Albany, California · Since 1990
Specialized BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI and European auto repair in Albany, California. Trusted by East Bay drivers since 1990.
Choose a time online and tell us what the car is doing. We confirm, then send the digital inspection to your phone.
Schedule ServiceCall 510-528-1214Vehicles we service
The shop opened as a BMW specialist. Today BMW, Mercedes-Benz and MINI are the core, with seven more European makes alongside.
Featured services
Diagnosis first, photos of every finding, and the repair your car actually needs. All services
Pads, rotors, fluid, ABS and the wear sensors European cars depend on.
A fault code tells us where to start, not what to replace.
The oil your manufacturer approves, the right filter, a digital inspection of the whole car, and your service indicator reset.
European cars are tuned to feel precise.
Harsh shifts, slipping or a transmission warning do not always mean a rebuild.
Warm air, weak airflow, odors or a fogged windshield.
Reviews
Real 5-star reviews, shown exactly as our customers wrote them.
Read every review on Google“Brought my car in for the first time yesterday after BMW quoted me close to $1600 for an oil change, air filter change, vehicle diagnostic, and brake fluid change. They were able to take me in the next morning and quoted me $600 less than BMW did. Service only took like three hours compared to a full day that BMW would’ve taken. Appreciate their honesty, great prices and professionalism. I’ll be back!”Lulu B. · Google review · July 2026
Scott and the whole team at Berkeley Motor Works are fantastic. They were upfront with pricing, clear with estimates, and never pushed unnecessary upsells — just honest, professional service. Communication was prompt and friendly the entire time. The attention to detail on my Abarth was incredible. You can tell they genuinely care about doing the job right. They’ve earned all of my future business!
I brought my BMW 740i in for brake noise and vibration issues, and I had a great experience. They clearly explained the diagnosis, showed me what was actually wrong, and helped prioritize what needed to be fixed now versus later. Communication was solid throughout the process, and the final cost felt fair for the quality of work. You can tell they really know BMWs. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an honest BMW specialist.
Mike and his crew are fantastic! So honest and thorough. The first time I brought my car in the dealer had suggested an 8k repair (replacing the turbo) but when Mike looked at it he fixed it for less than 2k (the turbo was fine it was rather the connector to the turbo).
Scotty is such a wonderful person to buy parts from. Fair prices and a huge knowledge of both Mercedes and BMW. He was able to get me an incredibly hard to find part for a 43 year old Mercedes. I am grateful!
Car broke down two days before a road trip. I asked if it was possible to have my car fixed by then. Obviously it depended on what was wrong. But they "saved the day" and got it done in time!! They aren't cheap (caveat-I have a 2010 Mini Cooper) but I've gone to them 3 times so far and they have always done an excellent job. I definitely recommend them!
Excellent service. Got what I needed. Knowledgeable parts department for both Mercedes and BMW. Fair prices.
I did a post purchase inspection for a used car I bought. They were fast and professional. Cost was reasonable.
I always feel confident that my car has had the best service. Scott & Mike always keep me in the know as to what has to be done, the progress of the services, & the final outcome!!!!
Mike was very friendly and helpful from the first phone call. It felt like he really enjoys his work, and was ready to offer extra advice and recommendations. In and out the same day, and reasonably priced.
Mike and Scott are awesome! My wife and I have been taking our car's there for years. They're super helpful and do great work!
Mike and Scott are awesome! My wife and I have been taking our car's there for years. They're super helpful and do great work!
I recommend Berkeley Motor Works to everyone, super cool guys and they are very honest and up front with everything. This will definitely be the only place I take my BMW. Saved me tons of money and everything is perfect on the car.
Scott was great, very informative, made sure I had the information that I needed and had me out in timely fashion.
Mike was very responsive and helpful in replacing a water pump, thermostat, and new brake linings on my Audi SQ5 at a fraction of the cost quoted by the dealer. Not only was it thousands less, but all done in 2 days. I highly recommend this organization!
My 23 year old Mercedes has been maintained by Berkeley Motor Works for several years. I’m alerted when service is due and any other issues are resolved in a timely manner-still passing smog!
I really appreciate your services. You are kind and friendly and my car Was fixed the same day. Glad it did not cost a lot to repair.
Berkeley Motor Works worked on my Fiat 500 E. I am so grateful. Great service. Not too many places work on Fiats. They fixed the car and as a bonus, gave it a bath.
My wife and I trust none other than Scott and Mike for our beautiful comfortable Mbz 2006 S350 and our 2004 E320. These cars require care and attention, especially the air ride in the S350. Because Berkeley Motor Works always works to find the right answer, we enjoy having our 2 great cars well maintained and at reasonable price, too! Thank you Scott and Mike.
I really trust Mike and Scott. They know so much about European cars, including common issues that come with age, and how to reliably and economically keep them at peek operational performance.
I continue to get my Mini serviced here. They're professional, & efficient. I can count on them to have the most updated manufacturer's service recommendations. Again, I highly recommend them.
