Frank and his crew are honest and integrous. I've been a customer for 20 years and would never consider another mechanic.

This is the second review that I'm leaving for Frank & his wretched excuse for a shop; "Marina Motor Works." Only this time, it's about the "Restoration" of my 1972 280 SE Mercedes-Benz, which actually was farmed out to multiple businesses. Again, the experience was horrifying. Just like my previous experience (with the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220-S,). From the beginning, my biggest mistake was to have ever trusted Frank at all. He is definitely NOT a person that is trustworthy. Nor is he a person of honor or integrity. Or someone who stands behind his work. I came to this realization after I discovered that he had cut corners virtually ALL of the jobs I had given him. The "Work" that was done was either completely incorrect or exceedingly poor quality. As a result, it ending up costing me literally thousands of dollars to re-do EVERYTHING he had touched. It required a team of ACTUAL PROFESSIONALS to correct the "Work" which Frank failed to deliver right the first time. The waste of time and money was enormous. Here are a few examples: 1) The car stereo job was a total joke. He had sub-contracted it to a 3rd rated installation company, and inflated the price astronomically. The result was unusable. His stereo installer had no idea how to correct the multiple serious problems/noises which the car was making after it had been delivered. He wasted approximately six (6) months in trying to do so. I ended up taking it elsewhere, where the tech was able to immediately resolve the problems. 2) The upholstery work that had been done on both cars was not properly done. The upholstery guy he subbed it out to did NOT construct any of the seats with proper springs (None) or cushioning/padding for back and butt support. After removing what he had done, the seats were found to have been filled with nothing, but a beat-up yellow cushion pad with a dirty rag on top of it. Furthermore, the seats were NOT properly stitched as they should have been. Instead, they were stapled with a staple gun. Also, he used vinyl for the back of the front seats for both cars rather than leather (which I requested & was charged for). 3) The carpeting, including the floor mats for the 1972 were of a very cheap material from China and just after two (2) years, it all fell apart. 4) After the car was delivered mechanical defects began to appear. I returned the car to Frank in order to have these issues resolved, and soon found out that Frank is NOT what he claims to be. Rather, he is incompetent and unskilled. A complete amateur, and totally clueless. This was clearly evident during multiple visits where I witnessed Frank being unable to fix ANY of the mechanical issues that had come up with the car. After having months go by, he didn't even know how to change the air filter. How pathetic is that? Also, the engine was overheating, which required the radiator to be serviced. He farmed it out two (2) times for the ongoing problems, but never managed to have it corrected. The car overheated and leaked radiator fluid like crazy. Furthermore, it had been towed multiple times. The last time this occurred, I had had enough, and took matters into my own hands. Luckily, I found a great radiator guy who is a radiator specialist. He did the repair correctly the first time, and I'm very happy with his work. To this day, there have been no issues whatsoever. 5). The car had MAJOR problems starting and running steadily. When it did start, it would run for a while, and then suddenly shut down. For approximately two (2) months, Frank could NOT figure out what the problem was. His inept "Solution" was to replace (Good) fuses multiple times. Of course that was totally hopeless, and the problem continued to get worse. Again, I ended up taking the car to a REAL BENZ specialist who almost immediately figured out what the actual problem was. The air slide valve had failed. It was replaced, and having been CORRECTLY resolved, the car has had no further similar issues. Working with REAL PROFESSIONALS makes a world of difference. They will do the job right the first time. That's because, they have the knowledge, skills, honor, and more importantly integrity. In conclusion, I find it embarrassing, disgraceful, and absurd to the true Benz mechanic community that one (1) Yelp reviewer referred to Frank as a "Benz Guru". Obviously, they don't know any better. Also, the fact that Frank claims to stand behind his work is NOT true! Seeing is believing. I have proof. Pictures showing the poor quality of his work as well as invoices for all of the re-dos that were done for both cars. Who cares if he has been around for 34 years. It does NOT mean a thing! More like 34 years of being a SCHMOOZER with below average, so-called skills. His place is NOTHING, but a SMOKE AND MIRRORS shop! I am deeply regretful and disgusted to even have met a person like him. He has no sense of morals, values, or principles. read more

Frank is amazing and knows his stuff! Best Mercedes mechanic is SoCal! Highly recommend seeing him for all your Mercedes needs!

