Brown Motor Works Northeast was outstanding from start to finish. Their team clearly knows BMWs inside and out, but what stood out most was how clearly they explained everything in simple, understandable terms--no guessing, no confusion. They walked me through what needed attention, what was urgent, and what could be handled in phases, which made the whole process feel manageable. Their financing options and willingness to work in stages were a huge help. The shop itself is clean and professional, and having a loaner vehicle while mine is being worked on is an unexpected bonus. Highly recommend and shoutout to Jeff. read more

Brown Motor Works - X6 - Auto Repair Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

On 5/9/25 I donated $2813.83 to your business because the same faults the car came in with still exists. There were primarily 2 faults, squealing around the pwrsteering pump area and a possible fan issue (the radiator fan came on at every stop but went away after I started driving again). Your sales advisor, Tommy Mattox, advised that the squealing was from the accessory drive belt and replacing the electric waterpump would fix the fan issue. I was notified that repairs were made and the car was ready for pick up at 8:49am. I paid and picked up the car around 1:50pm. I told Tommy there was something leaking from the driver side front beneath the engine. He said it was from the complimentary wash......but over 5hrs now?? I paid and drove the car home only to find a trace of coolant coming down my driveway. Contacted your company and was told to drive it back to your location.....'WITH A COOLANT LEAK'. I told Tommy no and he sent a tow truck. Next morning I received a text stating there was a hairline crack in the expansion tank along with another estimate which I have snipped and printed. On, May 13th I received a text asking if I wanted to replace the expansion tank which was never leaking when I initially brought the vehicle in for repairs. I never heard back from Tommy after responding to his text. I returned later that day to get my car because the trust factor in your company was gone. The tech filled the expansion tank and I drove it home. I ordered an expansion tank to replace but only to find out that there was a loose hose on the bottom of the tank which caused the leak. I have over 70 employees that will testify the vehicle was not leaking when I brought it to your location. The entire time it sat in your yard waiting on the parts to arrive it wasn't leaking. The squealing and the fan issue never went away. I brought the vehicle back less than a week later and had tommy listen to the squealing sound. I asked if he heard it and he admitted that the noise was still there as well as the fan accelerating. I tried to explain my frustration but tommy started talking over me and not letting me get a word in so I left. I told tommy to call me when he has a resolution to my situation with your company. To this day I have yet to get a call, text or email about my issue. 1. You robbed me of $2813.83 and cost me additional repairs adding to the old saying, "maintenance shops always do something to your vehicle to keep you coming back." 2. Tommy admitted the faults still existed after repairs were made. 3. You charged me double for parts which I have researched from genuine Maserati dealerships. 4. You have not made any attempt to contact me to resolve. I am a 28yr retired Army veteran. My entire career was spent as a 63B, 91B-91Z. I have worked on everything from cars to heavy equipment transporters and STRYKER vehicles. I brought my car to you because I was not familiar with the engine and didn't want to chance it. If your company was not knowledgeable on Maserati cars you should've just be honest and let me know. read more

