The M Shop

The SMG light recently came on on my M3. I researched the issue and found out that replacing the transmission could cost as much as $7,000 or $8,000. The next morning, the car wouldn't go into gear, so I got worried and took it straight to the M Shop, where I had an oil change once before.

They were busy but agreed to fit me in and diagnose and research the problem. Turned out it was just a faulty relay. They had the part in stock and installed it for free. Total bill was $58 ($49 for the diagnostic testing, $9 for the relay). No problems since. I couldn't be happier, and will definitely go back.

Pros: Great service, honest

Cons: Busy

Posted 10/10/08

Took my car (2002 BMW 540I) in for a major service and a few problems. Car has 90 K miles on it so it needed some work. 3 days later and $ 3 k, I received the car back. The very next day, service engine light comes on again. Turns out there was miscommunication on their end and the secondary air pump needed replacement as well.

They were very apologetic on the mistake (technician told service adviser but info was never conveyed to me). I was disappointed they did not offer to bring the additional $ 600 price down or try and get me another appointment quickly. Bottom line is I need to wait 3 weeks to get back in and they don't seem have a desire to make any gesture to make up for the problem.

Not sure I will go back.

Pros: know BMW's well

Cons: Need to be better organized and communcate better

Posted 05/08/08

These guys know Bimmers in and out - are brilliant at spotting and prioritizing what work needs to be done to keep your ageing Bimmer running well. I have gone back a few times and will return many more. For example, they advised me to replace an old radiator and hoses on a 97 528i, I left it too long and sure enough it blew... they know the weaknesses/strengths of these autos and they will help you get the greatest longevity/enjoyment out of your prized possession! Friendly, courteous and to be highly recommended.

Posted 04/29/08

This morning I stopped by the shop to have a minor adjustment done on my BMW E60 M5. I didn't have an appointment but when I explained the situation the owner was willing to take care of my problem on the spot. You just can't get this kind of service at a dealer or most other shops. In addition, they did an extremely thorough job and even road tested the vehicle, all within time for me to get to work. The owner seemed to take even a minor adjustment extremely personally and I really appreciated it. I'm definitely going to be a repeat customer. They truly are experts in BMWs. All the cars I saw in the shop this morning were either late model BMW's or Mini Coopers. It's good to have a shop that's dedicated to a certain brand. I'm definitely going to be a repeat customer for future maintenance here.

Pros: True BMW experts, owner takes repairs personally

Cons: they are very busy, you should definitely make an appointment

Posted 04/03/08

My 2005 MINI Cooper's warranty expired several months ago so I took a chance on the M Shop. It's the best decision I've ever made for my car, and my bank account! The first time I took it in for a warranty inspection and they found several issues that I was able to get fixed at the dealer before it expired. They could have just waited and done the work themselves, but they were too honest for that. I've gone back since for major service, a power steering hose replacement, and some front end work. Their work is excellent, their prices are very reasonable, and their service is very friendly and personable. I proudly sport their license plate holders on my MINI, and I wouldn't take my car anywhere else!

Posted 02/26/08

I had my car towed there when it broke down, and Joe was able to give me a lift back to my office, fix my car within the day, and was willing to come back and pick me up when the car was done. And he even reminded me before I went home that my gas tank was almost empty, and told me where I could find a nearby gas station. Now that's service. :)

Posted 05/20/07

The M Shop is the only place I would ever take my car. Joe and Jon keep you informed on the status of your car, give you great deals on OE, OEM and Performance parts, They give the best possible customer service to everyone that walks into the shop. The M Shop will do a better job on your car then any other dealer shop or independent shop around. It does not mater if you have an old e30 325 or a new M6 they will work on your car as if it were their own. The M shop is reliable, fast, and better way to spend money on your car that you love so much.

Pros: Great service at a Great price

Cons: NONE!

Posted 05/19/07

I've brought my 3 series to this shop a few times now and have been really impressed by the staff's expertise, honesty, and prices. They really know their stuff, and it shows. Even though they're a bit farther from my home than other mechanics that I've tried, I won't bring my car to any other shop than the M Shop. Jon and Joe are fantastic.

Pros: Expert mechanics that specialize in BMWs only, honest assessments, reasonable prices,

Cons: none I can think of

Posted 05/19/07

I needed a local shop due to cooling problems my 1996 M3 was having. I have done all previous work to my car on my own but I couldn?t figure out my on going cooling issue. I was bit reluctant to take my car there because I had no previous experience with them. Being a BMW enthusiast I wouldn?t trust my car in just anyone?s hands. After hearing a lot of great reviews I decided to take my car to the M-Shop. I have to say the guys at the shop are very knowledgeable and offer great customer service. My car was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. After extensive research on my part I found the prices the M-Shop quoted me for parts and labor were extremely competitive. Giving them the green light to begin work, the guys at the shop (Jon) would continuously keep contact with me to inform me of the progress, at times even e-mailing me pictures. All in all I was very impressed with the outcome of their work. I will defiantly be going back to them and recommend all BMW/Mini owners to them. Your cars in great hands with these guys, as if it was their own car they were working on.

