All German Auto Oceanside — Local services in Oceanside

I brought my BMW in for a diverter valve replacement that should have taken 1.5 to 2 hours. You can watch the job being done on a dozen YouTube channels - it's a common replacement to strengthen the diverter. Any experienced BMW mechanic would be familiar with installing a diverter valve. I had to approve an updated estimate for 3 hours - what can you do when they are in the middle of a repair and struggling? The shop ended up keeping my car for FOUR full days—with no updates unless I called and no reasonable explanation beyond vague references to needing a tool from another location. A BMW mechanic would know what tools are needed to take out the original diverter valve. I was also told they needed to DREMEL something on the engine to do the repair - no videos I watched required a Dremel - no normal repair ever needs a dremel. Feels like I am paying for on the job training instead of an experienced BMW mechanic. When I finally got the car back, the bill was double the original estimate and four days late for a half day job. That is a lack of preparation or experience—not a valid reason to charge the customer more. This is a routine replacement for a BMW mechanic that dozens of DIYers and professionals have documented online without needing to improvise tools. The communication was poor, the cost was inflated, and the delays were avoidable. Customers shouldn’t have to pay for the shop’s undertrained staff. I will not be back for the big timing belt job we...

Drove in from out of town and had an emergency--no headlight on the driver's side. The Mercedes dealership told me they were too busy and to call All German. I did, and the problem was fixed within ten minutes of my arrival at the shop. Hands down the most awesome service experience of all time! When I move back to San Diego, All German Auto will be my permanent repair shop.

Update: back in San Diego a month later and the other headlight went out! Went back to All German Auto where I experienced the same incredible 5 star service as previously. These guys are beyond great. By the way, when I arrived at the shop I overheard a conversation between a couple with an older BMW and the service advisor who thoroughly explained what the diagnostics found, the cost to fix the problems and his recommendation as to what they should do as the issues were extensive. The advice was honest, thoughtful and completely professional. That's how I want to be treated, too! Thank you All...

My Audi A4 had an epic meltdown and I had to get my car towed to All German Auto. Ben, the Service Manager, was extremely professional in helping me understand the issue as well as communicating every diagnosis. He introduced me to the mechanics to help me understand the complex problem as well as Andy, the owner, who was also very helpful. I could tell the whole team all deeply cared and were trying their best to fix the car, knowing this was all a shock and total surprise to me. We ultimately had to replace the motor and Ben shopped all over America finding the perfect used motor on the East Coast. Ben and Andy knew I was on a tight budget and they did a remarkable job both in keeping costs down but also communicating the status to me every step of the way. If you have a German car, I highly recommend you take it here...