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German Motor Specialist
Categories: Automotive Tires Automotive Auto Repair Tires, Auto Repair [Edit]
380 San Aleso AveSunnyvale, CA 94085
(408) 522-9520
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
$175 for $250 Certificate
Jason K. said: "These guys will do the job right! They even pointed out prior work I had done at another auto body shop was bad work. I trust they are honest guys…" read more »
75 reviews for German Motor Specialist
75 reviews in English
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Review from Aaron N.
Palo Alto, CA
9/9/2011
Ratings don't lie! German Motor Specialist receives 4.5 stars (on 75 reviews) for a reason! This is no small feat for a company in the auto repair and service business.
They recently replaced a motor on the hatch of my X5 and completed the job in an efficient and relatively in-expensive manner. My dealership misdiagnosed the problem and wanted to charge my thousands of more dollars for what would have been the wrong fix.
More recently, I had another minor issue with my vehicle that German Motor Specialist was willing to fix for me on the spot, in a matter of minutes, and didn't charge me a penny. So not only is German Motor Specialist highly competent and proficient at what they do, but they deliver a level of client service that is second to none.
Thank you, Saied and team! -
Review from Rak P.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 2/6/2012
Another thing i'd like to add is that I can TRUST German Motor Specialist 1000%. Keep up the great work guys (and gal)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/25/2010
Please read this review! - these guys are the BEST: These guys REALLY know there stuff - and if you… Read more »
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Review from George M.
San Jose, CA
1/10/2012
My vehicle broke down on the freeway, they sent the tow truck and fixed the vehicle in the same day, Nelson took care of everything, what a professional shop, very knowledgeable and on top of everything, I will always take me vehicles here, no matter what, they are simply the best at what they do. Taking care of their customers
Thanks Nelson and Saied -
Review from Julie S.
Los Gatos, CA
12/1/2011
I honestly believe one reason my 1997 BMW Z3 has lasted 245,000 miles without any major repairs is because of the impeccable service from German Motor Specialists. Nobody else touches my car! Great service, reasonable prices, and the customer and their cars come first. Great job Guys!
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Review from Priscilla W.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 10/31/2011
This place is charging higher than dealership prices. They do good work but you get ripped off like crazy. My previous experience was 'filtered' so I am writing a briefer version. The same job was charged $470 while other places charge $200. we actually checked two other places. If you want the whole story you can message me.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/24/2011
Update: After a phone conversation with Saied, we went ahead and called Bavarian Motorsport to get… Read more »
Comment from saied s. of German Motor Specialist 10/25/2011
Thank you for your feedback. To clarify to other Yelpers, we… More » -
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Review from Charles A.
Milpitas, CA
8/3/2011
Pretty good service but their prices are almost as bad as BMW dealerships!!!
They wanted to charge me $1300 for 4 Continental RF Tires which included allignment, balancing, and waste fees...
I got my tires done at Vex Motorsports for $840 total!!!
Go to Bavarian Motorsports, they're more reasonable...Comment from saied s. of German Motor Specialist 8/4/2011
Thank you for your feedback. Our policy is to match … More » -
Review from Peter C.
San Jose, CA
11/20/2011
These guys are pretty good! They got me a replacement key for a good price, did an oil change...their shop is clean and they are organized and knowledgeable. They do like to try to upsell a little bit, but low pressure. All in all, a good experience.
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Review from Katherine H.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 4/21/2011
Bouncing my review back up to 5 stars. Saied called me after reading my Yelp review and explained the situation, and apologized for the misunderstanding in the pricing. On top of that, he gave me a credit for the entire labor charge. Awesome! I will be coming back again.
Thanks Saied for the great customer service!Listed in: Car dilemma?
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/18/2011
I don't know if things have changed much over the past few months, but I was not very pleased with… Read more »
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Review from Tony L.
Los Altos, CA
7/31/2011
So I took my car in because I thought it needed servicing. Got there, and the service manager points out oh so politely that it's not time yet.
Here's a mechanic that won't take your money if he doesn't have to. Trust++ -
Review from ravin s.
Santa Clara, CA
9/30/2011
Incredibly professional and very helpful. Took the time to explain my brakes situation, and recommended what was best for the car.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Margaret T.
San Jose, CA
4/16/2011
I brought my Mini Cooper S in last week for the first time and had quite a decent experience here. My warranty was up with the dealer and I had a ballpark price as to what my 30k inspection would cost so I called up GMS, made an appointment, and got an [accurate] estimate right up front. They offer a convenient shuttle service within a 7 mile radius. They have a schedule on their site; I missed the 9am shuttle but a driver showed up in less than 5 minutes of waiting so it seems more frequent which is great.
My only complaint was that my car was ready for a while and I had to wait until around 630 to get picked up by the shuttle. Keep in mind the shop already closes at 6, so it was late even by their standards.
