If you own or are thinking about purchasing a new or previously owned automobile, it’s a good idea to compare and contrast between American and European auto manufacturers. Though there are many differences and similarities between the two, pay close attention to differences in auto repair, including costs, repair of various systems, quality of parts, and training of mechanics who perform auto repair on Volkswagens, BMWs, Audis and Mercedes Benz models.
Auto Repair for European Vehicles Can Cost More
If you purchase a European vehicle, particularly a luxury brand such as Audi, BMW or Mercedes Benz, you will generally pay more than purchasing their domestic equivalent. This isn’t always the case but is the general rule. Part of the reason is because German designed vehicles are engineered with a higher level of precision. In addition BMW and Audi parts are comprised of some of the highest quality and thus most expensive components for automobiles.
As such, you can expect to pay more for Audi or BMW auto repair and maintenance as well as for their authentic OEM parts. Now this isn’t to say that American or Japanese cars are made of low quality parts and materials, but they tend not to be made of the highest quality available, which is why these vehicles usually cost a little less.
With Regular Auto Repair BMWs Can Last for Years
Though this has changed in recent years, European automobiles have historically cost more in part because they last longer than American sedans. With regular maintenance and auto repair, BMWs and VWs have been recognized as some of the longest lasting vehicles on the road.
Years ago, it was rare for an American car to reach the 100,000-mile benchmark. With the right car repair, Volkswagens were routinely meeting and exceeding this milestone. Today, however, both European and American vehicles can hit the 150,000-mile or more benchmark with regular maintenance.
European Auto Repair Shops Specialize in Transmission and Clutch Repair
Another significant difference between European and Domestic cars has to do with transmission repair, specifically the clutch. In Europe standard shift is well, standard while here in the States, drivers prefer automatic transmissions. As such BMWs, Audis and Volkswagens in the U.S. are more likely to have manual transmissions than American vehicles. Interestingly, Mercedes Benz has adapted their offering to the U.S.A. market and primarily imports standard options.
If you drive a BMW, Audi or VW with a manual transmission, regular clutch repair is a necessity. Shops that don’t frequently handle European vehicles probably aren’t as familiar with clutch repair as they don’t perform them as often. As such, you want to have your clutch fixed at an establishment that specializes in European vehicles. Even if you drive a BMW, Audi or VW with an automatic transmission, you want to have your transmission repaired someplace where the mechanics are familiar with the intricacies of these transmissions.
Suspension Repair for BMWs and Audis
The steering and suspension systems of BMWs, Audis or VWs tend to be more elaborate and thus more expensive than American models. In fact, American cars over the years continue to be dinged for their lack of performance in regard to vehicle steering and suspension. European auto makers have a greater focus on designing cars that can hug the road and take a corner much better than American cars.
Suspension systems are one of those things that are typically neglected until something goes wrong. That being said regular maintenance of suspension systems for your BMW, Audi or Mercedes Benz vehicles is essential in order to maintain its high performance. Because the suspension systems of European vehicles are calibrated at a much higher level, they tend to require more attention than American vehicles. Regular BMW, VW or Audi suspension repair is best handled by mechanics who specialize in European auto repair.
Audi, BMW or Mercedes Benz-trained Auto Repair Mechanics
Training is another reason why Volkswagen, Audi and BMW car repair can be more expensive. Mechanics at European auto repair shops are often manufacturer-trained to work on these vehicles, which are more specialized and nuanced.
As such repair work performed by BMW mechanics tends to cost more than repair work performed by generalist mechanics who work on any and all vehicle types. With the precision calibration and fine tuning of German-made vehicles, it’s important to keep your car in optimal shape by bringing it into a knowledgeable European or BMW auto repair shop in San Diego.
Investing in a BMW? Invest in BMW-trained Auto Repair
So if you’ve made the investment in a European car or are planning to, consider opting for an auto repair shop in San Diego that focuses on BMW, Audi, VW and Mercedes Benz models. After all, it doesn’t make sense to invest in purchasing an Audi, BMW or Mercedes Benz to have repair work performed by just any ordinary mechanic.
