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B & W Service Center
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive Tires Automotive Auto Glass Services Auto Repair, Tires, Auto Glass Services [Edit]
3260 26th St(between Shotwell St & Virgil St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 285-2439
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 5:30 pm
66 reviews for B & W Service Center
66 reviews in English
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Review from Sanaz E.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2012
Never thought I'd say this about an auto repair shop, but these guys are like family but without all the drama and nutty factor. :)
They take the best care of you.
Honest, reliable, fair, and fast.
I've been taking my car to B & W for service since 2003 and even though I now live in Oakland, I still take my car to them.
They're seriously - daBEST. -
Review from e p.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2012
We started going here because of the oil change coupon we got in the mail, and they did a few things well, and we started going there because they were in the neighborhood and we couldn't afford Pat's Garage anymore.
But by the third visit, getting our car fixed was like paying to have it assaulted: it came back half-fixed, things were broken, and I think one of the filters was on upside down--air filter, I think. The contents of the console as well as the glove box were strewn all over the car inside. I've NEVER seen that before.
We went back to Pat's Garage after the last busted $1800 visit at B & W. Back to that saying about paying twice when you go cheap.
Be careful if you go here at B & W in the mission. The work is inconsistent as I think different mechanics handle (or don't handle) things. And then they'll talk it all away at the counter.
Best to go elsewhere. Or pay twice here. -
Review from Marisa W.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
Do not think window replacement is their forte so seems like they end up charging way too much and from looking at other reviews, they aren't great at it.
I went to get my back triangle window popped back in since someone tried pry it open. The guy was acting hesitant, maybe to play up that it was a big deal? So he asked his boss and the guys said $180. I left, called a Power Auto Glass and they quoted me $65, came in 15 minutes and it took the guy a half hour.
B&W was definitely was over-priced in their quote. -
Review from Stewart D.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
I've been going to B&W for over 20 years .... and initiall found them in my Valpak mailer. I have to say, I have complete trust in Bill and Wayne. They've taken care of numberous calls for me. Honest. Reliable. Timely. And fair prices. What's not to like!
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Review from Peter S.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2012
Found out about them through Yelp. Helped that they were close by. The shop was newly renovated and it looked like you could eat off the floor. Always liked that in an automotive shop. Very quick in for an oil change & very fast out. Always liked that in an automotive shop. Price for the oil change was super.. And yes, always liked that as well.
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Review from Brian M.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2012
SUCKER ALERT:
Left car for brake flush. Next day B&W stated that fluid reservoir cap needed replacement and that no one in the area sold a cap alone. My only option was to to replace the entire master cylinder at a cost of $500 + labor. I declined and after one call to Honda, I had the cap for $12. When I called the B&W Service Center to tell my story, the manager said, "That's OK, we have lots of good reviews". This is not one of them. -
Review from Zachary R.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Their staff is professional, fast, and honest -- they're clear on what they can do, what they can't do, and how long it will take. I've brought their work to a competing shop for a comparison quote, and they had offered a fair, accurate price.
They are easy to work with, whether it's just an oil change or something more.
From this point on, I will be using them for all my basic auto work that doesn't require a specialty brand shop.
For reference, I drive a 1995 Volvo Station wagon, and most recently brought it in for an oil change and to have them inspect the brakes before a long trip; they found a problem with not just the brakes but the roters -- I had it checked somewhere else, and their inspection was 100% accurate and a fair price.
When I returned after getting a second quote (from a shop I didn't really like, despite its solid Yelp reviews), I asked them to also inspect another component (the timing belt) because the second shop told me it had to be replaced (although I at the time thought I was just being upsold). B&W did *NOT* take the opportunity to up-sell me, instead telling me that it was fine. Great for them. -
Review from Bumble B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Even though I've moved across the city I continue to take my car here. They are honest and I never feel like I'm being pressured into having extra work done. Their work is consistent, fast, and their prices are very fair.
They don't take appointments and is first come, first served so it's advisable to get there early when they open or at least call before bringing your car in.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/7/2007
I started taking my car to these guys for regular maintenance when I moved to the neighberhood a few… Read more »
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Review from Joshua W.
