BMW - Palo Alto Bimmer

4.5 star rating
84 reviews Rating Details

Category: Auto Repair  [Edit]

799 Alma St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 325-3818
Hours:

Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 6:30 pm

$95 for $115 Certificate

Chase J. said: "I got my clutch replaced here on my 97 Subaru outback and they did the job for the price they quoted and the clutch is working fine for me now."   read more »

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84 reviews in English

  • Review from Mike L.

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    • 38 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Carlos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/10/2011

    Every time the "check engine" lamp turns on in my '98 528i BMW, I brace myself for a possible $2,000 repair.

    Borrowing a friends Peake diagnostic tool, I was relieved to learn it was only a camshaft sensor that had gone bad.

    Palo Alto Bimmer confirmed the problem and fixed the sensor same day with no upsell. As long as the car was in good hands, I asked them change oil, filters, and do some other minor repairs, which were all done professionally for a reasonable price.

    As I was leaving, we noticed a cosmetic wheel cap was missing. They dug one up and installed it for no additional charge.

    Very happy with the service. This will be my regular, preferred mechanic from now on.

  • Review from Michael F.

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    • 31 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Sunnyvale, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/8/2011

    These guys sure are busy, but I was finally able to get my BMW in for them to replace the faulty airbag sensor.  I asked Milenko if he could replace my coolant sensor as well since it was also faulty (every time I would turn my car off, a message would appear on the computer display in front of the shifter saying "check coolant level, see owner's manual" and every time I checked the coolant, it was at the appropriate level).  

    When I arrived around 4:30, they were still a bit busy but this wasn't a problem.  I sat in their nice waiting room and flipped through a BMW book which was sitting among their magazines.  When my car was ready, their secretary (possibly Milenko's daughter?) went over the invoice with me.  WOW.  Not only did their original estimate for the parts, labor, and tax for the airbag light ($580) go down (my total bill was roughly $525), but they replaced my coolant sensor and topped off my coolant for FREE!

    Add all that to the fact that this place is BMW heaven (see my original review), and I'm a satisfied customer.  As I also said in my original review, I normally go to another place for my BMW services and only went here because my normal mechanic couldn't get me in.  But as soon as my normal mechanic retires, and whenever my normal mechanic is unavailable these guys will be the first place I go to for all my BMW services.

    Just FYI, call at least a couple days ahead for an appointment.  These guys are very busy, and their secretary confirmed this by telling me that it's very rare for them to have an instance during the week where they have no BMWs to work on.  Overall, I'm very happy.

    5 stars all the way.

    Listed in: Car Places

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      10/27/2011

      Today, I was in BMW heaven (aka Palo Alto Bimmer).  I wish I could have stayed at this place forever… Read more »

  • Review from Kevin O.

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    • 10 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here

    These guys are awesome.  I had a problem with my headlight and I called them less than an hour before closing and asked if I could come in and they said no problem.

    When I got there it was barely 15 minutes until closing (maybe less) but they offered to look at my car and try to fix it.  Where I had parked I was boxing someone in and a woman on their staff even offered to move my car for me as she noticed I was trying to finish my to-go soup I had brought from work.

    In less than 20 minutes they had fixed my light and didn't even charge me for it!  This was my first time, and I didn't have any type of relationship  with them before.  They were really fast, had great customer service, and they didn't even charge me a dime.  Definitely will be coming back next time I have a problem, even if I have to pay next time.

  • Review from Steve P.

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    • 3 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/13/2011

    Two experiences here in the past month - both outstanding.  Quick, extremely knowledgeable, and very reasonable.  Their hourly rates are above average, but don't be fooled - you will spend less here in the long run and have better results.

  • Review from Rachel C.

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    • 29 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/23/2011

    Mike and Kosro at Palo Alto Bimmer are always so friendly and wonderful whenever I take my car into their shop. I really like working with them because they do a great job at explaining the work that needs to be done on my car and they are so helpful.

