and mannerisms are almost endlessly unique to each one. Here’s an example then: two of our Wednesday bookings turned out to be less than straight forward. The younger client was booked off-sick for the week. He didn’t arrive at the agreed time of drop-off, didn’t send an email beforehand, nor phoned to inform us of any changes. There was no response to our email and no answer when we called. After 10:30, we received a phone call to inform us that his schedule had taken an unexpected turn, and alternative booking arrangements were made. The older client emailed us on Tuesday from his hospital bed, stating that he’ll be late on Wednesday, but will bring the car after being discharged. He followed up with multiple emails until he arrived on Wednesday mid-morning. Two similar situations, yet handled completely differently.

It reminds us of clients who say they live very far and want to drop off their cars late morning and collect early afternoon on the same day - and then they live in Brackenfell. And we smile and understand that it’s actually a matter of perspective. Because we have clients who come from Noordhoek, Fishhoek, Malmesbury, Pearly Beach even. Were either clients wrong regarding their way of handling their Wednesday bookings? Are clients wrong for thinking Brackenfell is far from Bellville? Well, in our opinion, it’s not a matter of right or wrong at all. People are different, and therefore they’ll perceive information differently. And act differently. As a service provider, dealing with real people called “the public”, we’ve learned to respect and understand and be patient with all people. Because isn’t that exactly what we’d like others to do with us?

Anyhoo. It was a wild week with the workload. Danie 007 looked like he was warrior-ing up for battle. The good news is, after more than two months’ waiting, we finally received his trade test dates. He won’t be going to war in November. But it will be a defining encounter in his life. As his nerves may gradually be on the increase, the founders are cheering loud from the sidelines. He’s proven to be a dream team-member. An asset of note. And the future is certainly very bright for our dear Danny Boy.

Things We See in Traffic also didn't fail to entertain! Properse BM mags on a decidedly non-BMW little truck. Perhaps it ads a few more horses to that green mamba?

Talking about extra horses, Carl Kikilus brought in one software after the other from Powerflow Exhausts Bellville. And the one happened to be a ginormous Hyundai 9-seater bus. The conversations this unleashed! Colin was already imagining Danie and side-kick Anica with their future children and their children’s friends, and their own friends with THEIR children – all packed in for the holidays. Space abounds apparently for everyone, their luggage, camp equipment – and most importantly, the fishing gear. 😄

One imagines that with the new record-high fuel prices... everyone would have to club in for petrol money if holidays are to be had. 😉

We leave the workweek behind us, satisfied that we gave it our absolute best. Clients are pleased with the repairs and services on their BMW's and MINI's. is pleased to have had the opportunity to build on longstanding and new relationships with clients. True partnerships.

So then, , we guess all that's left to say is... STOOOOOOOORRRmeeeeeerrrs!!! It's set to be a doozi of a rugby match tomorrow afternoon as the Springboks have rejoined their provincial teams for the next round of the URC. Lekke!!

Team 808 over and out for the weekend.

(S.D.G)

09/10/2026

So... the Motorplan on your BMW or MINI or even your BMW M Motorsport is about to come to an end. And you're just a tad concerned about the way forward.

has helped many clients transition from the "almost all expenses paid" season of their cars' lives, to a long-term partnership with our workshop. We don't just put out the proverbial fires as they arise on your beloved BM or MINI. We are pro-active and provide feedback on the general condition of the vehicle each time we do an oil service.

We help you prioritize the more urgent work required, and work out a plan accordingly. So you can have peace of mind that your car's health remains in tip-top condition - ensuring many more years of safe and enjoyable driving.

Should you require a quote for your car, please email the car's full VIN and current mileage to [email protected] and specify what it is we can assist with.

08/10/2026

Here's the road map for you to start planning ahead of time, for this year's Killarney International Raceway Motor Show!

05/10/2026

Here's something interesting to see if you're into the BMW M Motorsports or just a general car enthusiast who enjoys seeing things on cars you don't get to see every day. :-)
Bloopers edit: seems if you film the same scene too many times, you also earn the right to invent a new engine! So... correction: It's a Z4M E85 with an S54 engine. :-D

When parts tear and detach such as the centre bearing did from this...