[RElias21]

I'm sure many of you have heard of ZNM Auto in Newfoundland, NJ, but, as a customer of their's for about a year now, I figured I would provide my review re: this shop.

Thus far, ZNM has installed my Helix FMIC, VRSF downpipes (XDrive), VRSF charge pipe and performed a Walnut blast. From a workmanship perspective, ZNM know their stuff. I know this now from being there at least three times for three different installs/work. From a cost perspective, ZNM offer very competitive prices. I'll leave it up to them to discuss pricing. I'll just say that they really take care of their customers.

I think the main thing though, is the customer service. PHENOMENAL!

Just as an example, I had an appointment this past Saturday to install the downpipes and charge pipe on my Xdrive. Unfortunately, some O2 sensors were bad and had to be replaced. This had nothing to do with ZNM's work, but rather it appears the sensors were seized onto the stock downpipes. Regardless, it sucked for me because they are expensive, and, unfortunately, by the time we found out about this issue, it was past 3 on Saturday and the BMW parts department at the dealerships were all closed.

To help me out, the guys at ZNM let me leave my car up on the lift at their shop, drove me home (over an hour away), and then went to BMW on Monday themselves to pick up the necessary parts for me! All of this, and they didn't charge me a dime extra for the install, which was a steal to begin with. Of course, I had to pay for the parts (which is only fair).

They did everything they could and more to take care of me, and to make the best of a bad situation.
I walked out of the shop with my new downpipes and some new friends.

Thanks Matt, Zach and Nick for everything you did.
Quality shop right there.

[fazman]

Originally Posted by Ragi Elias

I'm sure many of you have heard of ZNM Auto in Newfoundland, NJ, but, as a customer of their's for about a year now, I figured I would provide my review re: this shop.

Thus far, ZNM has installed my Helix FMIC, VRSF downpipes (XDrive), VRSF charge pipe and performed a Walnut blast. From a workmanship perspective, ZNM know their stuff. I know this now from being there at least three times for three different installs/work. From a cost perspective, ZNM offer very competitive prices. I'll leave it up to them to discuss pricing. I'll just say that they really take care of their customers.

I think the main thing though, is the customer service. PHENOMENAL!

Just as an example, I had an appointment this past Saturday to install the downpipes and charge pipe on my Xdrive. Unfortunately, some O2 sensors were bad and had to be replaced. This had nothing to do with ZNM's work, but rather it appears the sensors were seized onto the stock downpipes. Regardless, it sucked for me because they are expensive, and, unfortunately, by the time we found out about this issue, it was past 3 on Saturday and the BMW parts department at the dealerships were all closed.

To help me out, the guys at ZNM let me leave my car up on the lift at their shop, drove me home (over an hour away), and then went to BMW on Monday themselves to pick up the necessary parts for me! All of this, and they didn't charge me a dime extra for the install, which was a steal to begin with. Of course, I had to pay for the parts (which is only fair).

They did everything they could and more to take care of me, and to make the best of a bad situation.
I walked out of the shop with my new downpipes and some new friends.

Thanks Matt, Zach and Nick for everything you did.
Quality shop right there.

That's just par for the course at ZNM auto! I bring all of my cars to them and they have been super awesome to me with all my work (BMW and non-BMW's). I can't imagine taking my car anywhere else (even if i had to commute or tow the car a couple hundred miles to get to them i would do that).

+1000 for ZNM Auto FTW!

[dklobuci]

they are good, awesome guys +1

[trixdout]

I can vouch as well. Kudos top them.

[illifili]

I'll vouch for them as well. They go above and beyond satisfactory customer service

I want to give others a heads up so they can avoid having the unfortunate experience I had. I don't like being taken advantage of and hope others can avoid it as well.

I had the misfortunate experience of using ZNM Auto / Performance in Pompton Lakes, NJ.

ZNM claimed (and charged me) to change parts on my car that they did not replace. In addition, they misdiagnosed a problem claiming my misfiring was due to my coils when in fact it was my spark plugs. They also left out bolts , including but not limited to, transmission bell housing bolts as well as cross member bolts. They supposedly re-built my engine and “changed all the seals” however within a few months the valve cover gasket was leaking and the rear main seal was leaking. This is just a sample (there is more but I think you get the idea) of the work (or lack of) performed by ZNM Auto.

Just trying to give a heads up to fellow enthusiasts.

