Dan's list of local repair shops [Archive]

Psi5

10-08-2005, 07:29 PM

If anyone has any updates, I'm happy to add them. (I need to add RRT and some other info... Car maintenance has been taking precedence over web maintenance, lately.)
Two comments on shops. First Auto Advantage is now "Advantage Certified" and I have recently had several excellent experiences with them. I can go into more detail if anyone likes, but I would recommend them based on my experience.

The second comment is actually a question (and the reason I went to Advantage). Briefly, I went to a local independent who advertises in db and who was recommended by another NCC member. I had an *awful* experience with them, including bad advice, incomplete jobs, lack of knowledge about my car ('98 540i), "fixes" that caused other problems, and difficulty in getting warranty work done. I ended up going to Advantage and they were very straightforward, honest (including inviting me into the shop to see particular problems myself), reasonably priced, and they actually fixed all the problems (and found obvious others that the first shop missed).

So, here is my question. Do I leave it alone and attribute my bad experience to luck? To me? Or do I let other NCC members know about it? I wouldn't want others to have the same bad (and expensive) experience I had but recognize that I am an n=1 of my interaction may not be representative of how this shop does business.

Thoughts?

1996 328ti

10-08-2005, 09:48 PM

So, here is my question. Do I leave it alone and attribute my bad experience to luck? To me? Or do I let other NCC members know about it? I wouldn't want others to have the same bad (and expensive) experience I had but recognize that I am an n=1 of my interaction may not be representative of how this shop does business.

Thoughts?Feel free to express your opinion about your experience.
Everyone has had good and bad experiences from the same independent or dealer.

John in VA

10-10-2005, 04:02 PM

So, is there anyone we "like" at J&F these days? I haven't been there in ~8 years. I have old cars, so that might make a difference.
Sorry - My question was more J&F-specific. Has there been any recent experiences/staff/ownership changes that warrant NOT recommending J&F to drivers down that way?

OwnedbyDuncan said:Yes there is and actually it is a better shop than J&F ever was. Problem is they aren't taking any new customers. Shop is great for older cars especially E30's and M's.
I've seen this comment for several years now. Maybe you can let us know WHEN new customers CAN contact Bill for service!

tomterp

10-13-2005, 10:44 PM

Hello folks,

I'm new to the board, and new to BMW's as well. Last week I bought a 2000 323i, and am having it serviced for some items the previous owner deferred maintenance on.

I had no idea how to select a repair shop, and was averse to taking it to my local dealer, Fairfax BMW. Looking through the previous owner's file, he had an oil pan replaced for over $1600 there, struck me as extreme. Anyway, I have committed it to Fairfax Service Center, which is listed as an independent BMW repair facility by an association of these shops. However, I could find no mention of it in this thread.

Does anybody have any experience with them? This shop is located on Prosperity, just across Lee Highway from the dealer.

I also work close to the Martin shop in Gaithersburg, which seems to have it's fans. That would be a future alternative for me. Appreciate any feedback!

JimC

10-14-2005, 12:08 AM

I have been taking my two BMWs to Dan for several years. Dan is honest and forthright. A real "no bullsh*t" shop and his prices are reasonable. I have never felt I was getting screwed nor being asked to pay for something the car didn't need (as opposed to other shops in the area I have had experience with :mad:). He only works on BMWs.

The best thing I can say is that Dan is a good guy. He and his staff are not perfect - no shop is. The Dan Martin difference is that he admits it when things did not go right and he fixes it. No blaming the customer (see above comment about other shops).

Oh, and he is also a BMW enthusiast who club races and instructs for the National Capital Chapter.

I say give him a try. :)

Jim Colbert

tomterp

10-14-2005, 09:26 AM

Appreciate the input Jim. I didn't actually find Dan's shop until after I had committed my car to the Fairfax shop. However, a co-worker showed up yesterday with a new (to him) 2003 z4, and wanted a shop to check it out before finalizing the purchase.

I showed him Dan's web site, so he took it there during lunch, got what he thought was a valuable 1 hour of inspection effort and input on the car's condition.

Will definitely give him a shot at future business.

