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Berkeley Motorworks Berkeley Motor Works was founded in 1990 and is proud to have provided high quality auto repair in Albany since 2002. We offer industry leading BMW repair and maintenance services at our auto repair shop, which is conveniently located in Albany. Our business has grown over time because we have always been committed to providing exceptional and honest service. We never try to talk our customers into costly repairs that they don't need and do our best to complete jobs in the most efficient and cost effective way possible.
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Ilja is not just good at what he does, he's one of the best in the business. He has over 20 years of dealership experience and the BMW factory training of a BMW "Master Technician" with a total of over 35 years in the industry. He also has ASE Certifications and is well known all over the state at BMW dealerships as the guy with the answers.
Berkeley Motor Works is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Berkeley Motor Works (510) 528-1214 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.
Berkeley Motors Works has been proud to offer Albany quality auto repair services since 1990. We started as an independent BMW service provider, but have expanded the services we offer at our auto repair shop to include Mercedes and Mini Cooper repair. Our dedication to excellent customer service and building an honest relationship with our customers is what has made us successful and kept us providing our auto repair services for over 20 years. These are only a few of the auto repair services we offer to BMW, Mercedes and Mini Cooper owners.
For the best BMW repair Albany has to offer, look no further than Berkeley Motor Works. Our team has such a passion for BMW service that BMW is in our name! We have a full team of technicians who double as BMW specialists and other auto repair technicians. Berkeley Motor Works was founded in 1990 for one sole purpose: to repair BMWs.
Reviews (36)
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Alan Stephens
Jun 26, 2022
Scott and Mike were awesome. I was very high maintenance on my PPI and I was very impressed. Thank you!
Dee Jacobson
Jun 06, 2022
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.
Ramses A.
May 17, 2022
Review is related to a Mini Cooper. The Good: They correctly told me what was wrong with my ride. The Bad: The only issue the car had was I needed a new key fob. For that golden piece of information, that they did enlighten me with, I was charged their full $250 diagnostic fee. Mind you, they never even popped the hood of the car. They came to this conclusion based on my verbal description of the problem.

They literally took possession of my car, did the intake paperwork, and called me a few minutes after I left the shop to tell me I should try a new key. The misleading: They tried to charge me $550 to purchase a new key. I said I'd get it myself and the owner immediately explained to me "you can't buy it off eBay". Long story short: I bought a key directly from the car manufacturer for $245 and they shipped to me within 24 hours.

The suspect: I noticed my car now has a huge dent and scratches on the back drivers side. I can't prove that this happened when my car was in their possession, but I know I didn't see it before I gave it to them. Overall, this shop struck me as more interested in making a buck than building a customer base. I'm due for some new brakes soon and would have gladly gave them my full business, but I'm going to avoid this place since Mike is clearly are more interested in maximizing profits versus building his customer base.
Loretta Twine
May 16, 2022
Replaced mass air flow sensor. Now my car runs like new again. They even washed it! This shop is very knowledgeable with very efficient service. If your BMW has a problem Berkeley Motor Works can solve it! Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Vehicle Inspection
Diamond Kassam
May 09, 2022
Very professional and punctual. I was given a clear and concise description including photographs of the work with the estimates in advance. They treated my CLK 55 AMG like a 'family member' with care! Never had a better experience with any automobile repair shop than with the Berkeley Motir Works.
Frank
May 09, 2022
The work was done just as promised at a very fair price. I just had another car repaired at Berkeley motor works which is a 2011 BMW X.3. They did a great job at an extremely fair price. I highly recommend them. I am a dealer and have been for 37 years so please believe me that I know the good shops and the bad and this is one shop that you're going to want to use if you have a BMW, or Mercedes and I believe they work on other cars as well.
Susi Leach
May 03, 2022
Update for second service which was an oil change - same courteous, professional and trustworthy folks. I highly recommend this shop! Very courteous, professional and knowledgeable, the shop replaced a bcd module and an engine mount on a BMW X1 - very happy with the service and I highly recommend this shop! I will be back for all my BMW service needs.
Monica Olivares
Apr 21, 2022
I have a vintage Mercedes, and a couple things needed investigation. Good thing the manager, Scott, has a background working on this car and could easily direct the tech and diagnose both issues easily. I'm happy with the service I've received at Berkeley Motor Works and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Dennis F.
Apr 12, 2022
I had a great experience working with Scott. He provided a good solution to the problem at a reasonable price. It was good to work with such knowledgeable mechanics.
Bob Shonkoff
Feb 22, 2022
After the last mechanic gave me a quote on my wife's Mini Cooper, he suggested I "take it to CarMax and just get a check." Instead I took it to Berkeley Motor Works who did the diagnostics and repaired it properly. and for less than what the other guy wanted. I didn't go to get a low rate, I went to get it done right! Scott was great and I'll be driving the extra distance for for future service.
Chloe L.
Jan 19, 2022
I was so busy with exams that i forgot to start up my 330ci every week and by the time i got back from winter break, my battery died. i jumpstarted it a couple times but it never held a charge so we called the shop and scott confirmed that i needed to replace my battery and set an apt. when i got there, they had already replaced it before i finished paying :) it cost 350, which is a bit expensive but it was an emergency and i didnt have the time to do it myself (not that i want to.) super responsive, super quick, super nice! thanks guys
Timothy Seavey
Jan 05, 2022
Good guys for sure but alas they could not fix the problem. But they did what they could but had to pay over $700 for the service. They seemed to want to help me though. Service: Electrical
Miller Jackson
Jan 01, 2022
ALL FINGERS HIGH IN THE AIR FOR BERKELEY MOTOR WORKS.I WENT TO THEM WHICH WAS MY FIRST TIME.BECAUSE I BELIEVED THEY HAD THE SKILLS TO REPAIR MY MINI.AND I'M GLAD I DID.MY MINI RUN REAL NICE.AND IT WAS CLEANED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. A WONDOW JOB.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BERKELEY MOTOR WORKS HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BE BLESSED. M.L JACKSON Services: Tuning, General repairs & maintenance, Interior vacuuming, Engine repair
Charles Harris
Nov 11, 2021
They always do a great job on my BMW. I will not bring my car to anyone else. Services: Oil change, General repairs & maintenance
Romeo P.
Nov 09, 2021
2004 330i that had a check engine light on. Took it here for a diagnostic and on top of the $60 part that needed to be replaced to fix the problem they tried telling me that most of the cylinders were misfiring and I needed spark plugs and coils for an additional $1013.54. I already ran the diagnostic code on the OBD prior to bring it in and I just needed to know which part I needed to replace to clear the code.