[Spyro235]

Robbie- Have you tried to talk to Matt about your issues? He's an active presence on this forum, and as far as 99.9% of us that have experience with him know, he stands by his work, and is very honest and fair in everything he does. My advice would be to contact him about these issues you speak of, and if he really has wronged you, I'm almost certain he would make it right. I've had nothing but great experiences with him in the last few months.

[Trelos]

Originally Posted by Spyro235

Robbie- Have you tried to talk to Matt about your issues? He's an active presence on this forum, and as far as 99.9% of us that have experience with him know, he stands by his work, and is very honest and fair in everything he does. My advice would be to contact him about these issues you speak of, and if he really has wronged you, I'm almost certain he would make it right. I've had nothing but great experiences with him in the last few months.

Agree 100%

Personally I've had nothing but good experience with ZNM. But you can take the word of many of us here who have all had very positive experiences, or some dude with 0 posts

[matt@ZNMPerformance]

Aaron, I really appreciate the kind words.

As for "Racecarrobbie"....

#1. I did not "rebuild any engine". I actually replaced it. And to top things off. It wasn't even for him. All the work was performed for the previous owner of the vehicle. The vehicle was then sold to Rob after the fact. The vehicle came back for an issue with the VCG once in his (Robs) possession.

#2. Customer who took the vehicle to me, has been taking it to me for almost 3 years now. NEVER had an issue with the car. The motor was replaced and he drove the car for quite a while WITH ZERO ISSUES. The owner can actually verify this. Not a single issue. Not a single leak. Nothing.

#3. Not going to spend time here going back and forth. I can sit here and also mention never to clean a Valve Cover with brake cleaner. Im confident I can have the previous owner of the vehicle chime in.

[matt@ZNMPerformance]

Originally Posted by Trelos

Agree 100%

Personally I've had nothing but good experience with ZNM. But you can take the word of many of us here who have all had very positive experiences, or some dude with 0 posts

THANK YOU "Y".

I respect the identify and privacy of the previous owner of the vehicle, but I most defiantly will have verifiable confirmation from him on the ENTIRE history of the car with ZNM. It came in broken and left fixed. We had to replace a motor a few months back. He had ZERO issues with the vehicle after he took possession of the car and continued to drive it. Not a single thing. The oil temp wasn't quite the same as before (old motor) using the same thermostat.... Thats it.

[ard5040]

I'm the previous owner and the guy that sold the car to Rob. A little background. Matt had worked on the car for about four years. Starting with a walnut blast and ending with replacing the motor with an '08 motor that had a major overhaul. The reason for the replacement was just to save time and labor. I had blown the head gasket. Matt offered the '08 motor that he had purchased for his single turbo project car since he could begin work immediately and then swap motors with no delay. He replaced the rod bearings, cams, sent the car out to have the head rebuilt, ported and polished. Replaced all seals and gaskets. When I picked up the car he recommended keeping it under 3500 rpm for about 1200 miles to break everything in. I put the car up for sale and noted in the description that it was still in the breaking period. When Rob asked to test drive it he said he needed to take it above 3500 rpm. I asked Matt and he said 4500 was okay. At this point there were only 200 miles on the break in. During the test drive Rob brought it up to 5000 rpm. No smoking, no oil smell. I asked weather he wanted to do aPPI. He never did one. He got every receipt with the purchase. We did take the car to ZNM because he said that there was an oil leak. Matt's brother Brian inspected the car said he believed it was residual that didn't get cleaned up after the build but that they ABSOLUTELY stood by the work and would repair any problem. Rob called me about a week after he took possession of the car saying that it was billowing smoke. I asked if he was observing the break in. He told me that I never mentioned a break in. I replied that I had, reminded him that it was in the listing and that I had told him to keep it under 4500 rpm during the test drive. I feel badly that Rob believes that he was "taken". I know, and Matt and his staff know, that there was nothing wrong with the car when he took possession. I will continue to have ZNM service my car. Matt's integrity is beyond reproach.

Spyro- I did talk to Matt several times about the issues. I dropped the car with him and he had it for almost a week. After getting it back nothing was fixed. He claimed to have "re-seated" the valve cover gasket but it still leaks. I thought he would stand by his work but obviously he is not in this case.

I was having misfires and he told me they changed one of my coils. I continued having misfires on the ride home from his shop and when I pulled the coils at home I noticed none of them had been changed. I know this because there was light surface rust on the coil sleeve. I called Matt when I discovered this and he swore up and down that the coils were changed. Later he called me and told me that his tech told him the car was complete when in fact it wasn't and that I was correct and the coils were not changed.

