Pros 
Cons Burgers Motor Works: A Mixed Bag of Auckland Automotive Experiences
Burgers Motor Works, situated at 197 Archers Road, Hillcrest, Auckland, has garnered a significant presence in the Auckland auto repair scene, particularly for BMW owners. Boasting a 4.4-star rating, the shop’s profile suggests a blend of exceptional service and, for some, concerning pricing practices. Open Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with weekend closures, the facility caters to a variety of needs, offering onsite services, oil changes and welcoming diverse clientele, including the LGBTQ+ community and providing a transgender-safe space. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms, making it a more inclusive option for all. Appointments are recommended to ensure timely service. Payment methods accepted include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. But what are the real experiences of customers? Let's delve into the reviews, separating the praise from the points of concern.
The Shining Stars: Exceptional Service and BMW Expertise
A recurring theme in many positive reviews highlights Burgers Motor Works' expertise in handling BMWs. Several customers have lauded the team's professionalism, friendliness and prompt, transparent communication throughout the repair process.
Here's a breakdown of what customers consistently praise:
- BMW Specialists: Many reviewers specifically mention the garage's proficiency with BMWs, often stating it's a better alternative to the dealership. As one customer noted, “The next best thing to taking one’s vehicle to the dealership. Same original parts, same quality of service, but at a price that is more affordable.”
- Problem Solving & Parts Sourcing: One customer was particularly impressed with the team's ability to secure a seemingly unavailable part, defying the main dealer's assessment – a testament to their resourcefulness.
- Fast Turnaround & Clear Communication: Several customers highlighted the speed of service and the consistent updates provided on the vehicle's progress. A turnaround of under 12 hours for a complex repair is a significant point in their favour.
- Competitive Pricing: While pricing is a contentious topic (addressed below), some customers found Burgers Motor Works' pricing to be competitive, especially considering the cost of maintaining European vehicles. "Pricing is great considering how expensive Euros are to maintain and run."
- Courtesy Car: The availability of a courtesy car during repairs is a well-appreciated perk, particularly for those reliant on their vehicles.
One delighted customer put it succinctly: “Outstanding service! First time using Burgers, and excellent communication from the team informing me prior to repairs. Picked up my 335i BMW today, and it feels like driving a brand new car!”
Red Flags and Recurring Concerns: Pricing and Repair Practices
Despite the many positive testimonials, a significant number of reviews raise serious concerns about Burgers Motor Works, primarily centred around pricing and potentially misleading repair recommendations. These accusations are concerning and deserve careful consideration.
Here's a summary of the negative feedback:
- Inflated Pricing & Unrequested Quotes: One reviewer alleged being quoted an exorbitant $500 for a seemingly minor service (oil change with "advanced maintenance") which lacked any detailed breakdown and a promised quote was never provided.
- Upselling & Questionable Diagnoses: This reviewer also alleged the garage erroneously diagnosed issues (a bulb being the problem) and attempted to replace components that weren’t faulty, suggesting a deceptive practice aimed at increasing the bill. Follow up inspections by another place resulted in clear differences in the value and prices.
- Unexpected Charges & WOF Issues: Another customer experienced a significant increase in charges during a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, with the discovery of previously unknown issues and an attempt to claim non-compliance of a legally compliant window tint.
- Recurring Issues with Repairs: A particularly troubling account detailed repeated coolant leaks on a VW, with the garage allegedly failing to address the root cause during the initial repair and subsequently charging exorbitant amounts for repeated fixes ($2200 initially, then $1500 later!). The argument that the initial repair would trigger future issues raises serious questions about the garage's diagnostic and repair acumen.
- Targeting Vulnerable Customers: One review explicitly accused the garage of exploiting female customers, assuming their lack of automotive knowledge to inflate bills. This is a deeply concerning allegation and reflects a lack of integrity if accurate.
Navigating the Reviews: What to Consider Before Visiting
Given the contrasting experiences described above, making an informed decision about using Burgers Motor Works requires careful evaluation. Here's a breakdown of considerations:
| Factors to Consider | Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|---|
| BMW Expertise | Highly praised as a competent and trustworthy BMW repair shop. | N/A |
| Communication | Excellent and consistent updates on repair progress. | Failure to provide promised quotes. |
| Pricing | Can be competitive, particularly compared to dealerships. | Reports of inflated pricing and unnecessary repairs. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking and restroom available. | N/A |
| Ethical Practices | Commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusiveness and offering a transgender safe space. | Serious allegations of deceptive practices and exploitation of customers. |
| Service Turnaround | Reported fast turnarounds on repairs. | Early issues with repairs remaining persistent. |
Recommendation: If you own a BMW and are seeking a specialist, Burgers Motor Works might be a viable option. However, it's strongly advised to obtain detailed, written quotes before proceeding with any work. Critically evaluate the diagnostic reports and feel comfortable questioning any recommendations that seem excessive or unclear. Consider getting a second opinion from another mechanic, especially for major repairs. Be extra cautious if you feel pressured into accepting services or extra work.
Contacting Burgers Motor Works & Sharing Your Experience
Burgers Motor Works’ Contact Details:
- Phone: +64 9 444 3965
- Address: Burgers Motor Works, 197 Archers Road, Hillcrest, Auckland 0629, New Zealand.
- Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM. Closed Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reviews and opinions. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research and due diligence before engaging the services of any auto repair shop. We invite anyone who has had an experience with Burgers Motor Works to share their feedback in the comments below to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of their services.