My guy's name was Jason and he was very thorough in explaining what he discovered with my car. I'm due for new brake pads and ended up being so indecisive about it that I called back to ask them to hold off until my next visit. He told me that I could use a 10% coupon for finding them on Yelp, too. Overall, very honest guys, helpful, and not too pushy which is what you would typically expect. I'll definitely bring my car back! -
Review from Mr. J.
Mountain View, CA
12/10/2011
I was introduced to this shop years ago and still bring it there. Before that Dinan serviced my car and I got tired of really high prices. I've had two GMS service managers I entrust, Brian and Paul. Knowledgeable, thorough, patient and great customer service. Recently Paul was nice enough to coach me through a situation that was botched by the Reno dealer. He looked at photos I emailed and he explained things over the phone for free. I know I've spent more than other shops for the same work, but they do great work.
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Review from Raja G.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/20/2011
Very professional team, detail oriented team. Pricing is more or less similar to dealership, but with amicable friendly service
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Review from Bimmer B.
San Jose, CA
3/28/2011
This AutoShop is freakin awesome! Courteous crews, clean environment, wifi access and most of all A+ service on my 330i. Im coming back for my maintenance service here!
Jason C rocks! -
Review from Elliot W.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/2/2011
I had just changed my own brake pads, rotors, and brake pad sensors, but my computer was getting reset properly so I made an appointment with German Motor Specialist. They were easy to schedule and I got an early morning appointment. Jason typed up my info and was very helpful. The mechanics had the dealer equipment to reset my computer and I was out in about 30 minutes. All in all it was a great experience and I would take my car back here to avoid the expensive dealer costs.
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Review from Al L.
San Carlos, CA
11/24/2010
Based on pre-purchase inspection and later service experience.
In contrast to many repulsive car and parts dealers, GMS gets an A for customer service. When it comes to my PPI and after purchase consultation, they have been flexible but not so competent. For $150 PPI buyer's inspection I received some nice details, but not enough to prevent me from having second thoughts and need to service the vehicle soon after. I would recommend GMS for service, but not for PPI. -
Review from jim s.
Mountain View, CA
3/27/2011
Great service, courteous staff, very customer oriented.
I've had a couple of major repairs done here and I've worked with Paul... he's great, and the repairs were done right. I also have experience with Stevens Creek BMW.
Only giving three stars because they charge dealer prices. I go to an independent (non-dealer) so I can save money over what is typically the highest priced service around (the dealer).
These guys are good, but realize you are paying the same price to go here as you are to go to any dealer shop. When you consider that they cannot do recalls w/out charge like the dealer will, loaner car is offsite, etc, I'm not sure the value is there over just going to the dealer, assuming you have a service adviser you trust. -
Review from qirk z.
Los Gatos, CA
9/27/2006
I've been taking my cars here for about 5 years now.
Nothing but exceptional work, friendly and great service by Saied, Paul, Brian. Everyone is very helpful, labor rates are much better than going to a dealership. GMS is closer to home, they'll provide pickup/drop shuttle, or even an Enterprise loaner.
The servicing area is clean and organized, you know they treat their customers right. -
Review from Chris P.
San Jose, CA
5/31/2011
Always fantastic service and fair prices. They make owning a BMW outside of a warranty easy. The shuttle is the best and makes things so convenient. I send all my BMW buddies here.
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Review from Mo M.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
Solid diagnostics, courteous service, know-what-they-are-doing, won't rip you off.
Its run professionally, they don't haggle, and they don't take you for a wild ride if your car does not absolutely need the repair.
I've had $1000's of repairs here over the years and keep coming back knowing they are honest, good people.
If you own a BMW, you're going to have expensive repairs. No way around that. Coming to a place that is honest about the cost of repair is very helpful. -
Review from C J.
San Jose, CA
4/26/2011
I sent my car to another shop for same problem TWICE, and that shop couldn't figure out what's wrong. So I sent my car to GMS. It only took them 2 hours to point out the problem. Not cheap. But you get what you pay. Love the service. Will go back again.
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Review from kristin p.
Los Gatos, CA
4/5/2010
Highly recommend these guys. Especially service agent Brian Reager. They take the time to explain all the repairs and give you an ongoing "watch list" of parts work nearly to tolerance levels (e.g. my back brake pads and rotors) but still within safety bounds so you can actually plan ahead a bit.
Shuttle service (& free rental cars for repairs over a certain $ amt) helps everyone juggle their rides.
Only reason i didn't give 5 stars is the price (as others mentioned - not much cheaper than going rate at dealer or other experienced shops like Dinan). On the plus side you get a fully detailed estimate of repair bill in PDF form before work is done (including digital photos if helpful) and this makes the discussion of costs and visibility of parts versus labor very transparent.