They must have mistaken me for someone who didn't know how a car feels like with misfiring cylinders. Here's the write up by Mike: Engine oil service - $165 Replace spark plugs and coils $1013 The part I replaced myself after a YouTube search: Fuel tank breather valve - $69 (they wanted $350 installed) Pretty scummy. This is not your honest neighborhood shop.
Lynn Sims
Oct 28, 2021
I have a 19 year old Mercedes and plan to keep it another 19 years! Berkeley MW's has provided excellent service to my car for tune-ups, diagnostic checks and repairs. I appreciate their thorough examination of my car and reminders for maintenance. Services: Tuning, Exhaust, Check engine light diagnostic
Ralph F.
Oct 14, 2021
In 2007 I purchased an Evergreen 2000 M Roadster. It's awesome and a pleasure to own/drive. Look up the color--it's striking. I looked all over for a shop to take it to for service and some custom upgrades. Once I entered Berkeley Motor Works and saw their 'stable' of 'track-day' beemers, I knew I found the shop I was looking for.

I wasn't just looking for service, I was looking for comrades of purpose and passion. These guys are them. I am not a racer, I don't go on track-days myself, I just enjoy and appreciate the classic look and feel of a sports car. John worked with me and put on a new intake and chip and front strut brace. I love it. They've taken care of me and my Roadster now for 14 years and I expect to take it back when needed for 14 more!
Farhad Qadri
Aug 26, 2021
So, please take this review seriously! As this was an eye opening thing for me. I went to this auto works shop because my Mercedes was jerking randomly while driving. so they charged 250 $ for diagnosis! Which is ok, however, I was told that it has a transmission issue which is gonna cost me 2500 $ to fix, I didn't have the time to leave my car and just took the car home, I got a second thought and took my car to a different having them same problem because I was skeptical about believing that it's the transmission as i didn't have such symptoms in my car, long story short, the new mechanic fixed the problem with the fuel pump for 350 bucks and scanned they transmission twice confirming no issues with transmission or any other problems whatsoever!
Craig P.
Aug 03, 2021
Maybe taking a Mercedes to a BMW place was a mistake to begin with, or maybe just this shop. We recently moved here from San Jose, the car was due for its "B" service, and a rear door latch had a problem. The bill came to a shocking 50% over the estimate. Not surprising, because the part prices were from 50% to 150% of the prices from Mercedes of SF! To add insult to financial injury, they had overfilled the oil, a novice error that can damage the engine. It would have been cheaper and better to go to the dealer. I
Linda W.
Jun 25, 2021
Zero stars, but it doesn't let me select zero. Brought my car in for a 60000 service check and they changed spark plugs, cabin filters without any approval from me, and that's against the law in California. I had a heated argument with the person who did the unauthorized work (he said he assumed I wanted it done) and ended the argument by yelling at me, "I hope you get hit by a truck". Don't take your car to Berkeley Motor Works unless you want a bill for hundreds of dollars for unauthorized work and verbal abuse
Derrick Kelly
May 01, 2021
They are professional and provided quality service at a reasonable price. I took my car in for a diagnostic test because my brakes, 4x4 and ABS lights were all showing on my dashboard at the same time. They ran the diagnostic test and the motor in my transfer case was going out. They were able to replace it and have my car back to me within a cpl of hours.
Mary A.
Mar 27, 2021
The crew at Berkeley Motor Works is consistently professional and customer-oriented. They are clear in their explanations of the work to be done, and follow through in a timely manner. We've taken our BMWs to them for years and are very satisfied! Services: Oil change, General repairs & maintenance
Kainat I.
Mar 13, 2021
My Mini Cooper was showing break warning, I had other mechanics take look at it but no one could figure out what the problem was. I was a little hesitant to bring my here after reading the negative reviews but decided to risk it anyways since these guys are experts on BMWs and Minis. IT TOOK THEM LESS THAN 24 HOURS TO FIX MY CAR. I was able to pickup the car on the same day! Great service and reasonable prices! I would recommend
Jen H.
Feb 11, 2021
Women and honest people: AVOID THE CON This shop quoted $1000 for my ML350: Service "B" $595.00, Check engine light and report findings $250, Check oil leak and report findings $165. Unsolicited, they assured me they were going to keep me informed, that they would call me when they identified the problem, and keep in touch on timing so I would know when the car would be ready; which was great as I explained to them I needed to know what was going on before 3pm that day so I could make a plan to pick up my kids from daycare on time.