Pros: Knowledgeable, competitive prices, great customer service

Cons: none

Posted 05/18/07

Mark, one of their techs, found a serious saftey issue with my car -- one that two other dealerships managed to miss after one recent pre purchase inspection and 1 aftermarket warranty inspection.

These guys definitely know their stuff and were a pleasure to work with. Not to mention, they are true ///M enthusiasts. They started my job on time and even had my car finish early and seem extremely trustworthy.

If you're in Socal, I definitley recommend their shop -- 4 stars. These guys go above and beyond. My M5 is is very good hands.

Pros: Exceptional customer service, knowledgeable, passionate about BMW/MINI.

Cons: None

Posted 05/18/07

I took my BMW 740i to Joe (the owner) for a period of about 2 years and was extremely happy with the service he provided. He diagnosed a problem that no other mechanic (including the dealer) could which ended up saving me quite a bit of money. He's extremely trustworthy. I highly recommend him.

Pros: Excellent service

Cons: Not the cheapest mechanic (but still less expensive than the dealer)

Posted 05/18/07

My BMW M3 encountered a clutch system failure. Had it towed to the BMW Service Center and they quoted me over $2500.00 worth of repairs.. most of it being the labor. I found The M Shop on Insider Pages to get a quote for the repair and the next day I had my M3 towed from the dealer to The M Shop. I was very happy with the repair and service that they provided. I will be going to The M Shop for future service and performance modifications!

Pros: Great labor rates, honest, great customer communication!

Cons: None

Posted 05/10/07

2002 BMW 530iA Sport - ~67300 miles.
Took my car in for an oil change after purchasing a few months ago. I sourced them through bimmerforums dot com and took the advice of others who have gone here. M Shop checked the history of the car, inspected, and gave me good, honest recommendations as to what needs to be fixed, etc. Small, but good shop; def beats the hassle and runaround of a dealer. Prices are def lower than dealer services. No emergency fixes; all work is to be scheduled - usually 1.5 weeks out, but def worth the wait (if you can). I'll def go back!

Pros: Honest, personal service

Cons: 1.5 weeks out; usually have to schedule for major work

Posted 04/29/07

Hello - I have a e39 M5 that I regularly service and modify at the M Shop. Honesty, Trustworthiness, and Integrity come to mind when I think of the crew at the M Shop. They are very reasonable in their prices and strive to make your visit a positive one. When needed, their recommendations are always honest and straightforward, with an emphasis on the long term relationship with me as a customer.

Let me tell you a story - on my first visit after purchasing my car I asked to have my A/C system inspected as the air was not as cold as I needed it to be. I was willing to spend the money on the standard A/C inspection, but post inspection; was told that all that was wrong was a fan plug - 5 minutes of labor. I was not charged nearly the full amount of the inspection (eventhough they did complete a thorough inspection) and didn't need to refill my freon. I was expecting to spend $300 and spent less than a third. ANY OTHER SHOP would have charged me and probably told me I needed more freon and charged me for that too.

Their honesty and integrity on that first visit earned them my business for life. If you care about your car like I do, you want it in good hands. Take it to the M Shop, they simply won't dissappoint. My advice is take it in for a oil service (its cheaper and faster than any dealer) - experience their customer service and professionalism. I guarantee you will be back for anything else your car needs.

Happy Motoring - Up Maharaj, Rancho Cucamonga.

Pros: Trustworthiness, Integrity, Prices

Cons: none

Posted 04/29/07

hello.
just wanted to share my experience w/ the Mshop.
they are awesome people. i have a 2003 M5.
had some major/minor mods done and it was performed
with quality workmanship/materials, excellent customer service,
great pricing; they really take care of you...answered all questions,
were very honest, even stayed open for me to pickup/drop off...you don't find that
from too many shops. i would take my beast there anyday! so should you.

-daniel park

Posted 04/29/07

I have a 2003 Mini Cooper S that is out of the factory warranty. Earlier this month my Mini started to overheat in all types of driving from city streets to highway. I thought it was just the hot weather but it was even overheating at night. I had a bad experience with the local Mini Service Center so I did a search on Insider Pages and found The M Shop. I was happy to find out that they work on Mini's because it's hard to find an independent shop that works on them. The guys at The M Shop fixed my Mini in a day and they also did an engine oil service with a free safety inspection. I will be going to The M Shop for all of my future preventative maintenance and repairs.

Pros: Great Service! Highly Recommended.

Posted 04/22/07

Friendly and very competent independent BMW service. Specializes in maintenance and tuning of M cars, did great work on my classic '88 M5. Located in Eagle Rock about 15 minutes from Pasadena.

Pros: Great labor rates, honest, great customer communication!

Cons: NONE!

Posted 04/18/07