DO NOT BRING YOUR VEHICLE HERE!!! I brought my car into Brown Motor Works 4/16/2024 for a diagnostic due to a loud noise heard when I would crank my vehicle. I called and scheduled this service with Trent the week prior and let him know at that time I would be on a tight schedule as I pick up my child daily from school. He assured me he could get the diagnostic done by 1:30pm and have someone pick me up from my home as long as I had the car at the shop by 7:30am. So, on 4/16 I was in the office at the time we agreed upon. Around 1:00pm I had not heard back from the shop so I had my husband reach out for an update and to make sure someone was coming to pick me up from home and return me to my car. Thankfully we called because they had forgotten I needed to be picked up by 1:30pm. It was at this point all went downhill. Josh, the shop manager came to pick me up in my vehicle and I immediately asked him what the diagnostic revealed. He said he was unable to tell me at that time as the mechanic had an emergency and had to leave the shop but that he would update me before the end of the day. I could sense hesitation in his voice so I knew at that moment something was off. As you can probably guess, no one reached back out that day. Before leaving the shop I asked what my fee was for the diagnostic at which time Josh said there was not one. Next day 4/17 I told my husband to give Brown Motor Works the morning to see if they would follow-up on the previous days events. Again, no one called so my husband reached out in the afternoon and we were told someone would call us back shortly. Shortly turned into hours later upon which time I was told the issue was a timing chain and repair would cost $12k-$15k. This call was near the end on the day. A whole day and a half transpired before an update was given on a same-day diagnostic. I'll also note my husband called Mercedes whose estimate for this type of repair came in at $8k-$10k. While on the phone with Trent I was asked to pay for the diagnostic and then I could come pick up my car. Problem there was I already had my car. Immediately after we hung up Josh called me and said that after the way things went the day prior, he would not be charging me for the diagnostic fee. It took a day and a half to get communication done on a diagnostic that should have been same-day. I do believe I was not charged because a diagnostic was never done. This would be the reason it took a day and a half to get a response. A Google research of the symptoms my car was experiencing revealed what I was told by Brown Motor Works, a timing chain repair. Luckily, I knew better and took my car to a shop in Charlotte who also specializes in European vehicle repair. A diagnostic was done and the issue was determined to be check valves and a tensioner. Along with some other minor fixes my total bill was $3200, a far cry from $12k-$15k quoted by Brown Motor Works. The shop in Charlotte stated there was absolutely no issue with my timing chain whatsoever and that would have been evident had a diagnostic been completed. In summation, I was lied to and was almost charged for a diagnostic service that had never been done. I understand things happen unexpectedly and the mechanic having to leave for an emergency. Instead of pretending a diagnostic had been done, I should have been asked to return my vehicle when the mechanic was back and could thoroughly inspect my vehicle. I will be submitting my complaint to the Better Business Bureau and any other agency I find is charged with ensuring a business operates honestly and in a reputable manner. As a side note: My sister was quoted $10k for a water pump and thermostat repair months prior. If you know anything at all about cars you know this is an astronomical price for this type of repair. This should have been the indicator to me to never go back here but we have few options in Columbia for European vehicle repair. If you read this review please take your vehicle anywhere but here!! I would not let Brown Motor Works repair my child's Power Wheel let alone a vehicle that travels the roadways. I am more than happy to share the name of the repair shop in Charlotte if you comment on this review. I also hear great things about Phillips Auto Repair here in Columbia. read more

I was sent to Brown's motor works by Land Rover because they did not have an opening til November 30. I went BMW on clemson road. Trent was the Csr up front taking info on oct 5,23... I scheduled to bring my truck on oct 12. I informed Trent this was my only means of transportation, he assured me truck would be done by Friday. They had my truck all day Thursday and all day Friday. The communication was thru text and I was calling all day on oct 13, I missed work and had to Uber. I was never offered a loaner and when I was told by Land Rover they give Loaners. when I brought this to Trent attention he stated he had no loaners at either location. So now I was without my truck not fixed and I had to rent a car for entire week $402. Per Trent they are going to take care me. And he's working on car rental reimbursement. He states my oil change and diagnostic would be no charge. When he sent the estimate today 10/16/23 it was $1200. i guess he thought I am stupid because I'm a female. I screen shot my first estimate for oil change and diagnostic and that alone was $440. I looked up the parts from 3 parts stores online and my parts came to roughly $530. the estimate trent sent me was showing he was charging me for 3 parts only. 1. $410.40 remove replace oil vent separator 2. $629.93 engine crankcase vent valve and 3. Timing plug $68. 4. Job supplies $107.28. Total with tax $1280.03. My search engine crankcase vent valve LR110464. $198.17, oil/air sep Land Rover LR025615 $94.69, timing plug tool kit $219.95. Those 3 parts from 4 different part stores total $512.81 and these are the actual parts no generics. So let's add up my parts $512.81, oil change $190 and diagnostic $220 (suppose to be free per me estimate) total$922.81 + 8% tax (73.82)=$996.63! Let's add the difference from my grand total and their total and that is the labor $283.40. So please tell me what the fuck they gavee free. how did they look out for me. I lost a day of work, and i'm out $400 for my rental! Brown Motors is a big rip off when it comes to service. and the customer service. I've asked to speak to a manager and yet has not gotten one. just because I'm a female doesn't mean I Dnt know anything. I will be writing the attorney general office because they did not honor one thing they said. And Trent did not mention a loaner at all today. DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLE HERE. IF LANDROVER COUD HAVE GOTTEN ME IN I PREFER THEM, their customer service is outstanding and they do take care of you when giving a discount if they have to take longer than expected. THE OWNER IS A CHEAT! this was such a horrific and horrible experience, I'm definitely trading this land rover off in december. if Land Rover and Brown Motors are the only places to fix Land Rover it's not worth the hassle. STAY AWAY FROM BROWN MOTORS ON CLEMSON RD. You can thank me later! Anjunette G. read more

