Any I3 Owner in Los Angeles know a good Mechanic?

[nickp]

I just want it for ongoing maintenance like Brake fluids, oil changes, etc. Thanks!

 

[glensound]

Have you been able to find one? Last thing I'd want to do is pay dealer price for service LOL

 

[frictioncircle]

Check out:

https://www.yelp.com/biz/south-bay-independent-gardena-2

Excellent, honest work performed at reasonable prices.

 

[nickp]

Have you been able to find one? Last thing I'd want to do is pay dealer price for service LOL

I actually entrusted my trusty mechanic to do the oil change and the brake flush.
Cost me 80 bucks labor plus my parts. He simply took some time to patiently watch the videos I showed him and was able to easily handle it. The brake fluid was his.

 

[tangocash]

I'm overdue for my first REX oil change service and need a good place to take it and not get ripped off. My closest dealer is the Bel Air location so I'm even more worried they're used to charging rich BMW owners double.

 

[frictioncircle]

I'm going to recommend South Bay Independent in Gardena, CA again.

https://southbayindependent.com

Excellent work at very reasonable rates. They'll shuttle you to and from the local Enterprise office.

The shop doesn't look like much, but the owner is a former BMW tech from the Oxnard VDC – they know their stuff.

Edit: I've been a happy customer for over ten years.

 

[Deutsch100]

This place has been here a very long time. Family owned, and tons of positive reviews. I know several people that have gone here for years...new and old(er) BMWs.
https://www.bavarianworkshop.com

 

[lookcloser05]

I'm going to recommend South Bay Independent in Gardena, CA again.

https://southbayindependent.com

Excellent work at very reasonable rates. They'll shuttle you to and from the local Enterprise office.

The shop doesn't look like much, but the owner is a former BMW tech from the Oxnard VDC – they know their stuff.

Edit: I've been a happy customer for over ten years.

Looks like they went to of business. Did the owner move somewhere else?

 

[frictioncircle]

Regarding South Bay Independent, they were my go-to BMW shop in the Los Angeles area for more than 15 years. They were completely honest in scoping work and in pricing.

The owner (a BMW NA Master Mechanic) retired in the early 2020s and his #1 mechanic & staff were supposed to take over the operation but ran into problems sourcing a new location that was able to accommodate the environmental impacts of an auto repair facility. I got that information from speaking with both parties directly and South Bay Independent's closure has been a real loss for the Southern California BMW community.

Another loss years before South Bay Independent closed was the amazing garage, GT International run by the Brit John Norris in West Los Angeles. You could bring your average E46 there for an oil change and see some fantastic Bimmers next to yours on the lift.

 

[lookcloser05]

Thank you for this information. Out of curiosity, where do you take your i3 now? Hoping to support someone who's not a dealer and hopefully a lot cheaper too. Thanks!!

 

[vinc]

Looking for a recommendation here also. Or can I take the car to any independent BMW mechanic for an oil change without being laughed out of the shop?