After reading reviews of this place, I decided to take my bmw 325i in and man was I glad I did. John is honest, knowledgeable, and fair with his pricing and work. He is really easy to work with and doesn't try to sell you unnecessary services. I am so happy to find a mechanic that I can trust, and will never take my bmw anywhere else so long as I am in the area. read more

I've been coming here for ever since my 2002 BMW 325i went off warranty. Very upfront about everything and have never had a problem or issue. Affordable and trustworthy. read more

John got our 2002 X5 driving like new again. He's the best BMW mechanic I've met...honest, very nice, and extremely knowledgeable. I don't take our BMW's for service anywhere else. read more

I am so glad I followed those before me on Yelp and made the decision to try out ABS. John and Mike are an absolute pleasure to interact with. They are great listeners and worked with me on prioritizing next steps for maintaining my X3 now that I am out of warranty. They gave me several options and a realistic timeline for what I need to budget for in terms of future repairs and maintenence. No pressure, just honest and open dialogue. Thanks ABS. I'm now a groupee. read more

My BMW recently had a dead battery. I called Peter Pan BMW and they wanted over $500 to replace the battery because they said it takes 2+ hours to reprogram the car etc... One call to John and he was honest in saying that it only takes about 20 minutes to reprogram. For much less than the dealer, John arranged for me to stop by after work and took care of the issue in less than 30 minutes. To top it off, he even reset my oil change light at no charge! For those of you who think you shouldn't keep a BMW after the warranty runs out because it's hard to find a good honest technician, think again. I'll keep going back to ABS and will recommend their services to all my friends. Thanks John! read more

John does great work and the price is great too. He is one good mechanic that you can trust. read more

Popped in around 1pm to ask for a quote on a simple oil change and diff oil change and despite their busy schedule, these guys did an amazing job helping me out quickly. Gave me an appointment for 3pm that day and by 4pm I was out with the job well done and for the quoted price, they did an inspection on the car for anything that might need attention and gave me plenty of advice as to what needs to be looked at when. Having been in the business for so long, you would think that you would get uninterested folks with crap customer service but you get exactly the opposite, very knowledgeable technicians and very, very good customer service. A rare thing in the automotive industry, especially if BMW's are involved... Thank you, will come again (when I need to :) read more

These guys are great! I bought my 5 series and was worried about maintenance, but they serviced my car and fixed two major issues for a lot less than I expected. They explained that maintenance at dealerships have become a pressure sales and their job is to inform the customer and let them make the decision. Can not highly recommend enough! read more

I have been going to ABS for longer than I can remember. I had tried many other but now I dont need to look further. I have had great experiences with them throughout and anyone I have referred has been very thankful since they are trustworthy & do great work + communicate what is needed for the immediate fix or service... and what is needed or coming up in future. read more

John you are the greatest. Mike you aren't too bad yourself. This is the Diamond place for BMW repair. If you have to ask u haven't been there. I have 74,500 miles on my Beemer bought it new & it has been in John's care since birth. If you love your BMW(we all do) go to ABS & believe me you will have no complaints. New shop is very nice with comfortable waiting area with Mike to talk with. read more

I have been taking my 1997 BMW 528i to John for years now. He is a certified BMW mechanic and knows what he is doing. John has never failed me with his professional auto work, his kind and caring attitude and (most importantly for me), his honesty. As a 23 year old woman, I have been taken advantage of my other auto mechanics in the past just so they could make a buck. It is comforting to me knowing that when I give my business to John at Alternative BMW Service, I will be given respect, honesty, and reliable service for my BMW. I would, without a doubt, recommend ABS to anyone looking to have a stress free and pleasant experience repairing their BMW. read more

Just had my Z3 serviced by John. Great job, great price, great service. Fast.

