This is a great independent shop! I've been taking my Merc here for 10 years and the service is always stellar! They never try to get you to pay for things that aren't necessary and will even tell you if you can wait to fix an issue they've identified. read more

Steve performed a miracle on my beloved 01' 4x4 8 cylinder X5 E53! I thought it was a goner! It sat in my driveway for 4 years bc I couldn't part with it. I was scouring bimmerfest to find a suitable buyer. This is THE BMW and I was prepping to sell it bc I was sick of dealing with crooked, incompetent, conniving mechanics. I just couldn't afford it, financially and emotionally. This is THE BEST BMW SUV ever made and I just didn't know what to do. It was bottom of the 9th, all bases loaded. I took Goldie to Steve so he could prep her to sell...or so I thought. HE FIXED HER!!!!!!! My drive time is my therapy and Steve just restored that. My mom got her BMW coupe fixed by Steve for since I was a kid! (Late 80s-90s)...And she recommended him. TRUST STEVE! If your BMW baby was made before 2010...TRUST STEVE. read more

Moran Motosport - Goldie - Auto Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

Steve is very knowledgeable and trustworthy, as well as a car enthusiast! He did a great job on my Mini Cooper and recommended only the services that it needed. I have been to many other shops and highly recommend Moran Motorsport! read more

Had a great experience taking my E30 325i to Moran. Stopped by upon recommendation from another local shop to get some work/evaluation done on my car. Spoke with Seth who was both super friendly and very knowledgeable about 80s-90s European vehicles. Seth asked great questions about why I was seeking help from a mechanic as I usually DIY most maintenance, and offered to give me a quick tour of their shop. Seth offered some solutions that I might try prior to bringing the car in, to try and save me some money, which I appreciated. Since my registration and smog were up soon, I opted to make an appointment. Brought my car in on a Monday to have it evaluated. Seth called me with updates as they were available. By Tuesday afternoon, I was picking up my car with my primary concerns addressed and a write up of the extant issues with my BMW. I'm impressed by this shop's specialized expertise that comes with working on these cars for decades, and appreciate their willingness to answer questions with thorough explanations. I'll keep this shop in mind for future needs, and will recommend them to friends with Mercedes & BMW service needs. read more

Thank you Seth, Steve, and Laszlo! Busy busy guys, but valuable work! As a gal, I want to ensure I have a trusting shop to go to for my '75 2002. Having already had my fair share of experiences these last 3 years, it def isn't easy. I've gone to Moran twice now for a few things on my car, and this time around, I was blown away from the service there and the experience. The first time, the job was a bit small, but I'm so happy to have returned! Seth, for your knowledge, thoroughness, guidance, and being so friendly -- thank you! Laszlo, for your expert work, agility from one thing to another, and speedy precision -- thank you! Steve, for running a hell of a shop and maintaining that reliability and trust with your customers -- thank you! You guys are the best, and know you have a loyal customer on your side! :) read more

Excellent service. Three well known European mechanics said to get rid of my E 350, because I needed a new $8,000 transmission Out the door cost me $2,300!!! Excellent service and very professional No wonder they have been in business for more than 40 years!!!! read more

Someone vandalized gas cap cover of my German car recently.  The gas cap cover was disabled.   I stopped by Moran Motorsports (specializing in BMW).  The mechanic found nothing was broken and only the gas cover metal holder was bent.   After straightening it, the gas cap cover works again.  Steve the owner only charged me a small fraction of his hourly rate. Geico insurance estimated replacement of gas cover assembly and removal/repainting of rear body panel will cost $1K+. I must say Steve is very knowledgeable, experienced and honest. Moran Motorsports is highly recommended for BMW and German cars repairs and maintenance. read more

I've been a customer of Moran just a few times. Each time was a totally satisfactory experience. Great service at very good prices. Not many mechanics would earn my sincere recommendation, but this one definitely does. read more

