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Bavarian Motorsport
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm
41 reviews for Bavarian Motorsport
41 reviews in English
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Review from Injae K.
South San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is THE shop to go to if you own a BMW. They'll charge significantly less than a dealer, and will be more thorough with their inspection.
I towed my e36 M in because of a catastrophic cooling system failure. After pulling and replacing my waterpump... I still could not diagnose the issue myself. These guys did a fantastic job with the overhaul, and got her running in ONE day! Additionally, Ramon found an issue with my timing/ignition system... I originally thought my VANOS system was on its way out... Apparently the original owner of my car messed up one of the mandatory InspectionII's and used an incorrect part.
I work wayyyy out of town... and they were able stay a little late to allow me to pick up my car which was nice [I called ahead and scheduled a day and time to pick up]
Still.. owning an older German car hurts the wallet. But definitely worth it. -
Review from Katie W.
Oceanside, CA
1/16/2012
Let me start off by saying I'm not a car person and I don't speak mechanic.
I took my car to Bavarian last week to get my codes read (got an "engine malfunction" alert and was concerned). I called ahead and they said "just bring the car up and we'll see what we find". I'm used to dealing with the dealership where you are treated like an idiot, have to make an appointment a week out and then, despite having said appointment, they seem to twiddle their thumbs before charging you a small fortune just to tell you that they can't find anything.
Bavarian was quick to read the codes, professional and patient with my endless questions to understand what was wrong (nothing, as I had suspected but wanted a professional confirmation) and if the car was ok to drive and what to look out for in case something was really wrong. I'm sure there were very, very busy but it was really appreciated that they took the time to make sure I was a satisfied and informed customer.
Thank you Bavarian!!! -
Review from Kayla C.
San Diego, CA
12/28/2011
FINALLY! A BMW Repair place that has earned my trust and business!
I was referred to this place by a gf back home who said her brother has went here for years to fix his BMW. I was having issues with my clutch and took it in to have it looked at because I was thinking it needed to be replaced. After inspection the people here told me I didn't need a new one after all! *YAHOO* I just saved about $1200! but they did an awesome job on my automatic window thing that broke and my seat that fell apart. I will be taking my car to them from now on! My only complaint is they aren't open on weekends :( I work practically the same schedule as them and it's hard for me to get rides to and from this place and to work in which they usually need my car overnight or for a few days, but other than the hours, everyone here is honest and does an AWESOME job! Forget the dealership!!
Thanks Bavarian! -
Review from Samuel L.
San Jose, CA
2/2/2012
Ramon and Nicole did a great job on my 2003 M3, Recommend
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Review from Johnny Z.
Los Gatos, CA
1/17/2012
I called this shop during the MLK weekend, the shop was closed Sat., Sunday. We finally got hold of a woman on Monday morning. I explained to her that we need to replace the General Module and re-code it. She told me to get back to me within a couple minutes after talking to her technician . After then, she never call back. We try calling her many time on the same day and the following days, she never picked up the call. We left message, she never replied my message. I got so frustrated. How it deserve such good review in Yelp if they don't ask your phone? I don't know.
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Review from Tee K.
Milpitas, CA
9/30/2011
I don't give out 5 stars easily but this place deserve every star and more! My bmw 2005 545i broke down. I had it toll to Fremont BMW dealership and was shock at the the price they quoted me. There was no way I could afford to get it fix with them even when it was my only car. I just didn't trust the dealership. P.S Bavarian fix my cars in 3 days!!!!
I went on yelp and thank you thank you yelp a million times!!! If it wasn't for yelp I wouldn't know about this place and would probably take it to another body shop that would strip me dry of money.
So I brought my car to Bavarian Motorsport and I have nothing but could encounter with them from the time I brought my car in to finish. They are honest ppl. I mean real honest. Ramone told me I had to replace the relay as well as the pump and called me back to let me know that the relay was actually cheaper than what he thought. I mean they are so honest and nice ppl. I just don't know how to express gratitude and thanks to them.
