Hello!

I have a 2005 Mini Cooper and live on Capital Hill. I need to get my break pads serviced and wondered if anyone knew of a good mechanic who services Minis, preferably in the city or nearby suburbs (Bethesda, Silver Spring, Alexandria, etc.)

Thank you!

 

ran into something today (literally) that leads me to need a suspension/steering mechanic. Sterling is a long way from Petworth (where i live) and Rockville (where i work).

 

So far no luck. I need to get my breaks done soon, so I might just have to *GAG* take it to the dealer.

 

if you aren't under warranty, you should think about going elsewhere. Midas will do the job for slightly less (Mini brakes are expensive, if you haven't been through this before--prepare for massive sticker shock) and the brakes have a life of the car guarantee--so if you plan to keep the car, paying once and then having them replace them for free every 25k miles is not a bad deal.

 

There are 3 in the area:

Behe Performance, http://www.beheperformance.com/
Mach V, http://www.fastmini.net/
Funktion Auto, http://funktionauto.com/index.asp

Also e30r56, he is a mechanic. He might be able to help.

 

Btw, if you love to drive and love Philly's cheese steak check with Eric @ Helix, http://www.helix13.com/mini/

They also specialize in MINIs.

 

why are all these guys so far out? there have to be several hundred Minis in DC; surely it would make business sense for someone to open up a shop in the city.

 

MachV gets my vote, and I live further out than you. But if you feel like a road trip Helix is a good place also.

 

Mach V's website looks like an after-market parts store, not a service center.

 

I think i'm going to give these guys in Rockville a shot; they cross-advertise as Independent Mini Repair and Service, and i can't find any complaints about them online (which is pretty unusual for a business that's been around for several years).

 

If you're in Rockville, definitely try Auto Centro. They are a fantastic shop specializing in German cars -- they're not a Mini shop, but they can do just about any import.

Very professional, great rates. (301)340-2444, located in Rockville.

 

I'll volunteer either myself (I do side work), or my shop, which is in Bowie. Pm me if you are interested.

 

I would change them for you but I'm down in Charlotte this month.

 

I went to Montgomery Autohaus in Rockville today. There were two other MINIs in the shop while they replaced my power steering pump. Nice people, appeared to know their stuff, and reasonable prices. Very chilly waiting area, however. I will probably return, but check the weather forecast first.