Absolutely the worst repair shop experience I've ever had. When I first went over there I had a estimate from the dealership across the street. Steve said he could do it much cheaper and I was in luck! They had cancellations that day. Turns out he wasn't aster at all, it ended up taking the same amount of time that the dealership would have. Not really cheaper either, after estimating about %35 under the dealership I kept getting calls about more stuff and by the end it was only about 10% cheaper. This is all fine, I thought. I got some extra stuff fixed for basically the same price. Here is where it gets really bad. When Steve called me he kept presenting things as options. I really like this as it let me choose to leave some stuff to fix later. I told him I was going to be taking a long road trip and I wanted everything mechanical fixed and all my fluids topped off. I decided not to fix some things he told me would be good for 10k+ more miles. Right before I left I got a check engine light so I went back to have it checked. I was told it was a voluntary recall that I didn't need fixed, I would just have to have bmw clear it after I explained. Within 2 days of starting my road trip everything went to hell. 2 sets of sensors I was told were fine failed, one of them was critical so my engine refused to restart. When I got to the shop I was informed that I lost sensors in my exhaust and oil, and that in addition 2 parts Moran had "fixed" instead of replacing broke, and that the recall was mandatory and would be needed for them to reset my ECU. So to recap. I am now 30% over the budget and the car has spent an extra week in the shop than if I had just replaced everything. I'm also stuck in another city with no car paying for a hotel room while they order my recall parts. To make it even worse I lost another day waiting for Steve to call me back so I could ask him questions about what he did to the car. 7 1/2 hours since they opened and not only have I not heard back but all my calls have gone unanswered except the one where Steve told me he would call me back an hour ago at the latest. Save yourself the time money and uncertainty and go somewhere else read more

I will never go there again - 2 years ago Steve knew that my BMW transmission had a bit of a crack as evidenced by an old repair invoice (for something else) he handed me this week that showed the finding. I took the car there to stop the leak a few months ago when I became aware of it; Steve charged close to $900 and gave me the car back - the transmission still leaks. Steve tells me he didn't fix the transmission, he replaced the bolts and some other parts (!?) and tells me my "car is fine". It's leaking and has a crack in the transmission - that I paid handsomely to have fixed. How can it be fine? Use your own judgment... read more

I trust Steve Moran and his team. I live in South Bay and there are other options closer to me, but I prefer to drive an hour, plus the extra time in traffic, because I feel they are reliable and reasonable. read more

Steve Moran opened this shop about 20 years ago. It started up the street at 1019 Folger and a year or so ago, moved down to behind Ashby Lumber, to 751 Folger, where they are now. The new digs are much nicer, and Steve is really knowledgeable. They are about $5 to 10 less per hour than going to the BMW dealership on Ashby (but they use stock BMW parts from them) and they are very fair with the amount of time it takes to repair something. They are cost conscious, and won't screw around with the bills, or things that might make you get things repaired months or years earlier than necessary, just to generate extra work/income. My only complaint is that a couple of years ago they replaced thrush brushings on my 5 series car, and they have always been slightly too tight, making a funny noise after the car has been driving for a while and is warm. It's not terrible, but not perfect. They should have shaved them slightly, but instead said they would wear down. However, it's been about 30 months and they still make the embarrassing squeeky noise. read more

After noticed a "low tire pressure" warning caused by unknown reason, I went to BMW dealer in Berkeley (Mini is under BMW) but the sales person said "we do not deal with Mini". Called other Mini Dealer in SF, when I mentioned a dealer-purchased warranty for flat tire, they said "call a company; we do not deal with it". Luckily, I found a "auto repair" sign saying "for BMW/ MIni", I drove into their shop. A mechanic said "we are close on Saturday, but..okay I will take a look". He checked a tire pressure and mentioned "probably a bit low air pressure, so have your system re-set and will see if it's okay". His 2 minute check up ensured me a lot. Probably, my Mini was set for LA summer heat, not for the Bay Area chilly summer....Thank you! read more

I've taken my car to Steve (there is no Matt that I know of as the other "first" reviewer mentioned) for 12 years. They are thorough, and Seth and Lazlo have worked for Steve for years, and their communication is great. The new shop is far more accessible than the old one up the street, and I've always felt their use of stock BMW parts, directness about prices and standard hourly rates and times from the BMW book, and advance warning about upcoming issues were excellent. read more

I have an e46 330xi, and I'm very enthusiastic about my bimmer. I was going to go to German Auto but I know its a longer wait for same parts and higher labor there. My mom has brought her 318i here for years and it always runs, so I went with Steve for the prepurchase diagnostic. He caught everything under the hood and outside, checking codes, and estimating work required to restore it. I therefore returned to him after purchase to have Lazlo and Gill bring her up to par. Seth helped with the handbrake issue when some follow up was necessary to get the new pieces seated, and he was great about it. Don't expect emails, written reports, or bs charges. Take your car here for a century of combined expertise, knowing it will run soon after you drop it off without bs. One star lost for not having a pretty office manager/pit boss lady. read more

