Bedford Automotive

Bedford Automotive, an independent garage specialising in Porsche, VW and Audi

Bedford Automotive is a family-owned independent garage with over 25 years of activity in Bedford and the surrounding area. It looks after cars and vans of all makes and models, with specialisation in Porsche, VW and Audi, and presents itself as an alternative that combines the technical knowledge of a main dealer with a more restrained price. The company states that it uses only genuine parts on every job.

The garage has moved to larger premises at Unit 10 Old Rowney Farm, Shefford, Bedford SG17 5QH, keeping the same team. From there it serves customers in Bedford, Milton Keynes and nearby areas, and covers much of the area for mobile work and breakdown assistance.

Mechanical and maintenance services

The garage's work covers maintenance and comprehensive vehicle repair. The service catalogue includes:

• Car and van servicing and maintenance, with full, interim and major packages for all makes, using original equipment specification parts.
• Wheel alignment, for even tyre wear and correct tracking.
• Brake repairs: replacement of pads, discs and calipers for all types of vehicle.
• Electronic engine diagnostics to locate and resolve engine management faults.
• Tyre fitting from all major brands, with balancing included as standard on every change.
• Air conditioning service: maintenance, regas and leak detection.
• Clutch and transmission: clutch replacement, dual-mass flywheel and gearbox repairs, both manual and automatic.
• Electrical repairs: battery and alternator testing and location of complex wiring faults.
• Cambelt replacement, DPF cleaning, exhaust repair, puncture repairs, battery replacement and locking wheel nut removal.
• Mobile mechanic service and breakdown assistance.

ECU Remapping

Among the featured services is engine ECU remapping. The garage explains that engines leave the factory with a conservative configuration to suit any climate and fuel, and that a custom remap tunes that software to the vehicle and the customer's roads. According to the published information, the typical result is a power increase of between 20% and 30% and an improvement in fuel economy of between 8% and 15%, with the original file saved as a backup and the operation fully reversible. The website shows examples of gains for models such as BMW 320d, VW Golf 2.0 TDI, Audi A4 2.0 TFSI, VW Golf R, BMW 440i, Audi RS3 2.5 TFSI and Mercedes-AMG A45.

Coverage and customer service

The garage serves customers in Bedford, Kempston, Milton Keynes, Ampthill, Flitwick, Sandy, Biggleswade, St Neots, Wootton, Bromham, Great Barford and Marston Moretaine, among other locations. For mobile work and recovery it covers much of Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties. The company states that the quickest way to make enquiries and get quotes is by phone during opening hours; outside those hours, the contact form is answered first thing the next day. It also offers live chat and online booking available 24 hours a day.

To speed up service, the garage recommends having the vehicle registration, a description of the symptoms and the customer's availability to hand. The company states that it has serviced more than 1000 vehicles and has a five-star rating from its customers.

Location and contact

Unit 10 Old Rowney Farm, Shefford, Bedford, SG17 5QH · Phone: 01234 237669 · Email: info@bedfordautos.co.uk · Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00–17:30. Saturday: 8:00–13:00. Sundays and bank holidays: closed.