Reitmeir's Werkstatt, Inc.

 

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Nancy L.

Sunnyvale, CA

Been taking my BMW "Bruce" (yes, my friends and I named my baby) to Reitmeir's for the last 3-4 years.  They've always done on excellent, thorough and efficient job (if they have the necessary parts, I get same day service if I drop it off in the A.M.).  I've brought my car in for a variety of issues (I don't speak "car speak" so, I'll do my best to describe the car woes):

- Overheated/broken radiator
- Mechanical problems w/ the window (motor needed to be replaced - something like that)
- Broken A/C system
- Oil change
- Oil leak
- Replacing the "rubber lining" on the driver side window was damaged
- Brake pad replacement

I trust my car with Reitmeir's because they are experts (check out their website, they live and breathe European cars).  Also, being pretty clueless when it comes to cars, I've never felt cheated by threm.  When I pick up my car after something has been fixed or replaced, Reitmer's will go over what they did and they'll also highlight items that need to be fixed/replaced in the near future.  And, unlike most BMW dealerships, Reitmeir's is extremely responsive and has an extremely quick turnaround time.  

I give them 4 out of 5 star because, well - they're a lil' pricey.  But, you get what you pay for so it's worth it.

Note: Reitmeir's only handles "interior" work, not "body work."  For example, if you get into an accident and need the door fixed and painted, that's out of Reitmeir's realm of work.  However, they can recommend auto body shops.

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11

Eugene J.

Los Altos, CA

[Originally posted in early May - but it keeps disappearing]

Both rear windows on my 1997 318i stopped operating with the right rear window stuck open. I decided to try Reitmeirs because of a friend's recommendation and the fact that I had recently moved to Los Altos. In retrospect I wish I had brought it to my original mechanic (German Motor Specialists in Sunnyvale).

I brought the car to Reitmeirs on May 8 stating the problem and also asking them to check the brake pads and disks. Eric called back that afternoon stating that the window problem would very likely be fixed by installing a new relay module and said the total charge would be approximately $400. They also recommended replacing front brake pads and discs and rear brake pads. They stated that the part for the windows would arrive on May 10.

I called on May 10 to check status and they stated that "BMW had sent the wrong part". They said they could fix it by the next day, May 11. After several attempts to get through on May 11, I was told at around 3pm to call back at 4pm. At 4pm after several attempts, I got through and was put on hold for 10 minutes by Jeff at which point I hung up and drove over to the facility.

I arrived at about 4:15 pm and was told by Jeff that the part did not fix the problem. He showed me the car in their garage - the car doors and glove box had been opened. Jeff stated that the right window motor was burnt out and stated that there might be another problem with another component. As we were talking about the problem, WE SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE LEFT REAR DOOR. Jeff yelled to his assistant to disconnect the battery. Both rear windows were now open. I needed the car on Monday so I asked them to halt work on the car and try and roll up both rear windows manually. They asked me to return in an hour.

I came back at around 5:30 pm and Jeff stated that the windows were still broken and that they could not get either of the rear windows up manually. They gave me the bill which included a charge of $256 for 2 hours of work on the windows. It was stated that this was a discount from the 4 hours they actually spent on the car. They did not include a charge for the "relay module" which they had unnecessarily ordered.

I discussed the bill with Jeff and Eric for over an hour. I did not want to pay for any work on the windows because I felt that I was leaving with the car in worse condition than when I brought it in (I felt in fact they possibly should credit me for damage to my car). The left rear window motor was now likely damaged (as evidenced by the smoke) and both windows were now open. In addition, it's not clear to me that the burnt out right rear window motor wasn't damaged during their servicing of the car (Jeff stated for sure it was burnt out before it arrived but I never saw smoke/smelled burning/heard motor running stuck).

Jeff stated it was not their fault that the left window motor had burnt out. He said they were "not negligent" at all in servicing the car and that it just happened. I asked who was responsible for that damage and they said "nobody". I found this line of reasoning hard to believe. Jeff also stated that they had spent a lot of time on the car (4 hours) and that it was unfair for them not to get paid.

Jeff stated a window motor was about $100 for the part. He offered to pay for somebody else to have it fixed. However, I still did not feel right leaving paying anything at all for the windows. After some discussions, we split the difference and I ended up paying $128 for the window "repairs".

After I left, I went home and found that the keyless entry system was now broken (it was working when I dropped it off). I could not lock/unlock my car with the remote. I drove the car back and Jeff tried a few things for about 15 minutes. He couldn't figure out what the problem was and said I should fix the windows first. Jeff did not apologize.

In summary, I ended up paying $128 for service to my car that resulted in:  misdiagnosis of the original problem plus damage caused by Reitmeir's to the left rear window motor that I had witnessed producing smoke in their garage (and probably the right window motor as well) and a broken keyless entry system.  I am unhappy with their service:  I felt like I had to follow up with them, they seemed rushed at times on the phone, they often didn't answer the phone,  they performed actions that damaged my car, they were unsympathetic to my point of view regarding the damage (and IMO arrogant), they did not apologize for the damage.

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69

dana l.

San Francisco, CA

Had two tires drop shipped from TireRack to Reitmeir's, and made an appointment to have them installed today at lunchtime.

I realize that it's not only lunchtime for me, but for their workers too, so I appreciate somebody sticking around at noon to install my new tires at a time that is convenient for me. Just a couple blocks away is a plethora of shops and restaurants to kill time while your car is being worked on.

My request that the lug bolts be hand torqued to spec was not a problem, and service was prompt and efficient. Price is fair when considering the care and effort I observed them putting into a quality job in handling my car.

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57

Kristina P.

Mountain View, CA

I can see that others had the same awful experience at Allison BMW, the dealer at El Camino and Grant.  The little maintenance-lights in my car had come on and no way was I going back to Allison- I wanted a local business, not a dealer franchise, and ideally someplace that had been around for a while, enough time to establish a reputation.   I asked some friends who have lived in the area a long time and they wholeheartedly recommended Reitmeir.

They were right.  These guys are wonderful - a safe cozy cocoon of a place that makes you and your car feel good.

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1

Billy S.

San Jose, CA

I have been taking my cars to Reitmeir's for over 20 years and I have to say this is one of the best if not the best service shops for German cars in the area.
The shop has been in the same great location for over 40 years.
They have always been reasonable in pricing and very trustworthy.
I just had an inspection II service on my 740il and saved over $500 from the dealer.
After reading the one negative review on this site i thought I should add my 2 cents about my recent visit. It was fantastic!
To the person with the 318i.....Welcome to the world of 318 electrical issues. They can take forever to diagnose......Peace.

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