This shop really is as good as it gets. They are just as passionate about cars as I am and the prices are reasonable to what I use to pay for performance installations. -Cook read more

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Incomplete Repairs, Misrepresentation of Services, Diagnostic Failures, and Unresolved Mechanical Issues to IMA Motorwerke. I am submitting this formal complaint regarding the repair services provided by IMA Motorwerks. I paid a total of $3,986.93 for three repair services; none were completed. All three problems still exist, rendering my vehicle unusable. I relied on IMA Motorwerks' expertise to properly diagnose and correct the mechanical issues affecting my vehicle. IMA failed to successfully repair my vehicle three times. In addition, IMA MotorWerke retained possession of my vehicle for a total of 36 days over two separate visits. This timeframe significantly exceeded what I believe was reasonable for the repairs performed and resulted in a substantial loss of use of my vehicle, inconvenience, and additional hardship. I have called two foreign car specialists, identified the work that needed to be performed and asked how many labor hours would be required. Mechanic (1) indicated 8-10 hours; Mechanic (2) indicated 8-12 hours, with 12 hours as the worst-case scenario if there were unanticipated issues. After I raised concerns regarding the incomplete repairs and unresolved issues, IMA Motorwerks informed me that the company would no longer perform additional work on my vehicle and instructed me to retrieve it. They refused to reimburse me for the services that they did not complete. As a result, I was forced to drive the vehicle approximately 110 miles despite concerns regarding its operating condition and drivability, including unresolved suspension-related issues that resulted from work I had specifically authorized and that IMA agreed to perform. I believe IMA Motorwerks' decision to discontinue service occurred only after I questioned the quality, accuracy, and completeness of the repairs performed. Initial Concerns Presented to IMA MotorWerke When I delivered my vehicle to IMA Motorwerks on May 11, 2026, I specifically asked Chris Pratt to address the following concerns: 1. The engine produced smoke for several minutes after the vehicle had been sitting unused for several days. 2. Oil was present on the underside of the vehicle, particularly around the oil pan area, indicating a possible oil leak. 3. The vehicle was not handling properly. I requested that the suspension be thoroughly inspected and that the vehicle be evaluated to determine whether a wheel alignment or other suspension repairs were necessary. 4. I specifically requested that the oil pan gasket be inspected because I had observed oil in that area and suspected it could be the source of the leak. Despite these concerns, IMA Motorwerks failed to accurately diagnose and resolve the underlying issues. Failure to Successfully Complete Wheel Alignment and Suspension Repairs IMA Motorwerks made two unsuccessful attempts to correct the wheel alignment. After these unsuccessful attempts, Chris Pratt informed me that additional suspension camber bolts were required. During that discussion, IMA specifically stated that I would only be responsible for the cost of the parts and that no additional labor charges would be applied. I have documentation supporting this statement. However, when I later received the estimate, labor charges had been added. When I questioned this discrepancy, Mr. IMA denied making the previous commitment and refused to continue repairing my vehicle. This raises serious concerns regarding the accuracy of the information provided to me, the reliability of the commitments made by IMA Motorwerks, and the fairness of the charges subsequently presented. Failure to Correct the Oil Leak Despite Multiple Repair Attempts Despite multiple repair attempts, IMA Motorwerks failed to resolve the oil leak affecting my vehicle. Before bringing my vehicle to IMA Motorwerks, and again during my initial discussions, I specifically identified the oil pan as a possible source of the leak. Throughout the repair process, I repeatedly asked Mr. Pratt whether the oil pan had been thoroughly inspected and ruled out as the cause. Each time, I was assured that the oil pan had been checked and was not leaking. However, after my vehicle had been in IMA Motorwerks' possession for 36 days and after I had paid for numerous repairs, I was informed that the actual source of the leak was the oil pan and that an additional $1,700 would be required to repair it. During the repair process, I paid for repairs including, but not limited to: * Crankshaft seal replacement * Intermediate shaft seal replacement * Intermediate shaft O-ring replacement * Camshaft seal replacement * Water pump O-ring replacement * Auxiliary shaft seal replacement I authorized and paid for these repairs in good faith, relying on IMA Motorwerke to accurately diagnose the problem and correct the source of the leak. Instead, I was charged for multiple repairs that did not resolve the issue. I filed a complaint with the BBB. read more