Every time I've come in to see Steve or any of the other nice guys there it's been an excellent experience. So far, I've had my oil changed several times, brakes done, side mirror repair and more. I've never had a problem. I kept coming back because the prices/labor were fair, (I did my homework and...it is a BMW service guys, it's not going to be cheap so stop your grumbling) as well as the wonderful, upbeat customer service. They were even kind enough to offer me a ride to UCB and Bart. i would've had my tires changed there too if not for a flat on the 5 freeway! Steve, thanks for making my BMW service not only painless and fun but also trustworthy! read more

WoW. These stories about this shop bring back bad memories. I used to own a 1987 L6 BMW. Started going to Morans motor sport say about 15 years ago. Didn't realize I was being taken advantage of. Fix one thing and makes something wrong. This went on for some years until I realized he was fucking over me. Problem after Problem. Take a good part off and put bad one on. Fixed it with my good part. Cold game. Never fine tune. Always something wrong. Started letting my friend repair my car. Never had no more problems. Finally was fine tune. Hearing all these terrible reviews. Steve i always new you were fucking over this Black Male. Timothy L. No fucking star read more

We've been taking our car into Steve for years and we always get consistently great service. He was also able to sell our car within one week! Our current M5 was purchased thru Moran Motosport and it runs superb. Thanks Steve! read more

Wow. Steve and Lazlo take amazing care of my classic BMW L6. Attention to detail is unprecedented. Tremendous pride in their efforts. They have earned my trust and its always a pleasure to see them. I know the car gets the love it deserves... read more

Ive been going to Moran on and off for approx 5 years. Great Back-end team, Gets busy sometimes (naturally if you have a good business, this is ideal) as far as calls, questions in the Front. Steve is great person and passionate about BMW's. I enjoy the comfort that if for any reason they do not have the specific tools or machines the dealer does that they are across the way. It also helps with parts emergencies. I originally bought my E65 N62 745i from Weatherford matter of fact. Its much more family like and i think overall better genuine service not the superficial and standard big car dealer ship, trained "customer service" I rather bring my own parts since I get 25% dealer and no tax. I did have a small mistake about the battery but Steve offered to make good on for the error from the battery distributor/manufacturer for putting a non agm batter in a car that calls for an agm. Otherwise I have always enjoyed my interactions and experiences. A recommended dealer alternative that delivers. Very relaxed and and honest environment. I have yet to purchase a car from their showroom, so no comment on that, but im sure its the same positive environment. Oh one last thing there is NO up selling of unnecessary services at Moran WHAT SO EVER! Its also nice that they don't make a fuss about modifications that someone who knows performance concepts and products can intelligently decide whether a muffler delete or drop in cotton filter is somehow a huge deal and related to all the things you brought your car into the dealer for ;). I am a car enthusiast of many sorts (newer import technologies/cars), so you will get a real review when it pertains to cars on yelp. I do not hold back the truth, but then again i don't just go in and bad mouth a business based on a 15 min impression or 1 visit either. I'm just as emotional as a consumer as the average person, but i try to really process the experience before i misreview a business. When i do rave about a business its because it meets my standards which you can pickup on in my detailed reviews. I basically don't sweat the small stuff as we are all human and things happen. If things compound, or there is genuine problems in interaction (rudeness, treatment, body language, wait times, and intention). I don't know anyone else that drives their 7 series like an M car (w discretion of course). Keep up the great service !! read more

Hi we're Nas and Amy. Thank you Moran Motorsport. You guys impressed my wife and I by fixing our brakes after months of screeching when another mechanic simply sent us away saying they couldn't recreate the noise. You guys did a great job. It is so much more joyful to drive when your car works right. If you need work on your European vehicle Go see these people. We were helped by Seth. He's professional, intelligent, and funny at the same time. read more

