I brought my car in for a PPI. Overall the shop is impressive, very nice equipment and cars.

After about 1/2 hour they told me i was ready. Handed me a piece of paper with a couple of things wrong, all which I already new. Didn't check the computer for codes or really get into the engine. So i asked if they could give me an estimate for the work that needed to be done. they said yes, that they would email me. I am still waiting for the email, it's been about 3 months.

I think I paid about $150 for news that I already knew and could have received the same information from jiffy lube.

After having my 2000 528i serviced by our local dealer for 11 years, I finally decided it was time to stop paying premium prices for less-than-premium service. I began shopping around for an independent BMW mechanic, and was lucky enough to discover AUTOcouture in Hillsdale. I stopped in unannounced and was greeted by Sal, who owns the shop. He was more than happy to discuss the services they offer and to set up an appointment to inspect my car. He then introduced me to his lead mechanic, Tom, who seems to have intricate knowledge of every part of every BMW model ever produced. On top of that, it was clear that he takes pride in his work, and that he takes his customers' vehicles as seriously as he would his own. I quickly knew that this was definitely the right place for me.

Shortly before bringing in my car for its initial inspection, one window became inoperable. So in addition to the inspection, I asked them to repair the window and check the temperature of the A/C. Well, Tom fixed the window perfectly (for less than their original estimate), discussed with me why the A/C may not feel as cold as it should, and then presented me with the most detailed inspection report I've ever received on any vehicle I've owned in the past 30 years. Yes, I was *that* impressed.

Not long after, I was driving on a highway when most of my dashboard lights suddenly came on and the car lost most of its power; thankfully it happened just a few miles from my home. I pulled over and, despite being after 6pm, I thought I'd try calling AUTOcouture. Sal answered. I explained the problem, he had me do a couple of diagnostics over the phone, and then he told me I can bring it over right then if I'd like. Again, it was after 6pm -- now THAT's service!

So I brought in the car, he and Tom checked it out right on the spot, and they identified the problem as a bad thermostat. They had a full shop and were booked through the following day, but they understood my predicament and told me they'd make sure they got it done for me. The following afternoon they called to let me know the car was finished. Once again I was impressed.

I'm so grateful to have found a shop that really understands BMWs and places such an emphasis on customer satisfaction. I'll be an AUTOcouture customer for as long as I own a car.