Pretty good service . Guys know their cars . Seems reasonable with price although others might be lower

No matter how big or small the job is, they take the time to explain the process. I have complete trust in their team and highly recommend them. Pricing is fair and they are genuinely nice people. read more

Ivan is a crook! He stole my engine & exhaust and returned my car with an older engine and crappy exhaust! This was over 15yrs ago but I only realized the engine was actually swapped more recently after meeting another customer of his whose engine was also stolen! Ivan, please recall my 1984 911 Carrera cabrio, burgundy, with B&B Tirflow exhaust with headers, which you said was rotted and fell apart when dismantling it. Stainless steel does not "fall apart", but for some reason I accepted that BS. You told me you would build me a racing engine for $40k with lightweight pistons & rods, upgraded injectors, etc, but the serial# on the engine does not match my 3.2litre, it's from an older 2.7litre with carburetors, and it's highly doubtful you installed any of the premium high performance internals as promised. If the statute of limitations hadn't already run out I would sue so please try to sue me for this review so I can depose your asset and get the receipts of your fraud! read more

I'll keep this quick and simple, even though there's a lot to go through. I took my '95 BMW 540i there a couple years ago with clear and concise concerns and requests. Water pump, springs, a coolant leak, and a few other things. Ivan himself came out and looked at everything I had written down, and I even showed him some of the issues I wanted fixed; including a coolant leak when the car was revved high. So, they quoted me an insanely high price, which lead me to believe that the service would be a bit more thorough than what I received back in reality. I was asked to pay half on the spot, which sounded fair at the time, and I left the car. Had a few reschedulings in the meantime, and excuses that the main mechanics were on vacation. Okay, fair. Well, when I went to retrieve the car two months later the first thing I noticed was that the tires had been put on wrong; I had wider tires in the rear, and they had rotated them even after I explicitly said not to. So the right side of the car had the larger tire in the front and the smaller one in the rear... Plastic trim under the hood had been broken and misplaced, one of my hub covers was missing, and I had to get them to go and find it. They also suggested some additional extensive and expensive work, which I declined in order to take a look at it myself. There was a supposed 'major oil leak' at the back end of the engine; which was a lie. They also recommended control arm bushings, which was a common failure point on these cars; so I agreed. I received it back with a suspension clunk though, one I hadn't had when I took it in. One of the best parts? The original reason I wanted the water pump serviced was a leak in the coolant system. They never attempted to diagnose or find it after replacing the water pump. It STILL had a leak when I got it back, and the coolant tank was half empty; something that ONLY happens when you drive the car hard and trigger the leak. I found it myself later, it was the water pump housing, which let water out only when the car was revved high. Which means, they never diagnosed the car after the work to make sure it worked well, AND they must have driven it hard as well. With the amount of high end and high power cars I see taken to that shop, well, I worry for their owners. I tried calling back and sending e-mails to ask if they would make any of this right, but they explicitly ignored me. Honestly very appalling behavior for such a 'prestigious' shop. I wouldn't take my beater Mercedes there, let alone a Porsche of any kind. Avoid them like all hell! read more

Chris and the team are outstanding. I brought my ABT Audi RS5 in for son aftermarket work and got honest feedback on the equipment that I wanted installed. They can be trusted with your vehicle's service and honest about any issues. The professionalism is above measure and I would recommend them for and of your European model cars. read more

IMA Motorwerke - Auto Repair Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Great experience and staff was amazing. Highly recommended You won't be dissatisfied in your decision read more

IMA Motorwerke - Auto Repair Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Excellent service. If you want to be sure that your German car is serviced by the most knowledgeable and honest mechanics, this is the address. read more

Wow! Finally an honest auto mechanic! Just replaced the battery on our Mini Cooper and due to BMW scheme after changing battery all electronics went Kaputt as BMW requires you to calibrate the battery to the car (aka only the dealer can replace battery). This sucks! After taking our Mini Cooper (BMW) to a Herden mechanic who claimed to have a Mini expert we walked out $150 poorer and the guy said he didn't know how to fix and needed $550 to replace the new battery with a factory model. I then called the owner at IMA and he actually apologized for the dishonesty of the other shop and said if I brought the car in he would his best to resolve with a lowest possible diagnostic fee. And that he did, kept to his word, fixed a couple other items at no cost and the car is working perfectly. Thanks!!! read more

