I took my `03 530 to Ottowerks 2 times once for almost complete cooling system replacement and thrust arms, and recently oil change and brakes. Both times Dave has been professional, dealt with my warranty company on my behalf and did a great job. He explains what he is doing in detail, follows up and kept me updated of the progress. Definitely will keep on coming back to him. read more

RUN AWAY Whatever work they do, it will be done right. BUT THEY WILL OVERCHARGE THE ENTIRE WAY AND LIE ABOUT WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED Ottoworks 2 years ago told me I needed an entire new rear suspension and a bunch of front suspension work. I knew i needed the suspension work in the front, but was suspicious about the rear. I originally brought it in for a check engine light, but he tried to sell me on 4.5K in REPAIRS on a car worth maybe 6K. Rediculous. They told me I had BROKEN rear suspension parts. Other mechanics have laughed at this obvious attempt at scamming. Now that I know more about the car, what parts should cost, and I have a REAL shop who doensn't scam you I am SHOCKED at this old bill from them. They mark up parts about 100%. $200 for a front lower control arm, should be no more than $130, $220 for pre-cat oxygen sensors which are $90. I didn't know what I was doing and they took me to the cleaners. Luckily I had the sense to stop at $1500 total. Don't fall for Dave's "preventative measures" which is a way to raise the bill. read more

I had to have a thermostat replaced which requires some coolant replacement but they "flushed" the whole system. The problem was that I just had it done less than 2 weeks earlier. Ya think they could tell the difference or........ Then, they put that "OTTOWERKS" license plate frame on the car without asking, what's up with that? I recommend going elsewhere. read more

Excellent service at a reasonable price for our BMW. If you're looking for a great auto shop look no further.

I hit Dave up after reading the positive reviews on Yelp. I'd been going to Bimmers on the Peninsula but needed a shop in the city, and I'm glad I went to Ottowerks. Not only is Dave honest but he takes the time to explain the your car trouble in great detail. He breaks down different scenarios for repairs and provides you with relevant advice on non-urgent issues. Even better, he doesn't pressure you into making repairs if you're not comfortable doing so. I'm pretty particular about where I take my E36, even for a simple oil change (see my Jiffy Lube debacle), and with their competitive labor rates and BMW expertise, I highly recommend Ottowerks. read more

Dave at Ottowerks came recommended as someone reliable and honest who could fix my brakes on my BMW. His quote was within range of other mechanics and the job was done sooner than promised. When I went to pick up my car he walked me through exactly what he did, saving the old rotors and pads to show the wear and tear and explaining how I can avoid future problems. I will definitely return to Ottowerks! read more

I recently went to Dave for some repair work on my 97, 500SL and my 02 325i. He has serviced the BMW since the warranty has ran out, his knowledge on both of these vehicles is outstanding and precise. The quality of service over the years sets him above others. I just got my SL back after some major work they completed, they were on time and overall what a really nice experience it's been. Dave and his staff at Ottowerks, really have gone above and beyond this time, they even did some extra stuff to my car at no cost and even washed the cars. I was blown away! Keep up your good quality service! read more

I went to Ottowerks with my really rare Diesel BMW a few months ago. I had been playing around with different fuel sources, and had neglected to change my fuel filter on a regular basis. My car dumped my wife and I in downtown Oakland. I called Dave and he had no problem having it towed in right away. This car is really rare (about 1500 were imported in 1985 and 1986 only) and a lot of mechanics don't have the tools to work on them anymore, and just don't want to mess with it - so I appreciate Dave accepting it on short notice. He seemed to appreciate the opportunity to work on an unusual model and he did excellent work. I picked up the car and it ran great and had more power than it had ever had before. Apparently my filter was on it's way to being clogged for a while. He also cleaned all the fuel lines back to the tank, removed the tank, boiled it clean and resealed it. All this work was making my wallet really nervous, but he didn't charge and arm and a leg like I expected. He also fixed a leak that I had done a "DIY repair" to for no charge. When I got home I noticed that my hood did not close properly on the left side. I was pissed and was cursing the guys at his shop for about a week thinking they didn't put it on properly. I almost yelped a negative review because of it. I went back as soon as I had time, a week later, and Dave looked at it right away, He told me the hinge was broken and they had done the best they could at the time. He told me (since he knew I was a DIYer) the hinge was readily available at a junk yard for a few bucks and if I went and got one he would put it in for me the next day. It all worked out perfectly. I wanted to add that part of the story because there was another person on here who wrote that Dave's guys had not put back her taillight properly, and had been rude to her on the phone. Dave is a straight shooter, and IMHO it is best to go to him in person with your concerns and give him a chance to make it right. It worked for me. I'll be going to him as long as I own a German automobile, even though I now live in Oakland!!! Thanks Dave! read more