I should not have to check up on his work. I do have to admit, to my surprise Matt did send me a new set of coils to make up for his mess up. However, the coils did not help because they were not the issue, it was actually the plugs. Does this sound like a competent mechanic / shop?

Originally Posted by matt@ZNMPerformance

Aaron, I really appreciate the kind words.

As for "Racecarrobbie"....

#1. I did not "rebuild any engine". I actually replaced it. And to top things off. It wasn't even for him. All the work was performed for the previous owner of the vehicle. The vehicle was then sold to Rob after the fact. The vehicle came back for an issue with the VCG once in his (Robs) possession.

#2. Customer who took the vehicle to me, has been taking it to me for almost 3 years now. NEVER had an issue with the car. The motor was replaced and he drove the car for quite a while WITH ZERO ISSUES. The owner can actually verify this. Not a single issue. Not a single leak. Nothing.

#3. Not going to spend time here going back and forth. I can sit here and also mention never to clean a Valve Cover with brake cleaner. Im confident I can have the previous owner of the vehicle chime in.

Matt-
1. You didn't re-build the engine? I spoke to you about it and you confirmed all the work that I have on a receipt from your shop. While every component may not have been changed, you confirmed the top end was re-built, rod bearings were changed, and all new gaskets and seals. This includes the valve cover gasket which is leaking.

2. I find it interesting that you say the previous owner drove the car for quite a while but yet the previous owner states in his post that there were only 200 miles on the engine since getting it back from you. Which by the way the previous owner says in his post all the engine parts you replaced (you claim you did not rebuild any engine). Not a single leak? However, when the previous owner and I brought the car to your shop, before I bought it, there was oil on the engine that you said and your brother who was there said it was only residual oil and that if there are any leaks, ZNM would stand behind their work and take care of them. Unfortunately for me, this is not the case.

Originally Posted by ard5040

I'm the previous owner and the guy that sold the car to Rob. A little background. Matt had worked on the car for about four years. Starting with a walnut blast and ending with replacing the motor with an '08 motor that had a major overhaul. The reason for the replacement was just to save time and labor. I had blown the head gasket. Matt offered the '08 motor that he had purchased for his single turbo project car since he could begin work immediately and then swap motors with no delay. He replaced the rod bearings, cams, sent the car out to have the head rebuilt, ported and polished. Replaced all seals and gaskets. When I picked up the car he recommended keeping it under 3500 rpm for about 1200 miles to break everything in. I put the car up for sale and noted in the description that it was still in the breaking period. When Rob asked to test drive it he said he needed to take it above 3500 rpm. I asked Matt and he said 4500 was okay. At this point there were only 200 miles on the break in. During the test drive Rob brought it up to 5000 rpm. No smoking, no oil smell. I asked weather he wanted to do aPPI. He never did one. He got every receipt with the purchase. We did take the car to ZNM because he said that there was an oil leak. Matt's brother Brian inspected the car said he believed it was residual that didn't get cleaned up after the build but that they ABSOLUTELY stood by the work and would repair any problem. Rob called me about a week after he took possession of the car saying that it was billowing smoke. I asked if he was observing the break in. He told me that I never mentioned a break in. I replied that I had, reminded him that it was in the listing and that I had told him to keep it under 4500 rpm during the test drive. I feel badly that Rob believes that he was "taken". I know, and Matt and his staff know, that there was nothing wrong with the car when he took possession. I will continue to have ZNM service my car. Matt's integrity is beyond reproach.

Art- Just to clear a few things up:
Before I bought the car, I called Matt and he told me that it was no longer in the break in period. As your trusted mechanic, I took his word. Secondly, I respected your request and did not raise the RPMs above 4500 during the test drive. I don't know where you are getting 5000 rpms from. Next, you know as well as I do that there was oil on the engine, which is why we went to ZNM to have it checked out together. Brian said they would stand behind their work and take care of any leaks. I trusted they would, but as I have learned, they do not. Next, there was no mention in your cars.com ad that the car was still in a break in period. If you want I can send you a copy of the ad. Lastly, as I pointed out to you previously, there are several things that make me skeptical such as the receipt for the RB PCV valve however, there was no RB PCV valve in the car. And also the fact that there are receipts for walnut blasting on 2 separate occasions both only 12 months apart.