    There have also been a number of times when I have taken my car in and I neded a ride, which they had one of their workers give to me, which is always helpful. Plus, I have brought my car in a few times for help with a minor problem, which they have gladly fixed for me at no charge. Awesome!

  • Review from Doug D.

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    • 2 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2011

    My BMW's engine coolant light came on, so I checked the fluid levels and it was dry, so I added some water and drove it to Palo Alto Bimmer before work in the morning.

    By 5pm, I called to check the status and they said the car was ready. I showed up a few minutes later and asked what was wrong. They said they put the coolant system under pressure for a few hours and nothing leaked. They also said that coolant can sometimes evaporate under normal usage. So all that was done was the diagnostics, coolant flush/top-off, and my car was ready. I asked for another gallon of coolant fluid just in case. Total cost: "You owe me nothing. Just come back and see me when you need brakes or anything else done." That's how you win a customer over.

  • Review from Healey C.

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    • 30 friends
    • 23 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2011

    If you have a beamer and you live within 50 miles, go here. Just do it.

    I live in Berkeley, work in San Jose, and Mike is the only guy I trust to get the job done.

  • Review from David K.

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    • 87 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2011

    I called because I was concerned about suspension damage after hitting a bad pothole. They told me to bring the car over. I got a ride to and from my office in Palo Alto (awesome!). A couple hours later I heard that my car was fine. No charge for the inspection.

    Definitely going back in the future.

  • Review from Vb L.

    San Mateo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/22/2010

    Funny how being a long time resident of Palo Alto I've passed this shop thousands of times and never thought twice about it because we didn't have BMWs.  Now that both of the kids have them, am I glad we have PA Bimmer as an option.

    Although my heart belongs to Harold at the competition (see my glowing review), one day my daughter's car had a problem and Harold couldn't squeeze her in.  Thanks to Yelp I decided to try Palo Alto Bimmer.  Mike was awesome!  He diagnosed a tough problem - a vacuum leak - ordered the part, put it in and got the car back to us in a reasonable amount of time and cost.  He also topped off all the fluids and reset the heater which wasn't working very well.  I'm thrilled to now have two terrific options for the kids.

    Don't worry Harold.  We still love you too!!

  • Review from Y L.

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    • 101 friends
    • 46 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/4/2010

    I was out in Palo Alto for an interview and noticed a huge nail in my front tire. Unfortunately, I'm a total dummy when it comes to anything car related... then, YELP to the rescue, I discovered a shop with over 4 stars for the keyword "tire" and decided to check this place out.  

    I called Palo Alto Bimmer and asked how much it cost to have my tire repaired, they practically laughed at me and said I was silly and that they would check it out for me.

    I pulled up around 5:30, hoping they could fix it before I hopped on the road to the hour long Friday night commute back into SF, and they did!

    They fixed it within 15 minutes for NOTHING, probably as a courtesy (and it doesn't hurt that I'm a girl)... I was so impressed by their chivalry that I scheduled an oil change with them in a few weeks EVEN THOUGH I live in SF - I think these types of vendors are few and far between and I'm willing to trek out to PA for great service.

    Thanks Palo Alto Bimmer!

  • Review from Rose H.

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    • 5 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    2.0 star rating
    9/20/2010

    Mike runs a very busy operation - something we can attest to, as he has something like 8 service bays, and a completely separate building simply to store his customer's cars. I first went to Mike a few years ago, when another mechanic failed to fix the oil leak on my old 540i. I paid $800 to this other shop - to fix an oil issue - and it kept on leaking. I figured at that point I'd better find another repair shop, as the people I was dealing with were obviously incompetent.

    Enter Mike, stage left. I brought my car in for a quick consult regarding my oil leaks. Mike was able to look at the engine bay and quickly determine that my valve cover gaskets and my front main seal were the cause. He provided me a competitive price quote to perform the work - and I left my car there. I also asked Mike to proactively replace my water pump on my 130k mile 540i - as that was an original component that would likely need replacement soon. Mike gave me a noncommittal answer regarding the replacement.

