Very knowledgeable for E46 M3s. Inspection report was very detailed and comprehensive with pictures and recommendations. Did not try to "sell" me anything beyond the quotes I requested. Kevin and his team helped me diagnose several tiny small issues at no additional cost or service recommendation. Turns out the slop I had were due to end links failing. The techs were very friendly and knowledgeable with aftermarket / performance parts and ordered new KW branded end links to go with my KW V2 suspension. Highly recommend their expertise on E46 platforms and S54 engines. Also the complimentary wash turned out pretty good, no swirls! read more

The mechanical work at Bimmer PHD is solid but their pricing practices and communication are really bad. I sent a family member in for a standard oil change and authorized a $165 EPR service since it was requested. But sadly I was blindsided by a final charge on my card totaling $570. Where they fell short: * Undisclosed Upselling: I was charged $570 for an oil "service" package instead of the oil "change" I requested (you can see I simply said an oil CHANGE in the photo provided.) When I called to dispute the cost I was told the price includes a comprehensive inspection (a fee that I wasn't charged during my previous visit). * Slightly cutting corners in my opinion: For a $600 for bill that includes a premium inspection, they didn't address a hole in my rear tire that I later got patched at American Tires for FREE with no other service being done. So maybe I'm nitpicking but for a $600 bill they could have taken a look to see if it was patchable and go ahead and patch it for me. * The "Experience" Tax: Charging a premium for a report I feel like is a bad way to justify up charging. Almost every BMW dealership does this for free for a regular oil change. *this is slightly my fault since I couldn't take my car myself, but you can see in my provided picture that I simple asked for an oil CHANGE. Not a service that's double the price of a regular oil change. The technicians know what they are doing, but the front-of-house communication is misleading. If you go here get a written quote before going in. I'll most likely return since I trust their mechanics, but I do need to be more specific with my wording apparently. read more

Bimmer PhD Motorsports - screenshot of me scheduling for an oil CHANGE not an oil SERVICE which is what I was charged for. - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

Amazing service! They defy all stereotypes about mechanics and service centers. They were kind, fair, knowledgeable, and honest. I had an urgent issue with my car and they kindly took me close to closing. They not only provided me with an efficient service but also took the time to educate me about my car's function and it was all done with a smile. I highly recommend this place. They are trying to do right by customers, not get over and make money. read more

They are dishonest and overcharge for work. My car was damaged by them and they tried to charge me $3,000 to repair it.

Kevin and the amazing technicians at Bimmer took care of the esoteric, diesel needs of my very demanding 328d and kept me in the loop every step of the way. While the needed repairs weren't inexpensive, I was quoted an honest price and I knew my car and I were in good hands. If you own a BMW, I highly recommend the team at Bimmer PhD. Thanks everyone. read more

Just picked up my car and couldn't be happier. They diagnosed and fixed a performance problem the dealer claimed to have fixed but failed to. I also had them go through and fix all the stuff I'd been neglecting for too long. It feels like a new car. I have noticed in other reviews some complaints that they charge for diagnostics rather than provide free estimates like other shops. This is actually part of what drew me to them in the first place. I'd rather pay for a thorough diagnosis and know what I'm actually getting into than to rely on a "free" estimate and hope it works out as expected. The only surprise was they discovered the previous shop had used the wrong oil for my last oil change (they used what they put in all the newer BMWs rather than what my older one needs). That added a bit to the overall tab but there was no way to have expected that as the previous oil service was only about 1000 miles ago. I'm just glad they caught it. I have always been rather particular in my choice of repair shops and have had generally good experiences with most. These guys are far and away the best shop I have had the pleasure of doing business with. I'm very happy to have found them and feel particularly lucky that they are close to home. read more

I have been a client of Tim and his crew for about the last six years, they have done a great job of keeping my 2013 535i humming in top shape. Always professional in demeanor, through in diagnosis and clear in presenting options for repairs. I trust them with not only repairing and maintaining my car but never feeling like I'm being hustled or taken advantage of. As long as I have a Bimmer they are my guys. read more

Love this shop! Tim and Johanna have a system that provides transparent, honest diagnostics so the consumer can make value-based decisions. While my car needed a lot of work, the prioritization made it possible to do the critical immediately and defer less critical for the future. Diagnostics have a cost, but are a great value as noted above. It's nice to have a complete list along with quotes - no surprises. Their prices are fair - Tim is a master bmw tech and has top notch staff mechanics. You might find a cheaper shop, but Bimmer is the best value imo. read more