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It was time for my routine oil change (actually, about a month overdue). My sister recommended Brown Motor Works and I couldn't be more pleased. I received a loaner car to get home and within no time, I received this photo letting me know that my big mama was ready for pickup! They provide a list of services your vehicle needs (you can decline those while confirming the total of your requested service, of course but it's good to know what needs attention next) and the customer service was A+. I will happily remain a proud customer. read more

Brown Motor Works - My big mama, Aulani, getting serviced! - Auto Repair Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I recently had my Mercedes' Benz GLE350 serviced and I was extremely pleased with the professional and efficient service, and highly recommend them. Thanks for the awesome experience and appreciated accommodating my needed service on a short notice. Robert read more

HORRIBLE service!!! LENGTHY service time: suspension service on vehicle promised after 2-days, but completed in 7 days after several calls to check on vehicle status (twice mentioned to technician desire for weekend travel, loaner car never offered but saw sign on window upon vehicle pick-up). stated offered a military discount; NOT MILITARY FRIENDLY!!! offered $25 discount for $4K service (ad even mentions 5% discount on service, but nothing additional $$ taken off bill). stated they offered complimentary car wash, but (had to) ask them to run vehicle thru a second time... read more

I do believe that Brown Motor Works, on Clemson Road, Columbia SC attempts to take advantage of women with bogus prices!! I am extremely disappointed in this establishment due to a lack of integrity in handling my sister and her vehicle. My sister was quoted an "out the door" price on a Tuesday, which includes cost for parts, labor, and taxes, but just 2 days later, via a different associate, the total amount quoted (no changes in labor) was more than DOUBLE the original quote. Mind you, she just had a very similar experience with them, about 2 weeks prior, where one associate gave her one "final" price, but another associate, in the absence of the first associate at the time of pickup, told her that her total was almost DOUBLE the original amount.......she went ahead and paid it, but with the intention of taking it up with the original associate, "David" who told her that she was treated unfairly, and he would get her some of her money back, and he did do that, but that NEVER should have taken place. Well "David" was the one who quoted her the cost BOTH times, and once again, WHILE he was absent, the numbers changed. When my sister called to inquire about the promised loaner car, she was then told that any work that costs over $1000 requires a $500 deposit, which is the only way "NOW" she can get the loaner that was promised her so she could get to and from work, but when I asked to see a copy of their policies and procedures stating that, "Trent" could not produce such a policy, and of course he couldn't, because it did not exist. It is Good Friday, and the matter is not resolved because since "David" quoted her the price, but was off today, the matter will be taken up with David on Monday. Before we left there today, "Trent" assured us that the manager "Josh" would give us a call today before closing, and of course, he DID NOT! I will be back with an update and hopefully someone with this company will do the integral thing, but if not, I will make it known. read more

I just want to thank Travis, Keith and the crew at Brown Motor Works Clemson Rd that worked on my Mini. I am still hauling my 2012 Mini to Charlotte for basic services under contact for another year +. My Mini though did need to have some work done due to the motor operating in low power mode and the check engine light coming on. It took a little while to isolate the issue entirely and now my car runs like new. They treated my car and myself like family. I believe the cost for parts and labor were fair and they kept in touch with me every step of the way during the process. Though it took more than one visit, I feel both my car and myself were well taken car of. I know where I will be going for future Mini needs as I hope to have her for a long time. Thank you again Travis, Keith and everyone involved! Awesome job! read more