Fremont BMW wanted to charge me for stuff that didn't need to be fix a total of 10k and Bavarian told me that after checking my car those parts were fine. Fremont BMW overcharge labor and they are a total scam. I honestly don't like to talk bad stuff about people but when they try to take ppl money like that it is just not right. Bavarian total charge was only around 1k and that's 10 times less than what Fremont BMW wanted to charge me. I am so relief my nightmare is over and I have to thank Bavarian people for that. Thank you Nicole. She is really nice and fill with positivity. Ramone is honest and straight forward. There is no frill him. He is there to get your car fix with the utmost honesty and reliability possible. I like and appreciate that there are people like them that still exist in this world.
My car runs great right now and I know for a fact that they will be the only place I will ever bring my BMW to. No hesitation needed and no further searching needed. This place is the it factor.
I recommend them to you and trust me you will thank this reviews and other great reviews about them for doing so. Save yourself money, drama, headache and the overall nightmare from other places and bring it here. -
Review from Salvator G.
Palo Alto, CA
12/13/2011
This might get filtered due to lack of substance but.... I just called to schedule an appointment and the woman I spoke to was so polite and helpful she was even offering suggestions over the phone. The conversation went as smoothly as possible, something i would've never expected from an auto mechanic. Follow-up review soon to come.
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Review from Charles A.
Milpitas, CA
8/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Great staff, service, and prices!!!
Ramon is very knowledgeable and will only fix what is needed...
Way cheaper than "German Motor Specialists" in Sunnyvale...
I wouldn't take my BMW anywhere else!!! -
Review from Sean S.
Los Altos, CA
8/8/2011
Quality service from a very knowledagable staff. I take my 4 BMW's often if not exclusively. If they weren't all the way in Milpitas then it would be exclusively.
better service than the dealer for less money. Whats not to like. They are equally home working on track card and street cars. -
Review from Dennis C.
San Jose, CA
10/28/2011
Nowadays it's difficult to find an honest mechanic. I used to bring my cars to the dealership for repair, but for some reason the cars kept on having more problems. So, I brought my Bart-parking lot beemer here to change the brakes because I didn't want to spend mega bucks on an old car by bringing it back to the dealership. I received an on-the-phone estimate which was more than $100 cheaper than the dealership. The service advisor gave me complete details of what was to be done on the car, and after the car was repaired, the final bill was exactly her estimate. They seem to be very competent and honest mechanics, and to this day, I have not had any further repairs made to my car. I'll be bringing my car back in the future and other beemers too.
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Review from Randy L.
Spring, TX
7/21/2011
I love this place!!
Being at this shop makes me want to be a BMW tech for them. I had my whole rear left suspension replaced due to an accident. Trailing Arm, control arm axle shock etc. Previously I had done my inspection 2 and full coolent over haul.
1 they are exellent with wha they do. Knowledge beyond my expectations
2 Nice and very curtious, awesome customer service.
3. They DO NOT nickle and dime! their labor rate is fair and usually they charge less then actual time spent.
I will only go to them for my E36 M3 services.
Thanks BMS!
Randy -
Review from Benjamin H.
Gilroy, CA
10/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
When I think of care for any BMW I've owned, as others might have said, in the Southbay of California (silicon Valley), there is only one full service BMW business that gets to put their hands up my BMW's skirt (aside form my own hands), ...and those hands belong to the mechanics at Bavarian Motorsport. They provide BMW expertise beyond what a BMW dealer can do, lower prices, don't nickel and dime you, won't oversell you, and beyond all of that are just generally nice, caring folks. They only work on BMW's, so they know what works and what to stay away from.
This was true for my street car, a 1995 BMW E36 M3, along with the racecar, a gutted 1997 E36 BMW M3. Ramon installed my Sunbelt Cams (purchased from Bimmerworld) in the racecar, and kept my wife's white 95 m3 purring, along with many other services. They only stock and use fluids and parts appropriate for the application, and that are backed by real world tried and true experience. So, you don't go home with a 'beta' solution :)
I still remember the first time I saw Ramon, a very short, kinda quiet guy, and wasn't sure what to think about him. But, man, what a guy... And Nicole? You don't see many women with their hands covered in grease, but she knows and loves BMW's probably more than any other woman I know.
Additionally, if your needs are more race oriented, Ramon has the support of TCDesignFab (in the same business complex), for other services (like Alignment, corner balancing, race fabrication, etc). They make a great team.
I highly recommend them.