BMW only shop. So Glad I found a home for both my BMWs and future cars. Tim and Team are very professional and knowledgeable about the cars. From my experience w other shops and especially the dealer, Bimmer PhD has vast experience and very attentive customer service to handle and troubleshoot these complex Cars. Skip the dealer, and trust in Tim. Very Grateful and peace of mind to continue to buy second BMWs in the future. read more

HIghest quality service and value combined with kind people who care about your vehicle and safety. My 2009 3 Series had major repairs completed by Bimmer PhD and drives so beautifully. I am excited to have this car for many more years as a result of their knowledge and expertise of BMW's. read more

Had a great experience with these guys. I was in need of a couple things: 1) Bimmertech MMI install, 2) Dashcam install and 3) Oil + brake fluid change. The entire process was smooth with tons of communication. Even the inspection process was super detailed and I like the reports they send you (with pictures). While the service is more than what you would pay at a dealer, it's cheaper in the long run. No upselling of services and they give you candid feedback on what is urgent vs not. For example, they noted that the air filter was still good and didn't replace it - while a dealer would've just replaced it and charged you. Overall super happy to have found this business! read more

Bimmer PhD Motorsports - Inspection report - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

I'e been going to Bimmerphd for 8 years and I can't say enough good things about them. They are very thorough, explain everything carefully, and are more than fair on prices. I went with the BG warranty plan and saved $2k on a fix I would have footed the bill for if not for the BG warranty. Kevin and Tim are easy to work with and quick to respond. I highly recommend BimmerPhd. read more

Listen, if like me you're looking for a dealer alternative then it's important to know that you'll pay the same or more here. The value you get here is more details on what's wrong with your car and they do a great job of telling you how much you're really going to be in for. But you pay ALOT for that, none of which counts towards repairs. You'll end up leaving feeling like you paid $500 for an oil change. Yes the pictures are "cool" but the average person has no idea wtf he's looking at nor any context for forming an opinion. They do care about the cars, I'll give them that and they know their stuff but I think you can get the same at a lower cost. If money isn't a concern then this is your place but keep shopping if you're looking for value. read more

Very courteous and understood my issue. Much different than a dealer I went to. Glad I brought my BMW here.

I went here with​ the understanding that they had great service based on their reviews and now I am writing a ​one-star​ review based on my experience with them. The Service. Not that great. First, the rambling and instant upselling. Clearly, they have a partnership with a vendor. SELL SELL SELL. They talk an amazing game. "Our expertise this, our experience that...We will do this, we are going to get back to you ASAP...." In truth, it takes them forever to get back to you. They don't tell you that when you drop off your car, they tell you they will send you an​ estimate as quickly as they can. They don't. Frankly, just say you are slammed. The photos. Sounds great when you hear it. "We take photos of your car and what's wrong so you know exactly what we are doing to your car..." BUT if you are going to send me pics of my car. DON'T show me photos on your phone when I am dropping my vehicle off and later send me those SAME photos and tell me they are of my vehicle. For context, I was shown an oil filter photo comparing three different filters and then sent that same photo and told it was from my car. It wasn't. Communication. Pandering, condescending​, rambling and unprofessional. When your mechanic tells you, you would rather save money than put the safety of your wife first as a way to sell you additional repairs... And when you get offended, tells you they are just telling you like it is, they cross the line. Tim crossed that line and doubled down on it when he tried to get me to say, "I approve of these repair even though I know I am putting my wife in danger..." I expect my repairman to be honest with me, but I do not expect nor want him to try to shame me and then send me an overpriced estimate for a repair. And when I walk into the shop, you send everyone but you out to deal with me and when you do, you simply shake my hand and walk off. The estimates. Two words. Utter. Confusion. Quoted one thing on the phone. Send two different estimates via email. Told under $300 on the phone, send one for $600+ and the final estimate a whopping $9,000+. That's right. over $9,000.... And the markup​ on some of these repairs is​​ SHAMEFUL. I am sharing a line item of the repair quote via photos for those that don't believe me. For one repair, they tried to charge me $90 for parts and $837 in labor. On another, they​ refused to do the minor repair unless I paid for the higher repairs even though they weren't interconnected​. Yeah... In the end, the car drove fine. But I drove home praying that his personal service wasn't reflected in his mechanical expertise. read more

