Collie Autoworks is a family-owned Mercedes-Benz repair shop located in San Rafael. Owners Darren and Denise Collie say their company offers the same expertise and high-quality repairs as a dealership, but at a lower cost. “When people take their Mercedes-Benzes to a dealership for repairs, the high overhead costs are invariably passed on to them,” says Mrs. Collie. “We offer the same services at lower prices.”

Collie Autoworks has numerous long-term customers, and the Collies know many of them by name. “When they bring in their cars, they actually have the opportunity to chat with our technicians about their repairs,” says Mrs. Collie. “It’s rare for a dealership to offer such a personalized level of service.”

Collie Autoworks owns the same factory diagnostic scan tools used by Mercedes-Benz dealerships–hundreds of thousands of dollars worth, according to Mrs. Collie. Additionally, its factory- and dealership-trained mechanics use workshop manuals and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to service and restore Mercedes Gelandewagens (G-Wagons) to their factory specifications. All work is backed by the shop’s 12-year/12,000 mile warranty on parts and labor.

Performing factory-recommended services on your Mercedes-Benz is worth the effort. Putting off maintenance will just compound your problems, says Denise Collie, co-owner of Collie Autoworks, a Mercedes-Benz repair shop in San Rafael. “Follow the factory maintenances. Don’t just change the oil; have the car inspected on a regular basis.”

Mrs. Collie suggests you choose a repair shop that employs ASE Master-certified technicians. It should also have credentials from Mercedes-Benz as an authorized service technician, since the auto manufacturer has a strict and comprehensive training program for its mechanics.

Also, says Mrs. Collie, ask the shop service manager if the facility has authorized access to the latest Mercedes-Benz computer software downloads. “This is extremely important, since the software that runs and monitors most systems on modern Mercedes Benzes is updated regularly.”

If you have another type of car and need parts replaced, Mercedes-Benz parts are often your best option, since they’re manufactured to strict tolerances. While OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are expensive, they’re designed to provide long service life and are compatible with other parts in terms of fit and operation.

Aftermarket parts for older Mercedes-Benzes are sometimes available at prices substantially lower than OEM parts. While there are many excellent aftermarket manufacturers, there are inferior parts as well. Some parts don’t carry warranties and may not provide comparable service life. If your budget allows, always insist on OEM parts, and ask to see the packing list or original packaging.

Q: How long will it take to repair my car?

A: If you drop your car off in the morning, and if parts are available, it’s usually done by the end of the day.

Q: Do you use factory parts?

A: Yes, we use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are the same parts you’d find in a dealership.

Q: Do you service other types of cars?

A: We specialize in Mercedes-Benz, but also service other German vehicles like BMWs. We do not service non-German automobiles.

Q: Do you offer loaner cars?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I drop-in for service?

A: No. We only accept appointments, and we usually book a few days in advance.

Q: How does your pricing compare to a dealership’s pricing?

A: We’re usually significantly less expensive than dealerships, and we’ll beat any advertised or written dealership estimate.