The review from 'James O.' at the bottom seems to be fabricated, nonsensical BS from a competitor that wants to make a small attempt to hurt the business at Bavarian Motorsport (heh, good luck with THAT! You don't build a primarily 'word of mouth' business by accident) -
Review from Kris L.
San Jose, CA
3/19/2011
I like to work on my own car (330i)... but sometimes life gets in the way - schedule is packed and a part on your only vehicle fails. Now that I've taken my car to Bavarian several times, it's safe to say these folks will be the only ones besides me to touch my car. Their diagnosis is quick and accurate, prices fair, and repairs performed flawlessly.
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Review from Chris D.
3/17/2010
Sarah & Ramone are top notch people. I've had them work on my E46 M3 for a variety of maintenance items. On top of their maintenance repairs for cars, they also have real life track experience. I've often seen Sarah at NASA events, so they have the extra bit of experience that can help in performing repairs and offering advice.
TCDesign is just down the way and they often work together on some projects. Both shops are some of the best in the Bay Area. I will continue to give these places my business. -
Review from Brian F.
San Jose, CA
12/4/2008
Ramone is the man, if you want maintenance work done on your BMW, he knows his stuff and makes sure everything is done right.
Between here and TC Design you have everything you need to get your car modified and fixed. -
Review from Max S.
San Jose, CA
3/8/2011
I LOVE THIS SHOP! I've been with Bavarian for 6+ years now, taking care of my E46 M3 and E46 330. They are knowledgeable, meticulous, fair-priced, and oh-so-very customer oriented. When my warranty ran out, I asked around at the BMW CCA Golden Gate chapter for an independent shop in the south bay. They all said to take it to Ramon. He, Nicole and their staff are awesome.
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Review from Michael T.
Mountain View, CA
10/17/2011
The best BMW shop in my experience. Throughout past 15 years I have been to various bimmer shops in Boston metro, Philly, DC as well as the Bay Area, and I can tell you this, that I have never encountered a crew this knowledgeable, this technically proficient on the BMWs. I have an E36 M3 and an E53 X5, and they have gone through most phases of little or big problems that these cars could commonly have, from brake light failure to an overheated engine. Once symptoms were described to them (Ramon or Nicole), their diagnosis were always accurate, and their repairs were simply surgical and down to the point.
They were first referred to me about 4 years ago by somebody I randomly chatted with at Mountain View BMW part store, and I started to try their services about two years after that, simply because I had been using a Sunnyvale shop. As cautious as I was (in the beginning) having had a cocktail of experiences from all these bimmer service shops from places I have lived and worked, never once was I left an impression by Bavarian Motorsport that any of the services they provided were inadequate.
Beside their services that were clinically impeccable, I must mention that they are just nice friendly people. They are always honest, warm and available for help, they always took their time to answer your questions, technically relevant or otherwise.
As a bimmer enthusiast, particularly for my E36 M3, I am so glad that Bavarian Motorsport services my cars. They have my best wishes to their success! -
Review from John A.
San Jose, CA
1/6/2010
Sarah, Nicole, and Ramone did a fab job on my M and didn't charge an arm and a leg. They discovered that the repair Four B Auto(charged $700 to just apply silicon around the leak when the agreement was to change the gasket) did was not done...so they will repair it for a great price. I'm glad to have finally found my long sought after BMW mechanics who know how to work on E46 M3's!
BMW Fremont quoted $300 to change my drivebelt. Bavarian only charged $77!!!! What a deal! -
Review from Sunil V.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 4/28/2011
I have been here few times. Folks are very good and professional. They are helpful and seem to be knowledgable and not misleading.
However on the pricing front, I see that they are ok compared to market but can certainly be better.
Even if I combine multiple services which touch same area/parts, they donot discount labor pricing - Eg. replace spark plugs and valve cover gasket, etc.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/2/2010
After reading many reviews I decide to go with them.
Esp. reading clip:
"My biggest regret is that I… Read more »
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Review from Ryan C.
Cupertino, CA
4/13/2011
Amazing!
I have done my "under warranty" maintenance at three different Bay Area dealers (Berkeley, Fremont, and San Jose). None of them really impressed me enough to return once my warranty ran out. As a result, I decided to give Bavarian Motorsport a try for my first non-covered oil service. I've heard a lot of great things about Bavarian Motorsport from all my friends but was still pleasantly surprised by my experience.