Tom

ibg

01-04-2006, 10:13 PM

HI, I am new to this forum and came across this post about Advantage Certified. I own an '01 740i and need to do my inspection II service. Does anybody have an opinion on this service center and will you recomend them?
Thanks in advance:confused:

SMOODY

01-06-2006, 04:39 PM

I bought both of my BMWs from the Advantage Certified dealership in Manassas. I usually work on my own cars, but I did take my wife's car in for service twice. Once after we bought the car to correct a few issues we identified, and a second time to replace the cam position sensor.

My general impression was that they were competent, honest, and repaired the car correctly in a timely manner. The prices were only slightly cheaper than going to the dealership however. If you need a loaner, they only have a couple of loaner cars that you need to reserve in advance. The loaner cars are usually some non-BMW econo-box that they accepted in trade recently.

SharkD

01-06-2006, 05:57 PM

I promise that I'll have the list updated soon (long to-do list - race car, photography, web site, etc.)...

...and I'll be adding a Piedmont NC shop section (since I'm moving there sometime this spring).

The first entry will be about 1st Class Auto Service (http://www.firstclassautomotive.com/index2.shtml) in Raleigh, which did high-quality (although arguably somewhat-incompetent, since they ignored my list of symptoms, ordered a post-88 part for an '87 MY car and replaced the thermostat despite my explicit statement that the part was less than a year old) work at nominal labor rates ($88/hr) with an exorbitant parts mark-up (e.g., $78 for a fan clutch).

Unfortunately, I... or rather, the 6er, was stuck in a position where it was impossible for me to perform a repair that I otherwise could have done in a driveway had I not had to be back in D.C. for work. Probably, had I been able to get the car to Korman (http://www.kormanfastbmw.com/service.htm) (which would have been an even longer tow), I'm sure I would have been much happier.

SharkD

02-02-2006, 12:44 PM

The DC list (http://www.dvsmith.net/bmw/dc_service_shops.html) has been updated. An NC list (http://www.dvsmith.net/bmw/nc_service_shops.html) has been created. (The site nav menu is under reconstruction at the moment, so it doesn't show the NC list, yet.)

mynameisBMW

05-23-2006, 05:48 PM

Me and my friends take our cars to Induktion Motorsports. It is a little independant shop near BWI that specializes in Audi, BMW, Porche, VW. They do really good work, and word of mouth is how they get thier business.

stamarev

01-22-2007, 12:28 PM

From the DC list of independent machanics, who can install my parts? Or they only order parts themselves?

Thanks!

jkuper

01-22-2007, 01:16 PM

From the DC list of independent machanics, who can install my parts? Or they only order parts themselves?

Thanks!

I think it's fair to assume that any of them will, but its also fair to assume they will charge you more, since they are not making money on parts, which is part of their ordinary income.

1996 328ti

01-22-2007, 02:33 PM

And don't expect a shop to warranty the labor if a part fails.

OwnedbyDuncan

01-22-2007, 03:24 PM

Before you order the part(s) talk to the shop. They may be able to get it cheaper than you can etc. Depending on what you want and need the shop maybe happy to let you find the part etc. I would first establish a relationship with a shop have them to a oil change or two and maybe a pad change. Also depending on the shop they may know what works and what doesnt for your car. This was very important years ago when I was changing the suspension on my E30 and most spring packages out there wher garbage. Spring binding and bottoming out are two things you dont need at a DS. There is a lot of crap and garbage out there being sold even by reputable companies.

And remember a good independent shop needs to make money to stay in business.

Dave Apker and collies

stamarev

01-29-2007, 11:20 AM

Thanks for all your replies guys!

I am not an owner yet, about to buy my first BMW (used e46).

afrikandoc

01-29-2007, 11:26 AM

Having owned six BMWs over the last twenty-five years, I started out taking my cars to VOB, then Excluservice and then to Sigy, who had been my mechanic at all of these places. They do excellent work.:) However, if you have a thin skin and cannot give and take abuse easily:eek: , this is not the shop for you. Sigy is a great guy but kind of rough around the edges, way around the edges. But for quality, honesty, and at a decent price, it's the only place that I would take my car.:biggrin:

mike_balt

06-05-2007, 11:53 PM

I've got an '01 M5. Due for inspection 2 and coming up on end of CPO. looking for an indy to look over the car and likely become new go to shop.

