I purchased a 2005 BMW M3 Competition, and after three weeks, I began having SMG issues. I did my research and reached out to Derek at AMS AutoGroup. Because I was familiar with automotive technical work, I was impressed immediately with the Customer Service and immediacy of return calls prior to purchasing the SMG to Manual conversion kit. This is no easy task as I'm an "East-coaster" and AMS is in Washington State. I AM SO GLAD THAT I CHOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH AMS & THESE GUYS! My issue nowadays is I no longer have a facility to work on these kinds of projects. But, I was put at ease when AMS immediately began working with the technical crew that was going to perform this job for me. As my technician is a very good mechanic and businessman, he was happy that he was included in all of the decisions that were necessary. Not only were my parts delivered quickly, to the highest quality, and all backed by lines of open communication, but also, at a great value! If I sourced each of the parts individually, I would have paid a great deal more money. Buying a kit from AMS, is like getting a parts discount, because you're buying so much (all at once). Another great aspect is, bc they've done so many kits, they have a few offerings that only the experienced would think about, like the "short shifter" option and the "hydraulic line" option. Not to mention, the computer programming. Anyone who knows BMWs, knows how fickle ALL of the computer systems are AND HOW THEY MUST ALL WORK TOGETHER (or problems arise). I've been driving for 3 weeks now, no check engine lights and this car's tune is running like a beast, while, I swear, my mileage has increased. Derek, thank you so much for working with me and making this worrisome task, so simple. I've been driving my M3 Comp car with a HUGE smile, which was only possible with your hard work (on the sales and follow up side) AND the execution on my technician's side. I wish AMS many years of successful business AND if I ever do this project again, rest assured, I'll be coming back to you guys! read more

AMS AutoGroup - Auto Repair Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

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I purchased the e46 SMG to 6MT conversation kit from Derek, and I have never been more impressed with the support, communication, knowledge, or overall experience with an online service provider. My SMG blew its fuse, and I knew I had to fix SMG or complete the manual swap. I contacted AMG through their online chat feature and got an immediate response. Derek answered all my questions, and I placed my order late Friday night. I had tracking information on my order on Saturday AM, and by Wednesday, I had everything I needed to complete the conversation. The machining on the bell house was of the highest standards, and the kit contained everything last part required, down to the wiring with all the factory connectors, NO SPLICING! Whenever I reached out to Derek, I received responses almost immediately. Once the installation was done, Derek provided remote programming and coding of my vehicle, and in under 30 min, it was error-free and a proper manual e46. I have owned this car for over 8 years. I should have completed this swap years ago! The car is absolutely amazing. If you hate your SMG, or your pump has failed, reach out to AMG and get the conversion kit. You won't regret the swap, and you won't find support better than AMG/Derek. read more

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I purchased the e46 m3 smg conversion kit. BIG MISTAKE!!! While chatting with AMS prior to purchase, I was told it would be a one day turn around from when they received my bellhousing. It took 3wks before I received my bellhousing back and it was MISSING many parts for the conversion. During this time AMS was selectively not responding to calls, responding to text messages or emails. (I should of known better when I realized you can't call the company and speak to a real person from there website). When I finally did get correspondence from someone, I was constantly being lied to. He would say he sent a package when he didn't, he would say he's a one man shop, but when items were missing from the kit he blamed it on his assistant. And had tons of excuses why things were late or I didn't receive them. Finally after a few weeks and me opening a case with paypal he sends another shipment. And it's still MISSING PARTS. I asked for a refund for parts and he refuses, Till this day I have not received 2 parts. I had to deal with this for close to 2 months. Finally he refunded me for the parts I did not receive. If you are looking for a smg to manual conversion kit go elsewhere... What a waste of time. read more

I have been going to Derek for 4+ years. He has never been good at customer service, although he would get the work done. I have done and referred him over 30k+ in business but all of a sudden he won't reply when messaging him and can't even get a message. But my friend who had a more costly repair, he has no problem replying and squeezing in time to repair. Also I am not sure why more people don't leave reviews. Someone on Facebook recently posted that he took their car for years and wouldn't reply, also got parts stolen. I am done with AMS, although it may cost more to go to another shop, I don't believe is a trustworthy individual. He picks and chooses customers based on repairs. read more