I was pleased from the initial appointment scheduling! I called to set up an early Inspection 1 (because I doubted the feedback from the dealers) and oil change. Instead of grabbing the opportunity to overcharge me for the unnecessary inspection, Nicole told me to just drop by for the oil change and they'll check to see if the Inspection 1 was even necessary. Their honestly saved me a few hundred bucks!
When I arrived, they set me up immediately! I was given a quick time estimate and they took time to answer all my questions about modding, maintenance, and parts. Their sincerity and care made me feel like I was a long time friend rather than a customer.
Picking up the car was the deal closer. Not only was I not charged for any unnecessary repairs, I was also told that my car was in great condition. Additionally, my friend had a question about his X3 and, without any extra charges or fees, they took a look at his car and fixed it on the spot!
This was truly a great experience. They understand how much I cared about my car and the joy of driving a BMW. I feel perfectly comfortable leaving my car in Bavarian Motorsport's hands. -
Review from Daniel D.
San Jose, CA
2/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Nicole and Ramon are honest.. and that's a lot to said when it comes to BMW repair shops. The dealers are always trying to make you pay extra but these guys are straight to the point, and if it's not needed.. it's not needed..
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Review from Victoria G.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/27/2010
This morning was my 330i's first "non-dealer" servicing since my extended warranty expired, and to my surprise, I actually enjoyed the experience. I was referred to Bavarian by an enthusiast friend who used them several times in the past. My expectations were to:
-- Receive an honest inspection
-- Be given an accurate time estimate for the job
-- Be happy with the job
-- Not be ripped off
I heard great things about Ramon, but my servicing was entirely handled by Nicole. My expectations were still met though -- Nicole was professional, efficient and friendly, not to mention very attentive to all my questions. There was a walk-in customer who wanted to schedule an appointment for his '03 330Ci. I overheard the conversation, thinking perhaps I would be asking similar questions in a few years, so I later prodded Nicole for her thoughts (by the way, I was blown away by her knowledge of BMW mechanics), and she promptly answered me without brushing the question aside. I appreciated that very much. Time-wise, my car was ready within the quoted window so I was able to make it to my next appointment. The price was also very reasonable -- by forgoing the dealership, I saved between $150 and $200. -
Review from Faisal A.
San Jose, CA
1/10/2011
What an experience! These guys are very honest and quick to resolve issues. I will go there for every little thing again which is not covered under my 335i coupe's extended warranty and extended maintenance plan. They did the same job in fraction of the price using same parts as the "stealership". Raul is extremely honest guy with a game face on! Pleasure to get their support - will recommend it to all BMW owners. It was worth a trip.
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Review from Rob R.
Alamo, CA
1/29/2011
If you own a BMW, take it to Bavarian Motorsport for service. I've had my 2001 740i serviced by Nicole and Ramon for many years and mechanics don't get any more talented, honest, or reasonably-priced than Ramon and Nicole. I've been to other highly-regarded independents in the Bay Area and they don't hold a candle to Bavarian Motorsport. A bit hard to find but well worth the investment of time.
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Review from Tin N.
Burlingame, CA
4/4/2011
Spoke with Nicole and Ramon on getting work done on my beloved e46 M3. I needed my Inspec 2 done along with new clutch work and my cooling system done. They checked for other nic nacs (like hose leaks and torn engine/tranny mounts etc) since my car has ~100k miles on the clock. We talked about pricing and worked out an agreeable amount. Their prices weren't the cheapest but fair (certainly not the highest either). Besides, I wanted quality and a shop that knows what they're doing. Ramon and I spent a good 45 mins going over everything he had found and the various options which I could do later - much appreciated as I am somewhat mechanically inclined. The work was done in about 4 days to my surprise (I added my parking brake shoes to the job). I was happy with their work and have peace of mind. Best of all, I feel like I'm driving a new car. It has been 3 weeks and I've had zero issues with their work. I will certainly go back and recommend BMW work to Bavarian!
