Picture of an E21 BMW

 

Recommended Mechanics
  • by members of BMW E21 Digest
Munich Motors Inc.
1415 Westside Dr
Greensboro, NC
336.275.9723

Recommended by:
Jeff Rutledge, Aug 25, 2000
Walter Bilous, Aug 28, 2000

Comment:
This is basically a one-man shop that does great work for everyday drivers. I've only had one experience with him b/c I try to do all my own wrenching, but it was very good. He came highly recommended from an E30 owner and a former Korman employee.

Korman Autoworks
2629 Randleman Rd
Greensboro, NC
336.275.1494

Recommended by:
Jeff Rutledge, Aug 25, 2000

Comment:
I think almost all BMW owners have heard of Ray and his place. Great work if you got a thick wallet! Specializes as a premiere race preparation and restoration facility. Although, I don't go see a specialist when all I need is my general practitioner for a routine check up.

Mattson's Radiator
10529 Beach Blvd.
Stanton, CA 90680
800.814.4238
www.mattsonsradiator.com

Recommended by:
John Bell, Aug 26, 2000

Comment:
I can recommend a radiator shop here in Orange County (CA). Great prices, even if you're from out of state. The money you'll save in taxes will more than handle the S/H, and bulletproof service for those of you within commuting distance. I haven't checked their website. They also carry electric fans (don't know what sort of array) and they restore and repair gas tanks.

Don's Import Auto Service
150 43rd Ave
Vero Beach, FL
561.569.4714

Recommended by:
Josh Cook, Aug 27, 2000

Comment:
These guys have diagnosed problems on my e21 and e12. Don's an authorized Bosch mechanic, but they all know their stuff. Super clean shop, and they give you a computer printout of what the problem was, and what they did to fix it. Honest, too - when my e12 stopped running, they found a disconnected ground on the injector rail and refastened it.

Carr Enterprises
391 Orville Wright Dr
Greensboro, NC 27409

Recommended by:
Walter Bilous, Aug 28, 2000

Comment:
Near the airport. They have not performed any repairs for me, but I have been in for parts several times. They have always been very helpful and knowledgeable. The techs will take time away from their current repair job to take a look under your hood to diagnose or quote a repair. It seems that whenever I stop in, someone is mopping / just finished mopping the service bay floor. Prices for parts about in line with BMP. They have access to salvage cars will locate used parts if you ask.

Absolute Motor Works
2860 S. Elati St.
Englewood CO, 80110
303.761.7355

Recommended by:
Todd Eyster, Aug 28, 2000

Comment:
I take my car to them for the things I can't or won't do myself.

Precision Motor Works
2545 Keystone Ave.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
408.985.2316
Helmut Bezak, mechanic

Recommended by:
Joe Gonzalez, Aug 30, 2000

Comment:
Right behind Stevens Creek BMW. Helmut works on import cars with emphasis in European cars, especially Porsche. He's a good choice if you're looking for a dependable mechanic who does excellent work and can be trusted for good advice, but aren't fanatical about finding a BMW specialist. He's done some maintenance work on my 318ti and my 320i and I've always been more than satisfied. He's also an excellent choice for Porsche fans.

Motorspeed West
1925-1 Grant Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408.727.6631
Ken & Bill Clark, mechanics

Recommended by:
Joe Gonzalez, Aug 30, 2000

Comment:
Ken and Bill specialize in BMW and Mercedes. They do great work and drive BMW's themselves, so you know they believe in the product. Their service has always been top-notch, but book an appointment early because they have a strong following of faithful customers.

European Car Clinic
6015 Battle Creek Rd. SE
Salem, OR 97301
503.363.9146

Recommended by:
Brandon Whitehead, Aug 30, 2000

Comment:
These guys have been great to me for almost 5 years now. If there is something that they think I can fix myself, they will tell me and order the parts for me. They have great parts prices, and are more than willing to take a look under the hood to give free advice or a diagnosis. They have always done good work.

Baron's Foreign Car Service
8484 Commerce Avenue, #A
San Diego, CA 92121
858.578.2800

Recommended by:
Edmund Larkin, Sep 7, 2000

Comment:
AAA approved ¥ Established 1980
Dave Baron is a serious, straight forward guy. He does the job right the first time. He completes the work on time. His final bills don't contain any suprises. We are not close friends, but I have a real comfort level dealing with him.

Vintage Sports & Racing, LLC
714 Rt. 3A
Bow, NH 03304
603.228.2888
Mario Langsten, mechanic
www.vintagesportsracing.com

Recommended by:
Mario Langsten, Oct. 18, 2000

Comment:
Mario is himself an active member of the BMW E21 Digest, and one of a few mechanics that still care about the E21.
Servicing classics and specialty cars with precision and care. Producers of BMW E30 M3 performance accessories!

