1. European Motor Works

    1. European Motor Works

    0

    Arcadia, CA

    European Motor Works

    4.5 (135 reviews)
    Closed Closed

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    Response time

    40 minutes

    Response rate

    100%

    Services - European Motor Works

    Auto engine repair

    Auto exhaust repair

    European Motor Works Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - European Motor Works

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    kimo C.

    So I was going through my old reviews and remembered that I never posted this message that I got from John (the owner) after I posted my review. I know it's been over 4 years! LOL!! But it shows his arrogance and ego. Basically, if he says its' true, then it must be true. If it cost this much, then you're an idiot for not paying him what he's asking. If anything, it's a good read and I doubt he's changed a bit. Like Trump, some people are set in their ways. lol. enjoy Hi Kimo or whatever your name is, I don't understand what is your problem and why it took you so long to write the review. I am sorry you feel that way way about me, I can't please the world! I don't know who you are so I don't know the exact situation! I can't reply accurately to you, I can only reply with what I know about myself, I know for a fact I did not keep calling you asking you what it was you needed me to check on your BMW, I just don't do this, and if you brought in your car for a transmission issue why would I keep calling and asking you? If I told you your previous mechanic did a horrible job on your BMW it must be true, otherwise I wouldn't just say it. If you don't like the truth it's your problem. Beside if you were happy with whoever worked on your car before, why would you look for some one else to work on it? You said I was criticizing work that you did not need or had problems with because you only wanted me to check the transmission. But yet in the beginning of the review you stated that you brought the car to me to "check the transmission and few other minor issues", what's up with that! who is being hypocrite! You're totally contradicting yourself. As for the $ amount on the estimate, if I told you you need to change the transmission then that is a correct estimate, you say you know BMW's, there is no transmission fan like you claim I said you need, so how can you know BMW's? I don't think that I am good, I know I am good and I am one of the best at what I do and if you think otherwise then that's your problem. Wish you all the best John

    Front of Shop
    Serge W.

    5 stars. Yes, 5 stars. Here's why. EMW (european motorworks) is run by John Handal. Back when I know John, he worked at New Century BMW. I witnessed his transition from a master tech at a dealership to a proud owner of a small independent shop. Today, he is in charged of a well managed and bigger independent shop. John is an expert on anything BMWs. He's the no BS kind of guy. Very straight forward. He will tell you right away if something is worth fixing or not. John upholds his job quality/standards he carried over from the dealership. He has 3 helpers in his shop: Joe, Jesse and Ivan. All 3 of them acquired their skills from John. Neat, clean job everytime. And most importantly decently priced. This day and age, it is difficult to find a tech that is trustworthy. We all have somehow been fooled by techs but let me assure you that EMW is not one of those shops. Tell John, that Vincent sent you. You will love their work.

    033012:  front Zimmermann rotors and Akebono pads still ok...
    Lawrence L.

    I came back to take care of some work that I knew I needed but put off until after tax season: The upper valve cover gaskets were leaking and were replaced; While the valve covers were removed, one of the timing chain guides was cracked. Since the car has over 200K miles on it, I wasn't surprised that it was time for a timing chain replacement, especially since I don't remember ever doing one; The engine valley coolant cover showed signs of coolant leakage so that gasket needed replacement; The rear suspension upper control arms were worn out causing premature tire wear; The rear rotors and brake pads were replaced; This was a major overhaul which took about a week to do. It was expensive -- about $5300 in parts, labor, and tax even with deep discounts on parts. I also want to mention some of the things that John included in the job without charging me extra: I drop shipped a new set of tires from the TireRack to EMW because I wanted to change out the set at the same time . John did the mounting and balancing, and the 4 wheel alignment (which he would have done anyway with the replacement of the control arms); The trunk latch spring had broken so that assembly was replaced; During test driving, there was a sway bar that was noisy and was replaced; Obviously all the oil and fluids were changed out as if a minor service was performed, the cabin air filters were replaced and the service indicator reset; I had a problem with the intermittency sensor with the wipers since the windshield was replaced -- turns out that the Safelite technician didn't reconnect the sensor correctly so John took care of this too; On a separate occasion, my AC was not cooling -- John recharged the freon; It turns out that rear Akebono pads that I requested don't fit my car (excessive chatter problem), so he changed them out with another low brake dust brand; I can't put a price on trust and ease of mind, but these are some of the things that I have had John do for me...

    Bryan G.

    John and his team here at EMW are amazing. Top notch customer service that keeps you informed all along the way. Everybody is polite and courteous but also very knowledgeable in their work. They charge a $100 inspection fee, but they go over everything with a fine toothed comb, so you know what state you vehicle is in. the $100 is waived if you choose to do the work with them -- they will suggest fixes that are more important or critical fixes that must be done, but will _never_ try to upsell you on something you don't want to do or immediately need. I took in my M3 for some problems relating to the drivetrain (that apparently was faulty work done by the dealer that repaired my car last!) and John and his team had me in and out in just a few days. I would have been out sooner, but a specific part that was needed; only one was immediately available in the region, so it took a day or so to get their hands on it. However, they informed me of this immediately after they found there would be a delay. They also took care of a lot of small electrical problems for me for free, as I had a lot of work done on my car. This is the only place I'll be taking my baby from now on :)

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    5 months ago

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    17 days ago

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    5 years ago

    Been taking my e36 m3 here for years. Good to know I have a trusted mechanic close by.

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    14 years ago

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    6 years ago

    I had a great experience with EMW! Great people with great skills. I am very picky, but I truly find them professional and reliable.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - European Motor Works

    Review Highlights - European Motor Works

    They always use OEM parts, and John's extensive knowledge of BMWs is unmatched in the San Gabriel Valley.

    Mentioned in 98 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    European Motor Works - autorepair - Updated July 2026

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