I have been an IMA Motorwerke customer at their Chantilly, VA location for the last few years. I do not write reviews generally, but this is an occasion I feel compelled to write a review and give helpful information to fellow customers like me and for folks who are in process of looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable resource to consult, get the right and appropriate repairs and service and much more for a very reasonable cost. While each and every technician at IMA is a greatly skilled resource, all the more on the German and other luxury car brands, I would like to shout out the two names Ivan Arzola and Chris for their outstanding professionalism, profound knowledge of the vehicles they repair and for being spectacularly fair towards their customers in providing the appropriate service at a reasonable price and above all for their empathy towards their customers. During my most recent visit to their shop, I was really moved by how fair they were in proposing solutions to the customer car problems. The unspoken, but a matter-of-fact manner in which they assume ownership of the customer car problems and try various ways to provide the best options for you. Alluding back to my visit to their shop I was really touched when, upon my request and urgency, Chris and Ivan took time out of their very busy schedule to wade thru their multitude of inventory of cars under repair, to check on my E-Series Mercedes Benz to diagnose the problems. This was just the beginning of their superlative conduct in treating the customer car issues as their own! The next, and the more profound aspect of their conduct that made me amaze was their lookout for you as a customer was the fact that they not only ventured into researching what all items on repair list are a part of recall and how they can be availed for no cost to customer. I was deeply touched when I saw Chris bring me a printout of the items that are part of recall and guide me through instructions how I could avail it at no cost at the dealership, even when it meant that IMA lose business on this count! Things like this, at the least, restores your faith in fair and good business, but the realization that you have this working and breathing entity on your side and looking out for you is a blessing to say the least. As one of their many customers I can only say "Thank you" to the folks at IMA, but my experience and observations of their service, knowledge and conduct will perhaps guide many of customers like me to a great and friendly resource that will fix your car problems as you would for your own car if you ever had their skill, resources, know-how and empathy! I cannot close the review without mentioning this too. I wanted to tell you the day and night difference in how the treatment was when I approached the Mercedes dealership to get my recall fixed. The dealership at the outset just plainly dismissed at the recall items as not covered for the vehicle, even as I presented them the print out which clearly mentioned the parts, make, model and year of my car! "With all my experience I can tell you that this is not covered as a recall" was what I was told by the service member who was writing up my case. I still feel the chill that ran down my spine at that moment. But I had done enough research and followup on the internet after IMA had given the details and the print out. Eventually the dealership called back and corrected their wrongs and proceeded to repair my car with the recalls. The rollercoaster of a day which consisted of courtesy, empathy and care at one place and the total lack of on the other was a stark difference that I wanted to mention here. As a German car owner, it is so heartwarming and relieving to have IMA on my side! read more

Great folks to deal with. Very professional. Highly skilled. These are the kind of guys that I trust to work on my old Porsche.

I used IMA once as per recommendation two years ago. They replaced the bad ignition coils on my car. One of the coils was bad very soon after it was first installed and they replaced it under warrantee. Two others have failed in the two years since. I don't know if we just had repeated bad luck with the parts supplier, but I was disappointed. For me twice was enough. I had no confidence that they would be able to replace the coils with good ones. IMA has a good reputation and seem to do good work and stand behind their work I probably just had bad luck, but how many times do you go to the same shop and have them fix the same problem and have it not fixed before you give up? EDIT: Another shop was able to find the real problem by delving into Mercedes Benz service bulletins and the fix was $10. Replacing coils over and over again would not have fixed the issue that was fouling them. read more

Highly recommend Ivan and IMA Motorwerke. Ivan runs a stellar shop that conducts fantastic work at a very competitive price. Honest, hard working, and respectful. Ivan even stayed a couple hours late until 8pm to finish the last bit of work on my Porsche so I could take the car home that evening. Can't recommend him enough. I'll be trying to find a way to bring my Porsche back to him even when we move out of the area. read more