I've gone here several times for routine maintenance as well as a few repairs. It's run by one guy, Frank, a German ex-Mercedes mechanic, and his assistant. They're responsive if you need same-day service (when possible). It's not cheap, but the shop is less than a dealership and faster. He's made minor fixes without charge. I trust them. read more

Frank is the best! As a woman, he's the only person I trust with my car. I wouldn't even dream of paying double to take it to the dealership and deal with upcharging me for whatever they decide to make up. He even fixed a scratch on my car without asking. Can't go wrong with Honesty and great pricing! read more

Too early to rate this place its my first service visit but the chief mechanic Frank was outstanding in his manners professionalism they say first impression is the best the best impression I have to wait till my Mercedes 550 S class mechanical problem is taken care and review the whole service final pricing of genuine Mercedes parts & service to rate . This rating is for the initial welcoming only read more

Frank is an awesome mechanic who knows his craft. He actually threw in some time in activating a few gadgets I wasn't aware I had in my car. And he activated a smart lock on my car that will now make it safer for me to get in and out of my car. This guy is aces! - Happy Benz Owner read more

Could not recommend Frank and his team enough. I have 3 very specialized G-Wagens and Frank has been knowledgable, trustworthy, and efficient taking care of all 3. Everything from modern AMG motors to 80's diesel engines, these guys are the real deal. If you are looking for an independent Mercedes shop with fair pricing, clear communication, and excellent workmanship, look no further. read more

I bought a beautiful old 1990 Mercedes 300SL and had issues getting the hard top to re-attach after I removed it to take rides in the convertible configuration. I called a bunch of places, googled, and wound up going to a mechanic who said it would cost a lot and take some diagnostic electronic work to understand what was wrong. Then today I went to Frank, based on other Yelp reviews. He took a quick look at the 4 hard top lock points, tried tightening the rear ones first, which were fine, then tightened the front driver side, and voila, problem solved. After that, he showed me where my tools were in the trunk, and how to use them in case I have more problems in the future. He knows his Mercedes, and was friendly and helpful as well. I'll be going back for all my future needs. Thanks Frank!! read more

Very slow service, only two staff/technicians. Owner is very "handsy" and "creepy" with attractive female clients. Had to get my uncle to call and talk to the owner because he was so condescending to me as a female customer. Work orders and receipts are hand written and very difficult to read. Repairs are about 5% higher than other surrounding repair shops. I recommend Rafi Autotech on Venice and Sepulveda instead for your Mercedes work. read more

I took my 1981 240D to Frank after some very scary happenings (my transmission would stick in 2nd gear and not downshift, even at stops). I called him on a Thursday morning and he told me to come in right away (later, he told me he usually books appointments). He listened to my issue and the list of fix-its I've accrued over the years, did an overall inspection from above and below, took me for a drive around the neighborhood, replaced my transmission fluid and put in a transmission treatment fluid. Since then, it's been running great and saved me from spending several grand on a transmission rebuild. Total price: under $30 I should mention, when Frank saw I was running veggie oil in my old Benz, he nearly $h!t a brick! He's definitely got no love for the veggie. But I wont hold it against him. I'll definitely be calling on Frank for my future repairs. If you have a classic Benz you'd like to keep on the road for years to come, I suggest you give him a call. read more

Frank has been my trusted mechanic for years. Amazing personalized service and quick turnover. Go to him for all your Mercedes Benz needs. read more

Marina Motorworks - For all your Mercedes Benz needs. Best prices on parts and labor. - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Frank has worked wonders on my Benz. I trust him as he is always upfront and honest with the repairs. His knowledge and understanding of Mercedes is second to none. Once I even dropped in after a side light had gone out. He changed it in minutes and didn't even charge me. His customers are loyal and his shop always has some classics that he is restoring. read more

Frank has been working on my 500sl for the past year. Best mechanic I've had. His pricing is fantastic and gets the job done right the first time! read more