My neighbors had taken their 550 there and they weren't happy. I have a 2007 650i and am fed up with the BMW dealer on Two Notch and will not go back there, so I decided to take it to Browns Motor Works. I took my 650 in to have it serviced (routine 50K) back last fall and they did a good job. Bart, who sits in the front and checks in the cars, is very friendly. The only problem I had was that my car wasn't finished at the end of the day and I had to pick it up the next day. Prices were what they had estimated. They told me at the time that I was due for an additional fluid change in about 500 miles. Last weekend the battery ran down on the Bimmer and wouldn't hold a charge. I got it to start early Monday morning and kept it idling for about two hours until Brown's opened. I called and Bart said to bring it right down. I took it in and they gave me a loaner Honda to use and said they had a battery on the shelf. I was expecting to get the car back that afternoon. I didn't get it back until Wednesday at 5:15PM. They seem to take forever to get a car in and out. I like the fact that they have loaners, so I wasn't that concerned about not getting the car back. But when I've called to check on the status they say that they haven't had the car in yet. My biggest complaint is with something else. I paid $508 for a new battery. My old battery was 3 years and 10 months old and I got it from the BMW on Two Notch. The main problem with the battery is that my wife only drives the car once or twice a week, and then only for short trips. I understand that this is the worst type of driving for this type of car. It needs to be driven. Brown's told me that the car was "waking up" and turning on the bluetooth trying to pair it with another device and this was causing the battery to run down. At first I was told it happened about 20 times. When I spoke to the technician he said it happened about four times. We both agreed that the main problem was just not driving it enough. They suggested I get a battery tender for it. They install them for $200. I have one for my 911 and i paid about %60 dollars for it. I googled BMW battery tenders and see that they cost between $58 and $71. I took a look at my receipt and they had written that there was no warranty on this battery unless I had a battery tender being used and they had the price of their battery tender ($200). It seems almost like they are almost trying to get me to spend another $200. My wife said to give them one more chance but I'm having doubts about going back. I hear Phillips is good on servicing BMW's. Any one have any comments on Phillip (Two Notch) service? I'll give Brown''s three stars only based on my very first experience. If it was based on this past experience I'd have to go to one star. read more

Recently, my BMW's transmission began to shift roughly. The local dealer, who had work on my car for 8 years, told me my only option was a new transmission ($7000). Thankfully, I took it to Brown's for a 2nd option. Based on Brown's recommendation, I went with the less expensive option of replacing Mechatronics components. The transmission runs like new. Going forward, I will have all my work done at Brown's. read more

Working with Randall is the highlight of my visit! Love his personality & his attention to details. Very happy customer here!

My wife and I have used Brown's B M W shop on several occassions. In 2007 they helped restore an auction '01 325ci that we bought...they were very helpful in getting this vehicle road ready... some real intensive work went into that vehicle instead of it being "just a lesson learned" it was on the road in a month and we drove it for a year before selling it. There prices compared to the dealership are a little better. I have not used them since the mid 2000s for a couple of reasons: 1. I got the impression that they guaged the prices based upon whether they thought we could afford it instead of just best price...maybe I was just too sensitive at the time... 2. I would repeat but work in ATL so often that I normally get my Bimmers fixed there, or if it is a CPO issue, of course, I got to the dealership. 3. We now own 2 CPOs and just one non-CPO so when we need to we normally go to the dealership or to ATL. Again, this is a Solid A-OK...really. They are efficient and perform the work as promised in a timely manner... so don't take my sensitivity to Bimmer costs above with too much weight... Bimmers can be costly...the most important aspect of Bimmer maintenance and their techs is the trust developed in repair solutions and follow up. Brown's never gave me any reason to think anything other than hey, Certified BMW techs at a little better price! read more

