A Hidden Gem

ARM Motorsports and Mapfreaks Tuning

Words by Jim Husband Photos by ARM Motorsports and Mapfreaks, Adam Harber and Jim Husband

When the BMW Car Club sent out a request to the Regions for information on any local BMW specialists, restorers or other car related businesses that come highly recommended by club members, I was made aware of ARM BMW Motorsports and Mapfreaks Tuning here in the Cornwall Region. I had heard of them before and recall seeing their stand at a local well-supported car show.

Following initial contact with Tim and Joe, who own and run the business, I asked if it would be possible to hold an event or open day at their premises. They were extremely keen to do this and, as members of the BMW Car Club GB, they were happy to support the Club and the Cornwall Region.

ARM BMW and Motorsports and Mapfreaks Tuning carry out a range of services, not just for BMWs. They offer a comprehensive list of services specialising in classic and modern BMWs. They have the facilities to offer full dealer services such as servicing, software updates, coding, as well as the expertise in restoring and upgrading classic BMWs from the last 50 years. Their website will give full details of everything they offer www.armbmwandmotorsport.co.uk.

In addition to preparing cars for others, they also prepare race cars and engines for themselves and Joe competes in the BMW Car Club Championship. Both Tim and Joe have collectively been Club members for many years and it was very obvious both have a real passion for BMWs old and new.

Once the date had been set, I kept in contact with Tim to arrange how the day would go ahead. To be fair, it didn’t take a lot on my part. I just had to let the members know when to turn up, all the hard work carried out by Tim and Joe. It was also decided to open up the event for other BMW owners, which could raise awareness of the BMW Car Club GB and potentially recruit new members.

They had some ideas for the day and during the final confirmation call they had arranged for food and drink and a raffle with some great prizes.

As usual, on the arranged day, the weather first thing in the morning was not good. However, by the agreed meet time it had cleared and in total we had ten club members (nine Cornwall and one Cotswold Region, thanks Adam) attended the ARM and Mapfreaks premises for what proved to be a really great event.

We had some fantastic BMWs attend, as the photos show.

Tim, Joe and their families and team had really done us proud on the day. I knew that they had some things up their sleeve but they really provided us with an excellent day and their hospitality was amazing.

Initially we all met and chatted outside the workshop inspecting each other’s cars and introducing ourselves.

On entering the workshop was a beautiful 1980 535i, then as your gaze went further you observed other BMWs in various stages of preparation for both track and rally work. A rolling road, body shop and spraying facilities, plus all the expected equipment for servicing and restoration are all within the ARM and Mapfreaks premises.

A fantastic E30 rally prepared car caught my eye along with a Ford Anglia, which had been completely stripped and the engine bay set up and prepared to take a Subaru engine.

Tim and Joe had provided us with burgers, coffee, tea and other food and drinks all covered by them. They had also set up a raffle with some great prizes, with all the proceeds going to the Children’s Hospice South West. A fantastic £400.27 was raised.

Members certainly kept Tim and Joe busy answering questions and giving advice. We learnt a lot about what ARM and Mapfreaks offer and the work they can carry out on our BMWs, as well as information on the cars and engines they were working on.

The time flew by, but before leaving we all posed for a group photo and expressed our thanks and gratitude to Tim and Joe of ARM and Mapfreaks for allowing us this opportunity to see their race cars up close, the services they offer and for their amazing hospitality.

If anyone is looking for a BMW specialist in the South West then the hidden gem that is ARM Motorsports and Mapfreaks Tuning is definitely worth a visit. It is obvious both Tim and Joe are extremely knowledgeable, passionate in what they do and work to a very high standard.

Thanks to all who attended, ARM and Mapfreaks are already talking about the next time. It is hoped to attend a race meet to support Joe in the BMWCCR series as soon as the car is ready to go.