    Three days later (two days longer than promised) I got the phone call that reported it was ready. When I got the invoice I noticed that the water pump had not been replaced as requested. I questioned Mike about this and he said that there's no need to do it. Okay, fine.

    Flash forward 5,000 miles and 3 months: I have an oil leak from the valve cover gaskets. Oh, and my water pump just blew up leaving me stranded.

    Time to find another shop...

  • Review from Yves M.

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    • 2 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Stanford, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/18/2011

    When it comes to mechanics, I am truly a hard sell. I tend to be innately distrusting and suspicious because in all honesty they can start spouting out names of parts and I haven't the faintest idea what many of them are. And given that even BMW bolts tend to be overpriced simply because a guy licked them in Munich, I believe a lot of dealers take advantage of people who didn't build their car from scratch.

    This isn't the case with Mike (Milenko), who runs this place and is doing something right because his lot is always full of cars. I appreciate how he shows me what's going on in my vehicle or explains what the malfunctioning part is supposed to be doing. This way I'm simultaneously learning about my car. He's a busy man with a fantastic business and a deserved reputation for quality service, so be prepared to schedule your appointment at least a week in advance.

  • Review from Joyce W.

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    • 9 friends
    • 46 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/22/2010

    They are honest, straightforward and the prices are very good.  Mike is no-nonsense and will tell you the truth.  I have a 2002 Mini Cooper and have been there for oil changes and repair to an air pocket in my engine block - very satisfied with the result and cost.

    Minus one star bc they often don't pick up their phone and never call you back.  They also didn't call me when my car was ready for pickup after an oil change, as promised.  Over the last few weeks, I left 2 messages because I wanted to schedule my next service and have a window motor repaired - I ended up going elsewhere (Pearce Autotech in SF - it's fabulous) simply because I couldn't get a hold of Palo Alto Bimmer.  Shame, since I really like their service and would still recommend them and/or go back in a heartbeat.

  • Review from Greg S.

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    • 17 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Menlo Park, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    Last week, my ac compressor seemed to be acting up in my 7 series sport, randomly drove by Palo Alto Bimmer, around 5:30.  I explained the problem, they seemed to know exactly what was wrong, and about an hour later it was fixed!  Incredibly friendly people, reasonable prices, I will be coming back for all my services!  Thanks PAB!!!

  • Review from Larry C.

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    • 217 friends
    • 200 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2006 ROTD 1/25/2007

    My car's name is Buster and he's a 7series born in the 90s.

    He's been mine forever (our family car since high school) and has been to over a dozen service stations since I adopted him.  He likes Palo Alto Beemer or is it Bemmer or Bimmer...?!  I don't know spellings, but I do know they do great work.

    Fixing BMWs is competitive out here in CA.  Buster's first port in America was Naperville IL (near Chicago).  Thanks Bill Jacobs.  Dealerships are good for warranty work but when its my nickel, I say go to "Mike" the service writer.

    I've never objected to their opinion about what is defective and I have never been overcharged.  I get the feeling that they value their customers long term.  Other shops I've been to, (Buster's old caretakers) pretty much had a "minimum" that I'd get charged.

    "when the engine light goes off, it pretty much means about a grand," said Larry Chiang.  

    Well at P.A. Beemer, it might be a whole lot less.

    ** Update  **
    thx yelpers and Google.
    I now have to wait a week on the waitlist.
    Its time to raise the hourly labor rate fellas!
    jk, just raise prices for eveyone else
    **************

  • Review from Geoff D.

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/25/2009

    As planned, I came back last week to get the rear tires replaced. Easy in and out, price again slightly lower than offered at the neighborhood service station, and friendly guys.  Also both times: I picked up the car around 7:30pm and they were still on site.

    Hope not to need any more service for quite a while, but will plan to return when I do.

    Listed in: Found it on Yelp

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      3/9/2009

      I found these guys on Yelp last week and had a ridiculously good experience.

      In short, a different… Read more »

  • Review from J Q.

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    • 15 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Sunnyvale, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/2/2008

    This shop is another hit or miss operation. You either get Milenko to diagnose your issue correctly, or like me; you end up with multiple issues that follow the primary one.