If I had one word to describe Derek that would be PERFECTIONIST. I have an older e36 M3 that needed someone to really take the time to take care of it and Derek was the perfect mechanic for the job. They made very few of these models with this color combination so it was very important to me to chose wisely who would work on it. Not only does AMS AtoGroup have the best hourly rates but Derek gave me deals of a lifetime. From a free inspection, to a full maintenance that required a bran new clutch, water pump, new radiator, oil pan gasket, and many more little things. He also took me in last minute after calling him after hours when I had an unexpected leak from my oil filter housing. He really takes care of his customers to a whole new level. Just take a peak into his shop, it's like a Tesla factory, everything is so clean and where things belong, tells you a lot about Derek. He earned my respect and definitely my 5 star review. The best advise I can give you if you love your European car is don't just go after something that pops up to be affordable because in the long run it will double you in cost if it's not done right the first time. Just like someone who has a toothache doesn't go to a family doctor but rather a dentist who specialized in helping people with teeth. Derek has proved his love for European cars, especially with BMW's. Good luck, if you need more proof than try AutoGroup for yourself, you will not regret it I promise. read more

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Although we live near Seattle AMS in Lakewood is the only shop my E46 M3 will ever go to. AMS is all about trust, high quality work and good value. Derek is wonderful to work with and with his depth of experience I know my car is in good hands. read more

So, I've been really due on maintenance on my BMW M3 E46, and I am very picky on where to take my car and pricing, AMS is totally the place to go for that! Derek got my car booked for an appointment literally the week I needed it done and it was finished couple days later which was pretty fast. He fixed my power seats, fixed my leak in my rear diff and changed seals with new fresh fluid, blower motor fan fixed, and changed a seal in front of my car due to a oil leak. He also told me that I needed to change my pulleys and belts ASAP because they were about to crack n snap off. He also changed a relay no labor cost for me :-) Moral of the story, YES! TAKE YOUR CAR TO AMS AUTO GROUP. ESPECIALLY YOU "M" OWNERS! read more

The kit I ordered was great except the shifter knob was used and broken. All other parts worked as they should. The issue I have is that I still have not received my refund for the bell housing. I'm disappointed because I have another e46 to swap but I'm very hesitant to buy this again. I have continued to contact them for 2 months and have not received a response through text, email or calls. I would like to buy other products from them but they are very unreliable in communication. read more

I had two very good experience with AMS Autogroup and highly recommend Derek and his team for any BMW work you need! I took my 2016 BMW M4 to Derek for KW HAS coil over install as well as Downpipe install and was treated like a VIP customer. He also showed me around his shop and treated me like his friend instead of a random customer. His shop was also pretty chill too and had Wifi and Xbox streaming videos the whole time. I drove all the way down from Mill Creek to Tacoma to have Derek work on my car and I'd drive down again next time I need my car serviced! It's hard to find trustworthy and transparent BMW mechanics like Derek and his team and I highly recommend AMS Autogroup! You won't be disappointed! Thanks Derek for the awesome work and service you provided! My car looks Amazing! read more

AMS AutoGroup - Auto Repair Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

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AMS AutoGroup is definitely a shop you want to take your performance cars. Derek has had a high reputation in the BMW circles, and was someone I've kept my eye on for when I was looking to do the Rod Bearing change in my e90 M3. I sold the M3, picked up a WRX, and needed someone to install some lowering springs. My good friend recommend I check him out anyway (even though I no longer had a BMW), and Derek happily obliged. He got me in his schedule quick, and offered a very competitive rate. He has a really cool looking shop that reminds me of Entertainment 720 (if you know you know). If you've been combing through yelp to find a shop to take care of you Bimmer (like I was), look no further. Hit up Derek NOW! read more