Always happy with the service here. -
Review from Kurt W.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/26/2010
I've been going to German Motor Specialist for over 5 years now. I still had the extended maintenance package with the BMW dealership but wasn't really too happy with their customer service and being proactive in terms of looking out or reminding me of things I would need to look out for...ie tire wear, brakes, etc. A friend had recommended me to German Motor Specialist. After the first visit, I was very satisfied with the service, expertise, and customer service. I've been work with Paul there since, and he has been a pleasure to work with. I even recall when the switch to open up my passenger window broke last year, and I couldn't roll the window up. Paul quickly diagnosed the problem over the phone, told me what parts I needed (and they had the part in stock!), quoted me a very reasonable price, and even fit me in on that same exact day! How can you beat that?
Without a doubt, I always refer friends and family with Bimmers to German Motor Specialist! -
Review from Steve T.
Los Altos, CA
8/21/2009
I had a pretty good experience with these guys a couple of months back. I had to replace my breaks and do an oil change. I liked the fact that they provided a rental car free of charge for the first day (I would say a majority of minor repairs will only take a day.).
They were very knowledgeable and kept me informed throughout the process. Their original estimate was pretty much "on the money" and they didn't push for any additional maintenance that I didn't think was necessary. I would probably take my car there again should something come up. -
Review from Enrico S.
Saratoga, CA
8/12/2008
I told myself the next time I need an oil change or some light comes on I'll try out GMS. Today I went in for an oil change and for a "service engine soon" light. Usually, from past experience whenever the mechanic tells you that they charge X amount of dollars per hour for a diagnostic they'll always round up and charge you for the full hour. To my surprise GMS only charged me for half the hour since it took only that long to run the diagnostic. I'm sold on just that experience alone. It's very rare that you find honest people these days, especially in the car service industry.
The facilities are very nice and clean (including the garage). They take maintaining BMW's very seriously which works because I love my car. The staff was very polite, professional, knowledgeable and helpful.
The cost was very competitive and I think cheaper than most places. $72 for an oil change?! I've been paying over $100 at my previous mechanic. It's not a cheap place and I'm glad. You get what you pay for and at GMS and you see and experience where your money is going to.
A customer for as long as I drive a BMW.
5 stars all the way for GMS! -
Review from Bahram M.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2010
I've been taking my BMW here for regular service (oil changes mostly). Recently I needed to do some more repairs as she has over 150K miles on her now. The price was right compared to other dealer prices. they overlapped labor costs and shutlled me home and back when I needed a ride.
I highly recomend these guys. their work is professional and not overly expensive.
5 stars! -
Review from helen f.
4/2/2009
Friendly and fast service! My oil change was in and out around an hour..
Nice they have wifi too! -
Review from Donna W.
San Mateo, CA
4/12/2010
The Fremont dealership told me that I needed to have my rear brakes & bushings replaced. The dealer is very expensive, so I called German Motor Specialist for a quote over the phone for a BMW brake & bushings replacement. German Motor Specialist was very reasonable price compared to the dealer. The folks who answered the phone were very polite & professional and help scheduled & re-scheduled my appointment. When I finally took it there, they offered me a free day car rental service for having more than $250 in service.
Brian helped me out. He was really nice & courteous. I dropped off my car and he told me he would call me back to let me know what service is needed. After inspections, Brian called to let me know that my bushings were still good and it did not need replacement for at least another 15k miles! I am glad that I have found a shop that is not just trying to rip me off! German Motor Specialiast replaced my rear brakes and gave me an oil change. I went home a happy customer.
A week or so later, they sent me a "thank you" card in the mail. -
Review from Jack D.
Pleasanton, CA
12/15/2010
I have been going there for the last 6 years for my 328i after the BMW warranty ran out. They have always done a much better job than the dealer service department. It is hard to find a mechanic for my bimmer that I can trust, thus I am pretty loyal to German Motor Specialist and opt to drive all the way from East Bay to see them twice a year. So far they have always made me a happy customer, and I've referred my friends to them with similar satisfactory results.
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Review from Paul Y.
San Jose, CA
2/10/2011
Gms is a great place to get your bimmer worked on. Much cheaper than the stealership, but a bit more than other independents. They give their honest opinion on what work really needs to be done, no up selling. Great communication and documentation as well.
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Review from Thighmaster M.
Ward, CO
3/28/2008 1 Check-in Here
I've been taking my Mini there since the dealer warranty ended and I love them. They are usually on time even when I am late, and they keep the coffee coming while I wait. Very nice folks in the front area. Brian is great, and the gal with the orange hair is very sweet. They give the car the once over and then some, and keep me informed of what might be going awry and need service in the near or far future. Much better service than the Mini dealer in Mountain View. Very personal touch.
Update 9.26.2008: much appreciated the wise and talented Andreas for his skillful motoring of me back and forth until my car was ready. Nice to have a ride. -
Review from Tom S.