Bimmer PhD Motorsports - $837.00 in LABOR.... - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

Tim, Johanna and the whole crew are the best! I've been a loyal customer here since either late 2013 or early 2014, I don't care to keep track. Only reason I mention it is because others feel the need to say that they think reviews are fake based on their own experiences not matching up to the majority. Anyway, enough ranting, that's not why I'm here! I have countless times called in with a problem that I needed handled pronto (without an appointment) and Tim has always been accommodating. What makes it even harder for him to accommodate me is the fact that I recently moved to Long Beach. Yes, trust is worth that far of a drive! I'm fairly busy during the week and most times can only come by Fridays. A couple of examples I can think of, from just this year, were the time my battery was dead when I picked it up from the body shop in Alhambra (needed to be verified because the car ran fine immediately after jump), misfiring cylinder (car could hardly move) caused by a bad ignition coil (would've missed class, but he handled me early next morning [was texting him around 9/10 at night, for clarification I still lived in Dena for this one] and I got all the way to Carson before 10 when class began.) And today he is working on an oil leak I called in a couple days ago. Now I know the last one was still a decent heads up, but knowing that he's normally a busy guy with appointments set up I wasn't expecting a certain yes, but with no hesitancy he set me up and had emailed me an estimate within 5 minutes of hanging up the phone. *SIDE NOTE* ^This paragraph^ is a mess, I know... that's why I'm not an English major lol Oh and I almost forgot when my car went into limp mode, (EML light, ended up replacing the throttle position sensor under the intake manifold) which essentially means that at any moment the car could become unresponsive to my foot movements on the accelerator (engine protection) and also needed a water pump replacement. Couldn't come by anytime that week but needed it taken care of, so a buddy drove up separately from me and we left it on the drive and threw the keys through a designated slot in the front door. Maaaan, I'm making my car sound like a piece of shit, but it's really just around that mileage where it's about time to replace some of these components. It is what it is, it's the price I CHOOSE to pay for owning an E46 M3. I'll try to add a photo of the time he replaced my headlights, for some reason I don't see the option and copy paste is giving me a migraine!! read more

Bimmer PhD Motorsports - Headlight replacement!! - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

Excellent service. They solved an electrical problem that others were unable to locate. Kevin at the Pasadena location was immediately responsive to questions with infinite knowledge. I found my new repair shop. read more

Just recently I got my Bmw G20 a brake tune. Kevin was very aware , and informative at what he speaks. Same as the tech. Nice atmosphere, nice service. Would I recommend? Yes . read more

Bimmer PhD Motorsports - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

I had my 2007 BMW M6 serviced there. The initial 2-3 visits were ok and Tim talked a big game, he is a great salesperson. However, on my 3rd or 4th visit, when some serious issues came up, everything went downhill. I'll keep the story short but anyone that wants the receipts and details, please contact me and I'll give them to you. Basically, Tim insisted that my issue was the SMG transmission and not the SMG hydraulics, so I spent $8,600 on changing the SMG gearbox with a used unit from Orange county. My car was at the shop for more than a month. When I got the car back, it still had issues and wouldn't shift properly. And Tim and his wife that I am sure is going to chime in on his behalf shortly, never refunded my money. Even though they said they would, and again, I have all the emails. Finally, I took my car to Pacific BMW, they told me that my SMG hydraulic system had to be changed, I paid another $9000 to the deanship and got it finally fixed and till today I own the car and it runs fine. Be ware of a fast-talking salesperson that knows everything and talks his way into you spending thousands. This is the truth and my experience. If anyone wants to hear the details and see the receipts, please contact me. Please be careful of this fast-talking salesperson and his second wife. Lastly, everyone should check with the California Better Business Bureau, before doing any business with this business. Good luck and God Bless. VG read more