10/8/2010
Short Version: great staff, convenient location, and fair prices.
Was heading down 101 in a hurry to make an appointment when all of a sudden I hear the dreaded *THUNKA THUNKA THUNKA THUNKA* coming from my front right wheel well. Pull over and confirm that my tire had decided to end its life. Break out my handy Yelp app on my iPhone and see a place near me, B&W Service Center, that gets good ratings.
Upon calling them, I talked to a very friendly and professional woman who informed me that they could order the tires I wanted (was time for a new set anyway) and have them installed the next morning. The quoted price, while not amazing, was pretty much in line with what Discount Tire had quoted me, so I dropped the car off and went home. The shop was neat/clean, easy to get to, and everyone there was friendly and professional. They noticed that I was due for brakes and rotors as well (something that I knew when I arrived), and quoted me a fair price to have them done as well.
My car was ready to be picked up around 11 the next morning, and there were no issues with the brakes or the wheels/balancing/alignment. I'll note that I drive a Mercedes C32 AMG, so if you have a nicer European car and are afraid to take it to a random shop, you can add this to your list of reputable shops to go. -
Review from Alannah T.
12/20/2006
You know who drives the crap out of their vehicles? Who goes up and down SF hills, stopping and starting and starting and stopping, all day long?
Nooooooooooo, not cab drivers! They drive someone else's car so they could care less about the car they're driving.
The people who drive the crap out of their OWN vehicles are DOG WALKERS! Yep, they put thousands of really nasty, start (leave home) and stop (pick up Dog 1), start (leave Dog 1's house) and stop (pick up Dog 2), etc. miles on their vehicles. Oh, and for most of them, their vehicles are their livelihood.
So, do you think dog walkers would take their vehicles to a mechanic who was expensive, dishonest or lacking mechanical knowledge? I don't. That's why, when the most recent mechanic to whom I'd been taking my lovely Jeep turned out to be an ass, I asked Joe the Dog Walker for a referral.
B & W was Joe's referral ("all my dog walker friends go here," he said) and so far I'm happy. I drive an older (about 15 years old) Jeep. They've replaced the transmission when the old one finally died (after another mechanic quoted me something like 2x the price), changed the oil numerous times (I could do it but then I'd get DIRTY --- and not in a good way), fixed a few minor things that were bugging me, and most recently put in a new catalytic converter (at my request --- the old one was rattling like the Ghost of Christmas Past).
Here's how the most recent visit went:
7:22 a.m. I bring the Jeep to B & W. I speak with Wayne about what I want done (oil change, check obnoxiously LOUD catalytic converter, fix squeaky belts, general once over b/c I'm going on a looooong road trip). Wayne writes everything down and gives me a preliminary quote.
10:15, Wayne calls to tell me that I was correct and the catalytic converter does need to be replaced. I ask for the cost and lo and behold, it's the same as what he'd quoted earlier.
12:01, Wayne calls to let me know that the Jeep is ready to rock 'n' roll. I'm wondering if he included tax, so I ask him for the final cost again. Unbelievably, it's exactly the same as it's been from the beginning.
5:04, I arrive at B&W, pay for the repairs (and the cost - still the same) and drive away with my Jeep, which now sounds and runs MUCH better.Listed in: There's no place like home,…, Pimpin' My Ride
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Review from Bill M.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2007
I love these guys. Over the past 3 years, I've bought 3 cars there to get them serviced regularly. Bill and his bro are personable and have great prices. I used to have my ex-wife drop the car off and they would go out of their way to endure she knew exactly what was going on.
They do everything. Clutches, brakes, exhaust, timing belts, fluids....whatever. Although they don't specialize it, Bill even agreed to help me with a lift for my Jeep. C'mon!!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from MrBoomBastic ..
Los Angeles, CA
10/8/2007
NEGATIVE STARS!!!
MuTha F*@(#aS!!!!
These fools suck. Because they break stuff and say they didn't and won't fix it.
Bill Mufarreh, the owner/manager, is the biggest dickhead of them all!
F#%$*)ERS! I hate these guys.
I've filed a report with the Bureau of Automotive Repairs.