I am so happy to have found Frank at Marina Motorworks. My Mercedes was making a terrible banging noise and I remembered seeing the sign on Washington blvd. It was close by so I thought I would give it a shot. I was so pleased to meet Frank and his dog Charlie and felt comfortable right away. I pulled up and he looked at my car right away.....At most places you have to leave your car half the day just for them to tell you what is wrong. He showed me what was going on and explained what parts needed to be replaced. The price seemed very fair so he ordered the part and i brought my car back the next day. I left my car with him for about 2 hours and he called me when it was ready to go. Normally getting my car fixed is such a major hassle and I always feel like I am being ripped off, but Frank made it easy and gave me an honest diagnosis of the problem my car was having. About a month after he fixed my car, I needed a smog check and found out the check engine light was out and needed to be fixed before i could get my smog check done. I stopped by one afternoon and even though it was late in the day, Frank put the new bulb in for me and didn't charge me......a few days later, one of my headlights went out and back to Frank I went. He replaced the bulb for me and when i asked how much I owed him he said he does not charge to change light bulbs. I feel so lucky to have found such an honest business man and great mechanic . When you take your car to Frank it feels like you are going to an old friend's house...he even has a cool dog that comes and greets you. read more

My car's alarm system suddenly stopped working and the "Fasten Seat Belts" reminder light would not shut off. Meanwhile, the engine was racing and roaring as if it were getting ready for the Indianapolis 500, and the transmission lurched and jolted when the gear selector was moved in and out of Reverse. Frank diagnosed and repaired everything, saving and rehabilitating a key part that would have been very expensive to replace. Everything now works beautifully. For anyone who has an older Mercedes-Benz, Frank is the above-and-beyond mechanic who is in the zone of Magician. His knowledge and skill are unsurpassed. read more

Do you hug your Mechanic when you see him? Well I do. I have been taking my Mercedes 300 CE to Frank for approximately 16 of the 22 years that I have owned it. I know that I can depend on Frank to tell me honestly what is wrong with it, how much it's going to cost to fix it and, most importantly, what cost cutting alternatives I may have at my disposal if there are any. When there aren't any alternatives I can depend on Frank to finish my car for me quickly, efficiently and always done right the first time. I appreciate Frank so much that I voluntarily and without Frank's knowledge, posted ads on Craigslist telling people how much I loved the service he offers and urging them to use his shop. Call him or go by in the morning, he's always there and always helpful, you won't regret that you did. Five stars and six if they had them! read more

Frank has been fixing my Mercedes cars since 1999. He knows the cars inside and out, provides excellent service at a fair price, and will work with you to give you options to reduce costs based on your needs and expectations. read more

As many here have advised to have Frank fix their Mercedes and have for many years, Frank has began looking at my 2003 S430V inside and out. As many here have shared, Frank provides understanding and excellent service at a fair price, and works to give options to reduce costs based on needs and expectations. As good as it gets. read more

Just referred a close friend of mine because his engine did not run well and had a loss of power. After replacing tge spark plugs for 600 usd the car still had the same issue and told him that he needs new cylinder heads because of carbon deposits ..suggested repair cost 8000 usd. He went to see Frank , Frank run full diagnostics and agreed that it might be the problem. Frank used some chemical to remove the carbin but told us that there is a chance it it will be too late. Regardless we said we will try, Frank did his magic, driver tge car for a weekend and could make the engine run smooth again. Not saying he is wonder boy but a good hinest technician who knows mercedes. Without replacement the car was running for a bit over 300... yes my friend was very happy. He only does Mercedes ... read more

I wish I'd found Frank sooner. I'd been throwing money at mechanics who were all unable to repair my 1972 Mercedes. He knew exactly what was needed, and fixed the car on the first visit. When it came time to get a different vehicle, I didn't consider anything other than a Mercedes because I didn't want to have to find another mechanic. read more

I stopped by here to check out the place as a possibility to bring my MB in for service, but when I stopped in at around 2pm I didn't get much response from anyone. There was just one mechanic standing there working on a car and when I said hello he just looked at me. I waited a minute then asked if anyone else was around and he said no. I asked when someone might be back he just looked at me. I told him I needed some work done and he continued to just look at me and say nothing. Finally I told him I'll take my car elsewhere and left, still getting no response. read more