I had quite a big job done here (about $5.6k). The Inspection is my big review... the work actually done was great and to par. They do a great inspection of certain items within their 48 point inspection. You pay around $270.00, it does not get applied to repairs, and you get a link to pictures and reasons for each line item. Super Helpful and unusual in the industry. The downfall with it... They need to list the items clearly in this inspection (I never received the official line item list) as I was told when dropping the car off rotor warping checks were not included... and my main problem was a brake shimmy. I should have left then, but I didn't as I had driven over an hour to their shop and felt invested. If you google 48 point inspection most places include rotor warping etc. I opted out of the rotor thickness/warp inspection that was going to be an additional $200.00 to inspect the depth/warping of front/rear rotors outside of the 48-point inspection that is already $270.... $470.00 on standard inspection not applied to repairs hit me wrong. So I declined the $200 brake inspection. Previous car owner had told me that rear rotors were warped so I assumed that was it & the 48 point inspection said "rear rotors have wavy appearance" Both of these comments made me approve the $600 rear brake pads/rotors. Upon looking at receipts from a visual inspection my previous shop had noted...."front rotors have rust build up from vehicle sitting", which was from a complimentary inspection. This front visual rotor inspection was missed in the $270, 48-point inspection, and I had forgotten from my previous shop until looking back at estimates. If they would have caught this in the visual inspection I could have weighed my options, discussed the best way forward. They actually told me the same thing the shop said, but only after the rear brakes were done. Instead I paid $600.00 on rear brakes that were not needed/actually did not have any warping. Result was...the front brakes actually need replacing to stop the shimmy due to rust buildup.... but they even said we can't confirm that without charging you $100.00 to do a rotor depth test on just the front since you already replaced the rear. I declined and am bringing it back to the original shop that caught the rust and confirmed the issue without charging me. This shop did a good job on the struts, brake lines, brake fluid, front sway bars etc. just know you are going to pay a lot of ad-hoc inspection pricing over actual work if you want things fixed right + compare part prices to the BMW dealer they were pricing significantly higher... I get it, have to pay employees etc. but I think this should be built into a labor rate, not misleading part prices that are a bit excessive. Overall.. the actual work performed was great, but you will be nickel and dim-ed a bit. If you are into that and don't mind it, go for it, but I found other shops that do just as great work without all that inspection pricing drama as it caused me quite a bit of a headache, upset calls etc. that I've never had to go through before in my roughly 20 years of owning BMWs from a E46 330i, F80 M3 Comp, G20 330i, and then my latest E46 ZHP. As they say in these reviews, it's not for everybody! If you are the type that's.... "I don't know anything about cars, want it fixed right, and don't care much about pricing"... this works fine. I'm quite an enthusiast and look for a mechanic to be more of a partner to fix the car and address my problems together vs. long drawn out explanations that don't necessarily make sense when you know the topic at hand, but sound good to the everyday person. I'm not the type for constant ad-hoc fees to solve the problems either, I liked things repaired in a cost concise manner. To summarize...They do great work, I just don't go about the inspection philosophy in the same way as I care about the $$$ too much, and know a lot about the car. read more

My experience with Bimmer PhD Motorsports exceeded all my expectations and was nothing short of exceptional. I was in the market for a BMW and, after months of searching, found the perfect bimmer for sale at a nearby BMW dealership. Given that it was a CPO, however, I knew it was absolutely necessary for it to undergo a PPI (pre purchase inspection) before I even considered purchasing. As great as BMW's are, we all know that not all bimmers are built/maintained to last. "All that glitters is not gold", which is especially true for faulty bimmers, because "gold" is what you'll have to shell out for the countless repairs on a certified lemon. So finding a qualified, reputable place was equally important, and after much research, I chose to go with Bimmer PhD Motorsports due to their glowing reviews and close proximity to the dealership...and boy do I not regret a damn thing! From the moment I called to inquire about pricing/availability until I drove off their lot once the PPI was completed, my experience with everyone at Bimmer PhD Motorsports was just phenomenal. To start, the waiting area and bathroom were clean/orderly, and when my phone was running out of juice from using their wifi for over an hour, Johanna was kind enough to offer me her charger; I felt right at home. Both Tim (master technician) and Jake (service advisor) were honest, personable, and extremely thorough in both performing their work and explaining the process. What I loved most was how--by clicking on a link they sent to my phone--I was able to review the report as they tackled each step of the multi-point inspection. To top it all off, every inspection report was accompanied by photos to support their findings. As someone with OCD, to say that I was pleased would've been a grave understatement. After going over the PPI report with me, that triggered the green light to go through with the purchase--I went home a happy customer. I can't thank them enough for their impeccable service and warm hospitality. They made what easily could have been a stressful day into an utterly pleasant one! read more

Tim and his team at Bimmer PhD are amazing everyone in the shop is so friendly and makes it feel like home. They know what they are doing, all the techs are very knowledgeable and best part is they have an honest price with the quality of work they do. If you ever need any work on your car done I would highly recommend going to them. After talking to Tim a couple times you can tell that he cares for cars like they are his own and that's the most important part because you know your car will be taken care of. Thank you Bimmer PhD team read more