My experience with Steve Moran was not as memorable as some of his other customer who have yelped . I took my car in January 2007 to find out what was causing the burnt oil smell in my car and to repair the motor on my rear passenger window in , total it cost me approximately 1800 dollars. My car was not fixed, so I contacted Steve numerous times and I was unable to get the problem resolved that way, so I had to take him to small claims court where I won a judgement of over 400 dollars this was in March 2008, and I have yet to receive my payment from Steve Moran which was ordered by the court. It makes me wonder if this was the first time this type of thing has happened , and if it was because of my gender. read more

Brought my car in, got a super expensive repair done ($2500) and my car runs great! That's not where I have a problem. The problem is when I got my car back they had damaged the paint and now I need a new paint job. Steve is a cool guy, but needs to be straight with his customers about mistakes. 1 star for creating another problem. read more

service was done there for years and spent a lot of money, however, when I sold the car, I handed over the receipts to the new buyer and found much of the work I was billed for was simply not done. it is not cheap I think they make a judgment on whether you know will technically be able to ascertain if the work was actually done or not I do not trust this place also found from my fastback log I receive once a month, that Moran Motorsport used my car to go to San Francisco and back when the car was in their shop for service read more

This is where I've been taking my Mercedes for 10 years. I've been super happy with the honesty and service that Steve and one of his best mechanics Laszlo have provided. Mechanics in the past haven't been as transparent and problems they would say needed fixing wouldn't actually need fixing. The owner is great with communicating problems and if it's time for them to be replaced. Great to know that these guys are ready for work anytime. Keep it up Moran Motorsport !! Thanks . read more

I've had just one repair done here, but my experience was very good -- saved me from overpaying at another shop that was trying to squeeze me for unnecessary work, and identified another problem I need to keep an eye on although it doesn't require immediate repair. read more

I and other family members have been customers at Moran Motosport for many years. The work that Steve and his staff do is excellent. Steve is a man of high integrity, good humor, and someone with much experience in his field. I have always trusted him and appreciated him tremendously. I highly recommend Moran Motosport! read more

I needed to find out why my '84 Benz 300SD was making a loud knocking sound. As I was waiting to talk to the service advisor I listened to the woman in front of me voice her displeasure at an unexpected $2000+ bill. She was practically in tears and receiving no satisfaction. I should have left at that point but felt over the barrel as I needed my engine diagnosed. After being assured that they had a mechanic very experienced with my car I let them diagnose it. I hung around for most of the day as the mechanic came and went. At one point he was revving the engine quite high. At the end of the day I received a bill for over $400 and told they didn't know what the noise was. I later discovered a spun rod bearing. Revving the engine to its limit certainly didn't help. Perhaps the mechanic was trying to break it, I don't know. $400+, no new information, and the knock was louder. What's not to like? read more

My new to me vehicle was vandalized while at this shop for two days. After I spent $800 dollars at Moran Motorsport I noticed my fisheye mirror was missing when I backed out of their lot. I reported this to Steve immediately, and he told me I could get a replacement at Kreagan. This was incorrect info, the only mirrors I could find are universal and don't fit properly. The mirror housing which was broken will have to be ordered from the dealer, the parts needed will cost me nearly $500! If they make it right, I will remove this post but they seem more interested in charging as much as they can get away with. We are getting set to go on a road trip and would love to have this fixed before then but it may not. I feel taken advantage of. They kept my car for 2 days to do less than 4hrs work! I have to give them one star but I feel like it should be zero! I am very disappointed. I was hoping to find a mechanic I trust and could take my van to for as long as I own it. I will not go back. They don't value my awesome vehicle half as much as I do. read more

Needed repairs for a stuck tensioner and a thrown belt on my 2006 Sprinter. Steve fit me in, and got my work van back on the road same day. They called me three times to update changes in the order, as I had a broken mounting bolt. Clear communication, clean work, and a reasonable bill at the end. Night and day compared to my experience with the SF Mercedes dealership. These guys are real mechanics who know German autos. My first experience here was great. read more

If you have a BMW and don't wanna pay the dealership price this is the place to go! Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. I haven't taken my 328i to any dealership since I bought it. read more

Steve was awesome! Straightforward and no nonsense with what I need ad what he feels I need for my safety while driving my car. I will definitely go back and recommend this place. read more

I've been taking my BMWs to Steve Moran's shop for years. And I will very likely continue to do so. Steve's shop is well organized, they know what they're doing and are very reasonable to deal with. I'm not just talking about the financial aspect of the transaction but Steve will work with you. He'll taylor his service to your needs. Weather your budget is tight or you have some special mods or upgrades you need for your Beemer they will accomplish the task at hand with expertise. read more

