Vancouver area performance shops?

///Matt · 03-08-2007, 10:03 PM

Hi Canadians!

I'm very seriously considering moving to Vancouver, BC.

What BMW Performance shops are around, and are they respected in the industry? I ask because I may apply for work, not so much for where to take my car. I do all my own work, anyway! heh.

Matt

Yvette · 03-09-2007, 12:27 AM

in money making, my suggestion is rather stay there

///Matt · 03-09-2007, 12:34 AM

An elaboration would be appreciated, but that's off topic. =) PM it to me instead.

spacedogg · 03-09-2007, 05:08 PM

yeah...as much as i like it up here (living and all)...i would think that the car tuning scene is bigger down there. essentially i'm wondering if you find a good shop that paid you well here...unless maybe if you worked a dealer with doing some mods on the side.

the evil side of me wants you to come up to live here so you can do my mods tho!

if you ever come up to visit...let us vancouver boys know so we can do a meetup.

///Matt · 03-09-2007, 05:31 PM

I'm probably gonna move up there. Whether I work at the dealer, a tuner, or something else completely. I'm enamored of the idea to move up there right now. =)

ehhhwik · 03-09-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Matt

I'm probably gonna move up there. Whether I work at the dealer, a tuner, or something else completely. I'm enamored of the idea to move up there right now. =)

how about opening up your own shop? i am sure there are demand out there for a tune shop with euro specialization, there are already tons of jdm ones out there, but not much for euro

spacedogg · 03-09-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Matt

I'm probably gonna move up there. Whether I work at the dealer, a tuner, or something else completely. I'm enamored of the idea to move up there right now. =)

why don't you come up to visit before you commit. rent a car...drive around the city see if you like it. have you ever visited before? you might want to check out our rainy spring season to see if you still like it up here.

another issue would be citizenship/work permits. unless you have dual citizenship. if that becomes an issue, you might want to look at settling up in seattle or related area....similar climate and lifestyle...just same country so nixes the whole immigration thing.

///Matt · 03-09-2007, 07:57 PM

I have full and legal Dual Citizenship, recognized by both Gov'ts. =)

Yvette · 03-10-2007, 12:35 AM

the problem is here in vancouver, less demand BMW tuning than there.
not much hardcores in vancouver...

spacedogg · 03-10-2007, 01:51 AM

i think e90sexion is right. we only have approximately 32 million people living in all of canada and about only 2 million living in the metro Vancouver area (including all the burbs).

conversely there's about approximately 33 million people living in california alone. so just by a pure numbers game, it's harder to have as many customers up here in canada.

keep in mind...things costs more up here. BMWs are more expensive, parts are more expensive. it further encourages less people to be into BMWs and even less into tuning them. and don't forget the taxes which are pretty high.

Sorry Matt...I don't mean to kill your dream...but there are some harsh consequences you need to be aware of. I love living in Vancouver and I can't think of anywhere else I would like to live, but there are some sacrifices. I still think you should come up to visit anyway if you are serious about moving up here. Have you ever lived in Vancouver before? If you come up and visit, I'll buy you coffee and we can talk more about this indepth. Heh.

bmwmike · 03-10-2007, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Matt

I have full and legal Dual Citizenship, recognized by both Gov'ts. =)

Ah, just like me. I use to live in the arm pit of California.

Check out the BMW Club of BC and there are two tuning shops in BC that are sponsors and have been around for a while. My fav is Nixon. It's a small industry here, as stated by others.

///Matt · 03-10-2007, 03:34 AM

So what do you pay in taxes, Spacedogg? at least what bracket.

ehhhwik · 03-10-2007, 03:50 AM

we pay 6% federal sales tax (same every where in the country), and in British Columbia, we also have to pay 7% provincal sales tax, so pretty much when you buy something in BC, 13% taxes are added on top, this would include cars as well and the provincal sales tax goes up depending on the price of the car, listed below

7% - 10% on passenger vehicles (effective February 22, 2006)

* Less than $55,000 - 7%
* $55,000 to less than $56,000 - 8%
* $56,000 to less than $57,000 - 9%
* $57,000 or more - 10%

spacedogg · 03-10-2007, 03:59 AM

for income tax...here's the rates for next year:

2007 Taxable Income Tax Rate
first $34,397 21.20%
over $34,397 up to $37,178 24.15%
over $37,178 up to $68,794 30.65%
over $68,794 up to $74,357 33.10%
over $74,357 up to $78,984 37.10%
over $78,984 up to $95,909 39.00%
over $95,909 up to $120,887 40.70%
over $120,887 43.70%

but they do throw in free medicare and welfare on that tho.

btw...since you are also an american citizen...you may still be liabile to pay some US tax as well when you work up here. i'm no expert in that...but i understand that america taxes based on citizenship rather than residency...meaning that even if you live in canada, they still may tax you. again there are tax treaties between the two countries...so i don't know how all the rules go...but you'll likely need to consult with a real accountant when you do your taxes.

hj058 · 03-10-2007, 04:34 AM

other than BMW performace shops there are couple famous performance shops for audi vw hondas around

paullo · 03-10-2007, 09:22 AM

Dave-

Try London! I'll be happy to come back to 'cheap' living... these past few months have been a real eye-opener for me in terms of cost of living around the world, and how good we actually have it on the wet coast.

