Renton European Auto Repair

Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Call Us!(425) 358-2842
5

If you own a European car and need service or repair? This is your shop. The principal employees have significant history in service and repair of highline makes like BMW, Mercedes, VW, Audi, and Mini. More than that, though--they are intensely focused on customer experience. They want customers to ensure they are well-informed about their issue; they will do what it takes to diagnose the problem and, when possible, offer repair options; and truly go out of their way to ensure customers are satisfied. It's worth the drive to Renton. Trust me.

5

I have returned to my posting to change my negative review into a positive one. I certainly felt like the odd man out amidst all of their glowing reviews. I'm glad the situation changed such that I could leave a positive note as well. Since making my initial posting, I was contacted directly by Derek, the Owner of South Lake European. He courteously asked if I had the time to chat with him regarding my experience. He was even polite enough to provide his personal line, in case I missed him. What caused me to give my review a complete 180 is how graciously Derek took ownership of the complaint. I feel that he really took the time to listen to my concerns, and he seemed entirely heartfelt in his desire that I would reconsider using South Lake European again int future if I ever needed. We talked and he related his shop's guiding principle and drive to be intensely customer focused. In our discussion we were able to come to a consensus as to where my relationship with the shop may have gone off track. He was gracious enough to offer solutions that were workable and fair. I don't feel that it is very often that businesses take online reviews very seriously the way South Lake has. In fact, I certainly was expecting nothing of it, as I felt I was just generally relaying my life experiences and feelings. Beyond that I notice when a business does reply it's either an excuse or a retaliation against the complainant. So I am floored that South Lake and it's team would take such gracious step to ensure that every custom is satisfied.I let Derek know how much I appreciated his courtesy and his candor in this matter, and that despite my initial misgivings, he has a great staff. At this point, I'd be more than happy to recommend South Lake European to anyone. ORIGINAL POSTING LEFT UP FOR CONTEXTSouth Lake European did not live to their reputation when it came to the services I received there. I initially brought in my vehicle to have an issue I was having diagnosed and assessed. I explained the issue, and what I believed was the root cause and what I thought should be investigated. When I was called about my car, I was given their assessment which revealed that they had not investigated the key engine area that I indicated they should investigate for me. Basically I was told they could not find the cause of the issue, but offer a listed of parts they could replace just in case. I declined , and paid the diagnostic cost. despite feeling that the work I had requested has NOT in fact been completed. I should have made an issue, but I was confident at the time, based on reputation, they could at least install the parts to fix the issue if I provided them. To wit, this something I discussed while picking up the car. I ordered the after market parts recommended to fix my issue, which is quite common with my vehicle at the mileage it has, and set up a new appointment for an install. I explained what I what wanted done, and why I felt it was important and everything was set. I received a call later explaining that the work I had requested could Not in fact be done, because despite recommending themselves for my type of vehicle, they do not have the part necessary to preform the services I request. Now it's not like I wanted something weird for my car like a RWD conversion, what I need is actually super common for my car, but they can't do it because they don't have a fairly inexpensive removal tool that they could use over and over again for a popular upgrade. I ended up having to travel much further away to have my work completed at another shop. When they investigated the side of the engine where I knew the problem would lie it relieved that I was in fact correct and it was related to a common issue that could be fixed with the parts I provided. They also discovered another potentially serious issue and were able to corrected that in the same servicing. I will now use this shop for all of my vehicular needs. I don't wish to be entirely negative, so I will close with this. I did find the staff of south Lake European to be quite courteous.I am very grateful to Brian at South Lake for contacting me immediately to try to let me know that they would not in fact be able to perform the requested service that he had scheduled. When I missed his initial call he was even kind enough to provide his personal cell number so I could call to discuss matters with him. He was apologetic and courteous about my decision to go elsewhere. I understand that this shop is relatively new about a year old or so at the time of this writing, and it has already generated a great reputation which I'm sure they generally live up to. I'm sure also, that they'll eventually have every part they need to perform all the services for the cars they claim to specialize in. However, I felt incredibly let down by this experience, so while I thank them for their followup courtesy and apology, I do not plan on retuni