This place is a rip off and when I say rip off I mean RIP OFF!!. I am a military service member and have been away from home for almost ten years.During that time my wife has had our 2002 BMW (excellent condition low mileage) service there.I have always been skeptical of the prices they were charging her but I had no other alternative. I recently retired from the military and sent my wife with the car in for a check of the AC, and rattling noise under the car which I thought was the catalytic converter. When I received the price quote I almost fainted. $5,501.55.Yes you are reading correctly!!. FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED ONE DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS!! They basically wanted to replace the entire AC system compressor dryer and add refrigerant and replace catalytic converters.I took the car to a German mechanic shop and it took him 15 mins to realize the system had too much refrigerant 9.69 when the system was designed to hold 7.6.He vacuumed the system checked for leaks, refilled the system with the required amount and WHALLA! the AC was working perfectly. I did not need to replace the dryer,compressor. The car did not need the catalytic converters replace either the heat shield was banging against the muffler. So Brown Motor Works was robbing my wife for the ten years she took the car there while I was on active duty which I knew but had no alternative. Bottom line!! - Either they cannot do a proper diagnosis or they are highway ROBBERS preying on innocent women, who fall prey to their ridiculous, prices. DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR THERE! UNLESS YOU HIT THE LOTTO!! read more

I took my car to Brown Motor Works on Clemson Rd as an alternative to my local dealership. I read the online reviews and felt it would be a viable, less expensive option. I was told by the local dealership my vehicle needed two fuel injectors replaced and was given a hefty quote, so I sought alternative pricing. I spoke with Randall at Brown Motor Works who was very friendly and accommodating, and advised him of the local dealership's diagnosis. My vehicle was dropped off by a friend on a Thursday shortly before they closed and by Tuesday of the following week I still hadn't heard anything. So I called and was told they were testing it. Not hearing back from them the next day, I called again on Thursday and told them I needed my car that weekend. They contacted me back later that day and told me the battery needed replacing, which I already knew and was planning to do a little later, and that they addressed something that was misfiring. I asked Randall if they found anything wrong with the fuel injectors and he said no. He quoted me around $1,006 and I told him to proceed with the work because it (the final quote) was cheaper than the local dealership's (although the dealership's quote to replace the battery was substantially cheaper) and the fuel injectors didn't need replacing, so I was told. However, I found that to be GROSSLY incorrect. After picking up my vehicle that Friday, that next day when attempting to accelerate to merge onto the interstate, my engine went berserk and I got the error message, "Drivetrain Malfunction, Drive Moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available." This was my first time ever receiving this message and I just knew it was related to the fuel injectors. I contacted Randall that following Monday to inform him of this issue and he asked me to bring the vehicle back in. After they had the car for two days and not hearing anything (again), I called them (again), only to find out it WAS a bad fuel injector. For this, Randall initially quoted me a WHOPPING $2,300 plus which I gasped at, far exceeding what I was quoted to replace TWO, not one, fuel injectors at the local dealership. I told him this and he said he would get back with me, which he did, and reduced the price by approximately $1,000. Go figure. I asked him why they didn't detect this as I told them on SEVERAL occasions this was what the local dealership had found. Randall told me it was probably because the dealership deleted the codes. Not knowing much about diagnostics and codes, I really didn't buy that excuse, ESPECIALLY since they had my car OVER 5 BUSINESS DAYS. Anyway, by this time, they lost all credibility with me and I told Randall I would pick my vehicle up that evening and I didn't desire any further services. Incidentally the receipt mentioned a courtesy washing, but my car had dried pollen-filled water beads all over it. It looked like a hot mess. In all honesty, Randall was a nice guy, but I was NOT about to give this business any more of my hard-earned money, especially after I felt I had been duped and their pricing was arbitrary. I returned my vehicle to the local dealership where all issues have now been addressed for LESS money and the car is driving excellently. LESSON LEARNED. read more

Mini Cooper drivers of Columbia, Don't bother with this shop, at least not the Clemson Road location. Horrible customer service. They are not even capable of telling you how much they would charge for a part, much less give a rough estimate of the work they would perform. I have never called a shop that was unwilling to give me an estimate for anyting. I completely ubderstand not goving a diagnosis over the phone but to not be able to give a simple cost of a part is unreasonable and dishonest. I think they do this so you are forced to come in and pay them a fee for diagnosis just to get a cost estimate. I would not trust them to give a fair price and I would not trust them to work on my car. In my opinion, you would be far better off driving 1.5h to the nearest dealership where you can have fair, honest, better quality work performed. read more

