How to Identify a Qualified BMW Repair Shop

What Makes a BMW Mechanic Great?

BimmerShops.com makes it easy for you to locate a qualified, independent BMW mechanic by keeping the most up-to-date list of BMW specialists available anywhere. Below are some qualities we look for when adding BMW Repair Shops to our directories - and you can use them to help choose the right mechanic for your BMW.

Specialization

When searching for the right repair shop for your BMW, you will want to bring your car to a mechanic that has BMW specific training and access to specialized BMW diagnostic computers, tools, and parts. Although many general repair shops will work on your BMW, in the long run, it is best to take your car to a specialist that has made a career working on high-end German automobiles.

Technician Training

A BMW Master Certified Technician has a minimum of five years of experience working on BMW vehicles in a BMW approved environment. These mechanics were often trained through the highly competitive BMW STEP (Service Technician Education Program) which includes a classroom component, followed by an internship in a BMW dealer service center. While Master Certification is not a must-have, you will want to find a repair shop that employs technicians with dealer level experience. These shops pride themselves on their reputations as specialists and work to ensure their technicians are up to date on the latest tools and training.

Diagnostics, Tools, & Parts

BMW cars require more than your typical OBDII scanner that many general repair shops utilize. BMW has specific diagnostic computers and software, common examples are 'GT1', 'SSS', and 'ISIS'. You will want to ensure your repair shop employs these or other high-quality diagnostic tools such as the AutoLogic system.

BMW specialists also have access to genuine BMW or OEM parts. You want to make sure the parts on your BMW are being replaced with high-quality, authorized parts designed specifically for your car. A general repair shop may not be able to access these parts quickly.

Professional Associations

Most reputable BMW repair shops will display evidence of membership in automotive professional affiliations. Groups such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), ASA (Automotive Service Association), and iATN hold their members to high ethical standards and rigorous technician certification requirements. There are also BMW specific professional associations such as BIMRS that accept only the most specialized BMW experts.

Reviews & Recommendations

It’s important to check into what others are saying about nearby BMW repair shops. BimmerShops.com includes independent reviews to help potential clients learn more about nearby BMW repair shops. Another great resource is other BMW drivers. Ask fellow Bimmer enthusiasts where they have their BMW serviced. If you don’t know any other BMW drivers, inquire with your local BMW CCA chapter.

Go With Your Gut

Did you get a good feeling when you called in to inquire about service for your BMW? A quality BMW repair shop will have a friendly and knowledgeable service advisor ready to answer your questions and help you make arrangements to bring your BMW in for service. If circumstances permit, it’s also a great idea to bring your car to an independent repair shop for a minor scheduled service to get to know the shop and their staff. This is a low pressure way to make sure you’ll be comfortable trusting the shop with more in-depth BMW services.