"Just as I arrived to work, the power steering went out. I called Derek, and had the car towed to AMS Autogroup. By the time I was off work, the car was ready to be picked up. Thank you for fixing the car so quickly. It's very much appreciated!" -Michael Burkhart read more

Customer Service is top tier with a high level of honesty and intelligence of the BMW and European platform. If you're looking for a place to have your car worked on instead of the dealer and their ridiculous price. Now go spend some money read more

Honest, professional, and competent. So far, I have had Derek work on my N55 E82 twice. I've shopped around all over Seattle, Bellevue, and the Tacoma area for a good mechanic. They all over-quoted me before I found Derek through my friend. Derek will not BS you or sell you unnecessary repairs. He will give you very fair prices, and make recommendations based on what he's working on. My most recent experience was an oil pan gasket replacement. Since he was working in that area, he said he would also do the motor mounts for retail price of the hardware alone. When he reported back, he was very honest and told me that my motor mounts were already done by the previous owner. Most other shops would have probably left it alone and charged me anyway. Not Derek! He also did a power steering flush for me. All at a fraction of the cost of a dealership. read more

AMS AutoGroup - Before Oil Pan Gasket Replacement - Auto Repair Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

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Derek is a true professional in every aspect and the AMS AutoGroup is first class. His technical expertise is unsurpassed. He installed a speed control module in my M3 and coordinated its deliver from ParkPlace Ltd. He shared his prior knowledge of work completed on this M3. His in depth knowledge, engendered confidence in work previously performed at AMS. His personal touch and customer focus came through as he stored my M3 at his shop at no cost and coordinated the pick up with the transporters before it was shipped to South Carolina. I can not say enough about Derek responsiveness and personal touch!! Carl H read more

Derek of AMS was referred by someone I know who has the same car as mine (F80 M3) I had been looking around for a shop that could install a lowering spring, which makes it a bit difficult since I live all the way in Arlington, couple of the shops I reached out was just overly expensive on labor. On a Monday afternoon I called Derek and talk to him about getting a quote and I was very surprise how affordable his quote was VERY aggressively low. And not just that he was actually so flexible on his schedule and was able to have time for me to come in on that same day. It took me about 3 hours of drive including traffic, Even when I was on my way he kept in communication with me since I was worried that he won't have time to work on my car. When I got there I was very impressed with his shop it's very clean and entertaining. Nice lounge, with refreshments and candies available, lady on the reception/front desk was very nice and kind kept me busy during the work on my car, not to mention Derek always keeps you in the loop while working on my car and say hi to make sure I'm okay while waiting. This is the best part just under 2hours later he completed the work. Makes me think why one shop in Kirkland quoted me 8hours for a spring install?? Hmmm lol Derek walked me thru the shop by the way the main shop is really nice and organized. Car looks exactly what I wanted. What it is that everyone could install a lowering spring on a car. Of course with right tools and equipment. It's just Derek makes it more affordable for car enthusiast to save time and money. He knows how to make people satisfied. It's his passion to work on cars not just to make profit. There's not a lot of people like him around that is honest, reliable and passionate specially working on cars. I'll definitely refer Derek to anyone and highly consider of going back to him on future work. It's worth the trip for me. read more

I have been taking both of my M3's there for almost ten years and have no intentions on taking them anywhere else. My 06' M3 has over 230k miles and it's largely due to Derek. Derek is dependable, friendly, has great pricing and knowledge is practically second to none with BMW's and euro cars in general. I've gone to him for performance modifications, small and huge maintenance items. I've had my share of emergency tows to the shop and Derek has always been accommodating and done the repairs quickly to get my car back on the road. I've recommended and sent a lot of people to him over the years and most of them now only go to him as well. read more

Great shop. Derek did a good job on my BBK install and I'll be going back next time I need stuff done. Only downside is that it isn't really accessible by public transportation so it could be challenging to get there if you don't have a ride. However, the quality of work and knowledge makes this a minor inconvenience. read more

