736 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CAMon–Fri 8–5
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Berkeley Motor Works — In Tune With Your BMW
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About

In Tune With Your BMW, since 1990

Berkeley Motor Works opened on October 1, 1990 as a BMW specialist. Today it is a full-service independent European repair shop in Albany.

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Independent European Auto Repair Since 1990 — Berkeley Motor Works, independent European auto repair at 736 San Pablo Avenue, Albany
Inside the Berkeley Motor Works service bays in Albany, California

Inside the shop

Forty seconds inside the shop

Real footage of the bays at 736 San Pablo Avenue — not stock photography. Scroll to move through it.

  1. The shop floor

    Ten European makes come through these bays. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and MINI are the core of the work, every day.

  2. Brakes and running gear

    Pads, rotors, fluid and the parts around them, inspected on the car before anything is quoted.

  3. Under the hood

    Diagnosis first. ASE-certified technicians with dealer-level equipment, at an independent shop.

  4. On the lift

    A full look underneath, photographed as we go, so nothing is reported that you cannot see.

  5. Parts and fluids

    Manufacturer-approved fluids and quality parts, so the repair holds up after you drive away.

  6. The digital inspection

    Findings and photos go to your phone. You approve the work with the evidence in hand.

  7. 736 San Pablo Avenue

    Albany, California — in business since October 1, 1990.

TL;DR

The short version

  • Founded: October 1, 1990, as a BMW specialist.
  • Where: 736 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, since 2002.
  • Makes: Ten European makes; BMW, Mercedes-Benz and MINI at the core.
  • Credentials: ASE-certified technicians, BBB accredited since 1998, BIMRS member.
  • Backed by: 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying parts and labor.

A BMW shop at heart

Berkeley Motor Works began as a BMW shop, and the tagline on our logo still says so. Over three decades we grew into a full-service European specialist working on Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Fiat.

A true alternative to the dealer

Owner Mike Schwarzbart hires ASE-certified technicians who keep training as the cars change. The goal is dealer-level knowledge and experience without dealer pricing, and straight answers about what your car needs now and what can wait.

Our timeline

  1. 1990October 1, 1990: Berkeley Motor Works opens as a BMW specialist. The tagline on the logo says it: In Tune With Your BMW.
  2. 1998Accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
  3. 2002Moves to its current home at 736 San Pablo Avenue in Albany.
  4. TodayA full-service European specialist working on ten makes, with ASE-certified technicians and digital inspections on every visit.

How we work

  • Digital inspections with photos sent to your phone
  • Estimates before work, approved by you
  • A 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying parts and labor
  • Manufacturer-approved fluids and quality parts
What mattersBerkeley Motor WorksTypical dealer
Who works on your carASE-certified technicians who specialize in European makesDealer technicians for one brand
What you seeDigital inspection with photos on your phoneVaries by dealer
Warranty on repairs2-year / 24,000-mile on qualifying parts and laborVaries by dealer and part
Factory warrantyProtected when maintenance meets manufacturer requirementsProtected
Who you talk toThe shop that works on your carA service advisor

Credentials

PARTS & LABOR WARRANTY · QUALIFYING REPAIRS · 2 YR24,000 MIASE CertifiedBBB Accredited BusinessBIMRS member

Ready when your car is.

Book online in about a minute, or call 510-528-1214. Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Schedule Service510-528-1214
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