Matt-

If you've got the means, move on up. We'll happily have you in our fair city. If you can make it to the YVR3 Meet in April, that would be really great. I'm trying to manage a ride to the next UK meet in London while I'm here, should be a good way of spending a Saturday

See you all soon!
Cheers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacedogg

i think e90sexion is right. we only have approximately 32 million people living in all of canada and about only 2 million living in the metro Vancouver area (including all the burbs).

conversely there's about approximately 33 million people living in california alone. so just by a pure numbers game, it's harder to have as many customers up here in canada.

keep in mind...things costs more up here. BMWs are more expensive, parts are more expensive. it further encourages less people to be into BMWs and even less into tuning them. and don't forget the taxes which are pretty high.

Sorry Matt...I don't mean to kill your dream...but there are some harsh consequences you need to be aware of. I love living in Vancouver and I can't think of anywhere else I would like to live, but there are some sacrifices. I still think you should come up to visit anyway if you are serious about moving up here. Have you ever lived in Vancouver before? If you come up and visit, I'll buy you coffee and we can talk more about this indepth. Heh.

spacedogg · 03-10-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paullo

Dave-
Try London! I'll be happy to come back to 'cheap' living... these past few months have been a real eye-opener for me in terms of cost of living around the world, and how good we actually have it on the wet coast.

True...London is quite expensive...especially housing costs. What the hell are you doing in London? Contract work?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hj058

other than BMW performace shops there are couple famous performance shops for audi vw hondas around

Yeah...but the only one that comes to mind is HPA which created that BEAUTIFUL AWD concept Jetta with 550hp: http://hpamotorsports.com/projects_f..._rgt-jetta.htm

But what other performance shop for Audi/VW were you thinking of?

I can't think of other performance shops for other cars...although, truthfully, I can't afford too many mods so I haven't been keeping into that scene...so I don't know what's out there. I remember 10 years ago, Eurosport (?) was big here...but I thought they closed down.

paullo · 03-10-2007, 01:17 PM

yup. contract work, should be back the day before the meet

hj058 · 03-10-2007, 02:29 PM

in vancouver there are AJ racing for honda, REV, RPI, Cg motorsports (they do BMWs too), SR, ya as u mentioned HPA (visited them once very good working envrionment and nice employees there)...can't remember other names...

ehhhwik · 03-10-2007, 03:57 PM

there used to be FK in Poco, but the moved back to the states, and i think Momentum Motorsports is still here and they specialize in VW/Audi

bmwmike · 03-10-2007, 05:29 PM

Kinetic Motorsports is a big VW tuner and (turbo) parts seller. PG Performance in Surrey is also a respected VW repair and parts shop. The local VW scene's forum is http://www.dovforums.com/
I guess there is also the Richmond BMW dealer that you could apply for work at Matt - they do some aftermarket installations of superchargers, etc. and are known for it.

