Germany's Best

Dec 19, 2023

Being new to the Bay Area and a BMW owner since 1981 I recently found myself needing a new fuel pump for my 2000 328i. I have had repairs done by independent shops from San Diego, Austin, Petaluma and Arcata and came to Germany's Best after reading reviews and hoping for the "best" 😁. After dropping in and taking a look around the shop space I made an appointment and got an estimate for the work. It came out higher than expected but I chalked it up to Bay Area Pricing. After dropping the car off I got a call that there was more work to do and it would be over the estimate due to other findings in the fuel system. I gave the OK because I love this car and have no plans to replace it in the near future. In the end they spent extra time finding and repairing two air leaks which they did not bill me for. That work eliminated an annoying cold start idle surge that's been with the car since I bought it and a 4 mpg increase driving on the highway. Needless to say I am happy with the work done and appreciative of their thoroughness in getting my car to run smoothly and efficiently.

Nov 19, 2023

Dealers said I needed my Diesel Particulate Filter replaced for > $5000. Everything online said that BMW wants you to replace it when it reaches a particular mileage with no attention to whether it is working or not. (The shop foreman and the dealer actually told me this.) Took it to Germany's Best and they checked it out and said it was performing up-to-spec and there was no need to replace it. Saved me $5000.

Nov 19, 2022

Due to MBZ design flaw my front end collapsed with both front tires being lacerated. The repairs took <3 days And were less expensive than I had anticipated. The car now drives and rides as it did 8 yrs ago-when new. I strongly. Recommend Germany’s Best in the highest terms. Go there, you won’t regret it

Nov 19, 2022

Have a 2016 smartcar and didn't want to trudge to SF for maintenance. Car was way over due for service. Everything went as planned and Paul even did a breakdown drive and found 2 loose lug nuts on driver side tire. Loved the extra care and attn to detail

Nov 19, 2022

I'm not saying "shady," but I walked away from my experience feeling quite taken advantage of. Here's my experience... My 2001 VW Jetta failed its SMOG test so I took it to Paul @ Germany's Best. At the outset, he suggested he fix the common fuel trim sensor and get it smogged for me. I told him that I get a free SMOG test from the place where it failed, so we agreed he wouldn't do that. I get a call a few hours later and Paul said "I made an executive decision. I cleaned the sensor (did not replace) which cleared the check engine light and I took it to get smogged." WHAT?! We very clearly agreed he wouldn't. I assumed then that he'd pay for the smog. Nope. He charged me $75. Keep in mind that a SMOG usually costs about $35-$40. He said "I also put in a couple of quarts of oil, you were down two quarts" as if that would assuage the SMOG issue, to which I said "will you cover the oil?" Nope. In the end, he said he would, went to amend the bill and said something like "oh, I never charged you for it anyway, so we're at the same cost." This is dubious. In the end, I have no idea whether I have new oil OR a properly repaired fuel sensor. But I do know I was WAY overcharged. Someone more aggressive than me would have negotiated that cost down but when I feel smarmy business, I just leave as quick as I can. No wonder he was so ambiguous about estimates or quotes. He's gonna up the charge on ya somehow. I won't be going back. Doesn't feel right. Update: 12/22/21: Check Engine light cave back on and, clearly, this will cause my car to once again fail the SMOG test resulting in me having to go get a new fuel trim sensor that this guy should have replaced in the first place.

Nov 19, 2020

Helped my very finicky Jetta get back on the road. Well worth the cost - knowledgeable and thoughtful service. Thanks!

Nov 19, 2020

I just got a bmw I wanted it to be inspected and I received the run around. First was told to come in on a Monday and when I did I was told to come in another day again and he’d call me with the information after he got his mechanics in after he decided to take my vin number so I wait to receive no phone call and can’t help but think he turned down my services because of his own personal issues! I don’t recommend any person of color to take your vehicle to this man I wouldn’t trust his intentions

Nov 19, 2018

My second, five star review! We had trouble getting my very low mileage, but 10 year VW Tourag to smog. Paul is the doctor for German cars! He took it step by step, with his recommendations. The bottom line is that after several days, because of his recommendations that he completed, we got it to pass smog! Do you know what this means for me? I can drive my car, that I DID NOT want to give up, for two more years. Paul saved me from having to buy a new car! And HE WOULDN'T GIVE UP. That's what really kept us going. He kept telling us, "I'M NOT GIVING UP ON THIS ISSUE!" We really appreciated that spirit. Thank you again Paul!

Nov 19, 2018

Very thorough work. The mechanics here are very knowledgeable and friendly. And most importantly, they really care about your car! Which is exactly what you want in a mechanic. I brought my car with a belt tensioner issue and they changed my spark plugs and a coil without charging me for the labor--Paul just wanted to see my car running smoothly. Will be bringing my car back here.

Nov 19, 2018

I have been taking my cars to Paul and Germany's Best for a number of years now. I recently brought my BMW 535 in and what i thought was a minor oil pan leak proved to be a much bigger issue. Not only did Paul and his team solve the problems they were able to get it fixed and back to me in record time. Literally it feels like I am driving a new car not one with 100k and 11 years old. I was kept up every step of the way and I am so pleased with their work. I highly recommend the team at Germany's Best! Thanks Paul!!

Nov 19, 2018

Paul at Germany's Best has taken care of my 1997 Carrera 911 for many years. Recently he replaced the dual mass flywheel and made other changes, and my car drives better than ever--it's like a new car!

Nov 19, 2017

1-star was as low as I could go. Customer Service not included with repairs.

Nov 19, 2017

Germany’s Best is absolutely the best. I’ve been going there for years and they’ve never failed. Whether it was a newish BMW or a very old VW Westphalia (that The Buslab failed on), they’ve done great work and are 100% reliable.

Nov 19, 2017

I am always very happy with the work that Paul and his crew provides. It's quality and thorough every time. They are respectful, professional and reliable. One caveat-- Paul is a stickler for perfection. This means he does an excellent job, but sometimes it takes a little longer than one might expect. Worth the wait!

Nov 19, 2017

I have been searching for a repair shop for my 1974 '914 Porsche since 1983, l have found my home @ Germany's Best. I thank God for Paul and his Pit Crew, fair, honest, and knowledgeable. Germany's Best truly is the "BEST". There's no place like home.

Nov 19, 2017

this is a great small business. the owner is a kind gentleman and a knowledgeable mechanic. i bring all of my german cars there for their great work.