Does anyone know of a good shop that's close to Balt than Dan's?
Thanks
Mike

pford

07-04-2007, 07:34 PM

Not much of a first post here, but anybody have an opinion on Autobahn Motor Works on Dorsey Lane? That's my neighborhood and I'm looking to settle into someplace with an E30 325.

wnelms

07-05-2007, 03:03 PM

Autobahn of Towson (Baltimore Metro):

Master BMW Mechanics
Quailty Service
Resonable Prices
410-583-1200

PS. There will be a waiting list. However, they do things right the first time!

mzznlink

10-01-2007, 11:19 PM

Although I live down by Fredericksburg, VA, my daughter's up in Manassas and takes her '98 328is to Manassas Moterwerkes. Ron has always treated her very well, I even bought my current ride from him, an '86 325E that had a documented maintenance history and hasn't given me any problems.

I believe he's sort of across the street from Advantage.

///MARINE

11-06-2007, 11:09 AM

Ahmed303

11-09-2007, 09:22 PM

Call RRT in Dulles (703.661.4222). They do good work but not sure about S38.

onboost

12-04-2007, 06:34 PM

I'm looking for a shop that has experience with the S38 ///M6 engine. In or around Fairfax, Virginia or Southern Maryland would be great. My 1988 M6 runs like a charm. I don't want to wait until something goes wrong before I start looking for expert assistance.

Thanks in advance!

You need to see in VA... J&F Motors
If you prefer the service in MD.. then Sigy's, or Excluservice in Rockville, or Einstien's in Greenbelt.

Each of these shops is very familiar with the S38 engine and either the owners or at least one of the techs train on them when they were new. It makes a difference.

Paul

Wildcats64

12-06-2007, 02:56 PM

Marine 3:

You might try Fairfax Service Center. They are at 2850 Prosperity Ave., Merrifield. Phone number is 703-560-1700. Speak to Reese.

esac11

02-13-2008, 03:55 PM

Call RRT in Dulles (703.661.4222). They do good work but not sure about S38.

Has anyone had a pre-purchase inspection done at RRT? If so, could you share your experience? Thanks!

Bruce N

02-14-2008, 09:43 AM

I had a post-purchase inspection there. They are excellent and VERY thorough. Highly recommended.

Real M3

02-14-2008, 10:32 AM

I'm looking for a shop that has experience with the S38 ///M6 engine. In or around Fairfax, Virginia or Southern Maryland would be great. My 1988 M6 runs like a charm. I don't want to wait until something goes wrong before I start looking for expert assistance.

Thanks in advance!

I second or third the advice to Call RRT and see what they have to say. S38 is an S14 on steroids :biggrin: and they know S14s! Barry and crew are straight shooters and will tell you what their quals are. Good folks and avid supporters of the club. I highly reccomend them.

BlazenXLT

02-14-2008, 09:55 PM

Another thumbs up for Dan Martins. They did a pre-purchase inspection for me and saved me a TON of money.

Scany

02-29-2008, 10:48 AM

I'd like to add a note about J&F. A lot of people has talked very nice about J&F and I thought I'd found the perfect place to take my BMWs. But after getting the E30 318iS back after an alignment and track inspection I was very disappointed. First we were quoted that the inspection was going to be put in for free with the alignment. That ended up with $115 extra without notice. Second they argued we had old/bad coolant, when I had personally replaced it a month ago with 50/50 BMW Antifreeze. Third they meant that the brakefluid was bad by looking at it, which can be argued I guess. And fourth, and most important, they said there was an oil leak from the timing chain cover gasket, and "..this car will never make it to the track. You can't change that even with an army before this weekend." Quoted $1200 with new chain. If they would have just done their job right, they would have figured out that the leak was about a drop here, and a drop there, and was coming from the oil filter housing gasket to the engine block. Which even I found out by methodically just shining a light down the engine and doing some M42-engine research. Gasket replaced in a few hours by myself even.

J&F is not the only ones doing a lousy job and arguing they have done the right thing. But I believe it needs to be mentioned along with all the good reviews J&F is getting here. I don't know what other people feel about situations like this, but to me that is not good enough, and far from great.