Here's what happened:
My car was broken into, so I brought my car to B&W for replacement of my small rear passenger side window. Prior to the repairs, my car's driver side door had difficulty opening because of a loose connection to the latch and door handle. This made it difficult for the repair shop to navigate in and out of the car. This is a daily problem for me, so I do feel bad for these guys who had to deal with it for one day (sense the sarcasm here). So they, without my authorization, decided to "fix" the door by having one person hold the handle up, while another mechanic rammed his shoulder into the interior door frame. As a result, dislodged my driver's side window. Now when I open it, the window comes off of it's track, gets stuck and has trouble closing (someone needs to simultaneously push the window button up, while another person pulls up and realigns the window).
I returned to the shop and Wayne explained to me this procedure they performed on my car. He then continued to state that his shop did not break my window. He said, "you have people released from hospitals everyday after getting checked, and drop dead. Shit happens." Are you kidding me, that's your rationale for not taking responsibility for breaking my window - unacceptable! That is totally not the same thing, bastard!
My car has a lot of problems, but a broken driver side window was not one of them.
B&W MUST fix my driver side window that they broke without charge! They also need to receive customer service training. Everyone I interacted with was just plain rude and made me feel like it was a burden to help me. -
Review from Richard J.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2006
I wish there was a no stars rating. DRIVERS BEWARE! These guys are thieves. I took my car there and was completely ripped off. Liars, crooks and cheats. They are currently under investigation by the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Be sure to ask them about that. If they deny it, then you'll have confirmation of how dishonest this place is.
STAY AWAY! -
Review from Yoichi N.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
These guys are the honest mechanics I've ever met. What I like about the is that I know they won't try to fix something that isn't broken and charge fair rates. I went to another mechanic in the Mission and he tried to charge me about $1500 for unnecessary improvements.
I'd highly recommend these guys because they are fast and trustworthy and very friendly. -
Review from Scott S.
Updated - 8/13/2009
The 1986 Nissan truck had developed a unexpected and possibly dangerous habit of the engine dying out. Nothing like going down the freeway and your engine dies to convince you that repairs are needed urgently.
Back to B &W goes the truck. It needs a new distributor I'm told. OK. A new one is put in and away I go. Except the engine dies about 15 minutes later. Uh oh. The shop is closed, so I wait about 5 minutes and take it back to the shop the next day. Bill and his crew work to figure out what's wrong with it. Finally, it's decided that a new fuel pump is needed. To B & W's credit, I wasn't charged for the labor for this second round of repairs, just parts.
So I'm hopeful that the truck will be running smoothly and safely now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/9/2008
Last week, the honey took my 1986 Nissan Truck for a brake job. B &W noticed some other problems… Read more »
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Review from Temilotzin d.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2006
Great place. See, I was a little queer boy who hated when pops had me fix things on cars. I just never got it...it's all good, but now I just don't know much about car mechanics. I saw their ad in The Guardian and it was close to work, so I gave it a shot. I have been going to this place for about 4 years now and I'll keep going for as long as I have a car.
They are honest, reliable, quick, efficient, trust-worth. The last time I took my car in I told them that I thought I might need a new transmission. They took a look at it and called me to tell me the transmission was fine, I just needed a clutch adjustment. Hell, any other place could have taken my words and ran with them and charged me for a new transmission. It's reassuring to know that they don't want to screw you. I am a loyal customer. Highly recommended. Someone else said that you can't make appts. here and yes, it's true, they tell you that they open at 7 AM and bring it first thing in the morning. I'm not a morning person either, but hell, it's my car...
If you do get your vehicle there at 7, chances are you will get it back that evening unless it's something major. -
Review from Oh My G Z.
Oakland, CA
10/2/2007
MY car is now in worse shape after they worked on it!!!
I went in to replace my timing belt and perhaps some new brakes/rotors/pads. They found other things (front axle and its lubricant) to repair. I love my 1997 Honda Accord and I wanted it to be in tip top shape as I plan to drive it for the next 3-4 years. So I gave all my trust and gave them the go ahead to fix everything. The everything costed me $2,000. I figure a big price tag meant a great job and with the good reviews on Yelp, I really couldn't go wrong....well I was wrong...
Now I'm not giving them one star for charging me that high price. This is what I'm scoring them on...
