Junipero Serra Porsche & Mercedes-Benz

My wife had been taking our Mercedes ML 350 for oil change and minor work. She was happy and liked Jimmy who is a friendly guy. One day, the check engine light came on. She took it in, had it serviced, and the light went away. After awhile, the light came back. She took it in again. Jimmy called me to explain the possible issue and recommended another repair. I agreed to it but soon the light came back on. My wife took it in again. This time, Jimmy told me that this is major engine problem and his shop does not do this kind of work. He recommended that I take it to the dealer. This is extremely ironic coming from an independent shop. Anyways, I was disappointed because I expected my mechanic would be able to repair all problems big or small. In addition, he could not recommend me to another shop. Now, I had to spend time trying to find a mechanic who I can trust. Before my search, I spend some time trying to understand the problem. I got the reports that my wife received. To my surprise, there was not much. No mentioned of the code that was triggering the check engine light. If my wife did not tell me, I would not know what work was done. Just bad documentation and not something I expect from a good shop. If the work was defected, I have nothing to hang my hat on for warranty work. After much investigation, I believe the first repair was not warranted. And I found out a fairly simple way to detect the problem. I am sure a good mechanic would not take several attempt and almost $ 400 to identify the problem. Money was relatively small. It was frustrating realizing I was not working with a «5 star» shop. And I have seen many 5 star review but I guess it depends on what kind of work.
Note: I want to give a 3.5 but cannot. I could not give them a 4 so therefore the 3 star.

I brought my Boxster to Jimmy + co to check an OBD as well as door window issues. I believe that Jimmy and his team are highly skilled in all things Porsche and they did a good job on my repairs.
I couldn’t give them 5 stars because as a first time customer, when I went to pick up my car per his instructions @5pm, Jimmy was not around to answer any questions.

I brought my E430 for tune-​up. My car was running a little rough. When all was done, it came out purring and running smooth as silk. Much more reasonable prices in comparison to other MB service dealerships. Jimmy and crew did a great job on my ride. A trustworthy professional shop with excellent customer service! Super convenient having a really good MB mechanic in the area! Thanks again Jimmy for the great service!

Went in a couple of weeks ago because over the weekend the door latch on the car stopped working. Talked to Jimmy on Friday who, over the phone, told me the exact problem. Very impressed! Schedule a Tuesday service appointment, offered a free rental car, was in at 7, done by 12:30! Reasonable price and best of all, they knew what they were doing! Switching service Junipero Serra! Thanks, Jimmy!

Jimmy is the best. I’ve been taking my ’08 GL450 to him for about 3 years and I’ve always been extremely satisfied with his work. He keeps it running great, and keeps it very affordable and even alerts me to things I need to keep an eye on in the future. He always sticks to his estimated time and has even taken my vehicle in late and made sure it was ready before the end of the day. I’m sad I’ve moved to SoCal and now have to find a new mechanic, my only hope is I can find someone as awesome as Jimmy. Thanks so much for your dedication and hard work.

I’ve been coming to Jimmy’s shop last 3 yrs. call yesterday to see if he can give me a oil change. Jimmy said come on by today at 10. He even let me wait at his beautiful shop while they worked on my car. Did it in about 30 min. His Mom and Dad are great ppl too. If you need work on your Porsche or Mercedes and don’t want to bring it Burlingame, redwood city and deal with downtown traffic. If, u live in SF or DC. I highly recommend Jimmy. Like all the other reviews. He’s a expect and specializes in Porsche and Mercedes.
Thanks you Jimmy

Finally, a mechanic I feel like I can trust. Good service and I’m not afraid that someone is trying to rip me off. Clean facility. Good manners. Clear explanations.

I’m gonna come back and give another 5 star shout out to Jimmy and his team. Just came back to get my oil changed and I brought up a problem with a loose brake caliper. No worries. Jimmy figured it all out and got it fixed. His shop is so awesome. He just expanded his service bays to take on all the business. And to all my friends who own a Carrera GT, he services those too! Hands down– Jimmy knows Porsche. I’m a loyal customer for life!