[matt@ZNMPerformance]

Originally Posted by racecarrobbie

Matt-
1. You didn't re-build the engine? I spoke to you about it and you confirmed all the work that I have on a receipt from your shop. While every component may not have been changed, you confirmed the top end was re-built, rod bearings were changed, and all new gaskets and seals. This includes the valve cover gasket which is leaking.

2. I find it interesting that you say the previous owner drove the car for quite a while but yet the previous owner states in his post that there were only 200 miles on the engine since getting it back from you. Which by the way the previous owner says in his post all the engine parts you replaced (you claim you did not rebuild any engine). Not a single leak? However, when the previous owner and I brought the car to your shop, before I bought it, there was oil on the engine that you said and your brother who was there said it was only residual oil and that if there are any leaks, ZNM would stand behind their work and take care of them. Unfortunately for me, this is not the case.

The motor we replaced in the vehicle was rebuilt, its of extreme importance to note the motor was physically replaced with a used engine. If you re read what I wrote, the vehicle was driven for a month (IIRC), which leads me to my statement of "quite a While". There were absolutely zero issues with the vehicle.

I have our first (almost) 45 minute conversation recorded, which you BET I will disclose with this community once this case is closed. I will not stand here and let anyone attempt to denounce my name. In this phone call, I NEVER said the car was passed any break in period. I said to verify with Art how far along he is in the break in. I ALSO stated there was a massive oil spill (you confirm with Art OR our phone call) and that we (Art and I) had decided to clean it up entirely. Art not myself thought the car would sell that quick and we never got around to cleaning the engine bay. Your words and I just verified Was it's pissing oil everywhere. I, again said we will clean up as much as possible.

The rest goes from smoking issues which NEVER existed prior up until the last day Art had the car. Then you call me saying and Oxygen sensor is dead, which is BRAND new. But you also still have the DP fix connected to the ECU, with stock catalytic converters in, but then you seem amazed when I tell you to remove the DP fix with the stock cats. Your insisting an oxygen sensor is dead. Was it replaced? Is it still dead? Haven't heard much about this dead O2 yet.

"I was correct and the coils were not changed".... correction. Coil. Not coils. And the used coil was swapped in to keep them uniform in brand. Hence why I shipped you at NO cost a set of brand new Delphi coils.

I have EVERY single receipt, and every part replaced ON VIDEO. Every phone call recorded. On top of all of this, I invite you to come to my shop, wait and watch while we correct whatever the VCG may be. I cannot diagnose a vehicle over the phone. I offered a solution to every problem you had, you sit on the phone and stay silent for almost 30 seconds at a time. You question the mechanical state of the motor, (please correct me if I am wrong I could be wrong on my next statement) then call me and say the motor passed leakdown/compression with flying colors.

[matt@ZNMPerformance]

And Rob,

Do me a favor and disclose the dates on the walnut blasting, please. I may have accidentally listed it the second time around as a carbon cleaning. But yes, the head was completely cleaned when it was sent out to Be rebuilt prior to being reinstalled on the motor.

Originally Posted by matt@ZNMPerformance

The motor we replaced in the vehicle was rebuilt, its of extreme importance to note the motor was physically replaced with a used engine. If you re read what I wrote, the vehicle was driven for a month (IIRC), which leads me to my statement of "quite a While". There were absolutely zero issues with the vehicle.

I have our first (almost) 45 minute conversation recorded, which you BET I will disclose with this community once this case is closed. I will not stand here and let anyone attempt to denounce my name. In this phone call, I NEVER said the car was passed any break in period. I said to verify with Art how far along he is in the break in. I ALSO stated there was a massive oil spill (you confirm with Art OR our phone call) and that we (Art and I) had decided to clean it up entirely. Art not myself thought the car would sell that quick and we never got around to cleaning the engine bay. Your words and I just verified Was it's pissing oil everywhere. I, again said we will clean up as much as possible.

The rest goes from smoking issues which NEVER existed prior up until the last day Art had the car. Then you call me saying and Oxygen sensor is dead, which is BRAND new. But you also still have the DP fix connected to the ECU, with stock catalytic converters in, but then you seem amazed when I tell you to remove the DP fix with the stock cats. Your insisting an oxygen sensor is dead. Was it replaced? Is it still dead? Haven't heard much about this dead O2 yet.

"I was correct and the coils were not changed".... correction. Coil. Not coils. And the used coil was swapped in to keep them uniform in brand. Hence why I shipped you at NO cost a set of brand new Delphi coils.

