I was a customer for years (2000 to 2009). I spent tens of thousands of dollars over the years. I would agree its better than most of the BMW service centers. However not better then other good independent BMW shops like Petes European Techniques or C and G Performance. The difference between Bills and the others is customer service. Bill Ballon Automotive has and will always be a two man shop - 20 years later. Bill doesnt care about the customer in service. Therefore Bill really doesnt care about his customers - he only cares about the work (servicing your car) and getting it done his way. So if that is what you are after - he is your guy.

Should be 5 stars, but they dont service Rolls Royce or 7 series. Actually the best BMW service guys in the state. Im selling my 7 series for this reason now.

I had a great experience having my car flash tuned.Every time the conversation was easy and Bill was very polite.Thank you for your work.

I have been taking my BMWs to Bill for over 20 years.At the times I have taken the BMWs on which he customized the engine and exhaust performance to the dealership, I am often asked to sell the car by the mechanic or detailer as it is the best performing car there.If You attend a Pittsburgh auto convention and the topic of BMW specialists arises, You will inevitably hear alike praises of Bill Ballon.If you are looking for cheap service, a salesman, or a waiting room with latte, then Ballon is not for You. If You want honest answers and the best performance for your BMW, then look no further.

Bill Ballon is simply the best BMW specialist in all of Pittsburgh. If you own a BMW, you would be hard pressed to find anyone as straight forward and technically gifted as Bill and his crew. I unfortunately moved far away from Pittsburgh several years ago and no longer see Bill, but for all the time I lived there I took my E46 M3 and my E60 5-series to Bill for everything and he always took care of it without a problem and was quick about it! Why am I writing this now after all these years? I was recently talking to a friend of mine in Pittsburgh who needs work on his BMW, and the first thing that came to my mind was Bill. I was happy to see that hes still going strong and that his business is flourishing! Go see him if you need a BMW specialist!

These guys are who you want working on your BMW. They are the best mechanics you could get, prices are very fair, and they are as honest as can be. If I lived within 200 miles of Pittsburgh, I would bring my car here every time.I was out from Cali on an epic road trip in my E60, 11,000 miles through 20 states during the pandemic, with my car making an unusual sound. My sister took her old BMW to Bill, so I knew if I could make it to Pittsburgh I would stop in. Due to the nature of my problem and my time constraint due to the trip, Bill was able to work me into his already full shop. He use some very clever strategies to sleuth out the source of the noise, and I was more than happy with the price. Dont miss the chance to take your car to a living legend :-)

My only regret is not knowing about this place sooner. If you own a BMW, this truly is the best place to go. I trust Bill and Joe 100%. I feel anybody that has left a bad review might be misinformed and or they have no idea how much the parts actually cost. They get fully booked up so you better get on the phone ASAP and call.

I highly, highly recommend Bill Ballon Automotive. They are very professional and skilled BMW specialists and, on a personal note, a total pleasure to work with. They go above and beyond the call of duty for customers providing detailed guidance, referral, and support. They are an incredible resource for BMW lovers in the Pittsburgh area and I feel very lucky to have such experienced and responsive specialists take care of my vehicle. I trust them completely with their diagnoses and pricing and look forward to working with them for many years to come!

So I havent actually had my car serviced here, but Im still giving it 5 stars. Heres why: Some time ago I took my car to my dealership to have them check out a whining noise from the engine. After diagnosing, they concluded that the timing chain was weakening, and quoted a replacement at $6k+tax! Politely declined, and started reaching out independent garages. When I got through to Bill, I was immediately informed that BMW have issued an extended warranty for the very issue I was experience, and that my car was well within the time and miles. He advised me to go back to the dealership to have it taken care of for free. Dealership just got back to me and confirmed they will cover it.Extremely grateful for the advice and clear focus on putting customer needs first. Will definitely come back to handle future service needs.

The Best BMW mechanic in Pgh.Hes through, honest, enough Said.

Best BMW service in Pittsburgh, fair, honest, reliable. Knowledgeable on diagnostics and options.

I ended up using Bills shop for my M3 after having researched several other shops online. I needed a BMW expert because M3s are a unique animal, and because I had a few challenging issues requiring attention. I was not disappointed. I found Bill to be just such an expert, and he was able to solve all of the issues. His technical knowledge was impressive. Moreover, he kept me frequently informed as to progress. I found his price to be very reasonable, and was certainly a significant improvement over the dealership.After looking for some time to find a reliable shop for my M3, I am happy to say that I have found its Doctors Office. Thanks Bill.

They did a great job diagnosing my 530xi and bill is good at explaining things to me in a way I could easily understand. Got me in and out quickly and for a very reasonable price.