I cannot say enough about these guys. They are super knowledgeable, friendly, and take the time to explain their service to you. As a current attorney and former engineer, I was absolutely blown away by the knowledge these guys have about their craft. They also pay particular mind to keeping you updated throughout the repair process. They send pictures, texts, and explanations about what they are doing and why. Auto repair is normally pretty opaque. These guys make it completely transparent. This is the place to service your BMW. Full stop. read more

The sad part of this review, which I shared with Tims staff, I was visiting LA to pick up my daughter remains, after a tragic negligent homicide, and bring her home Las Vegas, and Napa Valley. I have owned BMW M-3, M-5 and 740il, which currently restoring. Why do all technicians share that my 2002 530i is the best and most reliable BMW ever made, and gained top review for many years on a row in the late 90's? They're designed for easy maintenance, however, mechanics like these upsell how complicated they are to work on, FALSE! German engineers designed them for easy maintenance. These cars are amazing in so many ways, there are simple to repair. My 530i started to lose power and suspected it was either a vacuum leak, spark plugs, or ignition coils, and a long shot transmission issue, which I later ruled out. My engine service light was on and didn't have time to diagonals myself, so took it, Auto Zone, they scanned it, and it was a vacuum leak, and faulty ingestion coil, PERIOD. They quoted over 2600 to make repairs to completely restore the engine, repairs that could have waited, such as a small valve cover gasket leak, and other common issues that do required repairs at some point. What they DON'T TELL YOU, are what repairs can wait, and what repairs are needed to drive another 1000 + miles. etc. I was going to put in new spark plugs, and do an oil change before I had to leave immediately. Tim, did a good job of diagnosing the car, for 189.00 is quite pricey, but probably worth it if you want to know everything needed repair to new condition. I was a completely numb state of mind, and frankly felt they took advantage of a grieving father who just lost his 25-year-old daughter, however,​ I was on a mission and didn't have time to point out the bullshit UP SELL! I recall sitting in the lobby when a young "soon to be a mom", arrived stating her brake light build warning is on, which takes 5 minutes to replace and lightbulb cost under 5 bucks. Think they quoted over 200 to fix, and look for anything else wrong that they could charge for. First of all, there is nowhere in the lobby stating hourly labor rate of 135 HOUR, probably the same as dealership hourly pricing? I had to leave fast and had little choice from fast-talking Tim, so had them do the following repairs: New spark plugs, they charge 18.68 per plug, The exact same plug 5.99 330% mark up. One new ignition coil (which would have got me home) They charge 97.04, the exact same ignition coil 24.95. 388% mark up. Air filter 33.58, my cost on line 12.30, exact same filter 273% mark up Oil filter 15.95, my cost on line 6.75, exact same filter. 224% mark up Valve cover casket online cost 25.00, they charge 60.00 240% mark up PC breather system kit on line 149.00, they charge 569.00 381% mark up The lowest markup cost was the Motou oil, it's very good, 5 liters online, 51.59, there cost 59.85, 18% mark up. Also, I'm sure they get wholesale pricing so add another 10-40% to mark up cost! Tim also wanted to sell me engine interior washing products, he must rep the company​ and doesn't​'disclose​e that? In less than an hour,​ you can change all sparks plugs​ and ignition coils as depected in the​ ​video link below from Bavarian Autosport a reputable online honest mechanic. Oil change a half hour maximum, just ask Jiffy lube or any other oil change shops. They charged me 445.00 labor divided by 135.00 an hour = = 3.5 hours! REALLY that slow when you claim all your tech are mechanical engineers? They use a software program called Mitchel that determine the hours, that's ok for estimating if you have a revolving door of techs working for you, however, it would have nice if they were honest and said we got the car done in 1.5 or 2 hours, as even an untrained person watching a video could do this job in less time than Tim Chakarian charges. Degrees are from vocational tech schools, not any accredited universities as Tim claimed on the ​first phone call. To validate just one of my claims see videos below regarding spark plugs and ignition coils, from Bavarian Autosport a reputable online honest mechanic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN618su1psU https://youtu.be/ZA9ZFXb4vAI If you don't mind paying high prices and restoring your car to original condition, Tim is a good knowledgeable mechanic and guaranteed he will upsell you and he does it very well! Buyer beware and do your homework if you are going to use Bimmer Ph.D. Learn about your car before getting ripped off, good link below to with all kinds of good honest info. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5jnm5CEnLSEmoQ-ktgAj6g read more