I would rate ABS 6 or more stars if possible. John and his crew do an amazing job. I "inherited" a 2002 325i that had been in my wife's family since new. Since I got it for nothing I could spend some money fixing it up and still not be upside down on it. Even so, John worked with me on the budget I had and the car came out 2 1/2 days later in amazing shape; smooth, powerful and safe and fun to drive. I will continue to have it serviced there. I've seen John's business grow over the years and he and his crew at ABS fully deserve their success and reputation for integrity. read more

Hi, Sure I was skeptical going to John after only reading online reviews. But am sure glad I did. He sure knows whats he doing and is a gentleman. He took his time to explain the rocket science behind the little things in my car :) My car had the service light on.He checked my car and told me that something was not reset causing the light to come up. He did not even charge me for looking into it.. I would recommend him for you car troubles. Thanks, Nik read more

At the suggestion of a colleague I brought my 2000 740iL (over 110K miles) to ABS, the first time to fix a problem with the power steering assist (turned out to be computer/electronics and NOT anything mechanical!) and more recently to address the "Service Engine" light and some maintenance. Both times I've been impressed with ABS' professionalism, promptness, accuracy at solving problems, and very reasonable fees. I'm also pleased that they don't "find" extra work to do. And if you need to economize, they'll help determine what really must be done now (to avoid causing damage) vs what you can defer and live with for a while. Owning an older BMW isn't generally cheap or easy, but ABS makes it more affordable and reasonably painless! Thanks Mike and John! read more

If I could give them 6 stars I would! So I was foolish enough to take my car to Peter Pan BMW. After keeping my car for 4 days, and over 10 calls trying to reach someone and mostly failing. They first told me around $400 to diagnose. Then they told me over $4000 to fix. Finally they told me my car was not fixable and I would need either a whole new engine or a new car. The entire process cost me over $800 and they fixed nothing. I looked on Yelp and found ABS. From the first phone call, I knew I had my mechanic. They looked over the car flushed the sludge and fixed the problem and only Charged me $275. YAY! The entire process was painless at ABS. The communication was excellent! Their knowledge superb. These are guys I know I can trust and I will be recommending them to everyone with a BMW. John, Mike, THANK YOU! read more

I was going to buy a used BMW Z3 and I wanted to have it checked mechanically. I went to one mechanic who told me that the car was basically sound with a few minor repairs needed. I had second thoughts and wanted a shop that specialized in BMW repairs look at the car. John took the car for a road test while I talked to Mike. John came back after about 15 minutes and told me not to buy the car. He had me get in and drive with him. He pointed out that the transmission was 'slipping' and would require replacement. He also pointed out a noise from the rear brakes that he said was a problem. The car was also drifting to the right and he could not guarantee that this was only an alignment problem. They only charged me a nominal fee and I took the car back to the dealer. These guys are the real deal and extremely pleasant. I would definitely take my car to them for repairs. read more

I have been bringing my car to ABS for years and they have always done a great job each and every time. If your BMW needs service, this is the place. read more

Why do I like this place? When you call and say you need something fixed, the first thing Mike ask's you is, "why do you think it needs fixing?" Completely honest, reasonable pricing and close to my home. read more

Mike the most honest person I've ever encountered! My BMW had a malfunctioning airbag/seat belt light on. Ans I was quoting this job around a few places. Not only he offered me more competitive rate - he proceeded to tell me that the problem I have has been recalled by BMW and I should go there and fix it free - he was absolutely right. Thank you Mike for being such an honest person. I will be back and will refer others. Very grateful. read more

The Place was very nice, however the office clerk's attitude could have been better. I took my car in for repairs and diagnosis and was mainly there to fix the lights popping up on the dashboard, and the owner fixed most of the problems with the car such as the engine's conveyor belt and plugging a small oil leak with ease and good timing (it was finished by the end of the day). The office clerk wanted to charge me $140 just to diagnose it alone until I spoke to the true owner of the place. I had to come back a few days later because the car's lights kept popping up again. It turns out the wires and the battery weren't fully connected. I didn't like how I had to pay twice for labor on top of the $1100+ bill, most of which went towards the labor. I had to go back to the shop a 2nd time only to be charged another $70 (thankfully not the $140+ hourly labor rate) for the error they thought they had solved the first time. The owner was very nice however I wished I didn't have to go back and be charged for labor again, or have the office clerk present me some another $140 "diagnosis fee" after spending a lot of money in their company. read more

No need to look elsewhere as you will receive exceptional service for your BMW at ABS. John is courteous, friendly and professional. The quality of work is top notch and prices are extremely reasonable as compared to any BMW dealership. Most importantly, John is straight forward and honest. I am so happy and lucky to have found my way to ABS! Thanks John! read more

you have a BMW? you want someone better then good? he is the best. seriously. john, you are the man. read more

This place is the best!!! I had a wonderful experience with Mike who helped me understand the problem that I had with my AC for my X5 2009. Not only that he fixed it quickly for a very reasonable price, he also gave me a ride back to work. These people are so nice and honest . There is no reason to pay dealer`s prices or get the dealer's horrible treatment. Mike and John definitely earned my business for a long time. read more