I am in the process of purchasing a Z4, and am from out of state. I need a pre-purchase inspection, so I went to the service provider whose clients uniformly know as the best according to all the published reviews - Mr. Ballon. Although his busy schedule did not allow him to assist me now, he provided me immediately with the name of another service provider he had confidence in to do the job well. We spent some time on the phone, especially discussing issues I raised about the Z4 I seek to buy. His knowledge, experience and judgment are abundant and of the highest quality. He was very courteous and professional, making sure that I got the best of his advice. I enjoyed our talk very much. Pittsburgh BMW owners are most fortunate in having such a superb resource ar their disposal to resove their ussues.

I went there for a check up and a tire change, the service was great! They explained in detail how to take care of my X3 thank you for the great service, I will definitely be back.

I would like to start by saying I own two BMW’s a 2015 4 series coupe and a 2005 330 coupe, which I have regularly serviced at a local BMW service department. Also I have been in the automotive industry for almost 9 years.My 2005 would not start and I had it towed to the same local BMW service department, I always I use. The service writer told me it could be two possible issues and approximate costs before he had a chance to diagnose it, since that is what I asked him.As any savvy person would, I googled local BMW specialist to see if I could POSSIBLY save some money.So I call this place (although Wood Werks came highly recommended from a dealer owner) because it is closer to my residence.I explained to him my situation and told him I would be interested in giving him my business if I could possibly save some money.He replies, “We do not work on BMW’s cheap and you would have to tow you car here.”In my opinion, towing my car has nothing to do with you servicing it. Being in the customer service industry, how soon it gets there should be your only concern.Secondly, he argues with me and rudely insists that I said I wanted my work done cheap, when I said several times, I am interested in possibly saving money.***I would never take any of my cars to anyone who is cheap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I know you have been in the business for a long time so why would I bring my car to you if you are the same price as a dealership with factory trained technicians, provides loaner cars and has much more friendly customer service?I noticed you like to refuse business which is perfectly okay with me, you could have just said that and that would have been the end of our conversation. My hard earned money spends anywhere!After our conversation, I paid over $3500 cash for the dealership to do all the needed services, since my car was already there. ;)As you know word of mouth can be the best or worst source of advertisement.

Very satisfied first time client. I received rapid, expert, and personal service in addition to helpful, money-saving advice and guidance regarding timing of future service. After previously dealing exclusively with dealership “service counselors” who recommended “necessary” and high-cost repairs (in addition to expensive extended-service packages), this was a very refreshing experience. At my last dealership service appointment, a very costly repair was recommended, which didn’t pass my non-expert “sniff” test. I discussed this with Bill, and he serviced the vehicle, gave me his opinion (no fix needed at this time) and recommended future surveillance plan. Excellent. He has my trust and future business.

Old time car mechanic that is extremely good at what he does. Bill is definitely not going to greet you with a hug but if you treat him like a true craftsman that he is youll have no problems. Would you take a home made painting to an expert and ask them to fix it for you? No.Bill helped me has helped me on my car a few times and even told me ways to save money the next time. What more can you ask for?

Called with a battery issue and Bill gave me some great advice on how NOT to compound the problem before I got there! Fantastic BMW knowledge. Cant ask for more than that!

I called and asked about the rates they charge for a diagnosis. Just a rough estimate not an actual price. He scoffed and talked down to me saying that he needs to see the car and when I tried to explain the problems with the car he just got more disrespectful telling me that if I wasnt gonna bring the car there was no point for me to waste his time. When I asked to book a time to bring in the car it seemed like he didnt even want to accommodate me saying that he was really busy all month. I understand that you cant accommodate me because your busy but then its another case when you are just downright rude and disrespectful to your customers and reading other reviews I see Im not the only one that has experienced this rudeness. At least be courteous when you speak on the phone to someone let alone your customers. Understand that your business exists because of us and we deserve some semblance of respect. By the way, when a customer give you a review, take it on the chin like a man and improve your business. Business 101: your customers are never wrong.I dont recommend this car shop to anyone. If they treat you like this over the phone, its not hard to imagine how they would treat you in person.

I have never had a bad experience with bill. He along with joe are great people, I highly recommend anyone that owns a BMW to contact bill with any service that needs to be done. He is great with customers and takes great care of the customers cars. He is highly known in the BMW world and i greatly appreciate the work that he has done to my and my fathers car. It truly is comforting to take my car to someone is widely known in the BMW world.

This is a specialty BMW repair facility. Period. If you own a BMW and want it treated like a precision machine, Bill is your man. If you bought a used vehicle that you hope to be able to minimally maintain by investing only in quick-lube oil changes, this wont be the experience that youre used to. Bottom line- if you trust Bill with your BMW, expect him to treat it like his own. Hes thorough, he knows BMWs, and hell not only complete the obviously essential repairs, but hell recommend the things that you need to do before things begin breaking. Personally, this is exactly what I want from a mechanic. Ive known Bill for years, and trust him implicitly.

Bill Ballon loves BMWs more than probably anybody Ive ever met. He and his buddy Joe really know these cars and specialize in their care. Nothing but the right parts, right tools, and tons of experience. Hes taken great care of two of my cars over the past 15 years - a 540i and M5. True BMW expert and totally honest. I wouldnt go anywhere else.