Campbell, CA
12/24/2010
Brought my 325i to German Motor Specialist for my car's 90k service and very satisfied so far. I've bounced from dealer service to Dinan and now to German Motor Specialist and finally feel like I'm getting thorough, honest service.
This is the first place I've been to that actually documents all the service points and what they observed on your car related to them. Then they categorize each issue as either recommend to do, or can wait in 3 levels of importance. Really impressive, finally feel like I know the status of my car, and what I need to get done down the line. Will without doubt continue to bring my car here, and maybe even a new BMW some day -in between the complimentary services just for an extra oil change and a second opinion!.
If your BMW is past warranty service or even not, bring your car here! -
Review from N T.
Palo Alto, CA
2/19/2009
I have been a customer of this shop for a few years even before I knew Yelp. Each time I bring my car here it is a pleasant experience. Either Paul or Brian always shows a friendly welcome and they are very knowledgeable and professional. I did bring my car to other shops like the Palo Alto Bimmer and Steven Creek BMW dealer, but GMS remains the number one for the following reasons:
1- Paul or Brian always shows what went wrong with the car and what needs to be fixed to prevent further damages.
2- The price is so competitive if not the best in town. For example
synthetic oil change for $78.
3- The quality of their works
4- their professionalism
Steven Creek BMW dealer is just a typical dealer will rip your wallet with their over price charges, staff is neither friendly nor knowledgeable, which drops to the last place in ranking.
Bimmer has a very competitive price but they only fix what you tell them to fix. -
Review from Ryota T.
Cupertino, CA
1/25/2010
I have a 2003 MINI Cooper, and unfortunately it is not as maintenance free as a Toyota, and parts are expensive because they have to import most of them. After my 4-year warranty expired, I searched for a good affordable auto shop. After a couple of failed attempts (going to a bad auto shop) I found German Motor Specialist on yelp.
They have two service advisors (perhaps 3?). All of them are knowledgable and they don't try to scam you into making unnecessary repairs. What I most like about this shop is that I can communicate with the service advisors through email. I have had pictures taken of the broken parts and emailed to me.
They specialize in BMW, so they are not one of the cheaper shops, but not overpriced. (It'll cost an arm and a leg if you go to a MINI dealer.) Their service is top-notch and gives you peace of mind. Highly recommended. (I'd give a 5 if it was a bit cheaper.) -
Review from Michael C.
San Jose, CA
5/23/2008
Although the service is pricey, overall, I think the quality and staff makes it worth the $$$ you spend. I really like their shuttle service as it helps me stay visible at work while my car is taken care of.
I've been getting my car serviced here for over a year now and have nothing but good things to say.
I would like to see more coupons or rebates from them for dedicated customers. I think i've spent over $2k over there within the last year just following up on preventive maintenance. -
Review from name l.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/5/2011
I have used GMS over the years, the work and service have been fine, although recently prices are getting expensive when compared to dealers(which have lowered prices) or other indies(who don't charge for shop supplies and markups on parts like GMS do). The shop also recently reduces the service radius of their shuttle services(which have become inconvenient for me and other coworkers who used to frequent GMS).
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Review from Jerry H.
San Luis Obispo, CA
12/2/2009
I highly recommend this shop. I've talked with Brian, Paul and Saied in servicing my car and they've all been friendly, professional and very knowledgeable.
Prices are very reasonable too. I pay about $80 for an oil change for my e36 M3, whereas Ray's Ultimate and The Driving Machine charged about $120... Ray's customer service was lacking and Driving Machine didn't make an impression on me. I've also been to Bavarian Enterprises and British & European Auto Repair. They're all probably good shops but GMS is definitely the best in the south bay.
When I had other car issues, I appreciated how they explained the problem, what they looked at, and how they fixed it... This shop provides excellent customer service with very capable technicians. -
Review from Norman S.
Updated - 9/12/2010
The free rental is actually for work over $250. Just had another oil change at around $100. Thought I should start checking to see if I can find a cheaper place and called Carrera motors in San Mateo since it's closer to the office. The price they quoted for an oil change was $150...and that scared me straight back to GMS.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/14/2010
I've been going to GMS for about 3 years and like most of the reviewers have mentioned, GMS is… Read more »
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Review from GAURAV G.
Cupertino, CA
3/13/2010
I take in my BMW M3 to this place for repairs ... they seem to be really precise in what they do. They also are really knowledgeable in terms of the quirks that BMWs have in general. I am picky when it comes to who works on my M3 ... and believe me they do a really thorough Job on the Cars they work on.
It's a little bit on the pricey side ... but hey you get what you pay for right. -
Review from Hector A.
Santa Clara, CA
2/20/2010
To all BMW owner, I highly recomended GMS for service very honest
and professional work ..
