====UPDATE====FROM FIVE TO TWO STARS====May 2010
I am no longer a fan of this shop. I recently took my car there to have the scheduled service and brakes done. Before choosing where I would take it, I called around to get quotes. For the service, I received a quote from the owner of about 350.00. I received quotes of 395.00 from the two dealerships that I called, one of which was willing to give me a 10% discount knocking it down to 365.00 or so.
Note that my quote was from the owner.
I decided to go to Germany's best because (a) I had taken the car there in the past and was satisfied with the service, and because (b) their prices were always better than the dealer.
I made an appointment for the middle of the week.
When I arrived, the service manager (Paul), told me that (a) the owner never scheduled the service, and (b) that he had misquoted me to the tune of 100.00 in the shops favor. Because I was already there, needed the service done ASAP, and because I expected the owner to eat the difference in the end, I let them go ahead. Needless to say, since I am adding this review, they did not offer. When I asked I was refused.
I chose not to have them do the brakes (which the owner had originally quoted at 250.00, and which I was subsequently told would be just under 600.00; though while the owner said I would not need rotors because of the mileage, the shop manager determined that I would, so a difference is understandable).
Further, the shop manager told me that the brakes were a "four hour job," but when I spoke with him at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon, he told me that they would be able to have them done in time for me to pick up the car at 5:00 that same day. They had not started yet.
With respect to the service and the cost there of, it is tantamount to "bait and switch" and they should know better than to not honor a price that they quoted because they were wrong ... moreover, a price quoted by the owner himself should be the absolute ceiling especially with respect to a job that involves a fixed amount of work, such as a scheduled service.
What was not understandable with respect to the brakes was that I had received a quote from the dealer for the same job at 595.00---just slightly more than the cost at Germany's best and with the two jobs combined, the dealership would have cost less and would have cleaned the car inside and out when done (Germany's best left plastic on the seat and a greasy temporary floor mat on the floor).
Their prices are now in line with the dealerships' even though they say that they are significantly less expensive (I have heard several times there that the price I was quoted was a good price and in line with what the dealership would have charged for the job several years ago. I am pretty upset about this and even if they lowered their prices to be in line with their statements vis a vis the dealers, it is very unlikely that I would go there again.
Also note that when I told the shop manager that the prices were similar or less at the dealership he told me that it was not true, even though I informed him that I had received quotes from more than one. He even called around to try to prove me wrong (though he admitted that I was not at least with respect to one of the dealerships).
====END OF EDIT====
Erich (uncertain of spelling) was a very direct and pleasant person. I understand why some people may have been put off by him, as he has a somewhat frank and stoic manner .... which is something that I admire and expect in a German auto mechanic (quick, think of one German comedian).
Also, Erich was not the new owner of the shop---he was the manager. Paul has retained ownership of the shop for as long as I have know of its existence.
Nevertheless, Erich has now left and Paul is back managing the day to day operations. For those of you who know Paul, you know that he is straightforward, very like able, and at least seems to be quite intelligent (which is not always something you encounter in the auto repair business). He is honest, charges very fair prices (compare to any other reputable MB shop in the area) and will not waste any time diagnosing uncertain issues.
If you haven't been there yet, give it a try. If you have the mechanical aptitude and feel like lugging the old oil and filter to a drop off center, change your own oil. If you change your own oil and then dump it in the trash or in your neighbor's bushes, then you, my friend, should take a bath in said oil waste once or twice in your life, swallow a little and respond here to let me know how it goes!
If you own a very expensive German car then you are likely not worried about dealer service prices (and feel that you are fully compensated for the increased prices with shiny reception rooms, free donuts and coffee and perhaps even a complimentary car wash at the end). If that is the case skip this place, head to your dealer and take a donut for the roa read more
