Your BMW is designed to provide you with exceptional performance for years to come. Specialized technicians, quality BMW parts and tools are all keys to ensure your BMW performs at optimal performance. Finding a quality BMW repair shop that won’t put a dent in your pocket can be difficult, but they do exist. BMW owners should be mindful of the types of service centers out there, their experience and their overall quality of work. To help BMW owners find the perfect service center, we’ve created 10 things to look for when reviewing a BMW Service Center.
Here are the 10 Things to Look for When Reviewing a BMW Repair & Service Shop:
1. BMW Auto Experience: To properly service and repair your BMW, it’s critical for the technicians working on your vehicle to have the experience and specialized training specific to BMW. The same decision process on which dealership to buy your BMW model from should be used when selecting a BMW service and repair partner. In most cases, general auto repair shops are discouraged as they may not give the time and attention your BMW needs. For example, you wouldn’t go to a foot doctor for brain surgery.
2. Equipment and Tools: To properly work on your BMW vehicle, it’s critical that technicians have access to BMW specific diagnostic equipment and tools. The diagnostics and control systems on your BMW are specific to your vehicle and can only be accurately read with an up-to-date BMW diagnostic system. Many quality shops invest thousands of dollars to maintain BMW specific diagnostic equipment.
3. Time in Business: You should always consider how long a facility has been in business when selecting a BMW service partner. Many fly-by-night shops claim to have quality tools and facilities, however usually over price services and parts costing the customers much more.
4. Customer Feedback and Reviews: It’s recommended to look at what other BMW owners are saying when selecting a service partner. Ask around, check the websites, read online reviews and most importantly stop by and visit with the owner or manager of the facility.
5. Quality Parts: Be sure that your service partner has direct access to genuine BMW parts. Very few service providers that claim to use OEM parts have access to BMW genuine parts. A good question to ask a service provider is: Do you have access to all BMW parts including TRP or Theft Relevant Parts such as shifters, transmission and engine control modules and keys? These items must be programmed specifically to your vehicle and require special equipment and authorization from BMW.
6. Expert Staff: Take the time to meet the shop foreman and understand the experience of the service facility’s staff. This shouldn’t be a secret and most shop owners will gladly introduce you to the person working on your model.
7. Facility Type: Take the time to stop in and visit with the owner and look around the service facility. Is it neat, clean and organized? This is a good way to understand the efficiency of the service provider.
8. BBB Rating: Check their Better Business Bureau ratings and other certifications. Shops that maintain an AAA+ rating year after year are certainly places you can trust.
9. Convenience and Location: Being without your vehicle for service and repair is an inconvenience! Be sure to select a facility that provides complimentary concierge services or other accommodations to take you to and from work, home or where you need to be. Additionally, some advanced shops can provide you with a complimentary loaner vehicle by appointment or arrange rental vehicle services.
10. Warranty of BMW: In the event you should have an issue down the road, ensure that your service partner offers manufacturer warranties of at least 1-year on all parts. This can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars later on.
We would love to make you part of the German Auto Center family! German Auto Center specializes in BMW models as well as German make models and offers a full-line of services like those mentioned above. If you are looking for a BMW repair shop in Austin, TX, please come by as visit us! Len Gilmore is the owner and operator of German Auto Center of Austin.
Have a question about your luxury automobile or does your model need special work? Please call us at (512) 452-6437 or ask us using the comment box below or on our German Auto Center Facebook page.
Check out our reviews!
German Auto Center
Out of 5 stars
Overall rating out of 413 Google reviews
Amber Nichols
2 days ago
Exceptional service! Came highly recommended to me and exceeded my expectations. Better service and better pricing than any dealership I have ever used for service.
Neil Devgon
a week ago
Great, fast & curtious service!
Jim Rado
Edited 2 weeks ago
Car was taken care of to the minutest detail.
Mark Buzz
2 weeks ago
After having two unpleasant experiences with the service department at Porsche Austin. I had to find a better way to get quality service at a realistic price. Chris and the team have done just that.
Jeremy Green
3 weeks ago
I trust my MINI Cooper Clubman S to the care of German Auto. They always monitor my car's maintenance schedule and keep my car running tip top. The staff are highly professional and courtious.
Damon Osgood
3 weeks ago
This shop is consistently excellent in terms of customer service and professionalism. They are honest and trustworthy, the kind of place you build a long term relationship with.
Clarence Jones
3 weeks ago
Good place of business I recommend any German or foreign car this is the place . I talk to Brant and he took care of everything good person in must add. It wasn’t no hassle or nothing being over priced as the dealer would cost way more. All in all great place thanks German Auto
Perry Carrison
3 weeks ago
I had the great good fortune of finding German Autoworks last year when I moved to Austin. Chris Wofford walked out to talk with me in my car. I’d visited four other possible garages to service my MB E300…none had the time of day to spend with me. Chris did. And it’s been to my benefit! The office staff, the mechanics and the prices are all what I want. They are all 100% authentic, skilled and friendly. Even this latest time when they missed that I needed my car back asap. I called and let them know it wasn’t ok for me to get it back later than 4. I had my car by 4 with a sincere apology. That’s what real people do.
Ejaz Ahmed
a month ago
Great service.!! I got my AWD fluid change .!! Very reasonable price when compared to dealership..they are very professional and gave my car back within a day.! Highly recommend for German cars
Dennis Dalton
a month ago
I would absolutely recommend these folks! I just moved to town from Dallas, and had a drivetrain issue on my 7-series. They were able to diagnose and complete repairs in a very timely manner, at an extremely reasonable cost. Chris and Andrew both had amazing communication throughout the process, and have immediately become my go-to shop. While I hope I don't have to see them often, I'll rest easy knowing whatever issues may arise, I'll be taken care of. They also went above and beyond to take a look at the entire car and let me know what may be an issue down the road, without any pressure at all to get it done that day. Love these guys!
Sompong Plangklang
a month ago
The only efficient, honest , and straightforward that I can trust.
Klaus W
2 months ago
I have been taking my Audi to German Auto Center for years. Brant and the team there make me feel like I am part of their extended family. They are personable, professional, and polite. They clearly describe what needs to be addressed on my car. They work with me and accommodate my needs and circumstances as much as possible. I don’t know any place in Austin that even comes close.
Justin Kerr
2 months ago
Great service, communication and pricing. Will continue to use their services and recommend others do so as well!
Uriel Gallardo
3 months ago
Got my brake pads and rotors replaced here along with a full brake fluid flush, and the whole experience was smooth from start to finish. The team at German Auto Center is fast, honest, and really knows their stuff. They walked me through everything, kept me updated, and the car drives like new again. Pricing was fair, service was professional, and the quality speaks for itself. Definitely my go-to spot for anything German-car related. Highly recommend!
Maureen Nodland
3 months ago
Exceptional customer service, fair and honest staff, and unbeatable pricing on service.
Brandee Knox
3 months ago
We had a wonderful experience with German Auto Center. Special should out to Chris and Brant for all of their help and amazing customer service. They made the whole process so easy, were so responsive and proactive. Greatly appreciate all the effort!