I love this place. They take great care of my car, have reasonable prices, explain everything they need to do, and are just all around, great guys. Thank you for everything you do!!!
Just the very best. I am sorry that I'm about to move out of state because I doubt I'll ever be able to find any mechanic that will serve me as well as they have.
Reliable, trustworthy, good quality, not more expensive than they should be for keeping both my Mbz's in tiptop condition. 👍
So friendly and helpful. Had to have my 11-year-old Fiat 500e towed in and it was fixed (and washed!) in a couple of hours.
We have been coming to Berkeley Motors since 2017 with our 1989 Mercedes 560SEC. Scott and Mike have helped us maintain our classic car in top condition. We highly recommend their service.
Excellent care. Fine mechanics. Incredible efficiency: bills and estimates all on line. Car ready way ahead of my expectations. Couldn’t ask for more for my beautiful 1983 MBZ 300D!
Brought my BMW x3 in for service and found the process easy and felt service advisors up front and easy to communicate with. Left the garage noticing diff in car performance right away. Nobody likes to part money on car repairs but I felt much better after results and great service provided.
I take my BMW to Mike and Scott for service because I know they will do a good job of fixing what is wrong. I also take my car to them because I know they will explain what the problem is and how to fix it. They are helpful. It was pouring rain when I picked up my car. Scott backed my car out and parked it where I could easily get into it. I like both of them very much. Anne Smith
Many thanks to Mike and Scott for such a smart remedy to my 328i’s overheating issue. In the past with other shops, the fix would have been the automatic water pump/ thermostat replacement, which can be costly. After careful evaluation, 2 hoses and a leaky bleeder screw were all that was required. Thanks guys!!!
Unbelievable service with a smile. Experts with German cars. They even know diesel!! Vintage, and certified for the latest and greatest!
My experience here was amazing. It’s hard to find a very knowledgeable, understanding and trustworthy mechanic nowadays, and Scott is all of these. If you have a Mercedes or BMW car, I highly recommend to come talk to Scott. Amazing customer service.
I have used this auto repair service many years for my BMW and Mercedes. They are honest and always get the repair job done timely and at a reasonable price. They are reliable and trust worthy!
Appreciated Scott's efficient and straight-forward appraisal of a new BMW I purchased recently. Will definitely come back-he was warm and friendly to boot.
Had my 1997 BMW 740 smogged at a star certified center and it failed on a service engine fault. Took it to Berkeley Motor Works to get it diagnosed and they determined that a control module needed to be fixed. They originally told me that this service would take about a week but they fixed it in 3 and a half days. They did the smog check and it passed. The level of service is excellent and a highly recommend Berkeley Motor Works
Easy to schedule appointment, get updates and pay for service. Also honest advice on repairs needed.
Great team, they were prompt and got the job done. Awesome customer service as well they explained everything to me so I understand completely. I am a happy customer!!! Thumbs up to the whole team 👍🏾
Great experience at Berkeley Motor Works. They gave me a quick diagnosis, and repair at a reasonable price. What else could you ask for?
My 20 year old 530i was intermittently stalling. Mike listened carefully to my concerns. The shop found the problem pretty quickly. I would recommend Berkeley Motor Works to any BMW owner.
Fast Friendly Service. Clear estimates and invoices sent via Text message that also allows for payment ahead before you arrive…They also got my odometer to light up again without charging me!! EXCELLENT
Knowledgeable professionals who understand the intricacies of my German car. My experience here was a breath of fresh air. I appreciate the time taken to answer my questions no matter how silly they may be. Thanks again for being there for me!!
They did a great job re-welding the tail pipe and correctly installing a new Weber carburetor after that work had been done improperly by another shop--that I will not name. :) They will be my go-to place from now on.
Great customer service and reasonable prices. Will most definitely be returning to bring my Mercedes in for future needs.
Honest folks, Scott and Xavier are awesome and polite. So much d experience and knowledge! Fixed my coolant and turbo line leakage! Update: Had another help with them! Love the quick service, Mike and Scott are awesome, knowledgeable and reasonable. They figured an issue and fixed it (in a few days) that Mercedes of Oakland couldn't (a month of taking me car).
i went to Berkeley Motor Works for PPI . friendly staff, did the prepurchase inspection in a timely maner and provided report on tine. will visit them agsin.
Very pleasant experience at Berkeley Motor Works. Paul and his colleague are lovely individuals - honest, friendly, informative, knowledgeable. I was there for an oil change and a minor service for my 2021 X1. They took care of it, and gave me an overall assessment of the vehicle. Thank you, and I hope to return when I next need service.
The service was excellent and the price reasonable. I really appreciate their knowledge and expertise and advice my vehicle. Thank you 😊 👍🏾
Expert diagnostics and repairs. Prompt, mobile-friendly communication. Good options for what to fix now vs later. Got me vrooming again same day (with an appointment same week). Full brakes pad replacement, a good value.
Brought my electric BMW i 3 for an oil change in its range extender engine. Berkeley Motors Works was familiar with the car and this service. It took only one hour so no logistical hassles and the price was very competitive.
