AA Smog Check Station - Test Only — Local services in Vacaville

On 1/7/19, I took my 98 740il for smog test to AA Smog, I was outside and saw the technician David cutting a heat shrink protective cover that was covering the wiring on the engine by the time I stopped him it was too late, he already cut through it. I objected to him and said you do not have a right to cut or do damage to my car and you should have asked me first, he said for me not to tell him how to do his job he has been doing smog for nine years and knows what he is doing and that heat shrink should have not been here. I told him a rat has chewed the wiring insulation cover and it is totally legal, but still you are damaging my car, he brought a sheet of paper and said as an smog person he has a right. I told him do not touch my car and I am going to take it somewhere else and will report you, but looked like he damaged some wires. I took the car to another smog station and during the test engine light came on according to the technician gives code P0325 knock sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction(Bank 1 or single sensor), so car failed. When I looked at the wiring due to cuts from AA Smog technician David, the wiring due to brittleness and being aggravated and disturb, lost its plastic coating and was shorting out. According to the BMW dealer, the intake manifold and whole bunch of thing need to be removed. Total estimate from dealer is $2104.36. I had already checked this car with a Snap-On OBDII reader and there were no cods and everything was good to go. When I emailed the owner he seemed to be concerned in his email; " With the information that you had given me, I was able to find what had happened. Than you. :) Please know that as policy, we are required to investigate any potential tampers to wiring systems. This is to include removal of items such as shrink wrap and electrical tape. Being that you said that you had asked our technician to not remove the coating, we should not have continued to do so (or continued to proceed with the smog inspection). I am very happy that you were not charged. I would definitely like to compensate you for both the ignition coil and the coating that we were asked not to touch. We want to ensure that you are happy and well compensated. Please email over the invoice that pertains to any of the ignition coil items and I will send you a check. Sorry for the inconvenience. Talk to you soon." But it was all lies and in court he lied and made a fake investigation report and lied to the judge and fooled the judge (SHAME on the judge) BAR does not give a copy of the complaint to people, it sends it directly...

Have brought multiple vehicles here over the years, but I will never bring another vehicle here again since they hired the new guy. Failed me on a visual for tape on a bleeder line and white stuff on my oil pan, neither of which would change emissions at all. Took it next door and passed in 10 minutes. Guy who passed me said this shop will nitpick your car into failing and he's seen it many times this week alone, DO NOT GO HERE, save yourself the trouble and 80$.

Edit: Thank you for responding, had you explained the issue rather than sending the desk rep out to point out tape on my bleeder hose and a white spot underneath by the oil pan I would have understood your position better. You did not, I asked you point blank and you turned around and walked into the office without saying a word leaving the desk rep obviously uncomfortable and unable to explain. I went to another shop immediately and it was not epoxy on anything but a slight discoloration and the tape was easily removed as it served no purpose. Thanks for wasting my time and money, I am now passed and will never trouble you for your services again. I would not recommend you to anyone especially after your lame explanation that was...

Very disappointed with the Cherry Pit a few weekends ago, on a Sunday. Needed to have my smog done, in order to avoid extra fees from DMV for registering my car. called the Cherry pit specifically to ask about doing smog on a sunday, and told them that I would be right down as they were taking the last car at 3:30.

When I got there, the guy told me that oh we don't do smog on sundays. I explained to him that I had just talked to some guy on the phone and told them that I would be right down. He shook his head and said that wasn't possible, and basically dismissed my request.

Immediately looked up smog in my area, on Google maps, and found AAA smog. Drove right over there, walked in, the guy had me fill out paperwork, and in the meantime he was getting my car ready to smog period in about 10 minutes I had everything done, paid for, and on my way!

I think I found a new smog place!

Updated: 4.5.23- still my go to for smog... Dave and Julie are straight shooters and try to get their customers in and out very quickly. I'm still patronizing...