They identified a failing water pump as part of a PPI, which was fixed, and saved me a fair amount of headache. The team at IMA seemed very knowledgeable and were flexible in working me into their schedule on short notice. I plan on using them for future porsche maintenance/service. read more

Do not go to IMA Motorsport !!!!! These guys are worse than the dealer. I went there for oil leak on my BMW M3 and they did there diagnosis and came back with an estimate of 760 plus taxes. That means more than 6 hours of work to replace an oil filter gasket @ 119 per hour. I checked with the BMW dealer and they said all authorized BMW service shops do it in 3-4 hours. So, I am not sure what I gained by taking my car there. You google " BMW M3 Oil Filter Housing Gasket Replacement" and see what you find. The maximum amount paid by people at the dealership for this job is around 480 dollars. The guy named Dan that I was working with pulls numbers out of air without any detailed estimates and hopes that they will stick. The oil leakage on my car was not fixed and when I took it back today, he said that it is the leakage from the vanos gasket. I asked him how much it will cost and he said around 9,000 dollars. I was reviewing the leakage with his mechanic and he said its around 30 hours of work. I asked Dan how he came up with 9,000 estimate and the response I got was yes, his estimate was on the higher side. He said it's around 900 dollars for the parts plus 1,000 for machining and 3,600 for labor. You add these numbers and it comes to 5,500 plus taxes. I said it's around 5,500 and his response was it will be around 7,000. I asked for a detailed estimate and he refused to provide one and said he can only give a firm estimate once they open it up. I do not know why anyone would go to this shop when they cannot even provide detailed estimates and pull numbers out of air. I made a terrible mistake going to these guys and they charged me more than double that an authorized dealer would charge for an oil filter housing gasket. These guys are not someone that you should work with because everything smells fishy with their work and behavior. read more

IMA is a Porsche-only shop. These guys really know Porsches. They even have their only custom built Porsche prototype at the shop. Ivan is the owner and is friendly and fair. He races Porsches (911 and 944) and runs education events for local Porsche Club. To give you an idea -- this guy drives a GT3 to work on nice days. You know your car is being worked on by seasoned Porsche mechanics not some random apprentice at the dealer when you bring your car to IMA. Highly recommended. read more

First off, this is top shelf full service, fair priced service destination, but not a discount or bargain place. You definitely get what you pay for in that IMA will take care of any of your cars, teach you about what is happening, use the best parts and mechanics, and let you watch all the work being done. IMA seems to be all about performance, but they also make sure your car is well cared for and reliable. IMA is the same Porsche service place that used to be in Merrifield. I went to IMA years ago when they were in Merrifield for a pre-purchase inspection of a used Porsche, and continued to go for several more years while I owned my Porsche. Years later, last week, I have decided to buy another Porsche and I sought out IMA's advice. I found that they're in Chantilly in a beautiful state of the art facility (it looks nothing like the old Merrifield location). After speaking with the owner, I found out that they also work on VW's (and really any other make), so I decided to do some minor service on my VW. IMA took care of my VW, and I am very satisfied with the service provided. Additionally, the owner will be helping me find a new used Porsche, which I will take to IMA for all services in the future. Highly recommend for quality work by experienced, knowledgeable, honest, caring people. read more

Ivan and team are terrific. I take my Cayenne Turbo to the guys and they really take great care of me. They are very thorough and are more interested in keeping long term customers than scoring the highest service fees. Ivan is quite astute and knows Porsche cars quite well. He's got something like 25 years working and racing Porsche cars (911s, 944s, etc). I'm a direct person and speak my mind, I can honestly recommend Ivan and team in good faith to any Porsche owner looking to get the job done right. Best, -Tom read more

Great place to for all service repairs. Ivan and his team are incredibly knowledgeable and fair. I've been taking my cars to them for years and have always been happy with the results and knowing it was done right. I took my car to another shop for a quick state inspection and the shop tech told me my front wheel bearings were loose and they could fix it. My car did feel a little loose, but I wanted a second opinion so I brought it to IMA. They diagnosed that my front control bearings had collapsed and needed to be replaced and that my wheel bearings were fine. They even showed the bad bearing to me while the car was on the lift. IMA fixed it that day and the car felt great and at a reasonable cost. read more