Mike and his staff take really good care of their customers. Very skilled, professional and reliable service. I have been their customer for more than 20 years.
Prompt, thorough and no-nonsense. Good people who know their stuff and will give you the complete story on what’s up with your car’s problems. Also nice folks.
Great, easy, no hassle and best of all no bs. I’m glad I found Scott and will continue to bring my car in for all future services.
Mike at Berkeley Motorwerks knows his business well. I had a difficult problem that others couldn’t solve and he quickly figured out the problem and got it fixed without any issue. His prices were fair and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a good mechanic. He is a master mechanic! Couldn’t be happier.
Coolant hose replaced, very neat job, very reasonable wait time. A little pricey but not extreme. Very clean shop, easy to deal with, and personable.
First time here with my older MBZ - Paul and Scott are really honest good people - a rarity in this business. They took into consideration of my specific repair needs and did not pressure me into doing more than I felt comfortable to keep things running. Highly recommend them!
Local streets are like a mogul ski run this year. Despite my best pothole awareness, they got the best of my suspension. I brought the car at 9am, Paul listened carefully to my description of a new noise. A short drive around the block confirmed my struts and control arms were the source. Parts were obtained and installed the same day and the car was ready by 4:30 I can’t think of a more efficient outfit. I have relied on them since 2006.
I had some electrical gremlin for my 20-year-old BMW that had dogged it for years and was draining my battery. Berkeley Motor Works triangulated the issue immediately and resolved it.
So glad to have found this shop! I’ve only taken my 2016 X3 to the dealership and Berkeley Motor Works. Mike and Scott have been wonderful in explaining work that needs to be done or work that can wait. The team is honest, professional, accommodating and reliable.
My car was in terrible condition because I waited too long to address maintenance issues. Thank goodness for Mike and Scott. The car was thoroughly evaluated and I couldn't be more pleased driving my car--minus the new car smell it drives beautifully. I trust BM Works for all future repairs and maintenance.
This place is top notch👏🏻 All your needs will be taken care for! Great service and technicians. The owner Mike is very personable and responsive. Thank you!
Berkeley Motor Works is always there for me when I need my MINI repaired/checked/serviced. Scott and crew do a great job to get me back on the road ASAP. Thanks, BMW!!
The folks at Berkeley Motor Works are awesome. Friendly with great customer service. Performed a thorough diagnostic and made the necessary repairs. The repair with Berkeley Motor Works costed a third of what the dealer had quoted. I have a BMW i3. Fair price and excellent work. Highly recommend Berkeley Motor Works.
Love this place. They know what they are doing. Excellent work and no longer will be taking my car to the dealership again. Definitely will return. Thanks again.
Why Berkeley Motor Works
A true alternative to the dealer, with straight answers and the evidence to back them.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz and MINI at the core, plus seven more European makes. These cars are the work, every day.
On qualifying parts and labor, so the repair you approve is backed after you drive away.
Every inspection comes to your phone with photos and notes, so you approve work with the evidence in hand.
Trained technicians with dealer-level diagnostic equipment, at an independent shop.
Your visit
From booking to driving away, you see and approve everything.
Schedule online in about a minute, or call 510-528-1214.
Bring the car in during business hours. BART is under a mile away.
Photos and notes arrive on your phone. Urgent items are flagged.
Approve what you want done. Repairs carry our 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty.
Every finding photographed and sent to your phone.
Digital vehicle inspections
During every inspection our technicians photograph what they find: worn pads, leaks, cracked belts, tire wear. The report arrives on your phone with photos and notes.
Independent vs. dealer
What changes when an independent European specialist looks after your car.
| What matters | Berkeley Motor Works | Typical dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Who works on your car | ASE-certified technicians who specialize in European makes | Dealer technicians for one brand |
| What you see | Digital inspection with photos on your phone | Varies by dealer |
| Warranty on repairs | 2-year / 24,000-mile on qualifying parts and labor | Varies by dealer and part |
| Factory warranty | Protected when maintenance meets manufacturer requirements | Protected |
| Who you talk to | The shop that works on your car | A service advisor |
Since October 1, 1990
Owner Mike Schwarzbart opened Berkeley Motor Works as a BMW specialist and built it into a full-service European shop, with ASE-certified technicians who keep training as the cars change.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and a member of BIMRS, the independent BMW repair network.
Service area
We are at 736 San Pablo Avenue in Albany, just north of the Berkeley line. El Cerrito Plaza BART is under a mile away for an easy drop-off.
Get directions
Straight answers
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Fiat. BMW is where the shop started.
736 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706. The name says Berkeley; the shop is in Albany, just north of the Berkeley city line.
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Yes: a 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying parts and labor. Ask us for the details on your repair.
In the United States, having maintenance done at an independent shop does not by itself void your warranty, provided the work meets the manufacturer's requirements. We keep complete records for every visit.
Our technicians photograph what they find during an inspection and send you a report, so you can see the condition of your car before approving any work.
Book online in about a minute, or call 510-528-1214. Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.