Not sure how to find a reliable BMW auto shop? Follow these tips and connect with Oceanworks Berkeley. Renowned for their style, quality, and power, BMWs have a reputation for being high-performance, dependable automobiles. Yet, like any other vehicle, they need periodic maintenance to stay on the road and avoid hectic repair issues. When you’ve invested in this fine brand, you can’t just trust anyone to treat it. It has to be someone that specializes in BMW servicing and understands the vehicle inside out. Here are some tips of find a local, independent BMW performance shop. Professional Associations The best BMW service shops will have automotive professional affiliations. These associations typically require members to hold rigorous technician training as well as adhere to high ethical standards. Some of the recognized groups include Automotive Service Association (ASA), International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN), and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). To play even safer, go for auto repair shops with a BMW specific professional association like BMW Independent Maintenance and Repair Specialists (MIMRS). It only approves the most specialized BMW experts. Technician Training No matter how many years an auto shop has been in business, it’s their technicians who’re going to handle your car maintenance and repairs. Make sure that the auto shop you choose relies on only BMW Master Certified Technicians who possess a minimum of five years treating BWMs. The certification means they were trained through the effective BMW Service Technician Education Program (STEP). The program combines a classroom component with an internship at a BMW dealer service center. Equipment and Tools The tools used by an auto repair shop can make the difference between a superb and a substandard BMW service. The quality of equipment also significantly affects how long a repair job takes. Diagnostic tools, for instance, are particularly important. Failing to diagnose the underlying issue can cost you a lot of time and money. Without the right tools to deliver effective fixes, a repair shop may seek shortcuts, which may cause further issues down the road. Unlike most other vehicles that utilize the common OBD2 systems for diagnosis, a BMW relies on specific computers to determine the issues. Make sure that the shop you choose leverages the latter option. Referrals and Reviews Before handing over your BMW to an auto repair shop, be sure to obtain an unbiased opinion from its past customers. Approach other BMW drivers in your locality and ask them where they take their BMW for regular maintenance and repairs. Also, check out independent reviews on popular third party platforms. For example, BimmerShops.com is a great place for potential clients to learn about specific BMW repair shops in their area. The point here is that you should not merely rely on what a service shop has to say about its service. Get in touch with someone who has previously trusted them with their BMW. Contact Us If you’re looking for an excellent BMW auto servicing shop in Piedmont, CA that relies on certified technicians and specialized tools, contains professional associations, and is rated well by past clients, Oceanworks Berkeley is the right auto service shop for you! Bring your BMW to us today!