5

Finally finished the ball joint work on my S500. Derek and I have met earlier to make sure he orders correct parts for the car. Love that idea and love the idea that when I showed up for my appointment everything was ready to go. I can honestly say that all of my experiences with South Lake European had been hassle free and a joy to deal with these guys. Love going over and kidding around and feeling like I'm dealing with friends and people that I can trust. As of today, they have done an outstanding job on my cars. Not just this one. Love the fact that they offer all of the things that are wrong but also offer and explain what level of severity the issue is. I can't say how much I love that approach. Derek even made sure that the mistake that was done with the mis-alligned steering wheel would be taken care this time due to the alignment shop not putting the steering wheel straight during the alignment process. Even when the alignment shop didn't want to do it and made mistakes repeteadly, Derek called and made sure that they do it right no matter how long it takes to get it right. Thanks a ton guys ... love your work and all the hassle free work you have done for me to make my life easier. Definately two thumbs up from me. Oh and the best part, is that they are willing to put up with me while I wait for the car. I am definately not everyone's cup of tea or coffee ... :Thanks again for doing such an awesome job.

5

I'm a long time Audi and BMW enthusiasts and usually do the majority of the work on my car myself. I'm meticulous about my cars and the work done to them. After years of problems with dealers and other shops I finally found a place that performs to my high standards without the attitude usually associated with high end shops.If you're a crazy car guy or just want an honest place to maintain your vehicle, I would highly recommend stopping by and giving these guys a chance... Brian

5

Let me add to that well-deserved 5-star rating of South Lake European. We've gotten used to being soaked by Bellevue and Seattle BMW for some years now. Not to mention the cool-snootiness of the personal advisors. We were lucky to receive the recommendation to check out South Lake from another 5-star mechanic, Vic Oishis Auto Service. We were greeted on the phone by Derek who acted as if he already knew us. He was an excellent listener and had us bring the car in immediately. He gave us a repair date, but assured us that any cancellation would speed up the repair. He was right. The car read-out told us that the transmission was having difficulties. We were a bit concerned thinking about the huge cost of a new transmission. We figured we'd might as well have them check out the heating and cooling system that wasn't quite kicking out the right amount of air. Derek called a day later and told us that he was pretty sure the car just needed a new battery. He also told me that the heating and cooling systems checked out just fine. Derek asked a few questions about the settings we used, and I was ambivalent, but told him that I never really understood the ins and outs of setting the heating and cooling system. He was very kind and patient and assured me that it could get complicated and promised to explain how to work the controls. Can't believe it, but we came out of this encounter with a very nominal bill and a new repair shop for this vehicle. Of course, we will still take our non-imports to Vic! Thanks Derek and South Lake for your patience, honesty, professionalism, great people-skills and integrity. You guys ROCK!

5

I'm a loud mouth fat kid that can talk for hours on end. Without being repetitive what can I say that hasn't been said already? Seriously, how many five star ratings with page long reviews do you need to feel safe? I guarantee you won't regret calling these guys, I never have. Other than gas or tires no one touches my car even for an oil change. Speaking of which, I'll be in on Monday. Thanks guys!

5

I was recommended to South Lake European by friends who race professionally and know SLE through their killer reputation - and they wernt kidding when they said these guys are awesome! Derek the owner was great booking my car in, and Bryce the mechanic who did my brakes and service made sure I understood what he was doing - and why. Ill never take my BMW anywhere else after finding this shop. Beyond happy with the car service, the customer service and the price - the shop is even convenient, clean and gorgeous. What else could a girl ask for?

5

hands down the best in Puget Sound. ...Brian has always helped me and is great....really approachable honest shop.

5

This shop goes above and beyond to make sure their customers are taken care of! The owner makes himself personally available to his customers and shows integrity in the way he conducts his business, which can be rare in this industry. Skip the dealer and take your car to South Lake European. Awesome service and competitive prices.. what else could you ask for?

5

Brought in my MB for a transmission fluid change. After talking with them for a few minutes it was clear they knew their stuff and treated their customers cars as if their own. Price came in a couple dollars less than the estimate and the car was done 15 minutes earlier than they had promised!Great service, competitive pricing that beats the dealers and friendly knowledgeable staff. Doesn't get better than that. Actually it does, as they are 20 minutes closer than the dealer.... That's a win all the way around!

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