03-08-2007, 10:03 PM	#1
///Matt United States Marine 347 Rep 2,748 Posts Drives: 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (8) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Vancouver area performance shops? Hi Canadians! I'm very seriously considering moving to Vancouver, BC. What BMW Performance shops are around, and are they respected in the industry? I ask because I may apply for work, not so much for where to take my car. I do all my own work, anyway! heh. Matt
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-09-2007, 12:27 AM	#2
Yvette Major General 783 Rep 7,409 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (19)	in money making, my suggestion is rather stay there
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2007, 12:34 AM	#3
///Matt United States Marine 347 Rep 2,748 Posts Drives: 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (8) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	An elaboration would be appreciated, but that's off topic. =) PM it to me instead.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2007, 05:08 PM	#4
spacedogg Colonel 206 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Debadged Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	yeah...as much as i like it up here (living and all)...i would think that the car tuning scene is bigger down there. essentially i'm wondering if you find a good shop that paid you well here...unless maybe if you worked a dealer with doing some mods on the side. the evil side of me wants you to come up to live here so you can do my mods tho! if you ever come up to visit...let us vancouver boys know so we can do a meetup.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2007, 05:31 PM	#5
///Matt United States Marine 347 Rep 2,748 Posts Drives: 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (8) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I'm probably gonna move up there. Whether I work at the dealer, a tuner, or something else completely. I'm enamored of the idea to move up there right now. =)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-09-2007, 07:57 PM	#8
///Matt United States Marine 347 Rep 2,748 Posts Drives: 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (8) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I have full and legal Dual Citizenship, recognized by both Gov'ts. =)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 12:35 AM	#9
Yvette Major General 783 Rep 7,409 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (19)	the problem is here in vancouver, less demand BMW tuning than there. not much hardcores in vancouver...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 01:51 AM	#10
spacedogg Colonel 206 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Debadged Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	i think e90sexion is right. we only have approximately 32 million people living in all of canada and about only 2 million living in the metro Vancouver area (including all the burbs). conversely there's about approximately 33 million people living in california alone. so just by a pure numbers game, it's harder to have as many customers up here in canada. keep in mind...things costs more up here. BMWs are more expensive, parts are more expensive. it further encourages less people to be into BMWs and even less into tuning them. and don't forget the taxes which are pretty high. Sorry Matt...I don't mean to kill your dream...but there are some harsh consequences you need to be aware of. I love living in Vancouver and I can't think of anywhere else I would like to live, but there are some sacrifices. I still think you should come up to visit anyway if you are serious about moving up here. Have you ever lived in Vancouver before? If you come up and visit, I'll buy you coffee and we can talk more about this indepth. Heh.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 03:34 AM	#12
///Matt United States Marine 347 Rep 2,748 Posts Drives: 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (8) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	So what do you pay in taxes, Spacedogg? at least what bracket.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 03:50 AM	#13
ehhhwik Brigadier General 121 Rep 3,431 Posts Drives: 09' BMW 335d, 07' BMW E92 328i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (5)	we pay 6% federal sales tax (same every where in the country), and in British Columbia, we also have to pay 7% provincal sales tax, so pretty much when you buy something in BC, 13% taxes are added on top, this would include cars as well and the provincal sales tax goes up depending on the price of the car, listed below 7% - 10% on passenger vehicles (effective February 22, 2006) * Less than $55,000 - 7% * $55,000 to less than $56,000 - 8% * $56,000 to less than $57,000 - 9% * $57,000 or more - 10% __________________ Current: 09' E90 335d - Titanium Silver/Black Leatherette/Sports Package/6AT Paddle Shift/USB Integration/19" Staggered Breyton GT Gloss Black Retired: 07' E92 328i (Jet Black)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 03:59 AM	#14
spacedogg Colonel 206 Rep 2,816 Posts Drives: Debadged Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	for income tax...here's the rates for next year: 2007 Taxable Income Tax Rate first $34,397 21.20% over $34,397 up to $37,178 24.15% over $37,178 up to $68,794 30.65% over $68,794 up to $74,357 33.10% over $74,357 up to $78,984 37.10% over $78,984 up to $95,909 39.00% over $95,909 up to $120,887 40.70% over $120,887 43.70% but they do throw in free medicare and welfare on that tho. btw...since you are also an american citizen...you may still be liabile to pay some US tax as well when you work up here. i'm no expert in that...but i understand that america taxes based on citizenship rather than residency...meaning that even if you live in canada, they still may tax you. again there are tax treaties between the two countries...so i don't know how all the rules go...but you'll likely need to consult with a real accountant when you do your taxes.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 04:34 AM	#15
hj058 Colonel 83 Rep 2,017 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Richmond, BC iTrader: (4)	other than BMW performace shops there are couple famous performance shops for audi vw hondas around __________________ F30 335i Xdrive Black Msport E92 335i Black/black (Missed)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 01:17 PM	#18
paullo Captain 32 Rep 686 Posts Drives: ThreeThreeFive Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	yup. contract work, should be back the day before the meet __________________ 2008 335i \| Sport \| Premium \| USB \| SSK \| æ \| Unsprung Diet 2006 330i \| Sport \| Premium \| Active Steering \| M-Sport Aero Kit \| Retired
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 02:29 PM	#19
hj058 Colonel 83 Rep 2,017 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Richmond, BC iTrader: (4)	in vancouver there are AJ racing for honda, REV, RPI, Cg motorsports (they do BMWs too), SR, ya as u mentioned HPA (visited them once very good working envrionment and nice employees there)...can't remember other names... __________________ F30 335i Xdrive Black Msport E92 335i Black/black (Missed)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 03:57 PM	#20
ehhhwik Brigadier General 121 Rep 3,431 Posts Drives: 09' BMW 335d, 07' BMW E92 328i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (5)	there used to be FK in Poco, but the moved back to the states, and i think Momentum Motorsports is still here and they specialize in VW/Audi __________________ Current: 09' E90 335d - Titanium Silver/Black Leatherette/Sports Package/6AT Paddle Shift/USB Integration/19" Staggered Breyton GT Gloss Black Retired: 07' E92 328i (Jet Black)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-10-2007, 05:29 PM	#21
bmwmike Lieutenant 29 Rep 542 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe - SOLD Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada iTrader: (1)	Kinetic Motorsports is a big VW tuner and (turbo) parts seller. PG Performance in Surrey is also a respected VW repair and parts shop. The local VW scene's forum is http://www.dovforums.com/ I guess there is also the Richmond BMW dealer that you could apply for work at Matt - they do some aftermarket installations of superchargers, etc. and are known for it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote