Again, 5 stars for this independent BMW shop. Great service. 100% honest and always gives you options. The labor rate is amazing. The knowledge and experience are unprecedented. If you are looking for a shop to have your BMW serviced out of warranty. This is one of the best shops in the Bay Area. For reference, I have used The Garage in San Francisco and Performance Autowerk in Dublin. You will not be welcomed with a kreiug coffee bar or a fake leather couch. If you want your car to be taken care of. And really understand what is going on with your vehicle. Dale and the crew are the best. Plus Angus the shop dog! Most recent visit was to have my windshield wiper sprayers fixed. Plus, engine and cabin filter replaced. Somehow, once taken into the shop, the windshield wiper sprayer was not an issue. The shop tested the mechanism throughout the day and there were no issues. They replaced my filters as planned. Had I taken it to the dealership they probably would've replaced the tank filters, etc. and it would've been $1000+ read more

The most professional and reasonable BMW repair shop in the city and no need to shop any other places. Have my car serviced here years and has been pleasure working with them. read more

Poor customer service!! Bad communication and lied. Receptionist, Gigi, said they would follow up and call me with an estimate for labor and parts, but instead I had to call them to find out they already started the work without my approval. At that point all they wanted to do was blame me for "improperly" installing it the first time, which was not the case. The product was purchased with the component having the issue already installed. All I wanted was an estimate so I could take it to the company who sold me the damaged part and ask if they would cover the cost or rather me return the part. Now I'm stuck taking the loss and hoping their service costs will be covered. read more

Phaedrus BMW - Assumed it was my error and ignored my question. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

Excellent service every time. I've brought my car here twice, and the experience has been far better than going to the dealership, which charges a $345 diagnostic fee just to look at the car. Most recently, I took my BMW to the dealership for a starter recall. They texted me saying I needed new tires and a wheel alignment. I decided to bring it back to Phaedrus to double-check, and they were honest and told me everything was perfectly fine. No unnecessary upsells, just straightforward advice. Their pricing is also much more reasonable than the dealership. This is definitely my go to shop for my BMW. read more

Responsive service, reasonable prices, comprehensive problem solving. Happy with their work.

Dale was super rude to me. I didn't like the quality of their work. Even when they made a mistake servicing my car, Dale was super rude to me. read more

This independent bmw service center is one of if not the best bmw service center in sf , the front desk guy called John is super nice and super understanding. He explains everything in detail and tells you what u need exactly without the bs that dealership do. The price is super reasonable. I go here for my daily maintenance with my m4 and I 100% trust with everything. Thanks John read more

Phaedrus BMW - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

Honest mechanic. Expert with BMW's. Meticulously cared for many of my BMWs from 1999 to present. Quality shop. I highly recommend.

I've been a loyal customer at Phaedrus for nearly 15 years. Dale, one of the owners, has personally worked on this car a dozen times, and I've spent many thousands of dollars with them. That's why my most recent experience was so shocking and hurtful. In the middle of what I thought was a friendly, constructive conversation about repair options -- where I was simply seeking his expertise and trying to understand my choices -- out of nowhere, Dale cut me off, said the discussion was "irritating," and insulted me as "long-winded" for asking questions. I wasn't doing anything wrong; I was in a vulnerable position, trying to figure out how to handle an aging car, and expected the respect and guidance I'd always received. I tried to keep my emotions in check and move forward, but when I later told him how upset I was by his treatment, he coldly brushed me off and said he didn't need my money. Over two days he showed zero empathy, zero remorse, and only gross disdain for a long-time customer. His dismissive and vitriolic behavior ruined my day and destroyed all respect I once had for this business. If this is how an owner treats loyal customers, I strongly urge you to take your car elsewhere. read more

I called them because I felt I was being taken for a ride at another car shop. I gave them the itemized quotes for each repair, and they walked me through exactly where the cost was coming from and whether they were a reasonable estimate--most were not. Didn't even ask if I had any plans of bringing it there--I didn't when I called, I do now. They seem like honest, down-to-earth people in it to help the local community rather than turn a quick buck. I heard that they don't own the building from which they operate. That makes me sad--the business may not be around long. I know that while it is, this is where I'll be bringing my car. read more