I have been going here for several years now but only now decided to right a Unilocal review (I’ve always used Unilocal for recommendations but barely ever provided my own). I initially found this place when I was living in South San Francisco and I had a rear main seal leak on my Mercedes that no one else could seem to fix. I had taken it to the shop that my family had frequented for as long as I can remember but they weren’t able to fix the leak the 2 times that I brought the car there so I ended up on Unilocal looking for a shop that specialized in repairing Mercedes. I chanced going to Junipero Serra because of the great reviews on Unilocal and I’m glad that I did.
Jimmy was very knowledgeable when it came to fixing the issue. I was on a bunch of Mercedes forums before and read up on what needed to be done because I was scared of being ripped off. Not only did Jimmy list out everything and only everything that I had read up on, he also quoted me a fair rate and most importantly he got it done right. It’s been at least 2 years and I haven’t had a leak in my rear main seal since. No more random smoke coming from my engine bay because oil was hitting my exhaust pipes!
Since then I have taken my car to him and his crew for all minor and major services. He does all my regular services (service A and B), brakes, ball joints, steering damper, and he’s also replaced my valve cover gasket 3 times. The valve cover gasket wasn’t his fault it just took 3 gaskets to find the one that sat properly in the valve cover. Every time I brought the car back for the gasket issue (until we finally found one that fit) he took care of it for free because if he couldn’t fix the problem the first time he will keep at it until it’s done correctly.
I have moved to Hayward since the first time I have gone to him but I still keep coming back because him and his crew have done an amazing job on my car (BTW my car is at least 15 years old now, hence certain issues). I have also recommended him to my family members (my brother and dad go to him for their services too) and friends. And now I am recommending them to the rest of Unilocal

Completely satisfied with service & atmosphere. Took in my 350 clk to replace the fan and very satisfied. We could have shopped around a bit but the service and honesty here won us over. We usually go to Sears or Firestone to service our car and come out completely dissatisfied. This is the go-​to place for us now

When it comes to my cars I take things very seriously. Like most people pay a lot of money for em, so I don’t cut corners when it comes to their maintenance. So I was thrilled to have found one of the very few honest mechanics out there that take the same pride in repairing customers cars as I do maintaining mine.
In the most simplest terms, Jimmie and his staff at Junipera Serra Porsche & Mercedes Benz, are awesome and true professionals. They specifically cater to people who own Porsche or Mercedes Benzes, so it’s a very exclusive clientele. But they work they do is top notch! Anytime I need anything done for my Mercedes Benz S500, he’s my go to guy. He and his staff have years of experience and don’t cut corners in order to make sure you’re back on the road with a functioning vehicle.
With prices generally significantly lower then the dealership, they make prices affordable for those on a budget. They are a certified shop, so they use the same parts and equipment as the high end dealerships that will charge you an arm and a leg for repairs. Another great thing is he won’t push you to get work done. He gives you his honest and unbiased opinion and allows you to make the best decision for you’re needs.
His business hours are unique in he’s open extremely early. The shop opens at 7am and closes at 6pm. Oh and as a heads up, Jimmie has a very straight forward disposition. So don’t be put off by his straight face. It’s perfect for poker but may be intimidating to some people. Trust me He’s really a good guy who takes his families business very serious. In the business their in, you’re only as good as you’re reputation after all!
So remember there’s a reason why his ratings are so high on Unilocal.I know personally I’ll never take my cars to any other shop! Thanks Jimmie and staff for all you’re great work.

This review is going to be short and sweet.
Jimmy is awesome!!! I drive a 2009 C class which I’ve been bringing to Jimmy the past 2+ years.
Being a girl, I know to be cautious when going mechanics because dishonest shops will tell you that you need everything under the sun replaced.
This shop is far from dishonest. Their prices are HALF of what the dealership costs, they use the same exact parts, and he doesn’t push me to get service done that I don’t need. After each visit, he lets me know what needs to get done along with my next service so I’m not caught off guard.
As a heads up, he doesn’t always have a smile from ear to ear (so don’t take his stern straight face personal. Plus, I always take my car in around 7am). But then again, I’d be a little straight faced too if I had to work as early as he does. When I pick up my car (around lunch time), that’s when he starts cracking jokes and has that big happy grin on his face (probably that’s the time when his lady brings his coffee and breakfast/​lunch =p)
I’m never taking my car anywhere else but here!!!
Keep up the good work!!!

Took my MB for oil change — 30 minutes in and out. That’s what I call great service!