I've been servicing my vehicle here at IMA for 2 years now and my wife for over 5 years. We have had 2 Porsche Cayennes and this shop always come thru not just with their customer service but with the great service they provide in each vehicle. They are very competitively priced and work with you so that you can have the best outcome. As long as IMA is around We will be loyal clients. read more

I was looking to get quite a bit of work done on a 996 I recently purchased, so I shopped around to many shops near and far for estimates. I'm always determined to get the best bang for my buck, so I reviewed the details of all the estimates I received, as well as customer reviews, shop websites, and even the responses that accompanied the estimates (did they seem keen and passionate on a new customer, the car I was bringing in, and did they seem to be knowledgeable and helpful without being pushy). The estimates varied by several thousands of dollars. IMA Motorwerke came back as the second lowest estimate (their estimate beat out all the European specialty shops in price, and were only beaten slightly by a generic shop that claimed to do with Porsches and rated high on Angieslist). That being said, once the work had already started on the car, I did get a phone call that the original estimate via email was slightly higher than it needed to be after seeing the car, and the final price was adjusted lower. This put their price for the work essentially on par with the lowest price I had seen for this work (from the generic shop). This price reduction from estimate to final was done without any direction or input from me - I was already comfortable with the original estimate that I had agreed to, and did not ask or hint for a lower price or a price match. They also came back as one of the highest user reviewed and one of the two most keen/passionate/knowledgeable regarding my car and the work it needed based on the email responses for estimate requests. The pictures on their website and social media (as well as in person when you visit) show a clean, organized, well-maintained, and well-equipped shop (rather than a company that hides their shop from the public and uses stock photos for their internet campaigns). I think the inside of a shop says a lot about a place. Their customer reviews were high and coming from many other Porsche enthusiasts and they even work on many quality track cars - not just your daily drivers and garage queens. After a few emails and a phone exchange, I decided to give them my business. It was a pleasure meeting and speaking with Ivan the owner, Allan the GM, and Chris the primary technician who worked on my 996. We got a shop tour and some useful insight into Porsche ownership. They are all personable and professional, as well as being a pleasure to talk to. Their turnaround time for the vehicle to be ready was beyond my expectations, especially considering at least one part I requested was specialized and wasn't on hand. Also, they have been extremely helpful in answering my after-service questions - which actually have nothing to do with the service I received, and are questions about recommendations and resources for non-mechanical questions I have about my car (Google is great, but it's sometimes more reassuring to supplement my research with knowledge from a professional I can trust). It's not often that fair prices intersect with excellent work quality, as well as exceptional customer service, but IMA Motorwerke has figured out a way to balance it all. Do yourself and your car a favor and get it serviced by folks who are as passionate about your car as you are, and where you can build a relationship with a service provider you can trust. read more

We've been taking our cars to Ivan and his team now since early 2013. I'll keep this very short - exceptional service, trustworthy, friendly and reasonable. We would never consider taking our cars anywhere else. This shop truly is as good as it gets! read more

This was my first visit to IMA Motorwerke and I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed with the team there. My check engine light was on and they were able to diagnose the issue as well as look over the rest of the car to make sure there were no other issues to resolve. They took the time to explain to me what was needed and what would be the most important repairs needed. I look forward to making the team at IMA my go-to guys for any service or maintenance I need for my Mercedes. read more

These guys are superb at what they do. Pure car enthusiasts and without a doubt I can say my car was done properly. My C63 Wavetrac LSD and FI exhaust was installed and is running nicely. The staff were professional and friendly. The facility was clean and inviting and pretty spectacular with all of the Porche/race cars they have. Talk to Ivan if you need work done to your car, they do it all. read more

I had my first experience with Ivan and his team today for one of my Porsche's. Great job and reasonable prices. Will be taking all my cars here in the future! read more

