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Old 6th March 2019, 04:09 PM
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homer simpson homer simpson is offline
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Default Go-to place for caliper refurb?

May need them in the future and have been looking around. One place I have seen not a million miles away is BCS Automotive. Flashy website and good reviews however I am sure they currently have a caliper in their hands which has been there for over 2 weeks and not yet returned (I'll elaborate in another thread in due course). They also send ALOT of marketing spam to the point it gets annoying.

Another place a saw on Facebook is A and A Core Supplies LTD. Their pics look excellent and reviews too. They even have a similar caliper to mine which looks spot on.

So, have any of you lovely people used either or have any other recommendations? I am looking at a full refurb so not just paint. Thanks

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Old 6th March 2019, 05:08 PM
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Have you considered Bigg Red?

MJ sent calipers to Bigg Red when the calipers on the red 2.8 needed a refurbishment.

As a relatively non-mechanical person when it comes to cars, I was impressed with the finish and the quality of the job but as MJ sent them off for me and refitted them, she will be best to comment on the quality and timing of the refurb. I can't even remember the price.

As it happens my front o/s caliper on the S8 has some seized pistons and needs repairing and I asked BCS for a quote last night which was emailed to me this morning for £112.
I don't know whether this is good or bad but they did stress that they are the best and that the best doesn't come cheap.

I'd be interested in opinions from others who've needed a caliper repair.
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Future work on "Red Dwarf": Fridge, solar sunroof, radio-controlled clock, interior and exterior dimming mirrors, Alcantara headlining/pillars/rear shelf, rear US outer lights, passenger memory seat, rear electric (lumbar and headrest) heated seats, Servotronic.
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2002 A8 D2 S8 FE - "Red Dwarf" - Misano Red - Platinum/Silver Interior, PDC, Sat Nav Plus with BOSE and hidden Dension Bluetooth, Multi-changer, Heated Front Seats, Bi-Xenons, FE Wheels, Phone Prep with Nokia 6210, Detachable Towbar, Rear Blinds, S8 plate but no other optional extras
1st Place Winner - A8Parts Annual UK Meet 2018
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2nd Place Winner - A8-Freunde Annual German Meet 2019
2002 A8L D2 with a factory fitted S8 engine and drivetrain - "Evergreen" - Irish Green Pearl (TBC) - magnolia leather seats with magnolia door cards/door trims, magnolia leather head-lining, extended leather pack 3 (dark green leather dash, upper door cards, steering wheel, lower dash, centre tunnel and rear parcel shelf), factory black external trim (in lieu of chrome), self-levelling suspension, Servotronic, Brembo brakes, "gullideckel" / "man-hole cover" / "pie-plate" 8Jx18 polished 10-hole design wheels typically seen on the W12, Park Distance Control, heated windscreen, multifunction steering wheel, Vavona burl (burr-walnut) wood inserts with cream/magnolia door switch trims, phone preparation to the front with Nokia 6091 phone, phone preparation to the rear with Nokia 6091 phone on the central rear console, third phone preparation in the rear centre console, rear blinds, rear headrest release feature, rear electric heated seats with lumbar and recline function (the rear passenger seat has the facility to move the front passenger seat forward), BOSE audio, Rear Screen Entertainment (RSE) with dual factory fitted Alpine screens, integrated DVD player (under the centre of the rear bench with 4 DVD storage slots) and two remote controls (the controls and inputs for the RSE are in the rear centre console and the screens can operate independently of each other,) factory supplied leather headrest covers to hide the rear screens, rear vanity mirrors (standard A8L), dark green rear wedge footrests with cream piping, front passenger memory seat, dark green floor carpeting and mats – piped in cream, rear slumber pillows for the headrests, integrated fridge with integrated tumblers inside the rear centre headrest bar compartment, solar roof, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, factory driver’s seat fire extinguisher, tire pressure monitoring system, first aid kit, 12 V socket in the boot, TRACKER, derestricted – top speed is 155mph plus
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Previous (went to good homes):
2002 A8 D2 2.8 Quattro Sport - "Big Red" - Tornado Red (Special Order) - Twist Interior, PDC, Passenger Memory Seats, Symphony II with BOSE, Heated Front Seats, Bi-Xenons, Auto-dimming Mirrors, 20" FE Wheels, Servotronic Steering
2002 A8 D2 2.8 Quattro Sport - Aqua Blue Pearl - Twist Interior, PDC, Sat Nav Plus with BOSE, Multi-changer, Heated Front Seats, Bi-Xenons, Auto-dimming Mirrors, Avus Wheels