About a month after my car was serviced, my brakes began to make a loud click-clacking noise when I pressed them. My brakes never made any noises before I brought the car in, but they do now!!
Further, they said I needed lubricant or a new front axle and if I didn't, eventually, my car would make that awful ticking noise often heard when people make U-turns with a bad front axle. Mind you, before I brought my car in, the front axle made NO noises. About a month after my front axle was "fixed" I heard noises whenever I made U-turns or sharp turns to the left or right.
If I shell out a whopping $2000 I expect not to do any more servicing other than the oil change an transmission flush, etc. for a few years, given that it's a HONDA. What I didn't expect were a faulty brake job and front axle job.
Now even though the timing belt isn't making noises, I'm paranoid, perhaps that is having problems and I just don't know it?
Now I have to wake up at the butt crack of dawn and beat everyone else to B & W, wait in their 'waiting area' and hope they don't take too long to 'repair' the repairs so that I won't miss too much work.
Oh yeah they said they would re-set my "check engine" light for no charge, but if it came back on again and I asked them to really look into it, they would charge me $90 something for it.. Guess what? A day or two after the light came back on. I took it into HONDA of OAKLAND and they said the oil seals were old and need to be replaced. They also said one of the mounts that holds the engine in place is broken and needed to be replaced. I think if B&W were so great, they should have saw these issues.
I was very against using the HONDA dealers but I may start taking that route again.
UPDATE 11/11/2007---I brought my car in for a SECOND time in ealry October 2007 because of the noises mentioned above. They rushed me and said they would look at it. I called in the afternoon to see what the problem was and they said they were done and they had to "machine down the rotors" and they didn't see heard anything with the front axle when turning. It is now November 2007 and almost everytime I break the brakes/rotors/pads/whatever continue to make a shuffling noise. WTF????? I am beyond pissed now because I will be there for a THIRD time!!! -
Review from peter d.
Redwood City, CA
3/6/2007
I go here regularly to change the oil on my car.
I usually drop by around 10-11AM and have never waited more than 25 minutes for them to finish the job, which is reasonable for such a simple job. I guess the trick is to get there when its not crowded.
Price is reasonable and the service is adequate, but I havent used them for any repairs so my experience is limited, but from what I know so far I would probably go there to fix my clutch for instance if I need to. -
Review from erin m.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2007
Hey B & W ! Check out my tires, not my TITS.
If you don't have time to read this story, know this:
You don't have to know anything about auto repair to see that these jerks were fraudulent that day.
Someone told me B&W was the shiznit, so I went there with a trusting attitude.
I brought my car in to B&W to investigate a bad noise coming from my tires. I gave them the car, I waited around for an hour. They gave me my car back, told me that they'd checked my tires and they told me there was NOTHING wrong at all. My car is nice, and my tires are newish, so I believed them. I paid them $30 for this lie-- and the weird noise continued.
A week later, the sound was worse and I took it to Larkin Brothers (14th & South Van Ness). Right when I pulled up, the guy put on latex gloves, stuck his hands in the wheel well and blindly ran his hands over the tire surface. He removed his hands, saying "WHOA THAT'S BAD..." He gave me latex gloves to feel it myself and I could feel the HUGE, OBVIOUS, irregular sunken spots all over my tires from misalignment. I mean, even I could tell that those tires were unsafe.
THIS MEANS THAT DICKWAD over at B&W didn't even reach in and run his hands over my tires. (But they all were very flirtatious and looked more than willing to reach in and run their hands over my rack.)
This means that they took my car to the back, wasted my time, charged me $30 and did nothing. I paid them $30 so I could get ogled and sit in a dirty chair for an hour.
I almost went on a very long road trip thinking my tires were okay. If B&W didn't think it was profitable enough to fix my car, they should just say so and send me elsewhere! A$$HOLES. -
Review from Raphael P.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2008
After a few visits to this shop i noticed each time after i visited, there would be something new that was suddenly not working with my vehicle. Most recently i brought my car in to have them replace my front brakes, and take a look at my transmission.