The main front desk guy comes off a bit sharp at first, but once you get into the details, he's helpful and points you in the right direction. They provide thorough explanations about your car's issues, and even if they're not 100% certain, they're upfront and honest. They're also very flexible with scheduling, making it easy to drop off and pick up your car. Overall, I found them to be reliable and accommodating. read more

They were able to pinpoint the issue and fixed it within a day. Master of their crafts

If you do not care about your money take your car here. Steer clear if you want a shop you can trust. This shop is taking your money from part price mark ups. The only reason I would pay extra for a part to be installed would be for excellent service which this place does not deliver. I don't see a point in taking your vehicle here when the dealer is the same price. Worst customer service. Not friendly at all. All they want is to take as much money as they can from you. Old man at the front desk literally tossed my keys on the table like they were worthless. Do not bother coming to this place. read more

Very professional and competitively priced. I have taken several BMW's to Phaedrus over the years, for various services and they have never let me down. read more

TL:DR, this is an honest shop that does high quality work you can trust. Took our 2015 X1 into the Phaedrus. The brake wear sensor had triggered. The car has 95k miles and never had the brakes replaced. I figured it was time. Called a few shops to get quotes. Phaedrus wasn't the cheapest quote, but (1) the cheaper quotes were't using OE parts, and (2) the other shops seemed careless even over the phone. By comparison, John at Phaedrus was thoughtful and careful from our very first interaction. Those two reasons are worth a little extra money. Anyway, took the car in. A few hours later, I got a call from John. Brakes were still fine - just a faulty sensor. The total bill for the repair (diagnostic + parts + labor) was what a BMW dealership would charge just to diagnose the problem! John could have easily up-sold me and replaced all four brakes/rotors/sensors. Instead, he gave me an honest assessment, and saved me a ton of money. I'll be bringing the care back. They have earned a new loyal customer. P.S. If you know about the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the good folks at Phaedrus live up to Pirsig's idea(ideal?) of quality. read more

If you have a BMW please do not take your car to the dealer. Bring it to Phaedrus BMW for service. The wealth of knowledge Gigi, Dale and John have on BMW's (all years and models) is mind blowing. My 2003 BMW 745Li is 22 years old (bought in Nov. 2022) and it still runs and looks great because of Phaedrus. You cannot go wrong with this shop! read more

So we were in San Francisco one day when our car stalled and became temporarily disabled. Phaedrus BMW to the rescue!! They took care of us like family and got us going again. We were impressed with their honesty, skill, and professionalism! The owner really knows his stuff and is reliable and trustworthy on top of that. I highly recommend this place! read more

Asked simple question about service provided. got a "you may not know what you're talking about certainly can't help with that" was the response I got inquiring on my car as if I don't work on my own car, since it has many bmw parts including and i6 engine I wondered if this shop could be of use read more

Phaedrus and it's staff are honest and treat your car like it's their own. They usually assess with an economic eye. And always with a smile. read more

Phaedrus BMW - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

I brought my car here for several repairs and so far it has nothing but completely great experience! It runs smoothly and I don't have any service warnings. I don't know anything about cars and I'm glad that I can go to Gigi and will receive an honest fair pricing. Never been to any car services and have no plans going to anywhere. read more

Phaedrus BMW - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

Dale & his professional mechanics worked on my BMW this morning & were able to fix my convertible top problem! Dale immediately knew what my problem was when I brought my car in! Great Job Dale!!!! Thank you, Joel M. read more

Some of the rudest and condescending people I have interacted with in the US, work here. My girlfriend & I went here to get our car checked out as a pre-sale check up. We recommendded the buyer to do so as well as wanted to learn ourselves about the professional evaluation of the car. This was the first time we have sold a car much less in the US. We drove to this to place ourselves on a work day to get the evaluation. The buyers were already waiting for us when we reached there, so without signing or speaking to anyone, we handed our keys. After waiting an hour, the mechanic finally got the evaluation sheets for the car. He then started his 15 minutes rant on how my girlfriend and I are thugs to be cheating on the poor innocent buyers. How we are hiding things from them. How they should not trust us. And how rotten the state of the car is internally - a 10 year old car. He would look at us, ask us a question about the car, and then tell the buyers with air quotes motion - 'so they say'. Meanwhile we haven't spoken a word during this entire process unless it was to answer a question being asked. Both of us were so humiliated throughout this experience, that we simply asked for the keys and left. We asked the buyers that if they were still interested they can contact us and that they should only do so if they are comfortable, but this entire experience was uncalled for. First hand experienced what an asshole looks like when its spitting diarrhea on your face. Would never recommend this place to anyone. read more