I've been using amsautogroup for year, great group of people, knowledgeable in European vehicals, always helpful on explaining what cause the issues on your vehicles, I highly recommend amsautogroup to all who aren't that savvy on there cars, hands down one of the best mechanics to bring your cars to. Thanks Derek for all your help and for keeping my car safe 8n your hands. read more

AMS AutoGroup - I've been using amsautogroup for years, wont go anywhere else with my bmw.. - Auto Repair Near Me - Lakewood, Washington

I had my bellhousing modified and it took almost 2 weeks to get back even though work was done in a couple of days. Also, had ordered a tiny bearing, which I should've received in 3-4 days that was supposedly shipped via usps. It's about 2 weeks now still nothing. Once payment is received communication via email diminish. Imagine just waiting weeks to fix a car cause of a part hold up that could've been delivered in a few days. Don't recommend. read more

Forget getting a timely call back, responsiveness is terrible. The work is good, and reasonably priced. But it's not worth the frustration of trying to work with them. Do yourself a favor and take your business elsewhere. read more

Derek installed springs and spacers on my F80. He let me bring my own parts. I was late and they were extremely reasonable about it. He did the work in a timely manner, for a great price and was a nice guy. I will gladly go back. And the waiting area is pretty sweet. PlayStation, couch and refreshments. read more

I needed some engine work done on my BMW X5, and what can I say about the job that Derek did. He went above and beyond my expectations. With the type of work that I was having done I expected some extra hidden costs but when they popped up not only was Derek immediately letting me know, but he also provided pictures of the damaged parts and what the additional cost would be. Once they got the car they got right to work, and basically went through the entire engine bay from top to bottom. Once they were done they even detailed the engine bay, you could eat out of there. If you truly want the best care for your car then look no further. I will be bringing both my BMW and my Mercedes here whenever I need some work done. Great guys and thanks again for the great work. Honest and fair pricing and top notch work what else can you ask for? read more

Nice clean shop. Better prices then everywhere else. Customer service was great. Derek is top notch. Real easy guy to talk to. He's ocd so u know he'll do a good clean job. Love this place. I will be back if I need anything. I'm also recomending this place to my friends and everyone reading this. read more

Very impressed with this shop. Derek the owner works quick and efficient. He spent countless hours on my vehicle and it runs better than ever. If you own an exotic car look no further, this shop will take care of you. He can work on just about anything. He does custom work and can get your car daily or track ready. For a reputable shop, pricing can't be beat. read more

Took in my Mercedes GLA45 AMG for new brake pads and rotors and was amazed by the quality of work . I wouldn't trust any other mechanic shop than AMS. Highly recommend to you and to anybody who need to install aftermarket parts read more

Was looking for a solid, reconditioned E46 M3 to use as a street/track car. I hooked up with Derek and found my 2004 M3. He worked with me on making some modifications that I wanted before I picked it up. But he was also diligent at replacing worn components in order to ensure the car met expectations. When I arrived I was shocked at how good the car looked. It did not look like a 15 year old car! I literally said it was too good to be true, but it wasn't. The car drove as goos as it looked ... well enough (car had 125,000 miles) for me to drive it home to Cincinnati (2500 miles). Can't say enough about his customer focus and high standards. Am now helping my Dad potentially purchase a car from him as a result of my experience. read more

I took an e46 M3 to Derek for a Pre Purchase Inspection. Not only was Derek knowledgeable, he acted as if this was his purchase and really made the process extremely personable. His shop is one of the cleanest I have seen and his staff is beyond friendly. The customer service was exactly what I expected from a BMW enthusiast. I would not only recommend this shop for any service you may need on your vehicle, but i will only bring my car to Derek in the future! read more

I have been working with Derek at AMS AutoGroup on purchasing a vehicle. I have purchased a number of cars and motorcycles over the years and he has easily been one of the most pleasant people to work with. Derek had answers to every question I could think to ask and such an extensive knowledge of the vehicle. Finding an honest and knowledgeable mechanic is a hard thing to do, which is why its so nice when you find one. You are in good hands here and you will know within minutes of talking to Derek that he is a genuinely nice guy that's going to get the job done right. read more