Too bad I can't leave a 6 star review. Tim and his crew have gone overboard again with thier customer service and mechanic service. I am a return customer for many reasons.Honesty affordability and quality work are just to name a few of the reasons for my repeat business. I recently needed my motor mounts replaced on a 2014 528i. The job was done efficiently,professionally and finished before the promised deadline. I was also given a price upfront,and that's actually what I paid! Such a novel idea,the rest of the industry should try that. Bottom line.... If you want the job done better, more affordable and with more care than the dealer. TAKE YOUR CAR HERE and let Tim and crew handle your problems. Tim genuinely cares about the performance of your vehicle and informing the customers about the work needed. Thanks again for the help guys. read more

Bimmer PhD Motorsports was just outstanding for my recently purchased 7-Series. The car came with a set of head-scratching problems these guys diagnosed from the front bumper to the rear bumper. The details and diagnostic report that Tim and his team provided was spectacular. We were able to categorize and prioritize the most pressing issues and come up with a plan to rehabilitate the car. It has not been easy and will require extensive work, but the plan is less intimidating under their supervision. These guys all know what they are doing and work well with folks who have common sense and the purpose of fixing cars. When all is said and done, my 10-year-old car with 125,000 miles will be pristine. The oil and engine treatment has already improved the car's performance immeasurably. I have the dreaded valve-stem-seal problem with the N63 engine and have surpassed my warranty. I look forward to the ultimate results when all is said and done. read more

Yes, best believe it homie as the Yelp stars awarded here are definitely well earned. Like the hesitant consumer in you, I decided to put this place to the test and boy I'm sure glad I did! This review had been delayed several times to ensure consistency and I must say every visit here has topped the other. I almost didn't want to share this secret! Lol! Special mahalo and props to my Yelp circle of friends especially Natasha K and Matt C for their reviews in swaying me into giving this place a shot! Holla! Any bimmer you drive, evokes feelings of enjoyment and freedom, but when performance falls below its design parameters, it can really take the fun out of your "ride". I'm sure you can relate to the feeling of being forced to pay exorbitant dealership prices for quality BMW repair or maintenance. At BimmerPHD Motorsports, I can assure you that they can do the same and if not, even BETTER service for a fraction of the cost. I was surprise to have them even offer aftermarket parts in addition to OEM as an option to fit your budget without compromising performance. The technicians here are specifically trained to understand the requirements of your BMW. Don't allow inexperienced mechanics to make a mistake with your luxury import. Be sure to see Tim as I believe deserves the praise for his service in exceeding my expectations. I can see his true admiration for BMWs reflects through his team and in their work with utmost accuracy and skill. Waiting Lounge: Very Modern, Clean, Pretty Good Size Flat screen. WIFI Available. Restroom VERY Clean. Garage(s) well organized. Service: Exceeded my expectation, VERY knowledgeable. NO PRESSURE. Parking: Side Street Parking. Tip: Be sure to visit their website for special offers! http://www.bimmerphd.com/special-offers/ read more

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I've worked with several mechanics on a BMW 325ci convertible that I've been driving since 2001, and written a favorable review of one before, but Tim and the team at Bimmer PhD are a breed apart. At this point, I simply wouldn't consider taking my Bimmer anywhere else. It was obvious from the start that Tim loves these cars and knows them deeply. He's able to describe the operation of a system and the likely causes of its failure with the clarity that only comes from really understanding what you're talking about. When the team performs a diagnostic on a vehicle, they use the same testing equipment the dealer mechanics use, photograph every issue they find, and provide a written description detailing what tests were performed, what they found, what they recommend, and how important it's going to be to address it. This gives us a good foundation to pick what we need to take care of and what we can safely hold off. They use original equipment supplier parts for all of their repairs, or clearly discuss why a different part is being chosen if needed, and the techs who perform the repairs do the work to exacting standards. Through several years, I've never had a repair fail or cascade into another problem. Things they fix stay fixed. BMW's are very precise machines and differ in a lot of significant and sometimes subtle ways from other cars mechanics may be used to working on. My experience from trying several has been that even a very good generalist mechanic will miss details that only a BMW specialist would know about or know how to address. The reality is that if you're driving a BMW, you really want to take it to people who only do BMW's. This leaves dealer service or a specialty shop. I've used both, and can say without reservation that the quality of service I've received consistently from Tim and his crew vastly exceeds what I've gotten (at a much higher price) from even a well-regarded dealership. TL;DR - If you're driving a BMW and anywhere near Pasadena, this is the place to take it. read more