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Review from Nathan N.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2008
I like Bavarian Motorsports because the techs there actually drive the cars they service, so normally they are familiar with the problem even if it happens to "disappear" when you take it in. I found them through a referral, and even though the drive was a little further I'm very happy to take my car in and drop it off with them. I also like the fact that I get to talk directly to the person who is working on my car. There is something about that which really makes sense to me and is lacking in other shops, especially the dealers.
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Review from Doug B.
San Jose, CA
3/19/2011
I was simply blown away. I have been looking for a good indy shop for my car since moving to San Jose, and I think I found it. Not only do they know what they are doing, they are also honest and the prices are very reasonable. They even corrected a problem that one of the other top-rated indy shops (in Northern VA) missed during my last Inspection I. And they're prices were actually better than the place in VA! Only catch is they only work on BMWs, or I would bring my wife's car here as well :-)
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Review from Issa C.
Fremont, CA
10/22/2010
I second all of the positive reviews here.
Nicole, Raul, Sarah, all of them are knowledgeable, real enthusiasts of BMW cars. Although they are clearly running a business, you feel as if you've joined a club when you walk in there, and not going into a shop to lose money.
They talk with you about their cars and mods, about their experiences with repairs and so on.
It is as though they are a tuner shop, without the attitude, elitism, and immaturity you usually find at those kinds of shops.
I had very good experiences with them and their repairs to my 89 325is. -
Review from Jon L.
San Jose, CA
4/2/2010
After waiting for weeks on a brand new ABS brake module for my E39, finally got a new one in but needed to get it coded to get rid of the "x-mas" lights on my dashboard. Called several places and naturally avoided the "s"- dealers, Ramone gave the most fair quote, so I went in. I've to say Bavarian Motorsport far exceeded my expectations in terms of honesty, friendliness, and expertise. Sarah fixed it within 30 minutes!!! Have to say after working on my own E39 for years, I've found an awesome place that I can trust and depend on. My fear of getting ripped off just because I drive a BMW is now gone!! Two thumbs up!!
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Review from Jan K.
Santa Clara, CA
8/18/2008
if you are a bmw enthusiast, this is definately the place to take your car. the owner, ramon, personally does all the work. since ramon is also a BMW CCA HPDE instructor who goes to a lot of BMW track events, he is an expert if you need an advice on how to tune your car for the racetrack. not to mention that he is always available via email and willing to explain everything if you have any questions.
oh and you get a free wi-fi and a nice waiting area. -
Review from marjorie a.
Milpitas, CA
12/11/2008
It's been about 3 years since my Warranty expired, and I've dreaded going to the dealership for service. It makes me feel violated! I got my car fixed here a few weeks ago, and they're great!
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Review from Jason M.
Placerville, CA
9/6/2009
Not sure what on earth James O is smoking; but think he needs a refund! Either that or he's a competitor. Who knows, just ignore him.
Ramon and Nicole are both a consummate professionals. They're both passionate gear heads and racers too. Their business has grown steadily since opening in ~2001 and to the best of my knowledge a LOT of their business comes from word of mouth. I've been sending friends, family and co-workers to Bavarian Motorsport for years and have never received anything but positive feedback.
This shop is race car friendly too. Have a BMW that you want to turn into a track beast? In conjunction with TC Design just a couple doors down, owned by Nicole's husband, they'll transform your car into a potential winner... provided the driver is up to the task! ;-) -
Review from terrance s.
San Jose, CA
11/19/2008 2 Check-ins Here
My father brings his E39 here for service and has nothing but good results from Bavarian. They are quick with their tasks and finish on a timely manner. I have recommended many others to come to Bavarian Motorsport for their maintenance needs. Thumbs up!
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Review from D C.
Santa Cruz, CA
2/18/2008
Small shop where one of the two owners will be talking to you on the phone, answering all your questions, arranging the correct repairs for your bimmer and doing the work themselves. They seems to mostly work on 3 Series cars, but I've seen many other BMWs come through the shop. If you spend any time at the track with the CCA, you know that Ramon is a respected driver and instructor - this set of skills sets this shop apart from most of the other bay area shops. If you are in the North Bay, there's Bill Arnold's shop, or in Santa Rosa, Billy Maher's. All three shops are the shops of choice for club racers and BMW fanatics alike. I live in Santa Cruz and make the arrangements to have my car worked on here. It's worth it. And TC Design is right around the corner for any suspension work you may need (they did the corner weighting and alirgnment on my M3 perfectly the first time).