John, the owner, is the best BMW mechanic on this planet! I was referred to John by another long term mechanic at the BMW dealership in San Mateo. I met this latter guy at a restaurant one evening and was explaining how I was being ripped off by dealerships for repairs on my BMW and he referred me to John. A mechanic match made in HEAVEN! John has been working on my vehicle for two years and it runs like a new car, people are amazed, since my vehicle is nearing 200,000 miles...yipes! I'm in sales and a roadrunner, so my car gets beat up! John is always available to save me! I was stranded in Cloverdale with a busted water pump and John intervened the whole day and evening to make sure I was ok and talked to the local repair shop on how to work on my vehicle, but they couldn't do the repairs, so he waited for the tow to his shop in San Mateo! 8:00 p.m. it arrived! John had my vehicle back to me in two days, after major repairs had to be done. His prices are reasonable and he always add a special touch, for free! What's so amazing about John is his PERSONALITY! I'm always stressed and need my car, like yesterday, but he always has a "smile", now matter if you're flipping out! I recommend John to all BMW drivers and his work is genuine! I've never had to take my car back for a redo! Also, I forgot to mention that he trained the BMW mechanics at the prior dealership he worked and had been employed at the location for over ten years! Superb craftsmanship! read more

Here's to another 5 star rating! To the other BMW owners out of warranty, have no fear; You have ABS to take your car to. These guys are fast, friendly and very knowledgable. I will definitely be taking my services here from now on and recommend them to all my BMW friends. Now I don't have to worry anymore about my car. Thanks Mike, John and Brad! read more

ABS is the best BMW service shop. Forget going to the BMW Dealer this shop is better and is less expensive. Ask for John

After owning 8 BMW's I can tell you - there is no better place to take your bimmer on the peninsula. This guy knows his stuff when it comes to bimmers and is as fair as they come. Best part, the guys who work at the dealership bring their cars to him! read more

I brought in my 2006 330i to replace my busted xenon bulb and diagnose the SRS light which is illuminated.John, the technician is very professional and very good at what he does. Although i brought in the wrong xenon bulb, he advised me to bring back the car once I have the correct bulb and he is going to install it. The labor fee was way way better the dealer. He also fixed my SRS light replacing the seat mat sensor. I am very much satisfied with his service and professionalism. This guy is honest and trustworthy. Anyone who has problems with their BMW's, i highly recommend ABS. read more

I found this Service and Repair Shop and could not be happier. As many of us I used to use the dealership's service organization to take care of my car. However scheduling was difficult, I always dealt with a different person, and they could not get rid of annoying problems like a warning light that always came on without any reason. It was not horrible, but it was not a good experience either. At ABS I was treated very well, the guys listened to what my concerns were, gave clear indication what they were going to do and how much they were going to charge. My car has been returned problem free every time. The car was ready at the promised time, and they took the time to explain what they found and what they did. They also recommend services to ensure that the car functions well for a long time, however they explain exactly why they recommend it and they do not apply any pressure. I usually do not like service shops as I always have the feeling they want to take advantage of you, but not so with ABS. I feel well served, they do quality work at a fair price, and they are competent and honest. Highly recommended! read more

Extremely rude office guy. I told him my car was making a lot of strange noises and he replies "Do you have a bunch of money to fix your car?" Prick. read more

ABS is the only place to go. I'm not sure what Dan is talking about, John, Brad, and Mike are so unbelievably skilled, thorough, and professional, they got it down to an art form. I had a project that I tried to do myself, ABS literally saved my investment and my life, they were able to get my car ready for a road trip to New Orleans, almost from the dead. Mike is a straight shooter that will tell you exactly how it is, reminds me of Mr. Wolf from Pulp Fiction, if you find him kurt it's because time is money in the Bay Area. They get it, they know their customers need their cars up and running asap! John and Brad are masters of their craft, their ability to diagnose and solve problems, well all I can say is they work miracles. They work tirelessly without cutting corners. Of course I have to mention their honesty and integrity, I personally witnessed them work and I am thankful that human beings like this exist, the fact they are skilled mechanics, well I can't say enough about them. ABS IS THE ONLY PLACE TO GO! read more