If you own a German automobile with some years behind her you can expect to pay more than what is fair to keep her running. Steve is a straight shooter and does his best to put people on the road with the least amount of investment. Another option is to go across the street and get the work done by the BMW dealership, expect to pay 2-3x more! Highly recommend. read more

Now that I sold my beloved Mini after moving to DC, I can't wait to buy a new used car from Steve Moran when I return to the Bay Area. No kidding. This is a top notch operation. Steve Moran is thorough, insightful and full of integrity. I was pleased with the care and attention I received. The process was methodical and went very quickly. Don't hesitate! This is the way it should be done! read more

Ten years ago Steve's Morons ruined my great BMW524 diesel (and I'm still mad). Replacing a water pump, they neglected to tighten the hoses and the car overheated. Now, with a blown head gasket, I get the excuses of: they are prone to this (read not my fault), my mechanic's having personal problems, I can't get a new head ,ect.). 6 months later (after spending another $1000 to get the head fixed), the car is 'sun burned' and not properly repaired. I reported him to CA Consumer Affairs/Auto but they had no teeth to get any satisfaction. My car's gone....he's still in business....buyers be wary! read more

Two years into our business-service relationship, I finally hit rock bottom. A month after my A/C stopped blowing cold air, I decided to have Steve/Laslo look at it. For this particular problem, after 7 visits, $1400 spent, freon recharged, 2 parts replaced (EGS module & auxiliary fan), and many phone calls later, the A/C still does not work. At the end of this whole mess, they finally recommended me to replace the compressor. I don't mind the money and effort to fix the A/C; they are as expected when you have a MB. Besides, I have given them enough hassle to make them run around headless a few times. But these are what bothered me: a. I conclude that they did not spend enough time diagnosing the problem the first time around (yes, I paid for it). They said they drove the car for 30 min, and the A/C never failed. But when I picked up, I sat down in my car, and blasted it for less than 10min, and it failed. Also looked at the mileage, did not see any difference. b. They did not replace my EGS module the first time around, and still charged me the full fee for the replacement. I believe what they did was try to fix it themselves. After few shouts, they finally got it replaced. I had to actually be there to witness it. c. When I finally requested for my original parts back (since the A/C still does not work), they said they already sold them. You'd think if the problem has not been completely solved, you would want to keep them around, just in case. Apparently not... d. If they did not know what the problem was, they should've said so in the beginning. It took them 7 visits, and 2 replacement parts, to come to a conclusion that the compressor was not working??? Wouldn't it be the first to be looked at? Final word: I've had good times with Moran Motosport (even when I know they made money of both labor and parts). But for all of you out there, please make sure you request for the "original" parts if any parts are being replaced. A mechanic shop is only as good as you would keep your eyes on them. read more

I went to this place to get some work done on my window. Turns out I needed to replace the arm inside so I got a descent quote from "Steve?" Everything went will until I pickup my car. He had tore my tint on my window and when I pointed out to him, he's respond was "sorry, it happens".... I paid and got my tint replaced from someone else - out of my pocket $105. So, not happy with his respond and the way he deals with things when something goes wrong. I do believe he is good a mechanic, but there's SOOOO many great mechanics out there. Don't be "penny wise, pound foolish!" read more

In the interest of full disclosure I wrote the bad review based on bad information I will now do my mea culpas to all concerned. The INTERSTATE BATTERY provided to me by Moran Motosport was not a dead battery never to be charged again as claimed by my former mechanic European Motors of Berkeley. The battery is working fine so here I go PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES FOR MALIGNING YOUR GOOD NAME. I WILL BE CALLING THE PRESIDENT OF INTERSTATE BATTERIES AND RETURNING HIS $75 REFUND CHECK HE SENT ME AS THIS ENTIRE MATTER WAS BOGUS AND JUST THE RESULT OF DEALING WITH AN INCOMPETENT MECHANIC. SORRY GUYS read more

Great customer service and communication! Steve was a pleasure to work with and had a very cost effective and successful solution for my 2005 BMW 545i with a secondary air flow fault due to carbon blockage. He and his team did a great job and I would definitely use them again. read more