2002 Restorations
28614 West 11th. Ave.
Eugene, OR 97402
Ph: 541.345.3021 Fax: 541.342.4853
David Lumbra, owner & mechanic, BMWCCA # 38540
Email 2002 Restorations
www.2002Restorations.com

Recommended by:
*Phil Pasteris, Feb 10, 2000
David Lumbra, Oct 21, 2000

Comment:
David is a member of the E21 Digest. An active member fo the Northwest Chapter of the BMWCCA for years, he spends his efforts restoring 2002's for sale and racing. He also works on other BMW makes including the US and Gray market E21's.

* Non Digest Member

Salzmann Motors Inc.
28639 SW Boones Ferry Rd.
Wilsonville, OR 97070
503.682.7073
Peter Salzmann, owner

Recommended by:
* Phil Pasteris, Oct. 11, 2000
Michael Fogarty, Dec. 17, 2000

Comment:
Salzmann's is a small business that brings a real personal touch to BMW service. They repair all types of BMW's and sell new and used parts as well. Salzmann often sells bimmers that they have restored, so it's a good place to look if your shopping for that special 2002 or CS Coupe.

* Non Digest Member

Mike O'Hara Service Inc.
Exclusively BMW
5020 NE Cully Blvd.
Portland, OR 97218
503.287.0739
Mike O'Hara, owner

Recommended by:
Michael Fogarty, Dec. 17, 2000

Comment:
This is a funky little two stall shop in NE Portland near the airport. But don't let the outside appearance fool you. Mike and his staff have been racing, tuning, restoring, and living BMW's for well over 20 years. Some old timers may remember Mike and his 2002's that campaigned successfully in SCCA racing in the Pacific Northwest some years ago. Mike is no longer active in racing, staying pretty busy with his business. The service is first rate, and the rates are very reasonable. Also a good source for new and used parts.

Milton Gusmao / Auto Technik
5897 Commerce Ln.
Miami, FL 33143

Recommended by:
Julian Osante, Sep. 8, 2000

Comment:
Originally from Brazil, Milton's shop is as clean as they come. I've been taking my cars to this guy for the better part of 6 years and he has yet to misdiagnose a problem. He fixes things right and he fixes them right the first time AND on top of that, he has quite reasonable prices. Hell, even if he didn't, right the first time is usually cheaper anyway. Both this guy and his crew are masters!!!

Kiko / KiKO Motors
3925 NW 37th Ct.
Miami, FL 33142

Recommended by:
Julian Osante, Sep. 8, 2000

Comment:
Great craftsmanship and pride in their work. Don't be fooled by the low profile installation / facilities. A joy to work with because when Kiko says your car is ready, your car is ready; no details to go over, no runs in the paint, nothing but a perfect job. A+

Midwest Motorsport
3054 North Lake Terrace
Glenview, IL
847.998.9150
www.midwestmotorsport.com

Recommended by:
Pete Storm, Jan. 8, 2001

Comment:
Great shop. These guys are perhaps the best in the entire Midwest. They're not cheap, but they are top notch. Run by Leo Franchi (an ex-racer) and his son Leo Jr., Midwest Motorsport is a BMW only shop. They do everything from full-blown race cars to the daily driver and are happy to work on your E21. They are typically very busy, so you're baby may be there for awhile, but they're also very into getting the customer's feedback and may call you often.

Spicer's Automotive
380 West 800 South
Salt Lake City, UT
801.320.0941

Recommended by:
Joe Cary, Apr. 18, 2001

Comment:
This is a great shop for mostly BMWs and other German cars. The owner is the nicest guy ever, Dennis Spicer. He has worked with BMWs for years, and he has worked on my 323i since it was imported by the first owner. He is currently restoring a 323i, so he is an invaluable source of E-21 info. Prices are excellent!

Munich West
299 N. Decatur Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
404.296.6111

Recommended by:
Brian Ludvigsen, Oct. 16, 2001

Comment:
Great service! My car has been going to MW since 1985. They know me, the car, and what they're doing. Recommend to all Atlanta-area BMW owners (all models). They also work on Saab, Audi, and Volvo, for those of you who are missing out on the pleasures of Bavarian cars.

Foreign Car Engineering
2509 East Platte Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
791.473.0640

Recommended by:
Ramon Dario Avena, Mar. 21, 2001

Comment:
Al fixed up my 320i during a surge problem. He works on all German Cars but especially BMW's. His rates are not out of the world and he guarantees his work. His hours are standard, so most of the time he is there. His parts prices are also reasonable. This being a one man shop you might want to call before dropping by.

BimmerHaus Performance
7233 West 116th place, Suite A
Broomfield, CO 80020
Local: 720.566.0521
Toll-free: 866.DAS.HAUS
Fax: 720.566.0523
Dave Stackhouse, mechanic
www.BimmerHaus.com

daves@BimmerHaus.com

Recommended by:
*Guy McCoy, Oct. 14, 2001

Comment:
I've used this small shop several times with splendid results. Dave is very conscientious and knowledgeable on 320s as well as others. Shop is big booster of RMC chapter BMWCCA. Shop is extremely clean and well equipped-4 lifts and full range of tools, etc. Can do all tire work and alignment. Club racers use this shop exclusively.

* Non Digest Member