I have EVERY single receipt, and every part replaced ON VIDEO. Every phone call recorded. On top of all of this, I invite you to come to my shop, wait and watch while we correct whatever the VCG may be. I cannot diagnose a vehicle over the phone. I offered a solution to every problem you had, you sit on the phone and stay silent for almost 30 seconds at a time. You question the mechanical state of the motor, (please correct me if I am wrong I could be wrong on my next statement) then call me and say the motor passed leakdown/compression with flying colors.

Matt-
This is unclear, are you saying that the used (I understand it was used) motor you put in the car did not have rod bearings replaced, gaskets replaced, and the head rebuilt? Just trying to clarify.

[ard5040]

Matt, I'm really sorry that you got mixed up in this. You replaced the motor in MY car with a rebuilt '08 n54 to save ME labor costs and time. Rob had every chance to have the car inspected by Wide World BMW which is ten minutes from my home. He chose not to. As far as missing parts/bolts, I watched my car being worked on 99% of the time it was in your shop. I can't imagine ANYONE letting a bolt go unreplaced without saying something. I never did. Rob you say you have the original Cars.com listing, please post it. If you're saying that I never told you verbally that the car was still in break in, that a lie. I'm done.

[matt@ZNMPerformance]

Originally Posted by racecarrobbie

Matt-
This is unclear, are you saying that the used (I understand it was used) motor you put in the car did not have rod bearings replaced, gaskets replaced, and the head rebuilt? Just trying to clarify.

I'll repeat it again verbatim from my previous post for you

"The motor we replaced in the vehicle was rebuilt, its of extreme importance to note the motor was physically replaced with a used engine"

Here's your clarification again. I rebuilt a used motor for Art and installed in his car. Not you. You purchased it after the fact.

Originally Posted by ard5040

Matt, I'm really sorry that you got mixed up in this. You replaced the motor in MY car with a rebuilt '08 n54 to save ME labor costs and time. Rob had every chance to have the car inspected by Wide World BMW which is ten minutes from my home. He chose not to. As far as missing parts/bolts, I watched my car being worked on 99% of the time it was in your shop. I can't imagine ANYONE letting a bolt go unreplaced without saying something. I never did. Rob you say you have the original Cars.com listing, please post it. If you're saying that I never told you verbally that the car was still in break in, that a lie. I'm done.

Art-
Attached you will find the description from your cars.com ad. Like I said, you never mentioned this in your ad like you stated earlier. You did tell me that it was in a break in period - I never denied that however, when I asked Matt, he told me it was no longer in a break in period and that I don't have to restrict rpms. Him saying otherwise is false. Bolts certainly were missing from cross members and the transmission bell housing. Maybe this happened during the 1% of the time when you were not watching. Were you watching when they installed the rear silicone inlet? Because to was crushed and twisted and the clamp on the turbo was not tight.

Originally Posted by matt@ZNMPerformance

I'll repeat it again verbatim from my previous post for you

"The motor we replaced in the vehicle was rebuilt, its of extreme importance to note the motor was physically replaced with a used engine"

Here's your clarification again. I rebuilt a used motor for Art and installed in his car. Not you. You purchased it after the fact.

Matt-
Your post on 3/24/17 at 4:08pm says, "I did not "rebuild any engine"" but now you are saying you did. I find your inconsistencies to be pretty consistent.
I never claimed you rebuilt the motor for me. You did that work for Art. I bought the car form Art and paid the price I did because it had this work done with the understanding that a rebuilt engine with new gaskets and seals should not have oil leaks and if there were leaks, your shop would stand behind their work and correct any leaks.

[matt@ZNMPerformance]

Originally Posted by racecarrobbie

Matt-
Your post on 3/24/17 at 4:08pm says, "I did not "rebuild any engine"" but now you are saying you did. I find your inconsistencies to be pretty consistent.
I never claimed you rebuilt the motor for me. You did that work for Art. I bought the car form Art and paid the price I did because it had this work done with the understanding that a rebuilt engine with new gaskets and seals should not have oil leaks and if there were leaks, your shop would stand behind their work and correct any leaks.

Your statement of "rebuilt motor" can be interpreted as a motor was never replaced. Hence why I said no motor was rebuilt, it was it replaced with a rebuilt motor.

Still, did I not offer and arrange for you to come back so any issues could be rectified? I did. I have that phone call too.

I had said "you need to speak with Art in regards to where he is in the break in period". I never said the car was out of the break in period. Ever. And I'm surely glad I have that phone call recorded.

In addition, Art just seems to re-confirm everything I've said over and over.