Thoreau

05-17-2008, 03:09 PM

BMW Excluservice changed management. They now do crap work. I would recommend Dan Martin's Auto in Maryland as well. Sadly, I live in VA now so I can't go there anymore. I'm checking out RRT in the next few weeks. By the way list guy, RRT is $95.00 an hour, not $85.00. They ain't cheap.

chicane

08-25-2008, 09:07 PM

Who is the best shop for ///M cars in NOVA or Richmond?

woodym3

08-26-2008, 12:11 AM

Who is the best shop for ///M cars in NOVA or Richmond?

Who amongst us has had enough work done at every shop in the area to be in a position to give an informed opinion? All you can do is sort through the various recommendations, make some direct phone calls to ask the right questions, pick one, and most important, cross your fingers.

stevemd

09-08-2008, 11:10 AM

Thumb's up for Autowerke/Autoy. I took my car in for an estimate to have the front strut/spring assemblies pulled and new assemblies put in (E39). I told them what stymied me (unable to pop tierod end loose from knuckle) and they told me that contrary to intenet how-to info, no need to remove tierod end. Saved me big bucks and I did the work yesterday afternoon. It was easy as taking candy from babies, not that I recommend that or even giving candy to babies :rolleyes:

chicane

09-10-2008, 11:12 PM

Seriously, who is the best of the best as far as working on ///M engines in NOVA? I'm really not into throwing darts at board when it comes to my M3?

Munchenman2

09-11-2008, 02:11 AM

Chicane,

You will not get a better answer than that from WoodyM3 in comment #42. You have gotten plenty of advice (and Woody's is usually pretty good), and nobody can guarantee that the service you will receive - even at the BMW factory - will be the best.

It is now up to you to do your duty and make your considered choice.

Best of luck!

Alan :tongue:

woodym3

09-11-2008, 10:28 AM

Seriously, who is the best of the best as far as working on ///M engines in NOVA? I'm really not into throwing darts at board when it comes to my M3?
You don't even say which M3 you have. The E36 with S52 engine is pretty much the same engine as any 325 or 328 of the same era and any competent shop can handle that. The E30 and E46 engines are a little more unique. James at RRT near Dulles has tons of experience working on both. Bill Shook at Kraftwagon in Alexandria has worked on the E30's S14 for many years, including more re-builds than he desired. I don't know if he's taking on new customers now or not.

chicane

09-30-2008, 02:06 PM

Thanks.

328iBMW

10-02-2008, 05:48 PM

BMW Excluservice changed management. They now do crap work. ...

I do not recommend Excluservice either.

seventyfive

10-24-2008, 08:50 PM

I think it's fair to assume that any of them will, but its also fair to assume they will charge you more, since they are not making money on parts, which is part of their ordinary income.
we don't charge extra on parts, we discount all parts installed 15%, sometimes more depending on the part. we do not charge list price on any part. we only use oem parts or equivalent i.e. mann filters, ate rotors, pagid pads, etc. if you bring your own parts we don't jack up the labor rates either. we, as most shops, do not warranty the parts you bring in. our shop is Deutsch American, we've been in business for about 15 years, and our website is being updated/created. hopefuly, we will get the website up very soon. we are located off of 270 5 minutes south of frederick.

schnitzer7

10-26-2008, 03:24 PM

I feel the need to add AT Speed Motorsports to the list of repair shops, off Coca Cola drive in Hanover,Md. convenient to 295 and 95, just off rte.100. The only non dealer, authorized DINAN service center in the area! www.atspeedmotorsports.com. For Porsche, Audi, BMW and Mercedes repair as well as your other cars.

John in VA

10-29-2008, 06:14 PM

Does anyone have experience with Ashburn European Service Center & Glen Jensen? A local E28 owner mentioned the place, but I'm not familiar with the shop.
TIA!

silvergray///M

12-04-2008, 03:04 PM

I've used fairfax motors off main street for about 5 years now. They are convenient to my home, prices are comparable, loaner car and honor most aftermarket warranty repair. They have worked on my 01 325ci when i had it and my current car (04 m3 cabrio) since the factory warranty ran out in March of this year.

Brian is the shop manager and Charlie is the service writer.

Good people there and any indy shop is better than the stealership!