Have any of you used Continental Imports or Best Motor Works & Sports in Gainesville? I'm new to Florida and prefer to use shops that are members in the Independent Association of BMW Service Professionals.

I've used continental imports before when I was in school.

They know their stuff when it comes to BMW and Mercedes, so you'll definitely get quality work.

They do preach a bit of doomsday when it comes to expanding out repairs, but I wouldn't say to an excessive level. For example, I needed a new clutch in my 525i a few years ago. They stated that my clutch master cylinder wasn't working, and that if they were going to open the system, that they should replace the slave cyl at the same time. The slave cyl wasn't necessary, but not a terrible idea. They also chided me for awhile for having a torn boot on one of my LCarms, stating that the car could come apart at speed. Could it? Mabye, but I tend to distrust an auto tech that preaches doom and gloom just out of habit.

At the same time, the last time I checked, their labor rate was very low ($65 an hour) and they're very willing to do an initial estimate/inspect a problem without a "diagnostic fee".

Overall, I recommend. You might need to convince them you're on a budget and that you don't need to do a million other things, but you won't get swindled.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT GO TO CARRSMITH ON 13TH STREET!!

I know someone that used to work there. The owner is a manipulative asshole, and takes pride in ripping people off. They charge $100 to read an OBDII car and charge for disposal of refrigerant when all they do is vent it to the atmosphere, if thats any indication of their business.