Bimmer PhD to the rescue. I've had trouble with my 2015 740Ld and my high pressure fuel pump. Bimmer PhD was the perfect liaison between the dealership and me. They made sure the dealer knew it what was the issue and they brought back my ride in perfect condition. I've taken all my Bimmers here in the past and I would def recommend their service to all. Much props to Jake for always getting me clear communication on status during this crazy process. Thank you again!!! read more

Update 12/5 Bimmer PhD is good for a diagnostic. Everything else is way too expensive. They will try to charge you an arm and a leg and then up sell you some stuff for your engine which makes an oil change cost $300. It's a family-owned shop which is why you will see the owner and his wife and his kid arguing from time to time. It is also a high-stress environment and not a place you can really stay around too long. My other problem with the shop is that the mechanics don't own BMWs and some of them will tell you they'd rather not. There are other shops in the area that are much cheaper and will do the job much quicker. Also this shop doesn't work weekends so yeah figure that one out read more

The Bimmer PhD team is very knowledgeable and serviced my 2010 335d ever since the factory warranty expired. They performed regular maintenance as well as preventative maintenance (BG transmission service) ... Tim and his team replaced my suspension when the vehicle was feeling worse for wear, and it complete changed the driving experience... it felt better than original. Sporty, but not rigid... very smooth. I recommend anyone looking for BMW service, no matter the year of your vehicle, to stop by and have a conversation with Tim and his team. They will not disappoint. Knowledge, reliable and fair read more

Tim, you should just open up a University of BMW and graduate the first class of PhDs! Jokes aside, this is an excellent shop to take your BMW to. This is by far one of the best BMW, if not one of the best auto service/repair shops I've had the pleasure of doing business with. The owner Tim Chakarian is a master technician who is very precise with knowledge on BMWs. He doesn't just throw parts or guess to fix a problem. What he'll do is trace the problem to its root cause like an MD/DO would and then educate the client about the issue and how to prevent it from occurring again. Also, his process of transparency is second to none as he does a great job of photo documentation with every service/repair job to make the process honest and clear while educating you how systems work with each other and why some parts that fail can affect more than one system. Not to mention that he has excellent techs under his guidance and how each job is done with great attention to detail. Also, even as skilled as the techs are, they are still sent to training to be educated on the latest tech so that even the new BMWs can be serviced here! Now, as good as they are, they are cheaper than a dealer, but that doesn't mean that they will be exactly cheap as it does depend on what service/repair you may need. After all, they do have a good warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles on all work performed and you are paying for service that specializes ONLY on BMWs and nothing else, ensuring quality control. I have never had to second guess any work here as each job was done well and I have not had to go back for corrections. For enthusiasts and fans of the Roundel, this place will not disappoint! Thank you Tim and staff for doing a wonderful job! Keep up the great work. PS: I think you should really open up a University of BMW Tim! :) read more

I recently had the pleasure of working with Tim for an evaluation on a car I intended to purchase. I have worked with quite a few BMW specialist shops in the past and I would rate Bimmer PhD at the very top. The extremely detailed report that was given to me which included many photos of the car and its components was beyond any Pre Purchase Inspection/Evaluation I have ever received. Not to mention the time Tim spent on the phone with me post Inspection to explain his findings and opinion even further. I would highly recommend working with Tim and Bimmer PhD Motorsport for any service or upgrades needed on your BMW due to their knowledge and professionalism. I only wish that I was local to them so I could use them for more work! read more

I wish I could give this place negative stars...the owner Tim is very unprofessional and rude. Not only was he completely condescending over the phone with my wife, he also complains and talks crap about customers behind their backs in front of other customers. Witnessing this should have been my first sign to go elsewhere, but I was stranded with a bad battery and had no other option. Tim is extremely friendly and attentive when you first call or drop in as a new customer (beware), but once he has your money that all goes away. My first time in his shop he constantly complained about his business, how busy he was and how he had no personal time. It's evident now he has no business running his own shop. Don't give these guys your business, at least look elsewhere first. Drive over to DTM down the street and ask for Dan. Those guys are way more professional and I believe you'll be much happier with their service. read more