I had my wife’s 2012 Mercedes C250 oil change here last year and the owner (Jimmy?) promised me that he will «log» the oil change on the computer (so that it will show up on carfax and so on), but he did not do that. It’s been a year now and I just checked, that «oil change» record is still NOT showing up on my car’s carfax report. I don’t think this is really honest. Plus they don’t allow you to «see» what they have worked on your car (e.g. what type of oil and oil filters they use on your car). I guess this might be becoming a normal practice these days for some repair shops, but still, some oil change garage has a open shop which allow you to observe (from a distance) what has been worked on with your car, which is great. I guess for other repairs (which I don’t have experience) maybe this shop is OK (based on other reviews), but for oil change, I would probably go for other places next time.
By the way, they charge $ 99 (plus tax) for oil change, and the dealer charge around $ 140 for synthetic oil change. I don’t know if they really use Mobil1 0w-​40, they claim that they bought oil in bulk but I have no way to tell whether it’s Mobil1 or other brands. Just a quick FYI.

I brought my 1969 280sl here before I bought it for a thorough inspection. The guys were very kind, professional and extremely knowledgable. I saved just under twenty thousand on the purchase price by having their expert guidance. Until they checked it out, I was not aware of the extensive body work needed on the frame.
I am very great full for their honesty and generosity in taking time to see the car. They did not charge me for my barley scheduled visit, but I was very happy to generously tip the mechanic. Outstanding operation, family ran, highly recommended!

I want to start off by telling you that I don’t write enough reviews as I should, but Jimmy’s place really earned my trust and here are my words.
I learned Jimmy’s place on Unilocal,just like many of you are doing now. To date, I brought my 2010 E350 here couple times for regular service, tire change and paint job. Jimmy is extremely knowledgeable about Mercedes and very friendly to his customers. I remember on my first visit, he took me to the back of the shop and showed me an extremely rare vintage Mercedes and Porsche that he was restoring. To me that means a lot!
My recent visit for a paint job was extremely pleasant! He and his team did a terrific job on the car. His attention to detail is unforgettable! At the end, we had some confusion about pricing, instead of having any, any unpleasant conversation, he offered a big discount which I felt sorry for him for not be able to make any money on this job.
If you are a Stuttgart car lover, this is the place you that need to be!

I have been coming for more than 9 years to Jimmy and his dad for the servicing of my cars. At present I have a 320 E Benz, that I really like. Jimmy and his dad have always treated me like my car is brand new, while providing excellent service. I just had them do the 105k service, put on a set of new tires, which they selected, and change out my catalytic converter. All at a very reasonable price. My car is running like new and super quiet thanks to the new tires.
Thank you Jimmy!
This is a family run business whose owners really care for their customers for they know that it is their customers that makes caring for their family possible. Why go anywhere else?

Very good mechanic for Porsche repair.
Not the cheapest but knows the cars as thoroughly as can be and the amount of credentials, training that Jimmy has on the wall is insane!
A good choice if you’ve have a P-​car that needs fixing.

Very, very. disappointed with this business. Was smelling burnt oil from my car vents and they said there was a oil leak from my valve cover gasket. I trusted them that the problem was fixed. When I drove my car home I still smell the burning of motor oil through the vents. So I took my car back for them to check again. Jimmy said he couldn’t smell the burning of motor oil. So I took my car to the Mercedes dealer service department. Low and behold they found out that my valve cover was cracked and they found sealants around the cover that is not suppose to be there. This business did a poor job in repairing the oil leak and was trying to hide their fault in cracking the valve cover with SEALANTS around the valve cover. They should have gotten my a new valve cover. Now I need a new valve cover which is going to cost me $ 330.
Will NOT ever return to this repair shop. Not trust worthy and covering up parts that they broke.
I’d like to apologize to Jimmy for posting this statement about the repairs. I totally made the mistake in thinking that Jimmy’s tech had broken the valve cover when the Mercedes service dept called me that I had to replace the cracked valve cover. Jimmy only repaired my the leak in my transmission gasket and had not done repairs to my valve cover.
I am admitting to my mistake in judgement and WILL BE returning to Jimmy’s Junipero Serra Porsche & Mercedes-​Benz repair shop again for service to my Mercedes Benz. They are honest and I would recommend them to my friends.

I’ve been coming here for years. Jimmy is one of those business owners that its only about the money. He’s always willing to give me advice and when it comes down to work needing to be done, I know I am getting a fair and honest price.
Straight shooter, no BS … This guy really knows his Porsche’s. I can start to mention a symptom, and he already knows what the problem is.
Thank Jimmy!