Bill and his team did an excellent job with a very hard repair. Took the time to troubleshoot and solve a not so easy repair to a very excellent outcome. Would highly recommend for your BMW needs.

Despite being unable to service my vehicle (due to the make) Bill went above and beyond, not only returning my call, but offering advice and references. Its rare to stumble upon such stellar customer service. If I ever own a BMW in the future, Ill know where to take it. True kindness and advice. Thank you!

Bill is old school, and a great mechanic. Very honest, knowledgeable & has a passion for what he does. Spent over 30 mins going over my X3 with me, it shows he cares a lot about his customers. Amazing service!!

Bill and Joe did some last minute work for me this past December. They squeezed me in, staying late one night to work on my car and working early the next morning. They helped get me back on the road, while minimizing the disruption to their other customers.I thought they were thorough and knowledgeable about BMWs. I am not an expert, but the price seemed very reasonable and fair.I dont live in Pittsburgh anymore, but if I did, they would be my go-to guys for my BMW.

Ive been taking my BMW to Bill for about 5 years now, since I moved to Pittsburgh. I consider his prices to be completely fair, considering that the two of them have extensive experience, training, and continuing education on these vehicles, not to mention the mechanical and electronic equipment necessary to service them.Bill is well connected in the BMW community and, besides his great personal expertise, has many high-up BMW service tech friends to call.He cares intensely about the cars, wanting to do the best job possible, both for the car and the customer.

I am a new Proud BMW Owner and Bill and Joe made that fact a continued reality with the service I received. 2 Thumbs UP

Incredibly honest and hard working shop. Definitely the first place any BMW owner should turn. Plus the owner may teach you a thing or two.

Was very snarky over the phone and almost immediately deferred to the BMW Labor Rate, so much for being an independent shop. Eventually refused service. Would not recommend, this is the second time this gentleman was rude.

Strangest first phone call ever!!I told the person that answered that I have always done my own work, for simple things on my BMWs. But I heard they were good and wanted my trans serviced. Which I do not want to deal with. He told me...we do not do work for people that do their own work I told him I do simple things. He said he doesnt care. He shut me down.Ok then.. guess I will try to find another mechanic...Ps.. my company is looking for a shop to take care of our 13 Bimmers. Guess it wont be at this shop.Can you say... bad first and last impression!!

Great work and really cars about your car. I have only been to him once but he was great and actually just scheduled another appointment with him to get some work done.

Bottom Line: TRUST. I trust Bill and Joe to (1) ensure the best health of my vehicle as priority #1, (2) keep the prices reasonable and realistic with cost-saving options such as suggesting a quality remanufactured wheel for me instead of a new BMW factory wheel, (3) be honest and realistic with me. They dont use subpar parts and they dont cut corners; but at the same time, they dont push needlessly over-priced parts or unnecessary services to reap the most profit. Bill continues to attend seminars, workshops, conferences to maintain his expertise on BMWs both new and old. A lot of these negative reviews are from people who ask a trained and practiced expert for his advice, but still think they know better and ignore the advice (perhaps choosing instead to believe in a con-artist...sound familiar?) Just as a doctor doesnt want to see someone come in off the street and ask for a prescription of Vicodin with no questions asked, never to be seen again, Bill Ballon Automotive is not the place to go get duct tape applied to your cracked bumper or the cheapest oil change in town. Bill is in the business of taking care of my BMW for the long haul, and he will not write prescriptions without an exam or diagnosis. Nobody ever said that buying, owning, repairing or maintaining a BMW is cheap...(except perhaps for BMW North America and its marketing myth of free scheduled maintenance but thats another story). However, there is a big difference between Maintaining A BMW and Getting Ripped Off. Bill Ballon is not in business to cheat people out of their money. He is a professional, a specialist, an expert in BMWs the way a doctor is an expert on the human body. As for hourly labor rates, they vary with the complexity of the task. A half-hour spent doing PA state inspection stuff costs less than a half-hour spent disassembling or reassembling a steering rack.

I changed my brakes on my 335xi and after changing them my brake sensor went off. i contacted the shop to see if they could look at my car and fix it (i assumed replace the brake wear sensor). He told me he doesnt want my business. His exact words, Our function is to repair cars FOR people. We NEVER enter into relationships where we are expected to work after folks who like to do-it-themselves. I am afraid that we cannot offer you the service that you are seeking. You will need to find a facility that is OK with this. I am not.welp. OK too bad for him. Brakes are easy and cheap, when I need real service (spark plugs, differential oil, brake line bleed, coolant flush) I guess ill take my business elsewhere. As will my dad with his 335xi, and my friends with their cars (x3, m coupe, 535).One nasty email can cost thousands of dollars in lost opportunity.

Good people

This is Jhon with BMW 3 series. I am sure you are not recognizing any real customer who came to you and recognizing only the one who are getting reviewed by your self ( fake reviews to trap people ) .

Even though their website says they work on Minis they do not. Do not call them for Mini Service.