Came in for an "in between" oil change before the car's computer called for one, which will be familiar to those looking to own a BMW long term. This shop ended up resetting not only my oil life interval in the computer, but *all* of the intervals, causing any subsequent dealer visits to not cover service that should have been included, such as the car's first brake fluid flush. I would forgive this rookie mistake if it wasn't for the shop's incredibly dismissive attitude when I raised this issue, saying "OMG it's $200", "we've already been talking about this for way too long" (2 minutes into a phone call), and "we've been in business for way too long to be dealing with this" (yes, exact quotes). Guess they've been in business for too to care about doing work properly, owning up to mistakes, and caring about money except when it comes time to take it from customers. Steer clear if you want a shop you can trust. read more

My 2007 facelift e85 was originally purchased and serviced at BMW of San Francisco. I found her a few weeks ago and I am the second owner now. I have also previously owned e21, e24, e28, e30x2 and can perform simple repairs, but this is work for a professional. At my purchase, I was worried about my oil pan gasket and oil filter gasket conditions due to signs of oil in the coolant. She also had tired control arm bushings from city driving. All par for the course on a Z4 of this age in my eyes. Went in for an inspection at BMW of SF. They tried to scare me into a $5,300 repair. Brutal.. Phaedrus quoted $2,200 for the same work. My oil pan gasket was fine so they suggested I hold off on that for now. ~$1,600 and ready to roll!!! Dale also showed me evidence that the header gasket has already been replaced and other components to keep an eye on before the next visit. He also took a ton of time to ease my concerns of DISA valve issues on N52 engines like mine. Dropped the car off this morning at 8:00am for initial inspection of gaskets and control arms... spoke with Gigi after lunch on the revised scope, and rolled out this evening at 8:00pm. Unreal 5-Star experience... read more

Phaedrus BMW - 2007 e85 z4 3.0si - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The customer service was very poor. I brought my BMW for electrical repair. It took forever to get my car back and it wasn't fixed. The Phaedrus receptionist kept promising that the car will be fixed and will call me back with status update but she never called me back - I had to call them again and again. My patience was not infinite and I decided to get my car back after almost a week it has been in the shop and it wasn't fixed. read more

So disappointed with those guys .. they gave me a wrong diagnosis and billed me $475 for it too. And the worst thing is that they where not able to fix the problem because only dealers can. They think there time so very valuable and have the nerves to charge $500 for a guy to spend no more than 10 minutes to plug in the cars computer scanner to see what codes are coming back with the check engine light. Years ago they did the same thing and made me pay them $1700 only to decide the car isn't worth fixing (for an older BMW I had) So disappointed. Never going back Stay away read more

Amazing experience with Phaedrus BMW! I had the pleasure of working with Dale. He was super knowledgeable, super diligent and super honest. I opted for the 2 hour full diagnostic, well worth it since they have all the specialized BMW tools, scanners and equipment. They did exactly what they say they would do, exactly when they said they would do it. Highly recommended. read more

Phaedrus BMW - My baby getting what she needs. - Auto Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

If there were more stars to this rating they deserve it. These guys are extremely knowledgeable. They know what's wrong with your car and fix it with original factory parts and fast. Excellent Service!!! read more

I'm very lucky to have come across Dale and his team. Having a 1990 e32 750il, it was not easy for me to find a mechanic that would take my car in, let alone someone I would feel comfortable with. Most shops turned me away because of the age. Dale took me in the same day, make accurate and solid recommendations and was in great communication the entire time (text/phone). As long as I have my BMW, this will be the spot I take it. read more

Service here is wonderful. I completely trusty my BMW to Phadrus and their competent and friendly people!

