Alignment service near Berkeley, CA

I called Angus with a question on possible engine replacement of 01 Camry with a seized engine. I have to say, he spend a good bit of time explaining to me the pros and cons and concluded that it was not just worth the effort! My impression of him is that he is very knowledgeable and possesses excellent judgement!

Founded in 1990 by the Schwarzbart family, Berkeley Motor Works, specializes in the repair and maintenance of all types of BMWs, MINIs, and Mercedes. Since our humble beginnings as an independent BMW auto repair shop, Berkeley Motor Works has enjoyed a steady growth in business over the years, largely due to our insistence on high-level service and honesty with our customers. In 2002, Berkeley Motor Works moved to its current location in Albany to accomodate the steady growth and increased demand for our auto repair services.

I made an appointment the night before for 7:30am the next morning (apparently appointments aren't necessary though), but of course, I overslept and missed it. When I arrived at 10:30am, they were all very forgiving and super kind. Besides being very knowledgable, the staff was eager to help and was very patient at my lack of knowledge about car/auto stuff. There's complimentary coffee and soft drinks available for you as you wait, as well as magazines and free wifi. They offered me a ride to work so I wouldn't have to sit and wait. The ride to and from work was pleasant - Jim was very friendly which made my ride to work nice. They called me a few times throughout the day to update me with what's happening with my car, which was helpful.While I don't know too much about standard pricing for auto services, I think the price I paid was very reasonable. I got a smog test, safety inspection, oil change, rotated tires, replaced my air filter and fixed an annoying crack on my windshield for around $170, which I don't think is bad. They made a list of parts I should replace for next time, and did not pressure me to get the things fixed now. Ultimately, given the price and the great service, this place is a pretty good deal. I'll be coming back here for all my auto/car related needs.

Sal is a great mechanic he's courteous, respectful and honest. Can't go wrong with that. It's a wonderful combination. Sherri Smith

Great place. Doesn't gouge or try and take advantage of folks. Great mechanics. Shamin Miller

Straightforward, patient and considerate of my ignorance when it comes to cars. Mostly interacted with Bruce, who was very helpful, but the small interactions I did have with the rest of the staff were just as nice. Reasonable prices and a very professional atmosphere. If you’ve got a Volvo (or Subaru I suppose), this is your place! Anna Nelson

Wow! I never thought in my wildest dream I could find an honest, experienced, and affordable mechanic to work on my car, but I did. Thanks, Jay! My son's car was leaking coolant and I knew that was an issue that had to be addressed immediately. I called several mechanics in Richmond, CA who asked for $95 just to diagnose the car. I stumbled upon Jay on the internet by random luck and I called him. He told me he could come out to my place and inspect the car, but because I live at the University Village he could not work on the car (due to restrictions imposed by the university). However, he said to bring the car to his place and that he would check it and, if possible, fix it that same day. Drove to El Sobrante, met Jay, and in 5 minutes he confirmed what he had already suspected on the phone, the radiator was cracked and leaking. He quoted me the price for the radiator and labor, and to my surprise, it was not an exuberant amount. As a UC Berkeley student I am on a limited budget, but what he had quoted me was manageable. Dropped the car off at 12:30 pm and it was fixed by 3:30 pm. Additionally, he gave me a 30 warranty on the labor and, of course, a 1-year warranty on the radiator. So, if you are a Cal student in need of repair work on your car Jay is your man.