Well, they charged me 54 bucks to tell me they didn't have a clue what was wrong with the transmission, and immediately after that visit, suddenly my hazard lights and AC/Heater blower mysteriously stopped working. I called and inquired as to why these two systems were not working suddenly, they asked me to bring the car in again. Shortly after dropping the car off, They called me back to say that they would need to charge me 216 just to have a look at what was the problem with the blower. Not to fix it, not to replace it, just to diagnose it!! I wasn't impressed. I returned, picked up my car and called a mobile electronic specialist.
He came to meet me, actually repaired both issues on the spot, and charged me $220 for the complete repair!
Knowing what i know now, i wouldn't take my car here for anything other than brake service. Even then i think ill just pass completely. -
Review from N B.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2005
UPDATE 10/17/2006:
My Word. B & W is the next best thing to having a brother in the auto repair biz. Why? Because they WATCH your BACK! I was recently expecting a very expensive repair, and when Bill discovered what the problem was, he mentioned that the part looked new and suggested--no, HIGHLY encouraged me to go back to a shop where I had some other work done and make sure that replacing this part wasn't part of what they had done a few months ago. He wanted to make sure he didn't replace a part that had just been replaced. How many times do you experience THAT from a mechanic, HUH?
It turns out my very expensive repair was really only a couple of hundred dollars because...get this: I didn't actually need the reapairs I was originally told I needed. They could have totally taken me for a ride.
I love, love, LOVE these guys! I've taken my car to them since 2000. I tried someone else that specialized in my type of car, but I came back & I will never stray again.
An interesting bit of trivia: They've had this shop over 20 years and are now working on some of their original customers' *children's* cars. I shouldn't tell anyone, but you know, I really want them to have everything good come to them that possibly can.
'Cause they're the best.
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B & W Service Center is like a small town auto repair shop in a big city. I trust them. They're fairly priced. They're fast & honest. Not too far from 24th St BART, either.
The gazillions of thank you notes & letters of praise they have hanging on the wall next to the service window speaks testaments to how much their customers love them. -
Review from H H.
Oakland, CA
4/28/2006
Even though it was literally alllll the way across town, I went here cause someone drove my car and said I needed brakes. And I was about 3K miles overdue for an oil change, whoopsies.
So I head down there and tell them I need an oil change and possibly new brakes. I had to take BART plus two buses to get back home (including the scary 38), but I felt like I was in good hands. No creepy leering, as is customary in some car places.
2 hours later, Wayne called and said i don't need brakes just yet. Kickass. They could have replaced them anyway, just to make $$. But they didn't. Yay. -
Review from Freida N.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2010
I've been going to B&W Service Center for the last five years. . . I appreciate how they tell me truth, give me options and never make me feel like I "have to get something done." As a woman, I used to feel uncomfortable getting my car repaired because I would be screwed with higher costs and unnecessary charges. But B&W always takes good care of me and my car.
Last week, I was getting ready to leave for a week long trip (over 1000 miles of driving) and my car started making this horrible metal-on-metal squealing sound. It was so loud that I started to freak out that I wouldn't be able to take my road trip and that it would cost fifty jillion dollars to repair. I call B&W right away and ask if they would take a look at my car. The gal said to come right away and they would check it out. I jam over to the Mission, squealing all the way. In fact, I squealed into the garage so the guys actually heard that awful sound. They jack up my car, take off the front wheels, take a look and find this rock on brake rotor. They remove it, hand it over to me, and it was no charge! Fixed in 15 minutes for free. . .
I appreciated them taking a look at the last minute, giving me the peace of mind of a car working for a long road trip, and now I can't wait for my 105,000 tune-up.
I love these guys. . . I completely trust them. Your car will be happy! -
Review from Brandon B.
El Cerrito, CA
11/29/2006
I didn't end up getting my car repaired here, but I dropped in to talk to them about some major service and repairs on my car. I was turned off by their inability to communicate or discuss the services available or the estimated costs, so I took my business elsewhere.