I have a 2014 328iGT that has a gremlin that likes to eat light bulbs (I've had more bulbs go out or malfunction in this car in 7 years than all other cars combined for 35!). They were able to squeeze me in, do the job quickly, and for a fair price. read more

Dale and the rest of the team at Phaedrus are exactly the kinds of mechanics you want but can never find. From my first call through my many visits to the shop to pick up my car, Dale has been overly transparent and generous with his time. I like to do the work that I can myself, and Dale has been very accommodating, taking the time to objectively and simply talk through the considerations of performing or delaying certain services and acting as an advisor and partner who wants to see my car perform it's best and eat up many miles of road to come. Plus he's a stand up guy. If you work in Downtown, this should be your shop. They're less than half a block from the 47/49 Jackson stop. AND THEY ARE OPEN TIL NINE DURING THE WEEK. Making picking up my car after work easy and convenient was the seal-the-deal factor in picking Phaedrus as my BMW shop of choice. Plus they have dogs. read more

Expert BMW mechanics. Good service and fair prices. Honest and reliable. Found problems i did not know about and corrected them during the course of the repairs. Value added ++ read more

Prices better than BMW dealer and they don't try to sell you something you don't need yet. Timely. Friendly. Competent. Very happy with them!!! read more

Phaedrus team is excellent. Dale in particular-takes meticulous notes, knows BMWs-common problems with varied models, is very knowledgable, and lets customers know what must be done, what would be nice to have done, and what can be deferred. He sent me to BMW of SF for some work BMW would cover, so I could save money. Trustworthy, forthright-I can't say enough good things about this shop. read more

Phaedrus has now fixed two of my BMWs when they went out of warranty. Always does good work. Fast forward to my 2017 3 series wagon, which is 4 months out of warranty, and I get a warning that the drivers side airbag is not operational. WTF???? So I call Phaedrus, and they tell me that "hey, we can fix it, but if I were you, I would take it to the dealer, and then appeal to BWM to have it covered. This is not something that should not be working. Call us back if they ask something outrageous, but I would start with them". This is the type of advise, and honesty, that has made me happy to take a series of cars in the past, and now future, to Phaedrus. read more

For the past 20 or more years I have brought three different BMS to Phaedrus, a 535, 540 and an X3. I have total confidence in what Gigi, Dale or John tell me. They will tell me what needs to be fixed now and what can wait. They have a quick turnaround for the work and are always friendly and pleasant whenever I call or just show up. I recommend appointments though.. Owning a Beamer is not inexpensive but I feel that Phaedrus is competitive with other shops and definitely better than dealer rates, They also stand behind their work. Easy to get to and they are usually open a bit later than most shops and on Saturdays which makes for an easier pick up or drop off. Good hard working honest people. Highly recommended. read more

Updated review: Had some service panel lights come on. Unfortunately my bimmer needs some work - fortunately these folks are amazing. Have never met a more professional, friendly shop that I feel like I'm getting complete value back from. Love these folks! read more

I really wanted to like this place, because it's conveniently located, has great reviews and looks clean and trustworthy. Unfortunately, each time I've gone there, I've left with a bad taste in my mouth. I never had a terrible experience with this shop, but each time I went there I was disappointed with the service, attitude and price. The staff at the shop is dismissive, condescending and goes out of their way to be unhelpful. On my first interaction I asked the guy a simple question about my 2011-model year car and his response was "You know, if you had asked me about a 1983 BMW, I would have the answer, but I don't know much about modern BMWs." Weird but ok. When getting my oil changed there I asked why they charge $30 more than any other shop and their response amounted to "well the guys at the other shops are clowns that might forget to screw in the seal and your oil will leak" - really? I took my car in because there was a noise that was bothering me. $45 later they just gave me the car back and said there was nothing wrong with it, even though the noise was still there. I wasn't able to talk to the actual mechanic, just the reception lady. Waste of time and money. I bought an engine air filter from them to install it myself. They sold me a cabin air filter for the WRONG car. I had to disassemble my filter housing before discovering their mistake. When I brought it back, no apology or anything close to it. My point is - these guys are a second rate shop that have developed the unjustified reputation of being amazing, and have the prices to match. Save your money and go to a different shop. read more

Dale runs an honest business and he takes great pride in his team. He's been in business for decades and I can truly feel the respect he has for both his work and for bmws in general. Trust plays a major factor in finding the best mechanic for your car. Over the past times I've brought my 4 series in I have always been pleased with his shop's work, pricing, and attitude. read more