    My service was quick, and Milenko was honest, but he wasn't able to fix a water coolant leak correctly which happened to explode when I was in the parking garage below one infinite loop... talk about embarrassment.

    Service: 4 stars
    Knowledge: 5 stars
    Atmosphere: 2 stars
    Location: 2 stars
    Last impression: 3.5 stars

  • Review from Kenny L.

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    • 7 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/2/2008

    I have been going to PA Bimmer for the past 6 years and can say they are one of the best.  Very fair pricing for what they do, great service and turnaround.  Mike and Kosro do a great job - although I like working with Mike better.  I never feel cheated, or pressured to do things that aren't necessary.  

    Kudos - now when can I find a similar shop for my RR?

  • Review from Eve H.

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    • 3 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/15/2011

    This is the best BMW service in the whole Bay area-I have tried many of them and this is the best.  Worth the drive.   Talk to Mike. Eve

  • Review from Mike V.

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    • 188 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2009

    I've taken my car there a few times, and they've always treated me honestly and fairly.  I've been happy with the result each time.

    For example, my check engine light has been on-and-off for the past four months.  When I took it to the dealer, they told me that I needed to replace the catalytic converter, which is of course a very expensive repair.  When I went to them, they told me that this was a warranty issue and that I should go to the dealer and ask them to reprogram the converter under warranty.  They even suggested which dealer + service guy to go talk to.

    I'm happy.

  • Review from Chris P.

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    • 1 friend
    • 15 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/12/2007

    Mike is great, he has been in business since 70's and own the place since 91.

    I have my bimmer maintain and he insisted to have my previous maintainence record in order to determine what he needs to do. He can quickly pinpoint the noise source from my car and fixed it.

    The charge per hour may not be the lowest but you got service from experienced people

  • Review from James Y.

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    • 6 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/23/2008

    It's been over a year since I've owned my last BMW (E36 M3), but I feel compelled to comment on my experience with Palo Alto Bimmer.  
    Not that they seem to need any more positive reviews, but here you go anyway:
    1) Honest
    2) Extremely knowledgeable
    3) Honest
    4) Reasonably priced given the superb level of expertise
    5) Honest

    I've built up a relationship with Milenko (Mike) over the years (since around 2003), with many visits- no fault of PAB's, but rather- all due to a high maintenance E36- as many of these Bimmers are.  Working and living near Palo Alto made the decision to go to PAB very easy.  But, what I wanted to share was that on three occasions since I've moved close to Vallejo, I still found a way to bring my car all the way over to him- that's easily over 104 miles roundtrip!  

    When you have someone like Milenko- a real stand up guy who runs such a quality shop- it's hard to pass up the integrity and expertise of PAB for the hit-or-miss experiences at your local BMW stealerships.  

    For those of us who own Bimmers outside of warranty, it's a different world.  With Palo Alto Bimmer around, you never have to live in fear as long as you choose to own your BMW.  

    PAB will be very hard to replace...

  • Review from Mel S.

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    • 152 friends
    • 263 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/23/2008

    I got a quote over the phone, the job was done on time, and I paid exactly what I was quoted for and that's the way it should be done.

    If you're lucky, you'll get to talk to Mike (he's SUPER busy) because he goes over the details about what was done but I'm not sure about other mechanics.  Mike does have other employees there because he could not possibly work on every single car that comes in.  

    It's true though..Mike is honest, he does care about all the Bimmers and I'm really thankful that I found this place through the Yelpers here!

  • Review from Jan W.

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    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Menlo Park, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 5/30/2011

    I have been had my car serviced at Palo Alto Bimmer now for 3 1/2 years, and what I said originally is still true:  You will pay less than at a dealership with the downside that you don't get free coffee, loaner cars,  car washes etc.

    Since my original review I have become somewhat disappointed, though, as I have had multiple repairs that needed "revisions".  This has really become a pattern - to the point that I will lower my star rating now.