I can't speak for their quality of repairs, but I wouldn't recommend them due to their poor customer service. -
Review from monkey d.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2011
i went to this shop for new brakes...
after the work was completed, my car had a different feel, almost a shaking to it. i returned a few days later to inquire about the work they had completed, and they basically told me it's my problem now, they're not responsible.
my car never drove the same again.
and insult to injury, about a week later i noticed my rear license plate cover had been changed from my original dealer in seattle, to their sh*tty b & w logo without my permission. is it a big deal, not supremely, but taking part of your vehicle off and changing it to your logo simply for self-promotion is shady.
i'll never go back to these guys. -
Review from Simon the cat -.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/21/2009
All of my dealings with B&W have been 5 plus stars.
There recommendation today proved to be a winner also.
My 1989 Accord has 234,000 miles on it and runs great!
Today they even let me slide on 62 cents. Which I thought was cool.
Thanks- Simon The cat1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2007
The brothers have always been fair with me and my old honda.
i like the place and trust them.
Simon… Read more »
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Review from JH C.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
Took my 21 year old/327000 mile car to them for life support and they gave me outstanding service, communicated exceptionally, and brought my old friend back to life. To my car and to B&W, I quote Neil Young: long may you (both) run.
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Review from Scott P.
8/14/2007
HOW DID I MANAGE TO BE A CONSUMER BEFORE YELP WAS BORN?
After sifting through several Yelp reviews to find a garage near my apartment I came across B&W Brake & Wheel. They have 32 reviews and most all of them are favorable except for a few very disgruntled customers. Since the odds were leaning towards five stars I had to go with them.
As so many other Yelpers wrote in their review, these guys were true to their word! I arrived, had to wait a few minutes as there were two other customers ahead of me, immediately I felt this was a good sign. What appeared to be the owner checked me in and told me they would call me by 10:30am that morning. A bit before the promised time I received my call. I was informed that my car did not need any brake work done. The terrible squeaking was caused by my new brake pads. After further probing about my brake situation I came to the conclusion that anything they would do to help me alleviate the squeaking would not be a guaranteed solution. More than likely the problem will resolve itself or I will just tolerate it until I replace the rotors and brake pads all at once.
I have no reason to believe the folks at this garage were acting in my best interest and apparently most of the 32 other Yelpers feel the same way!
Thank you Yelp once again for helping me to become a more informed consumer! -
Review from Shea P.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2011
I used to bring my car here all the time because they were close by. But then after a few terribly expensive repairs, I got the feeling I was gettin fleeced. I bought a set of tires here once, got talked out of what I wanted and bought what they wanted me to buy. The tires failed one after another, about 20,000 miles later, and B&W wouldn't honor anything on them.
SO I changed my trade to Mission Tire, around the corner, based solely on the Yelp reviews. I just bought another set of Michelins at a huge discount and got a brake job. They are so much better. I own a contracting business and I take all my trucks and cars there, and now my employees like them too. Just not a lot of love left for B&W.
It's sad, because, I think B&W used to be really good. But now that I think about it, that might have been when i had a ton more money than I do now, before the recession. Now that I count every penny, I do my homework. Just can't recommend these guys. -
Review from Adam L.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2008
B&W is a first class operation. They are fair, honest and do high quality work.
About two months ago I brought in my girlfriend's '98 Honda Passport because the key was stuck in the ignition. This is a common issue for the Passport model and is due to the ignition being locked because the shift lever behaves as if the gear isn't in 'Park', when it is. This can happen because of a loose cable and/or a missing spring.
During my first visit, the B&W team came up with an innovative way to solve the problem with no help from the official Honda dealership. The innovative approach: using a spring from a fountain pen to force the shift lever to recognize the gear is in 'Park' when the car is parked. Kudos for the MacGyver-esque approach.
For this level of service, I was already impressed with B&W. When the same issue arose last night, I knew that I had to bring the car back to B&W. Once again, they didn't receive help from the Honda dealership. But they went online and figured out that Honda put out a repair procedure in 2001 for this issue and followed these instructions. When I came to pick up the car today they didn't even charge me for labor! What a nice gesture.
It's safe to say that B&W has made a loyal customer of me. Brandy, Bill and the rest of the B&W team are some of the most considerate and thorough people that I have ever done business with. I strongly suggest B&W. Great job! -
Review from james s.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2010
These guys are auto mechanics not therapists!
I used to work in the auto industry in road service repairs and i trust these guys. They will make recommendations for repairs and it is up to you to make the decision. If you are unfamiliar with how your car works and how certain parts take stress and wear out then buy and auto manual or google your car and ask questions.