Last edited by Spanker; 6th March 2019 at 08:05 PM. Reason: .
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Old 6th March 2019, 05:33 PM
MikkiJayne MikkiJayne is offline
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Its a decent finish and they were very easy to deal with, but there were a couple of little details which vexed me slightly. I would use them again, but not necessarily for Brembos as the price they quoted someone recently on a pair of S8 4 pots was a bit crazy.

I think Pro Calipers are the forum-preferred caliper specialists. Personally I probably wouldn't go to them for a cosmetic refinish since they powder-coat, not wet paint. I despise powder coat. Its a cheap bodge instead of a proper paint system and it doesn't last anything like as long. Ever seen a powder-coated boat? No They do seem to do a good mechanical refinish though.

BCS get some pretty bad reviews - I think at least one forum member has had problems with them. They do paint though instead of powder. Dilemma

I'll just do 'em myself I guess

Last edited by MikkiJayne; 6th March 2019 at 05:35 PM.
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Old 6th March 2019, 05:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanker View Post
As it happens my front o/s caliper on the S8 has some seized pistons and needs repairing and I asked them for a quote last night which was emailed to me this morning for £112.
I recently partially refurbed my front ones (2-pot) as the car had been off the road for 8 months and they were binding, and looked at prices for the parts. For the 2-pot calipers, you can get a full repair kit (new pistons, all the seals and various rubbers) for around £35. I suspect the big cost is removing the old paint, cleaning the bodies and repainting.

I'm sure someone posted quite recently about getting their calipers refurbed, and listed the company.
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2001 A8 D2 FL 3.7 Q - LPG Conversion, Engine: AKC, Gearbox:FBB, Colour:LY5X Aqua Blue pearl effect, Interior:WJ light beige/dark beige valcona leather with burr walnut inserts

My DIY jobs - Replaced alarm horn, Replaced Coolant Temp sensor, Updated RNS-D firmware, Installed Reversing Camera and Digital TV, Dashcam Installation, Retrofitted Rear Blinds, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Chrome Boot Struts

Sold! 2008 S8 D3 5.2 V10 - Engine: BSM, Gearbox:KLW, Colour:LY7F Suzuka Grey Pearl Effect, Interior:Black/Black with Silver/Black valcona leather with carbon atlas inserts, Bang & Olufsen, Heated windscreen, Soft-close doors, TV, DAB, AMI, Quad Zone, Auto Boot, Auto dim Mirrors, Keyless entry, PDC with rearview camera, AFS II Headlights

My DIY jobs - Fan Jet Windscreen Washers, Retrofitted Electric Side Blinds
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Old 6th March 2019, 06:49 PM
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I just used Pro Calipers for my RS6, and very pleased with result. They do powder coat but apply a clear sealer/lacquer over that. I know at least two other forum members who have had similar positive experience with them
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Old 7th March 2019, 10:57 AM
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The_Laird The_Laird is offline
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Do not touch BCS with a barge pole! Seriously! I’ve had all sorts of problems with them, from leaking calipers, siezed bleed nipples and even the 2 halves of the calipers put together wrongly. And, of course, you don’t discover this until you’ve paid to have them fitted, and they don’t want to know about refunding this!

I’ve used Pro Calipers (Thomas), as have a number of people here, and been happy with their work (even if they do use powder coating!). They’ve just done the front calipers that BCS ‘refurbished’ a few years ago and found all sorts of horrors!
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Current mods: solar sun roof, 20mm rear spacers, 15 mm on front, red brembo callipers, 6k headlights, rear view camera, engine remap, alloy dash dial rings, alloy navi rings, tt/phaeton pedal upgrade, (and custom matching foot rest) dension ipod interface & parrot hands free kit (both fully hidden), av input, tv in motion switched thro' PF switch in blanking plug right of steering column, Audi 'quattro' sill covers, repositioned centre console switches, radio clock, .
Planned mods: auto-dimming rear view mirror, dash cam (as steamship's), fit the ski hatch, refit philips drl's (or maybe not - nope, definitely not - horrible botch!).
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Old 7th March 2019, 11:49 AM
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homer simpson homer simpson is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Laird View Post
Do not touch BCS with a barge pole! Seriously! I’ve had all sorts of problems with them, from leaking calipers, siezed bleed nipples and even the 2 halves of the calipers put together wrongly. And, of course, you don’t discover this until you’ve paid to have them fitted, and they don’t want to know about refunding this!