    For example, during one service I asked to have the wiper blade inserts replaced.  Palo Alto Bimmer decided to replace the whole wipers instead.  Not a big deal (though unnecessary), but the new wipers didn't fit and hence didn't work.  A second trip to the garage resulted in another set of wipers that also didn't fit, so a third trip became necessary and - again - the wipers were the wrong size and still didn't work.  In the end, I simply didn't want to invest any more time into coming back again and again and ordered the original wipers online - problem fixed!

    Then I had my sunroof serviced after it started to not work properly.  After the repair the sunscreen was indeed working again.  Just that the roof itself didn't close right (actually, it refused to close fully when I tried it the first time).  It also made some very strange sounds...  So another trip to Palo Alto Bimmer was necessary again.  Fortunately, they got it right the second time, but Mike complained about how much time he had to spend to fix the repair, rather than apologizing that he didn't complete the job first time around.

    Next the switch for my emergency lights gave out and needed to be replaced.  Replaced it was, just that when I used the brand new switch for the first time it disappeared right into the dashboard...  Again, another trip for a "repair of the repair" was in order.

    Unfortunately, this wasn't the end having to have repairs fixed again, but I will save you the stories.  Having to always come back at least once for anything other than an oil change gets rather tiresome after a while.

    Another frustration has been that Mike at times will appear reassuring about the supposedly (low) cost of doing a repair - just to write a hefty bill after doing the repair.

    My water pump went out, Mike gave me a quote, I agreed for the work to be performed, but when I came to pick up the car I was told that more work needed to be done.  Fair enough, sometimes you don't know upfront what needs to be done.  When I expressed my frustration and anxiety about having to spend even more money on this repair, Mike assured me: "Don't worry".  Sounded like he was saying that he would do the additional work for free or for a reduced rate (I have been an excellent customer, after all).  The next day he matter of factly informed me that I owed him an additional $800.  Well, why was I told not to worry about the cost of the additional repair the previous day?

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    • 4.0 star rating
      11/24/2009

      Will reliably cost substantially less than the BMW dealership and they know their stuff.  They have… Read more »

  • Review from Lorenzo M.

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    • 13 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Atherton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2008

    They're honest, they do great work and their prices are reasonable.  That's all you really need to know.  But if you must know more, PAB is also conveniently located on Alma St in Palo Alto (close to Peet's and Whole Foods) right by the train station.

    Heard on the grapevine: Rumor has it some local dealerships occasionally send their toughest head-scratchers to Palo Alto Bimmer for diagnosis.  Think of PAB as House for your BMW -- minus the cane and the bad attitude.

  • Review from Tito C.

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    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/20/2011

    I recently had a flat tire. Never been to PA Bimmer before, I met with Mike. Within seconds I knew I was in the best hands. Mike took care of the tire, removing the nail and plugging it in no time. The best part other than his friendliness and courteous service? He refused to charge me for that service! A+++ service all the way. I can guarantee you I'll be bringing my car to him in the future. Thanks Mike!

  • Review from Peter D.

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    • 4 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Menlo Park, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/4/2006

    Mike has serviced and repaired both  my 528i and 528i wagon for the past 8 years, ever since they came off of factory warranty.

    One time, my wife's hair pins got wrapped into the seat mechanism, requiring a 5 hour ordeal to get the seat mechanism fixed.   Mike didn't charge me extra for this, because I'd made the appointment on a different issue.

    I let him change my tires, execute oil services and inspections, repair air bag mechanisms, wagon tail gate latches, batteries, ABS systems.  

    I trust he'll always treat me fairly.   These days, I can drop by and he'll replace a bulb or headlight quickly and without paperwork and is always happy to extract a diagnostic code and tell me what's up with the car.   I have no plan to replace either vehicle because I have confidence in their service and repair

  • Review from paul b.

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    • 25 friends
    • 1 review

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/2/2011

    what a great experience. i took an obscure problem on my 2006 330ci convertible to "Mike" earlier this week. He and his team said they had never seen anything like it (the bolt the held the door stop on the driver side had come free and the nut was inside the car frame). They tried a few creative approaches and eventually figured out how to get a new nut inside the frame to attach a new bolt. they also fixed my splashguard and replaced a fog lamp. Very thoughtful, creative, quick and cost effective. i'm definitely going back.

