Hey guys, I've finally gathered up enough funds to begin looking for a decent used BMW. The cars I will be looking at are in the 10 - 15 year old range. Even though I am knowledgeable about cars and can check out a used car for obvious problems and such things such as collision damage, I know it would be foolish to buy without a competent inspection. Can anyone recommend an independent BMW service shop in the South Florida area. I'm located in Miami Shores (about 7 miles North of downtown Miami).
Check with Bob Varela. His shop is off Sample Rd http://www.foreignaffairsmotorsports.com/ They work on a lot of BMW's, do race prep.. etc Mark Rutenberg
If you don't mind driving to Oakland Park, there is a shop that I cannot recommend enough. I know it's a little far from you but trust me when I tell you that Zoltan (the owner) knows BMWs like the back of his hand. He was already a master BMW tech when I met him in the mid 80s but then he spent a long time working at Vista BMW so he knows all the little ins and outs that you come across while working at a dealer's service department. He's honest and, not to repeat myself, knows every detail about BMWs from bumper to bumper. Here's his info: Zoltan Gonczi Euromotive 4447 NE 6th Ter Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 267-9020
Another shop that knows the cars mechanical components quite well is Redline in Pompano Beach. They're not so good when it comes to the little things (that usually a dealer would have handled) but when it comes to the mechanical bits, they're also top notch. http://www.redline-racing.com/