They do a great job of breaking down what they actually are doing. Tim cares about the quality of his work and cares also about the customer. Friendly staff and very well versed in their trade. read more

Sorry so long but there's a few perspectives to cover on these guys and I always rely on reviews from folks whenever I try something; My 2011 335 has over 130k but it's never let me down. When Tim makes a recommendation, take it. He knows what it takes to keep my car healthy and not spend my cash on dumb things. If you're looking for the cheapest route, it's all about preventative maintenance and Tim keeps me focused. Sometimes it hurts because my driving is so demanding but he never misses and my car drives with the same aggressive growl as it did when it was new and I beat the heck out of my car 60+ miles/day. I've had 3 cars at the same time with them at one point (2 used and 1 new) and 8 vehicles owned altogether...so trust me on that one. Take a look at their front lobby and garages in the back...that's how clean my car runs. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the car industry (dealers and mechanics alike). I have trust issues...and I only trust Tim and his master Techs. They formally train at various MFRs and are really cool to interact with. They're on a whole other level of pro. Enough; I sound like a commercial but they earned my respects and deserve as much input to these reviews because they always back up their work with the warranty and make sure I'm happy. Btw, Johanna always expertly manages to maintain good composure running things smoothly over the years I've been coming here with my cars. They're a family owned business but run it like a big company with a personal touch focused on customers, reputation, and a smooth ride. I'm proud how you guys have grown over the years. read more

These guys perform the best service for BMWs IMHO as an owner of several BMWs E36 M3 E60 545 and currently an I3 REX. The experience of these guys and the depth of their Knowledge base about BMW is second to none. Their prices are totally reasonable and their work is much more thorough than the BMW dealerships I have dealt with in the past. If you have a BMW you have to get it serviced here. They provide you with a thorough report that explains all the work that you need to get done and the recommended service as well. I'm going to refer all my friends with BMWs to them. They even offer a complementary shuttle service and their driver is fantastic. A plus experience. read more

Went in for a backup camera installation and I must say that I'm completely satisfied. The new backup camera works perfectly. Also, I had a check engine light that came on. Initially I was scheduled to take my car at the dealership but upon learning that Bimmer PhD is a full service shop I decided to stick with them. The problem was diagnosed fast, the parts came in fast, and the labor only took a day and a half! Also I want to add the excellent customer service that I received! Thanks again for everything! read more

Let me start off with I feel like I got forced in to purchasing something that I knew wasn't the problem in the first place but hey they kept assisting that they was the certified shop and they know what they are doing and that no offense people like me always thought we knew what we was taking about and we would mess up our cars more ,so I went ahead and replaced the part they told me to for 500 dollars 2 hours later I get a call "oh hey sorry so unfortunately that didn't fix the problem you was right it wasn't that part " smh any ways I guess is my loss they got me for 500 I guess this was just a learning experience for me "a friend of mine had gave me a bad review from them once he went to get a light fixed and immediately quoted him 1000 to fix the light he took it to a friend and it was just a loose wire " I wanted to give these guys one shot and say hey maybe they can help me out but nvm they basically made me buy ANOTHER brand new battery when I had a 1 1/2 year old battery in my car working perfectly fine . I swear shops sometimes don't give costumers no slack at all there should be some type of policy with situations like this happens they can't charge you for the part they replaced if it didn't fix anything it just sees un fair for the costumer to just be throwing parts at the car hoping it fixes the car if that's the case then I could of done that at home buy a battery ok that didn't work ok now buy this ok that didn't work ok buy that smh . Doesn't make no sense but hey (they are the certified tech shop ) and they know what they are doing . Well thanks for the "help" read more

Bimmer PhD Motorsports - Pic 2 - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

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If you ever I mean EVER need any type of assistance with your Bimmer come to Bimmer PhD. I had a problem with the motor and switch for my passenger side window and didn't know what to do or where to go. I came across Bimmer PHD and Tim was very polite and knew exactly what the problem was and gave me two estimates which were the best prices I have ever seen. Also to mention he ordered the parts right away and was able to have my Bimmer repaired and ready to go the same day and was willing to stay closing hours for me to get off work to be able to pick my car up. David is also knowledgeable and was a huge help as well. I came in a second time with no appointment ready to get the second part for my Bimmer done and even though he was booked most of the day, he was able to fix it right on the spot. The costumer service, repairs, estimates etc. we're amazing. Thank you guys for everything and I will be returning soon for any of my Bimmer needs. read more