I don't care what kind of car you drive but it will eventually break and when it does you will need it fixed, these guys won't screw you and will be willing to give you an estimate for the work. Take the estimate and research it if you are uneasy. Otherwise take it in good faith that they do a good job. Because if you own a car you can count on it breaking more than once in your lifetime... -
Review from Esther K.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2006
I've been trusting my old Acura with the Mufarreh brothers for 5 years now, and they've been nothing but wonderful. Some of my indicators of a good mechanic:
- they've come below their estimates for repairs several times, and were clear in explaining why
- none of their repairs have yet needed to be re-repaired
- when I've asked them to check some funny noise, my brake pads, etc, they usually come back with "we checked it - it's fine - no charge" when they could have fleeced me
- they've referred me to other good people (e.g. Rich's Auto Body for bumper replacement and painting - also awesome)
- best of all, as a woman I never ever feel sketched out, stared at, taken advantage of when I go there. Usually there are other women hanging out, waiting for their cars too. yeah.
Bill and Wayne, you rock. Keep it up. -
Review from Keith B.
Denver, CO
12/4/2006
I've been very happy with these guys. I recently had quite a bit of work done here and it was half the price I was quoted at the dealer. They take the time to explain what they are going to do and then do it quickly. They also call and ask before doing anything big once they start the work.
After they did the work on my car there was an oil leak. I brought the car back and they fixed it free of charge that day. I've turned a few wrenches so I don't fault them for having a leak and it was great to get a no-hassles correction.
I'm only giving 4 stars because if you pick your car up in the morning they park it on the street and I know someday I'll get a ding from that. -
Review from Sonya Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2009
I'm definitely a fan of independent auto shops, especially when the owners themselves provide the excellent and friendly customer service, such as B&W brake!
Originally, I went to Ford for an inspection of my Ford Escape SUV and it turned out my car needed not only new brake pads, but also rotors. When Ford told me it would be $650 to replace, I was hesitant and asked around for a referral, which led me to B&W. Within minutes, B&W quoted me approximately $200 less than Ford did.
B&W provided same day walk-in service and there were no surprises with the quoted price. After a couple weeks I noticed a noise that occurred only when getting off the freeway. So we brought the car in to B&W and Bill, the "B" in B&W, patiently listened to our brake concerns (the noise) and provided a thorough diagnostic as to what could be causing this. In short, B&W completely stood behind their work and completely replaced the brakes and rotors under warranty. -
Review from Jen G.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
I really like the people who run this place. Definitely honest work at a fair price. I've had my brakes done a couple times and have gotten new tires- excellent! Their oil change price is way lower than anywhere else I've gone too. I recently took my car there because it seemed to have trouble with the auto downshifting when I stopped or I thought it was something to do with the brakes. The owner took it for a test drive with me in the car to see if he could reproduce the problem and (of course) it wouldn't do it when he was driving it. Rather than keep it to take it apart and diagnose it, they checked the brakes and transmission fluid to make sure all was a-ok for safe driving then said to come back anytime the problem started up again. This was all at no charge. Other places I've gone in the past were happy to keep it overnight so they could do a diagnostic on it, find some simple little problem but charge me $$$ for the labor it took to try to find something even when they couldn't reproduce the problem before just taking things apart. These guys don't charge unless they specifically find something wrong that they actually fix. Funny that my car stopped having that problem after they just looked at it. I'm a happy customer and will continue to take our cars here.
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Review from Beth S.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2007
I knew the my brakes were fucked and I needed new tires.
I know nothing about cars, and wouldn't dare to pretend to. But any hobo I drove by could tell I needed new tires and brakes, Rhonda the Honda was THAT bad.
If you've read any of my reviews, it's obvious I'd much rather spend the few pennies I have on ridiuclously expensive food and booze than my own personal safety.
So, a month ago, as I emereged from my office at 5:30 on a Friday to the flattest tire in the entirety of automotive history, my tires were getting fixed first.
I work in Marin and was instructed to Cain's in San Rafael.
I needed all new tires.
This, I knew.