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Review from Ajay C.
Newark, CA
12/30/2008
Awesome shop. I took my M3 here to get Inspection II completed. Had it completed for way less than the BMW dealer wanted. The quality of work is top notch. Ramon explains everything to you so you know what you're being charged for. Very nice and friendly shop. I will definitely take my car here again when the next Inspection comes up.
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Review from John G.
San Lorenzo, CA
11/1/2008
Ramon and Nicole are great! They definitely know their BMWs and will help take care of what you need without the dealer volume. They do tend to get busy so book your appointment in advance. Prices are reasonable and the quality of work is top notch. I highly recommend Bavarian Motorsports. They took care of my E46 ZHP for Inspection II and it runs great! Email, phone or just dropping by is the best way to get a hold of them. They also won't sell you on what you don't need.
Quick update on another great job with the Auto Trans service + Inspection I + Alignment (TC Designs next door). Top notch job as usual by Ramone, Nicole and Sarah (who helped make the scheduling go smoothly). I just wish you were closer to my work in Los Gatos. -
Review from Emily H.
Los Gatos, CA
9/2/2009
Interesting review from James O. - I can say with absolute certainty that the issue is not with the shop, its owners or its employees. I have been taking my cars (1995 M///, 1997 M3 & 2002 530i) to Ramon's shop and I would not take my cars anywhere else, seriously. I recently heard Ramon referred to as the Bimmer Whisperer and I could not agree more, his has an uncanny ability to diagnose and repair problems without a whole lot of "investigative labor costs" and he will also assure you when things are not an issue (read: not a salesman).
Every time I have a question, I ask and they explain. I often feel like I am inconveniencing them, but they never bat an eyelash at my inquiries and I have learned an incredible lot about how my car works.
I have also taken my brother's 1997 M/// to Ramon when I've had his car up here - he lives in San Diego. My brother is a perfectionist and after having Ramon work on his car my brother sent this email:
"My biggest regret is that I live in San Diego and can't easily bring more of my cars to you for a proper fixin'. Dentists, doctors and mechanics...good ones are worth their weight in gold and bad ones cause nothing but trouble...
I can't express how good it feels to have a mechanic who doesn't have to be watched...
Thank you. You do fabulous work. Excellence in any field gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling."
Need I say more??? -
Review from the fuzzies s.
San Jose, CA
3/1/2010
this is the brother of "The Fuzzies" writing this review because i do not have an account of my own. I am so glad i came here. I was told by the BMW dealership that i needed certain parts replaced which would have cost me over a thousand dollars. So i went to Ramon and he quoted me on the repairs the dealership had mentioned and it was about half the price of the dealership! Then being the stand-up guy that he is, Ramon offered to have my car lifted for free so we can take a look at the so called damaged parts. to my surprise him and his associate showed me the parts and they were in great condition that were no where close to needing replacement. that right there shows how honest the people here are and how shady the dealership can be. the people at the dealership are all about sales and fulfilling their quotas. they charge a ridiculous fee and even tell you to replace parts that do not need to be repaired! from now on i will always go to bavarian motorsports for any repairs because they are trustworthy people, know their stuff, and have excellent prices.
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Review from James B.
Los Gatos, CA
8/11/2009
This review is specific to 1 employee at this shop. Absolutely the most unprofessional, rude, bad attitude person that I have ever ran into. The guy is short, has spikey bleached hair and some major complications. Knows nothing about customer service and I personally wouldn't want anywhere near any of my cars. As long as this guy works here and has anything do with this shop I would steer clear of them.
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Review from Jerome J.
San Jose, CA
12/11/2009
I know zero about BMWs. As a matter of fact I know zero about cars in general. However, I'd much rather be ripped off from an independent car shop than the dealer. The price was still very expensive, but what do you expect when you drive a BMW? Hundred dollar oil changes are no joke. Anyway, the young lady working there was very kind and she even hooked it up with a discount, which I'm sure is just a selling point but she sold it to me very well. All in all, I'd recommend this place to anyone else who is clueless about cars.
