Bill Ballon Automotive Independent BMW Automobile Specialists

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Freddie Jones
4 weeks ago
I've never known a better BMW man in Pittsburgh. Bill is the best, without reservation.Unfortunately, I now drive a Ford truck, which Bill doesn't service. However, he has that right, and I respect that.

  Brandon Schwab
4 months ago
I called in to get a quote/ask questions. Had totaled a vehicle and was exploring options of buying back the vehicle from the insurance company and fixing it but Bill was very honest with me and took time asking all of the appropriate questions and explaining the ins and outs very thoroughly. I decided against that decision and appreciate your honest opinion. He spent over 10-15 minutes trying to help me and and I really think he did by explaining the risks vs rewards of the the r-title.Thanks, and I hope I do not need you in future but I really appreciate your honesty. I'm usually good at reading people from their tones and he seems honest and not trying to take advantage of people. I left a message in the morning around 11:00. He got back to me at 2:30 which is same business day. Thanks.

  Krista Cogan
5 months ago
Bill will tell it to you straight and get you the best deals he can on parts. Would recommend over a dealer anytime. Don't be fooled by the yard; he and Joe are top-notch and care just as much about your BMW as you do. He's my go-to guy.

  evana p
6 months ago
I had an extremely positive experience with Bill. I was in a tight spot before leaving for a trip and bill went above and beyond to make sure I had peace of mind before my trip and meticulously checked out my car. I feel like I can trust my life with Bill. I know he is honest and I can rely a hundred percent on everything he says. I will never go to another shop besides Bills from here on out. Thank you so much!

  Gil Diaz
3 years ago
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 Pete's European Techniques or C and G Performance. The difference between Bill's and the others is customer service. Bill Ballon Automotive has and will always be a two man shop - 20 years later. Bill doesn't care about the "customer" in service. Therefore Bill really doesn't 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.Services: Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Wheel alignment, Brakes, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning, Oil change

  Po
8 months ago
I really loved my experience with Bill. I needed to have my rear shocks replaced, and Bill was able to provide excellent crevice and answer all of my questions. I felt like the employees truly cared about my experience and respected me as a customer trying to take care of my car. I will definitely be back once I need more maintenance!

  Tim Wu
3 years ago
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 he's still going strong and that his business is flourishing! Go see him if you need a BMW specialist!Services: Exhaust, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair, Wheel alignment, Oil change

  Bill Stolze
4 years ago
I ended up using Bill's shop for my M3 after having researched several other shops online. I needed a BMW expert because M3's 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 "Doctor's Office." Thanks Bill.

  Robert Nahouraii
8 months ago
my son needs a place to service his car and Bill was gracious and professional in his emails with me to help.If you are in a business for 43 years in Pittsburgh you must be doing something right. This is from someone who grew up in Pittsburgh.

  ryan dittrich
7 years ago
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.

  Julian Kearns
3 years ago
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. Don't miss the chance to take your car to a living legend :-)Service: Engine repair

  Chris Cottingham
11 years ago
I've 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.

  Kimberly Colleran
2 years ago
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.Service: Auto engine tuning

  Anders Mathisen
3 years ago
So I haven't actually had my car serviced here, but I'm still giving it 5 stars. Here's 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.

  Mehr Latif
3 years ago
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!Services: Electrical repair, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Electrical, Wheel alignment, Brakes, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning, Oil change

  Soulja Red
5 years ago
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.

  D G
6 years ago
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 won't be the experience that you're used to. Bottom line- if you trust Bill with your BMW, expect him to treat it like his own. He's thorough, he knows BMWs, and he'll not only complete the obviously essential repairs, but he'll recommend the things that you need to do before things begin breaking. Personally, this is exactly what I want from a mechanic. I've known Bill for years, and trust him implicitly.

  Stephen Chaudoin
7 years ago
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 don't live in Pittsburgh anymore, but if I did, they would be my go-to guys for my BMW.

  Christian Lowry
a year ago
I ve initially went to Bill for all my BMW repairs. After I left the BMW family, Bill s still my go-to for tires. I ve always felt pricing was simple, honest, and very fair for any work he s done.

  Peter Szegedy-Maszak
3 years ago
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.

  Jeff Davidek
6 years ago
Bill Ballon loves BMW's more than probably anybody I've 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. He's taken great care of two of my cars over the past 15 years - a 540i and M5. True BMW expert and totally honest. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

  Matthew Suffoletto
6 years ago
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.

  Abbey Sandberg
6 years ago
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. It's rare to stumble upon such stellar customer service. If I ever own a BMW in the future, I'll know where to take it. True kindness and advice. Thank you!

  George Roland
6 years ago
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 don't use subpar parts and they don't cut corners; but at the same time, they don't 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 doesn't 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 that's 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.

  Bill Sawyer
6 years ago
Strangest first phone call ever!!I told the person that answered that I have always done my own work, for simple things on my BMW's. 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 doesn't 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!!

  Sarah Hunter
a year ago
Had a pre purchase inspection done here and Bill was very thorough and informative. Will definitely be back for any future BMW service!

  Dom Cutuly
5 years ago
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.

  Huno
6 years ago
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 wasn't 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 didn't even want to accommodate me saying that he was really busy all month. I understand that you can't accommodate me because your busy but then it's another case when you are just downright rude and disrespectful to your customers and reading other reviews I see I'm 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 don't recommend this car shop to anyone. If they treat you like this over the phone, it's not hard to imagine how they would treat you in person.

  Marcin Krieger
9 years ago
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 i'll 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.

  Miguel Valenzuela
5 years ago
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!!