Bavarian Workshop - An Independent High Performance BMW Auto Repair Center in Los Angeles

Justin N. Wrote

My 2000 BMW M Roadster was starting to get a little old and sloppy, and I wanted to refresh it as well as improve the performance. I chose Bavarian Workshop to do the work based on what others had said about the work Marc and his team do. I had a wide variety of work that needed to be done, including extensive performance improvements from Dinan, and others, as well as repair of the extensive wear and tear that can be done to a roadster in Southern California. All of the work was done to a very high level of quality. It is clear that Marc and his team take great pride in their work, as evidenced by both the look, and performance of my car when it was returned to me. I have had mine and my wife's BMW's maintained at the dealerships and at independent repair shops, and after using Bavarian Workshop I can't imagine going anywhere else.

Ernie P. Wrote

I originally came in to simply check out the shop and have my water pump replaced. If only it remained that simple. The energy and proficiency of Marc's shop is infectious. I soon decided to recondition my entire chassis and make a few key modifications to the engine. These changes utterly transformed the car. This shop is what others aspire to be. Rare is it to encounter Marc's insight and compassion---he anticipates all concerns, from the mundane to the advanced, with any type of customer from any type of background. And where many folks will be eager to sell you a "do-dad" here or a "widget" there, Marc will only recommend and build integrated set-ups that suit an individual need or budget. In the end, he really does treat each car as if it were his own. High marks for an entirely satisfying experience.

Paul M. wrote

If you love your BMW, you need to talk to Marc at Bavarian Workshop. No one cares more about these cars, nor about his customers, and no one will provide better service. Marc took my 2000 M5, helped me resolve some nagging issues that the dealer couldn't seem to find, and then did all the work to upgrade it to a Dinan S2 configuration - Wow! Of course, I love the car. But what was most satisfying was Marc's interest and commitment to make sure that the car was right. He is always available to provide his expert advice as to how to deal with either of necessary repairs or discretionary upgrades. Believe it or not, I am most pleased that my extended factory warranty expired in July so I can now take my car to Marc for all repairs.

My experience with Bavarian Workshop goes back to a time when Rick Nelson owned the shop. My parents would take their 1985 325 in for routine maintenance - they were always treated courteously and fairly. Marc Norris has maintained this approach, that is to say, one is treated the same weather they're in for an oil change or an engine transplant or to prep a car for the track.

My personal relationship started in 2000 when I brought Marc my 1972 3.0cs (stroker) for work. He knows the car and always took an interest in it, even though I had all the work done earlier and at another shop.

Later I bought a 1988 535is. Marc helped me realize my dream of owning an M5 (as I would like it) by doing a complete conversion correct to every detail (see it at Laguna Seca next year for the "festorics"). Marc never recommended work which was unnecessary or extraneous. Things I was adamant about he would question counsel and advise. If I insisted he would then attack the work with conviction and gusto.

I can always count on Marc and his choice pick of technicians at Bavarian Workshop to be truthful and honest with me, and after all is this not the characteristics everyone is looking for in a mechanic (and a doctor)?

Professionally,
Mark Lucero, aia

Randy H. wrote

My first experience with Bavarian Workshop was back when it was called BMW Independent Workshop and was owned by Rick Nelson. I brought my second BMW, a used 1972 3.0CSi that a dealer had inspected and approved, to Rick for evaluation. He immediately informed me that the car wasn’t safe to drive due to excessive steering arm wear. So much for the dealer’s opinion. I had been referred to Rick by another coupe owner and found everything that Rick said and did to be honest, fair and true. His expertise, especially with the older cars was second to none.

I first met Marc Norris when he was a multi-time award-winning technician at a local BMW dealer. When Marc came to Bavarian Workshop and later, after he purchased the business from Rick, he carried on the high standards for which Rick was noted. Marc had the additional advantage of extensive expertise with the newer, more complex BMWs to go along with his knowledge of the classic models. But Marc isn’t just a technician, he’s more a combination of artist and engineer. He approaches every car as if it were his own. No problem that I’ve laid in his lap, and there have been some doozies, has ever stymied him. He expects nothing less from the people who work for him.

To date I’ve owned seven BMWs (2002, 3.0CSi, 533i, two M6s, 750iL, and a Dinan supercharged 540i) and Bavarian Workshop has been the only facility to touch the past six other than warranty work. I’ve had every car modified, most with Dinan components, and couldn’t be happier with the results. I would recommend Marc and his technical staff to anyone without reservation. They are professional, do what they say they’ll do, and their work is fairly priced for the value you receive.

Don C. wrote

Marc, my Bimmer just doesn't have that Bimmer feel to it anymore. What can I do? Well, says Marc, your '97 528i has 140k miles on it. You're well overdue for some new shocks and your tie rods are pretty worn. Let's start there. Bilstein makes some terrific Heavy Duty shocks that work well on your car. Want to try them? Hmm, I don't know. Just how stiff will the ride be with these? My wife drives this car too, you know. Am I going to catch it big for spending all this money to make the car drive like a go-kart? Marc assures me that all will be well. The deed was done. I'm driving the car home and WOW. It's handling better than when I first bought the car. There's so much more power to the road now that I'm begining to think that maybe Marc has gone all soft and added complementary Dinan tweaks to the engine. Okay, maybe not, but the car just feels great to drive. Now for the true test. My wife takes the car to do some shopping. When she returns I carefully ask, How did it go? Honey, the car is wonderful. I can't wait to drive it again. Thanks Marc.

Paul C. wrote

In 2001 Marc rebuilt the shortblock in the 3.8 CSi. The work was flawless. Then in 2006 I needed more help. Like the famous Disneyland ad that shows the sports champion yelling I'm going to Disneyland I yelled, I am going to Bavarian Workshop after winning the BMW Concours in Monterey. After a large push to finish the Twin Turbo project, there was a list of teething pain items that had to be addressed. I live in South Orange County and there is only one shop in Southern California today that I would entrust with the intensive level of detail required to tune and adjust this type of high performance car. It's usually the shop owners that are the perfectionists, in this case Dillon also demonstrates the same sincerity with his professional enthusiasm. I can leave my car with confidence that their work will exceed expectations. They exude integrity and passion. It is a pleasure doing business.

Meg M.

I was tired of taking my car into the dealership and getting poor customer service. I had to wait in lines to drop and pick up my car. And, they never fixed my car properly. I was so happy when I discovered Mark and the Bavarian Workshop. My car is like my child to me and I want the best service possible. Mark cares about my car as much as I do. It is obvious that he has a passion for cars. The customer is service is outstanding. My car is always in tip top shape. I totally trust the work they do. Thank you Mark and all the mechanics at Bavarian Workshop.

If you also have a story you'd like to send, please write to us. Go to Contact