And on my $400 bill was scrawled in all caps, "BREAK REPAIR ASAP. METAL ON METAL."
Shit. Balls. Titis.
"You didn't notice a noise, sweetheart?"
"Well, yeah. I was just hoping it would go away. How much?"
"$480. And you should do it yestaday."
Cut to a month later. Cut to yesterday. That noise was getting worse. Worse and worse, to the point that I could FEEL something wrong at every stop sign.
I lay in bed last night, watching the clock tick past 3am, worrying and worrying about all the shit I had to pay for.
Insurance. Late. Rent. Late. Bills. Late. Funky tooth feeling. No dental. And my goddamn brakes. Shit, shit, shit. Where the hell am I going to get $500?
Oh, and I had jury duty today.
But, as a therapist once told me, worrying solves little. Action solves all.
$500? Fuck that. I can't drive to Marin anyway. I might die.
I got online and googled, "Discount. Brake Repair. San Francisco."
And thus, I found B&W, 10 blocks from my house.
I didn't even call. I just (gingerly) drove in, expecting some Guido to slap me on the ass, tell me what an idiot I am and charge me my left arm and first born.
Inside, however, I found Pat.
Pat assured me that she was super competative, understood I had to haul ass to jury duty and would call me in an hour or so.
"Okay, Pat. But seriously, I'm talking bare minimum of repair. I'm going to New York on Thursday and I need to buy some shit there. Shit you can only get in New York. I do not spend money on my car. Oh, and I need it by tomorrow."
I warned her that I already had an estimate, an estimate I found unsatisfactory and was now looking for a hook-up.
"Hon, I'm not doing anything unsafe. I'll be honest and fair, but I'm liable if you die."
Fair the fuck enough.
Plus, Pat couldn't get it finsihed until tomorrow.
Ugh. Okay. It's not like I've been at all responsible about this.
Tomorrow it was. Provided the estimate was anything under $480.
Halfway through talking myself out of jury duty Pat called.
Immediately, I called her back.
Um, yeah. Those $480 brakes?
$163.
And Pat can have it done by 4:30.
TODAY.
My car is fixed. The noise is gone. All other bills remain unpaid. And if this tooth holds out, I have reservations at Les Halles on the 4th of July.
5 stars...Listed in: Pleasantly Surprised!
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Review from cheryl f.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2005
I trust Bill and Wayne. When I take my car there I don't have to worry about being lied to or overcharged. When they fix something they fix it right, and fast. And they're nice guys, too. The only thing I don't like is that you can't make an appointment to bring your car in. If you call they will tell you, "We open at 7:00 and it's first come first served." I'm not so much the morning person.
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Review from Jonathon P.
Berkeley, CA
1/19/2011
I've been going to B&W for years, and they've always been great and provided honest and reasonable service. I have an older car, and they're very clear about what has to be done, and what can wait. They should get 5 stars for that.
Recently however, my battery died, and they let me borrow their battery jumper/charger (not the technical term) without asking for ID, a credit card, etc. I was able to use it to jump my car before the tow trucks came. There are very few mechanics that will let you run off with a battery charger without leaving some sort of info, but B&W is that kind of place. -
Review from Ess H.
Oakland, CA
3/8/2006
These guys are the best. I actually paid less than what they quoted me for (which I already thought was a fair price), and they threw in some extra services for free just 'cause they 're nice guys. They also put up with me and my husband calling them about six times that day, changing our minds about which services we wanted and which we didn't want. In the end, they got everything right did a great job. I've found my mechanic in the city!
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Review from Eclipse T.
Oakland, CA
3/3/2006
I've been taking my car(s) here for about two years now. I started having some big problems with my previous car, but B&W were always honest and helpful, even when I ended up having to replace my transmission. They know me by name and have always been up front, friendly, and truthful with me about my car and the cost of repairs. At one point they even advised me to get rid of a car instead of pouring money into it, and advised me against any cars of that make made after 1998! I hadn't been in since I replaced that car but took my newer car in this morning for a quick tire patch and bulb replacement job, and even though I didn't come in until 9am they still had me out by 9:30 for an amazingly cheap price. B&W has my loyalty, and as long as my schedule permits I'll take my car there for all the work it needs.