I was searching for a garage to fix my 2004 BMW X5. I called Ottowerks and explained to them that I'd have to have my car towed to their garage. Dave was friendly on the phone and told me that I can drop off my car anytime. When the car arrived, they determined that I needed a new alternator. Since I live in the South bay, I really need to be able to pick up the car at the end of the business day. Even though it was already 1 pm, Dave and his crew went to work and was able to get my car finished that day! I appreciate Dave and his crew for going out of their way to make sure I didn't have to make multiple trips back up to the city. I was very pleased with their service and professionalism. I would definitely use these guys again! read more

I took my 325i convertible in to dave this morning based on yelp reviews. Turns out my thermostat is stuck open and needs replacing. Dave was up front, clear, concise and friendly. I would recommend this guy anyday, and he hasn't even done the service on my car yet! :-) read more

I bought a new BMW - well, new to me. And it had a ton of aftermarket work done on it. I brought it in for maintenance, and was impressed first by the shop - made me feel very comfortable that Dave was a cool guy. Second, I could tell right away that he appreciated the work that had already been done on my car, and walked me through what he planned to do and why. I had a turn signal that was melting and he rewired everything and painted the wires to match the factory install and make it easier for future work. Since my car has a ton of electrical wiring and lighting, I know it will be important later. He walked me through everything he did, and again, why he did it. Also told me everything the previous owner did. And he did it all quickly and kept me informed throught the whole process. Awesome place, and I am just about to schedule it to go in again. Price was high, but the work he did was labor intensive, so it seemed fair. read more

Quality work, reasonable competitive price, knowledgeable people, good service. I do number of works on my 3 BMW's by myself. I used to work in early 90's in small BMW Bay Area shop. But sometimes I take car to shop for jobs, where lift and special tools needed. Those people know what they are doing and that is very important if you want to keep your BMW long time in good running condition read more

I took my Porsche to Dave and couldn't be happier. Great work, fair price.

went in and had a window mechanism replaced. they fixed the window but they installed the door panel incorectly. it fell of less than a week later. After $100 to fix the door panel, it has fallen off once again. it is less than two months since the second time having the door panel put on. When we called about the door for the third time they said we would have to pay for the repair again, for the third time. THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THERE WORK. READ THE OTHER REVIEWS!!!!! read more

I truly can't say enough about Dave at Ottowerks. I've been going there for almost a decade and he's been absolutely great -- I have never had a single bad experience. I've learned more from him about cars (specifically about my originally problematic, used '91 525i) than I have from anyone else in my life. As a woman, it's sometimes scary to go to a new mechanic because you don't know whether or not you'll be treated unfairly and dismissively just because you're female. Dave has always clearly explained car issues and options to me, often using the old part(s) as like a show and tell, while answering all my questions, and being a complete gentleman to boot--and I'm so grateful for that. ***Ladies, especially (but not only), I can't recommend Dave enough! read more

Owning a Classic 2002 I take the maintenance of my car very seriously. Even though it's a Classic...it can also be very high maintenance (sorta like it's owner ...right Dave? -grin) Dave has gone out of his way to service my car before the shop has opened and also has taken the time to try and assess the problem via the phone on many occasions. Even the other day as my car was having problems, me being a typical chick started freaking out on the phone, well....Dave was kind enough to stay on the phone with me. Later that day when my car had to be towed to his shop, he promptly got on the phone found the parts...which for a car that is 32 years old, isn't always the easiest- Long story short....he had my car ready for me the next morning. Not only did he fix the problem, he also went out of his way to check the fluid levels and various other maintenance stuff to make sure everything was up to par. Thanks Dave for the excellent service and keeping BETHEBAL running! read more

i live in east bay .went to pick up my wife in sf ,on way to north beach my 95 mb c220 broke down (for the first time ever)a coupla guys helped my push it over to the curb. amazingly one of them was Dave (must be my wife's karma mine certainly ain't that good) dave diagnosed the problem 'and when i asked if he would aqree to work on the car had it towed to his shop.we took pub. trans. home and the next am dave called and said car was ready price was very reasonable and his shop was very cool.if your car is going to break down you could do way worse than a block from pizza places and right in front of a great mechanic and a good guy.thanks dave and sf. read more