I’ve used Pro Calipers (Thomas), as have a number of people here, and been happy with their work (even if they do use powder coating!). They’ve just done the front calipers that BCS ‘refurbished’ a few years ago and found all sorts of horrors!
Thanks for the review. Unfortunately, I think Audi have sent my caliper there (at their expense) and if there are any issues, my warranty will be with Audi. I really hope there are no problems although they have had it the best part of nearly 3 weeks and it's beginning to concern me. I may send them to Pro Calipers if i am not happy with them. Whilst I cannot see the insides, I have asked to see the caliper before it goes back on the car.
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Old 7th March 2019, 08:43 PM
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jza8 jza8 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Laird View Post
Do not touch BCS with a barge pole! Seriously! I’ve had all sorts of problems with them, from leaking calipers, siezed bleed nipples and even the 2 halves of the calipers put together wrongly. And, of course, you don’t discover this until you’ve paid to have them fitted, and they don’t want to know about refunding this!

I’ve used Pro Calipers (Thomas), as have a number of people here, and been happy with their work (even if they do use powder coating!). They’ve just done the front calipers that BCS ‘refurbished’ a few years ago and found all sorts of horrors!
I had two SL500 brembo calipers refurbished at BCS - both leaking when fitted from where they damaged the seals when inserting pistons, and they claim they test pressure test all calipers - what a joke.
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Old 8th March 2019, 11:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by briang9 View Post
I just used Pro Calipers for my RS6, and very pleased with result. They do powder coat but apply a clear sealer/lacquer over that. I know at least two other forum members who have had similar positive experience with them
I thought it was you Brian, but couldn't find the post to confirm it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jza8 View Post
I had two SL500 brembo calipers refurbished at BCS - both leaking when fitted from where they damaged the seals when inserting pistons, and they claim they test pressure test all calipers - what a joke.
Seriously!? I just sorted my front ones out (not painted, just getting them working) on a concrete floor at a mechanic friends. No fancy equipment or premises, had no idea what I was doing beforehand, and didn't manage to screw up, and my background is in IT.

BCS definitely a place to avoid, and another tick for Pro Calipers.
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2001 A8 D2 FL 3.7 Q - LPG Conversion, Engine: AKC, Gearbox:FBB, Colour:LY5X Aqua Blue pearl effect, Interior:WJ light beige/dark beige valcona leather with burr walnut inserts

My DIY jobs - Replaced alarm horn, Replaced Coolant Temp sensor, Updated RNS-D firmware, Installed Reversing Camera and Digital TV, Dashcam Installation, Retrofitted Rear Blinds, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Chrome Boot Struts

Sold! 2008 S8 D3 5.2 V10 - Engine: BSM, Gearbox:KLW, Colour:LY7F Suzuka Grey Pearl Effect, Interior:Black/Black with Silver/Black valcona leather with carbon atlas inserts, Bang & Olufsen, Heated windscreen, Soft-close doors, TV, DAB, AMI, Quad Zone, Auto Boot, Auto dim Mirrors, Keyless entry, PDC with rearview camera, AFS II Headlights

My DIY jobs - Fan Jet Windscreen Washers, Retrofitted Electric Side Blinds
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Old 8th March 2019, 08:01 PM
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homer simpson homer simpson is offline
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Well Audi confirmed today that is has gone to BCS claiming they are a 'large professional company' even though they have said caliper is ready but for some reason they can't be bothered to ship it. Annoying times ahead I think.
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2008 (facelift) S8 with B&O, ACC, glass sunroof, reversing camera, front and rear heated seats, ceramic brakes, homelink, electric side and rear blinds, ski load through, heated fan washer jets, remote boot closing, de-flapped manifold, fridge, umbrella holder
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