They followed through on exactly NONE of those things. I had to call multiple times to get information and kept getting told they "didn't have enough info yet", and at the end of the day they ended up keeping the car overnight and I had to rent a car last-minute to be able to get my kids. Again I had to call multiple times the next day to find out when the car would be ready, finally at the end of the day I hear that the car is ready, and showed up to a surprise bill with an extra $500 in repairs (without asking for approval or aligning with me on the issue), and literally 30 minutes of mansplaining from the manager and another 'regular customer' who seemed to just be there to chit chat.

The engine was light still on, and the car was DIRTY inside. They also told me that the Turbocharger needed to be replaced and that was going to set me back another $5k and they could get me scheduled for it. I was furious but late to get my children and in order to get my car keys back I paid the bill and left. The next shop fixed the remaining leak at the Turbo for $1186 (NOT $5k!), and there was no charge for reporting on any findings until they did *actual* work on my car. Berkeley Motor Works WILL rip you off.
Jonas Y.
Feb 01, 2021
Yelpers, do not even attempt to make a phone call to this place. A local mechanic asked I give them a call for some work and the guy who answered the phone had no Interest to talk let alone give a quote. For any doubters, look at the other reviews and you will see.
E. H.
Nov 29, 2020
I took my car to this shop thinking it was a good idea WRONG I was let down after spending 1700$ and three visits for the same exact problem in less then a few months all i got was minor things changed telling me thats going to fix my problem and it didn't waste of 1700$ and still have the same problem going on with my car
Anne Hudson
Nov 24, 2020
I chose Berkeley Motors after finding them in a Google search. I spoke with several repair companies, but I was most impressed with the thoughtful questions and professionalism when I called in. Additionally, my initial service - oil change and side mirror replacement were done well and timely at a fair price. Since the initial services I've returned for brake services. (I think that's really the best measure of how I feel; returning for additional services.) Everything was again great; now this is my go-to for any service needs. Everyone at the shop is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful too. I highly recommend Berkeley Motors.
Darryl D.
Aug 29, 2020
I took my car in to have one of my TPMS (tire pressure monitor sensor) checked out due to the sensor not communicating with the on board computer. Once they diagnosed the problem they replaced one bad sensor. When it came time to pay the bill they tried to charge me $415.00. When, I asked them WTH, I could have gone Weatherford BMW and got the sensor replaced for half the cost.

The sensor was only $138.00. The time it took to dismount tire replace the sensor, remount and road test that shouldn't take more than an hour. They tried to tell that the job took more time than usual. When I confronted them on the time and labor rate charges they quickly changed the invoice to a more acceptable charge. So the first invoice was $415 / the revised invoice was $268.

I will never take my car back to Berkekey Motor Works. If, I hadn't questioned them about the over inflated charges they would have been happy with over charging me. I wonder how many other customers have they've done this too especially women customers.
Nicole N.
Jul 01, 2020
They took apart my whole car, quoted me for two parts without listening to what I was saying in the first place.replaces the shifter.then precede to tell me that's not it, and the key is corrupt. Long story short, the car part I needed required something from the DMV because the reg was misplaced which they were aware of. Scott told me the car was fine sitting there until the DMV got sorTed out during the Covid.