I apprehensively bought a used BMW. I was so worried about repair costs. Sure enough, 2 days after I bought it, there's a noise. I was so stressed about finding a reasonable, trust worthy and good mechanic and I work at an auto dealership, how's that for irony. I came to yelp and did my research. Picked 3 places. ABS was not only the lowest diagnostic cost and highest rated but they were also the easiest to get a hold of, talk to and get an answer. I took my car in expecting the wor$t. John called me about an hour later and it's just tire noise, my tires are wearing a little unevenly. Explained the cause, effect and remedy. No immediate need to address. He said he looked at the car and it's in good shape. Told me of another small issue but really just to inform me of it. Told me the cars good and maybe by winter to address the other small issue. WOW. Not only was it inexpensive, he basically talked me out of unnecessary repairs. SOLD! I get it. The reviews are dead on. I lucked out. I won't even think of going anywhere else if the need arises just based on how this experience went. AND the price I was quoted was wrong, it was less!!! HAHAHA... Thanks ABS, from one car guy to another, you've set my mind at ease on this issue and the worry of future ones. You've absolutely earned my business and this review. Thank you very much, it couldn't have gone any better. Ahhhh, I feel so relieved. Thanks again. read more

I was politely informed on the phone that per company policy, they will not service BMW's older than model year 2000. I was referred to another service provider. read more

I spent a fair amount of money with the local dealer service department a couple weeks ago and upon returning my 2007 X5 it had a strange sound coming from the front right suspension. I took it back and they quoted yet another grand to fix it! (I had just dropped twice that on other issues and finally got tired of their high prices.) I said no thanks as the problem wasn't safety related and started looking for a more economical alternative (no pun intended.) My vehicle has been off warranty for some time and I probably should have switched to an Indy shop long ago. (The coffee and loaner cars kept me sucked into the dealers operation, but no more!) I found these guys on Yelp and went by to meet Mike. We scheduled in for the following Monday and I dropped off the vehicle. The shop owner drove me home to my house and it was a pleasure to meet him as well. Mike and I talked later that evening, confirming the problem was what the dealer had described and they had independently confirmed and the replacement part was obtained. They wanted an extra day to take their time to remove the old part in the safest way possible (soaking it in lube and easing it off, rather than going to town on it). Picked up the vehicle Wednesday morning...no squeak, no noise. No vibration at high speed due to the fresh alignment as well. I saved maybe 40% compared to the dealer quote. I think these guys are a professional shop and offer reasonable value. I will be back to ABS for future service. read more

I came here after reading the other reviews on Yelp. At first I was a little skeptical since the actual shop itself is shared between a number of other mechanics but John did excellent work so it didn't make a difference. I came here for a 100k service and for new brake pads and rotors and it was only $500. After getting quoted for over $1k at Stevens Creek BMW and Peter Pan I decided to try somewhere other than a dealer. I was quite happy with Johns work. He was very punctual my car was ready exactly when he told me it would be. He also told me ahead of time before he did any additional work other than what we had discussed when my car was dropped off. Most shops will just tell you at the end we fixed this cause this didnt work so thats another $XXX . read more

I can not be more happy that I found ABS. John, literally, saved me well over $1000. Briefly, I own a older 3 series. It's in great shape despite its age and I want to keep it running to factory spec and keep it on the road as long as possible. I've had it serviced in San Francisco and have felt that no shop took me very seriously until it came down to paying for their unenthusiastic service yet grossly over-inflated costs. Recently I had a problem with the clutch - an expensive repair. I called 6 BMW specialty shops, described the problem, and all insisted that I needed a wholesale replacement including the flywheel. Then I spoke with John. He diagnosed the problem over the phone; the only one who could or would. The problem was not with the clutch and was a much more minor repair that saved me hundreds of dollars. John fixed my car in less then a day. Net is: completely trustworthy professional repair with no compromises on quality parts or repair expertise. Clean shop and easy access. I would highly recommend you give him your business. read more

John is the man! The reviews speak for themselves, but I thought I would contribute as well. Been going to him since he opened his shop on Pacific Blvd. His work is flawless. He really knows his stuff. Very reasonably priced labor. Stay away from Peter Pan if you're out of warranty. Also, the guy is extremely nice and offers me a ride to and from work since I work close by. What more can you ask for? I wouldn't take my 325 anywhere else. read more

Have been coming here for years. Service and care is totally a 5!

This place is GREAT... Take your BMW here, not to the dealer. Mike and everybody there knows what they're doing.