  • Review from Mi Z.

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    • 2 friends
    • 1 review

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/15/2010

    I have a 2000 BMW 328i, and I've had a whining noise coming from the engine compartment since last year. I've talked to other mechanics, and some say it's a leaking hose, and others want me to bring in my car for diagnosis. After describing the problem to Mike on the phone, he immediately pointed to the belt tensioner as the cause. His quote was also very reasonable. With all the positive reviews on Yelp, I decided to give Palo Alto Bimmer a try, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the results!

    Mike nailed it with his initial assessment on the belt tensioner, and the noise is now gone. Not only that, he threw in an oil change (with my own engine oil and filter) and helped me re-initialize my rain sensor (I was having some intermittent issues with that)! He also changed my tail light bulb, and gave me a bunch of advice about maintaining my car. All these services were covered under the initial quote he gave me for the engine noise!

    Mike and his team are detailed, honest, and helpful. They know BMWs and care about your car. I now understand why their shop looks like a BMW dealership with so many cars!

  • Review from M O.

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    • 0 friends
    • 55 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/26/2008

    Taken both our BMW 740 and Mini C. for service, repairs, to PA Bimmer over the last 10 years.  Mike is the best, and when he is out of town, months at a time, the level of service is not as high.   The last few times I have taken the our Mini in, it has been ok.  

    This shop has done a good and honest job in the past so hope a few bad visists don't become the standard.  I haven't heard of a better place to take our BMW's.

  • Review from Elsa B.

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    • 15 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/9/2009

    I've taken my 97 5-series for every repair under the sun to PA Bimmer. I can't express how much I love and trust these professional mechanics.

    Fair prices for honest repairs. I never doubt if they are really fixing the issue. I've given up on taking my car to the dealership after comparing estimates when I first purchased my 528i. PA Bimmer has been keeping my car running smoothly for the past 8 years and there is no way I plan on going anywhere else.

  • Review from Mike D.

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    • 15 friends
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/4/2010

    I pulled up there without an appointment to have them check the cigarette lighter connection after purchasing a 2nd hand BMW on the weekend.

    They dropped all their work to help me out with what they knew was a quick fix. Now my GPS and Itrip works, which was really important to me !

    A very very good first impression. No charge too as it's under warranty. I know where I need to go if anything else comes up. (touch wood it doesn't)

  • Review from What's in a nam e.

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    • 0 friends
    • 36 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/27/2010

    Honest, no-nonsense, fast, reasonably priced - that's how I'd describe Mike and his team.

    I took my BMW Z4 for routine maintenance - the honeymoon period with the extended warranty just expired, and the dealers were charging an arm-and-a-leg for the usual checkup. Mike got me an appointment within a couple of days, and quoted about 60% of the lowest dealer quote. It was the checkup at 60k, so I figured I should get the spark plugs changed (BMW recommends @ 100k, but most auto experts recommend @ 60k anyway). Mike basically said "don't worry about it - if it needs to be changed, we'll change it but otherwise you should know it's fine" - no attempt to upsell or make me pay for things I didn't need. He did have to change them, but the changed price was reasonable.

    I also needed new tires, and Mike's rates were about 25% lower than at the tire store. Just one minor thing - I wanted to get the tire protection plan but it looked like he couldn't purchase that for me (these are standard tires, tire shops had the plan available).

    Very friendly/accommodating - I needed a ride back to work (I work within a couple of miles) and they found someone to give me a ride.

    In summary, I'm glad to have found this place and will no longer need to go to the dealerships! Thanks Mike and team...

  • Review from Colin Z.

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    • 21 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/9/2010

    I was working on my car and accidentally dropped a plastic end cap into the engine bay that got stuck somewhere on the plastic undercarriage. I had no car jack to raise my car so I called the closest BMW repair shop to my work. Mike picked up the phone and I told them my situation and asked for a quote. He said it was free. I couldn't believe it so I had to go check it out.