Recently I had a shifter cable break on my Cayman R at Summit Point--the day before I needed to head south to a three-day PCA event at Virginia International Raceway! I thought I was toast. But the gods smiled, and a friend loaned me his rig to tow my car to IMA. I called Ivan from the track and he immediately contacted a supplier to get new cables sent to him. Cables and car came together at IMA, and Ivan and his crew were ready to work into the night to get all fixed. Miracle of miracles, my car was repaired by 6:30 p.m. the same day, and a happy me headed for VIR the next day. Big thanks and kudos to Ivan and his team! John D. read more

This is the best experience I have ever had with any shop I have ever been to. Dan was very helpful and Ivan very meticulous. You can definitely tell that the folks that work here love cars! read more

What an amazing shop. IMA is a no-brainer choice over going to the Porsche dealer. Considering the level of the work they do, it is amazingly affordable, I wouldn't take my Panamera anywhere else. read more

Let me start by saying that Ivan, Chris and the entire team are well versed, knowledgeable and extremely confident group of auto mechanics that seem to specialize on the finest automobiles. I was humbled to even have my Porsche 928 next to the Ferrari in the shop. With that being said, they treated my car repair issues with the same caliber of attention as the cool Ferrari next to it. They thought out of the box to meet my repair needs and took the time to explain and make me feel comfortable through the entire process. My car is running like a spinning top now...top notch indeed! read more

Very happy with my experience at IMA thus far. I've taken my Audi A4 to these guys for a 55k mile service and an ECU flash and won't take the car anywhere else for future work. The service was a substantially better value service than what the dealer could offer and the tune was handled with an almost surprisingly high level of precision. Really glad I found this place. read more

If you have a Porsche, look these guys up. I have been to IMA twice and will continue to use their services. They know what they are doing and in both my visits the customer service was above and beyond. They are straight shooters and fair priced. Mike read more

What a wonderful people. They walked me through what my Porsche 911 needed to be done to it. Ivan (the owner) & Dan such knowledgable guys of Porsche and they will tell you exactly what the issues that must me addressed and other issues that you can just think about and decide when to fix them. Ivan walked me around the car and showed me exactly the new parts that have been replaced while it was on the lift. I don't think the dealer would take you inside the shop while the mechanic is working on your car would they? They made me feel like a friend and not just someone who needs his car fixed. Ivan even gave me a ride home when he realized that I didn't have one. Their prices are reasonable and by far a lot cheaper than the dealer. What impressed me the most is how they made me feel as if it was their own car they are repairing. Thanks guys. Glad I found you Sean T read more

I have been to several auto shops in the MD, VA and DC metropolitan area and Ivan, and the rest of the IMA team, has by far offered the best customer care experience I have had. They have gone above and beyond the norm, providing solutions to a problem I had with my car, which no one was able to diagnose or correct. Thanks for taking the time and fixing the issues! Karim read more

This place fixed my Audi under the price of what anyone around was asking for the same repair.And they did it well!!! Even when there were extra complications do to unforseen damage from driving the car with the issue it was having. Ivan and his crew fixed the car and still came in under what places quoted to just to the original work. I'd take my car here and I suggest you do too. At least give them a call for your Automotive repair needs you won't be disappointed! read more

I'm on my 2nd 911 - first a 2000 996 and now a 2013 991. Ivan and his team have great knowledge of both cars, have always delivered quality service on time with honest recommendations and fair pricing. If you have a Porsche, IMA is a great resource read more

This shop is the absolute worst. I'd never go back. Thieving quotes. Rude. Gave me a different quote than my husband. I've read some poor reviews but decided to them a chance anyways. Just don't do it. read more

I have IMA replaced the starter of my X3. So far so good. My X3 is getting better millage than before.

IMA made our 1982 BMW 325i convertible run like new. Although recently replaced, the convertible top did not work and several other shops said it needed a complete top replacement including the iron structure. IMA fixed the top at a very reasonable price. Plus they did other repairs to make the BMW a true ultimate driving machine. IMA called me with estimates of all the work that needed to be done and kept me informed on their progress. If you have a car that needs work beyond basic repairs, I strongly recommend that you take your car to IMA. read more

If you own a Porsche this is the only place you want to get it serviced. Old World professional pride combined with cutting ended knowledge. They have my 1978 911SC running like it just came off the line in Stuttgart. read more