Need Solid Mechanic in Northern Virginia

[Hal.Thomas]

Does anyone know of a solid diagnostic mechanic in Northern Virginia.

I have a '96 740il that was serviced by a "BMW & Mercedes" specialist in Herndon. He returned my car to me with a several problems that didn't exist when I left it in his care.

The long and short is, the transmission will now only shift manually, and the ASC indicator remains on constantly. I took it to the Master Mechanic at a local BMW Dealership, who was un-able to diagnose the problem. They did repair the other four major issues the other guy caused.

I could really use someone who knows what they are doing and charges resonably. This has already been an quite expensive ordeal.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[NoSoup4U]

I recommend Martin Motorsports, Inc in Alexandria, VA. 460A - south pickett street, 22314. His phone number is 703-823-9735. If you mention my name, James with the Phoenix Yellow M3, he will assist you.

He knows me very well and takes care of the people I send to him. www.martinmotorsportsinc.com -- good luck with everything. Sorry to hear about your previous problems.

Gary is very honest and does not overcharge. Like the Seinfeld episode, "finding a good mechanic is better than sex," or something like that

[Sonti2x]

Does Martin MOtorsports do good work installing aftermarket BMW parts (ex. lightened flywheel/clutch), as well?

[rbullett]

I recommend Dulles International Motorsport and Dave Herman. 703-471-4111

[SharkD]

I've got a list here:
http://www.dvsmith.net/bmw/dc_service_shops.html

[madkow70]

I can vouch for Gary at Martin.
He's worked on both stock and aftermarket parts for my E46 and is a very straight up kinda guy.
He's got my vote.

D.J.
.

[fastbmw]

I just went by Martin Motorsports yesterday - had a challenge with my wheels and tires on my 90 M3 - really great folks and probably the most helpful shop I have been to in NOVA.

[bsun]

Please share your comments. Thanks
Would you recommend BMW of Fairfax to service your car under warranty? Which mechanic do you have good experience with?
The 2001 530iM is leaking oil at the shifter rod.
Another Question: this car is a CPO. From the service history, I do not see anywhere that says the fluids (other than engine oil) have ever been changed. However, from BMW service mannual, it clearly states that at least some fluids should be changed every 2 years (like brake fluid, if I rememver correctly). Since this car is still under the comprehensive warranty, can I request this fluid change?
thanks

[AG]

Please share your comments. Thanks
Would you recommend BMW of Fairfax to service your car under warranty? Which mechanic do you have good experience with?
The 2001 530iM is leaking oil at the shifter rod.
Another Question: this car is a CPO. From the service history, I do not see anywhere that says the fluids (other than engine oil) have ever been changed. However, from BMW service mannual, it clearly states that at least some fluids should be changed every 2 years (like brake fluid, if I rememver correctly). Since this car is still under the comprehensive warranty, can I request this fluid change?
thanks

BMW also lists the transmission and differential fluids as being lifetime. That's why they have never been changed. The dealer won't change them under a maintenance plan and you might be covered under the CPO warranty, but only if they determine the transmission is the source of the leak. Otherwise, you'll have to pay out of pocket if you want it changed. Could it be something else that is leaking?

[bsun]

I had the car checked by an independent mechanic who found the leaking problem.

[NoSoup4U]

If you goto BMW of Fairfax, ask for Fritz Liebig. He is my service advisor there. I like BMW of Fairfax a lot. I like Fritz a lot as well. Tell him James with the PY M3 racecar recommended you. He'll take care of you.

But, in regards to your question, the oil leaking at the shifter rod -- that would most likely be replaced under warranty. The brake fluids, tranny fluids, rear differential, etc, will not. You'll have to pay for that. That is one way BMW has become cheap and decided to save money. If you remember, previously, they recommended changing it every two years -- but, now, they call the fluid "LIFETIME" to avoid having to change it under warranty.

I would have an independent mechanic do those fluid changes and have BMW of fairfax do the warranty work. Like I mentioned above, I'd recommend Martin Motorsports since he is not that far from BMW of fairfax and it seems you are in northern va.

[Bstaley21]

Regarding DVSMITH list of shops: Tried both J and F Motors and Alexandria BMW Service and both do not work on E28's. J and F said they only work on those of long time Customers and Alexandria does not work on older cars. Emailed Martin Motorsprots and never reeived a reply. What is a person with and 86 and 87 528E to do in VA?????

[bimmer_fahrer]

Bstaley21,

I've just spoken with Bill Brochu at J&F. He's concerned someone told you that they only work on E28s of longtime customers. Please call (703) 671-7757 and ask for Bill Brochu specifically. Tell him you got his name from Greg Nolte off of the NCC Message Board. I've already spoken to him this morning and he's aware you may be calling.

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Dont understand the not working on older BMW's and shops. My mechanic prefers older ones to anything new. Does not have to spend hours chasing codes etc. E30's and E28s are relatively easy to repair and take less time then new ones. Less stuff that can go wrong and less crap you have to remove to get to engine to change plugs etc. He works on everything from 02's to 750 and 760's. And with a V12 you do have to be an old customer. He works on my E30 and my brother's E46.

Have been dealing with the same shop for 23 years now. It is one of the reasons I bought a bimmer was because I knew a good mechanic.

[aja116]

Hal,

Just joined the list. I know it has been two years since you wrote, but I would "highly" recommed Peter Mikon at Euro-Imports, 725 N. Henry St. in Alexandria. He has worked on the following vehicles for me - 1984 Audi 5000S, 1980 MB 300CD, and at present a 1985 528e (which I bought from his shop). When your car is fixed, it won't have that problem again. ALso, Pete can tell you what else you might need. When it comes to repairs, if something is wrong, he will call and tell you in detail what the problem is and the cost. How many times do you see this, especially in Northern VA?

I hope this can help.