I wouldn't take my '94 BMW anywhere else! Keith and his staff are knowledgeable and make you feel like you and your car are their highest priority! read more

Thank you Randall and Marcus! I always get great customer service and turnaround is quick! They take great pride and care in the work that they do. Would highly recommend!!! read more

Great working with Brown Motors! I was in Columbia over the holidays and had to take my car in after it starting having trouble on the Interstate. Brown Motors came highly recommended. They were pleasant to work with and quickly fixed a big issue in my car in time for me to travel back home. Mike was very pleasant to work with and kept me up to date on the status of my car throughout its time in the shop. Thanks guys! read more

I'll begin by identifying my vehicle, a 1993 Mercedes 190e 2.3. It's called a "classic" Mercedes which is a nice way to say OLD. It's a great car to own and drive. But, lately it hasn't been so great. I was thinking about retiring the vehicle because I couldn't find a mechanic in Columbia to return it to its greatness. That is until I went to Brown Motor Works. Keith, the owner, is very knowledgeable about the 190e having worked on the original 190's so I decided to give BMW a try. Keith walked me step-by-step through my invoice explaining everything the technician fixed on my vehicle. He pointed out the priority services my 190 needed while detailing additional work I should consider for a future time. Yes, BMW did put a big dent in my wallet but I can surely say I got what I paid for. I have my great 190e back. For that reason, I will return to BMW for any service my car needs. read more

The guys at Brown Motor works are really attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Marcus and Keith are easy going and will treat you right!

I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy. I am a retired army veteran and took my 2007 BMW wagon here because my wife wanted a (certified BMW mechanic). So much for that Keith gives me a call with a $900 quote for 1 ignition coil and 6 spark plugs. I told him he was crazy i would pick up my car asap. I went autozone and purchased a $30 coil with my 10% discount and switched it out in 5 minutes myself my car hasn't ran better. Needless to say my wife has changed her mind about were to take the car. I have submitted my review to there website twice and they keep deleting it. This place is crooked as they come. STAY AWAY.... read more

Wonderful Service!!! Genuinely nice guys who care about your vehicle. Extremely thorough. Did a great job finding the problems and repairing them. Will always come back for servicing my vehicle read more

Asked for a written quote after paying $167,00 to BMW for a service check that Endorance Warranty company told me would be free per Randell because of the amount of business they send to BMW. After calling and being told twice that quote would be sent, and it was not, and being told that Daniel from the warranty company was lying when he told me that the Car check would be free, made me decide to just take my car to the BMW dealership for the $6,000 dollar job my car needs. read more

These guys have the highest hourly rate in columbia. Even the BMW Dealership charges less. I went there for a problem and they tried to charge me for 4 hours of diagnostic labor which would have been well over $400 just to tell me what was wrong with my vehicle. Apparently they wanted to take apart my whole engine. I later found out through my indy mechanic, who doesnt charge anything for diag, that I had oil in my o2 sensor connection which was causing a short. He sprayed it with a can of cleaner which was $5 and problem fixed. I ended up having to pay a $130 diag fee for them to tell me absolutely nothing new that I didn't already know. When the check engine light was on,I took it to the BMW dealership. BMW told me what the codes were for free. I then told BROWN this prior to dropping the car off. They did however give me a loaner car which was good service but thats about all. The next day they charged me $130 and told me the same thing BMW already had and said they need 4 more hours of diag to tear apart my engine. I declined and paid them $130 reluctantly. I tried to contact brown to tell them about this bad business practice but they did not offer to refund my $130 diag fee but offered an apology. I claimed that if I'm paying for a high quality tech- which is higher than the actually dealership- shouldn't they have found my problem for the $130. They did not have a response. I strongly recommend some other place that will be much lighter on your wallet and the people will be more knowledgeable. read more