The next week mike calls me and tells me to get the car, which I do and when I get my car it's all messed up! Weather stripping, battery, parts of the engine were exposed, antenna broken, MY SHIFTING COLUMN ALL TORN OUT! I was devastated. I'm a single mother and feel like they totally took advantage of me and the situation. I won't even bring the car back. I have no idea what they did to it either I feel helpless. I don't trust them at all.
Freya W.
Jun 19, 2020
I felt like this place was trying to rip me off. I have a problem with the right rear light block (bad electric contact, the whole block is out.) and they wanted to charge me 250 USD to just determine the problem (He said "we really want to take our time for this" being 1.5 hrs of work at 165(!) usd/hr). This price would not include any fixing, nor was there an estimate for that, it only was to look at it and figure out what was wrong. 1) 165 usd an hour seems like a lot for mechanic work (must be a real superstar mechanic) 2) a 165 usd an hour mechanic should not need 1.5 hrs to figure out what is wrong (as it clearly is a bad electrical contact). apparently not a superstar mechanic if it would take that long.

Also I feel almost as if they assumed that they could fool me into believing this ridiculous price as I am a woman (plus they left me waiting for over half an hour while I had an appointment)
B. E.
May 16, 2020
I have been taking my MINI into Berkeley Motor Works for years and always leave happy. Mike and Scott are very friendly and provide informative answers to the many questions I have for them which, as a person that asks a lot of questions, I really appreciate and don't always find at other shops. My MINI is more expensive to maintain than I'd like but they always quote and charge me a fair price. I'm very thankful to have them looking after my car.
Anna B.
Mar 07, 2020
Really bad, I lost maybe $4k and found out later than none of the repairs were necessary. Do not go here
Marcia M.
Oct 30, 2019
We're were quoted $70 for the regular maintenance check up. We thought this was amazing however, this didn't include any off the replacement fluids or other costs. We ended up paying $1700 for the maintenance and to change bushings on our BMW. We found the old wind shield wipers in the engine compartment layer that week. A few weeks later, we started hearing rattling.

We took our car to another repair place that said we had loose belts and needed to replace tension pullies and intake manifold. The second guy said the first company should have noted this.
Shonda D.
Jul 20, 2019
I'm way behind on writing this review. Berkeley Motor Works has worked on both of my cars. My first car was the love of my life lol. A 2005 BMW 325 stick shift. It was my favorite car. Durable amd reliable for 10 years. until she had to be retired. This time around I have a 2012 328i. I was rear ended. My bumper and my fuel tank sustained damage.

I smelled gas for days. It would come and go. My bumper was fixed by someone else. However, the shop (which I will keep 2 myself) indicated that all was fine with the fuel tank. Well. that wasn't the case. I was beginning to think I was going crazy, as no one else seemed to smell the gas. One day, I couldn't stomach the smell any longer. Dropped off my car at Berkeley Motor Works. BMW came through for me and fixed my fuel tank without issue. My car was fixed in a few days. Happy to have my car back in great shape. Best of all, no more gas smell!
Toni K.
May 24, 2019
They seemed very nice up front. I came in with a Z4 that my mom has just gifted to me from her hospice bed. I knew there was damage under the car because the part was dragging. They gave me an estimate of 850$. I told them to hold off as I had to figure out how I could borrow the money. Ok. Two hours later I got a call from them to say they were very sorry but they found a lot more work that needed to be done on the car, and that the new estimate was closer to 2200$.

I asked for an email of the estimate, and went to pick up the car. I emailed the estimate to another mechanic ( now one someone referred me personally to) They looked over the estimate and told me to bring the car in. The new mechanic states that the original work of 850$ of under the car needs to be fixed, and not one other thing can he find an issue with.

Total dishonesty. No integrity. And I'm a single mom who specifically said I only wanted to fix what we're absolutely imminent issues! Not only were those extra 1600$ problems in estimate not imminent, seems they didn't even exist. I've got my car back and it runs great! What a bunch of LIARS.
Ken O.
May 15, 2019
Hi yelp A few months back I had my 08 Mini Cooper's transmission serviced and Mike offered the service at about 385$. When all was done I was charged an additional $100 as Mike indicated he undervalued the quote unfortunately. I was disappointed because Bavarian Professionals quoted less and but for the quote I would have used BP. In sum, they profess to be a mini specialty shop but a service as routine as tranny service surprised them and took more time than expected?

I rate them 4 stars though because they did the work and it was well done. But, recently when my mini got stuck in park I elected to use Bavarian Professionals because they seem to stay to their quotes and deliver a clean car when completed. I hope this is helpful to other mini owners.