    Once I got there, they raised my car up, took the bottom panel off and spent about 10 minutes looking everywhere underneath and found nothing. The plastic end cap must've gotten blown out while I was driving on the freeway because it's no where to be found.

    I felt bad for wasting their time for nothing but Mike said it wasn't any trouble, it's always better to be safe to make sure it didn't get stuck in a belt or something.

    I asked him again if he wanted any payment for the service and he said "you owe me nothing". Awesome place. Highly recommended!

  • Review from Koy T.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/9/2011

    Overall service is perfunctory.  I brought my wife's car in for a brake fluid flush and change.  I asked them to check the thickness of the pads and rotors.  They said they were okay.  A couple weeks later went to Yosemite.  I had an unrelated radiator leak so I brought my wife's car back.  Basically, in the span of 500 miles I was told my brakes needed work.  I asked them to pull the wheel and let met see the pads and rotors.  Apparently the caliper hadn't been floating properly for several thousand miles which is something they should have spotted when they flushed the brakes.  One side of the pad was completely worn.  The obvious conclusion is that they never looked at the pads.  My advice is not to bring your car here if Mike isn't around.  So when he goes on his annual vacation to the Old Country don't bring your car here.  Price should not be an overriding concern when servicing your car.  Quality should be.

  • Review from Sandy P.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Palo Alto, CA

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/15/2010

    I took off 3 stars from my 5-star review earlier. I took the car to my friend's bmw shop in nyc and it turns out Mike and crew and PA Bimmer didn't do a number of repairs that they said they had, and that I had paid for!
    I would actually consider a suit if the statute of limitations period has not passed and I wasn't 3K+ miles away at this point. Not cool, guys...

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    • 5.0 star rating
      11/14/2007

      I would have to say that the customer service wasn't THAT amazing as many of the yelpers had… Read more »

  • Review from Jeremy B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/5/2010

    I can only speak to my experience, but my 1988 M5 wouldn't start one morning in PA (I live in SF), so I had it towed to this place, which I just picked off the net because it was nearby.  I pestered them over the next two days about what the problem might be, and they couldn't find any -- kept telling me that the car started every time they tried it.  They did tighten up a loose connection to the battery (fixing another problem which I didn't even complain to them about), and when I came to pick it up, they told me they would charge me NOTHING.  Nothing to respond to my calls; nothing to check it out, nothing to drive it around, nothing to store it.  Nothing.  I think that says a lot about an independent mechanic.  Thanks, Mike!

  • Review from David B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/25/2011

    I had some major engine repairs needed on my 740iL that the dealer said would cost more than $5000. They did it for half the price and it didn't take any longer. In fact I got the whole job done with rear brakes and a side mirror repaired for less than $5K. They have a whole lot of beamers in their shop and the mechanics know what they are doing. I was worried about my older car but not any longer since I found this shop.

  • Review from Rahul B.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 59 reviews

    Menlo Park, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/21/2010

    I take my 2003 530i here for repairs.  It runs great and rarely breaks down.  They know their BMWs very well.

  • Review from john-michael c.

    Santa Clara, CA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/10/2008

    alas I don't care to give 1star reviews......
    they did a good job on my car- the oil job, gasket, coolant and what not

    however

    they had Brunhilda for over a week and still didn't resolve the main issue with the check engine light. I had told them that it was important for smog and they had told me to basically wing it with the smog station. then come back if I didn't pass. if I had to come back they said they would check the alternative method of looking at the odb-II via the instrument cluster.
    *I'm thinking that  they had it for a week...couldn't they have done it in that time period.

    long story short..
    i didn't pass

    I paid a lot for better service than that......
    I'm still in the process of getting my smog issue resolved else where.
    perhaps it's because the owner was on vacation.....
    =(

    Listed in: black listed

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    • 5.0 star rating
      2/4/2008

      Milenko - he's the man....he's like my euro father that I never had that favors my car Brunhilda… Read more »

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