
BMW Repair and Service in Athens, GA
BMW repair in Athens, GA is what we do best at Athens Import Auto Repair. We have fixed BMW cars since our shop opened in 1991. Our owner, James Miner, is an ASE Master Technician.
BMW service in Athens, from people who know the brand
A BMW is fun to drive. But it needs care from people who know it well. We use factory-level scan tools for BMW. We find the real fault and fix it once.
You will find us at 835 Winterville Rd on the Eastside. Many UGA staff and Clarke County drivers trust us with their BMW. Call 706-353-3880 to set up a visit.
Models we see most
Common BMW problems we fix
Oil filter housing gasket leak
The oil filter housing sits on the side of the engine. Its gasket gets hard and lets oil out. That oil can drip onto the belt below. We replace the gasket and clean up the mess.
Valve cover gasket leak
The valve cover is the lid on top of the engine. Its gasket dries out from heat. You may smell burning oil after a drive. We fit a new gasket and check the cover for cracks.
Cooling system plastics
Many BMW cooling parts are made of plastic. The water pump, thermostat and expansion tank get brittle with age. When one cracks, the engine can overheat fast. We replace worn parts before they fail.
VANOS faults
VANOS is the system that adjusts engine timing. Worn seals or dirty solenoids cause a rough idle and low power. A check engine light often comes with it. We test it and fix the part at fault.
Electric water pump failure
Newer BMW engines use an electric water pump. It can quit with little warning. You may see a red temperature warning on the dash. We replace it and bleed the system the right way.
Window and electrical faults
BMW window regulators wear out. The window drops or will not move. Small electrical faults can also drain the battery. We track these down and fix them.
BMW services we offer
BMW oil service
We use the right oil and filter for your engine. Then we reset the service light.
Learn moreOil and coolant leak repair
We find the source of the drip. Then we replace the gasket, seal or hose.
Learn moreCooling system repair
Water pumps, thermostats, radiators and tanks. We keep your BMW cool.
Learn moreBMW brake service
Pads, rotors and wear sensors. We reset the brake light too.
Learn moreCheck engine light
We read the codes with the right tool. Then we test before we replace parts.
Learn moreScheduled maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, spark plugs and inspections on the schedule BMW sets.
Learn more
Why BMW owners choose us
50 years with foreign cars
James has worked on imports since 1972. He has seen every BMW engine from the old inline six to the new turbo.
The right tools for BMW
We can read every module in your car. We can code new parts and reset service lights.
Honest advice
We tell you what must be fixed now and what can wait. You make the call.
I bought a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Clubman about a month ago. I replaced just about everything on the engine to no avail. It just would not idle like it should. I determined it was a bad timing chain. As it turned out I was right. I took it to James who agreed and he had his technician Tony replace the timing chain components. They went the extra mile to remove the oil pan and remove the chewed up debris from the oil pump screen. It now runs like a brand new car! Thanks to them, I'll enjoy this car for many years to come. Great service and very polite. Very knowledgeable too.
Rob, customerBMW repair FAQ
Do you work on BMW in Athens?
Yes. We repair and service BMW cars at Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA. We have done it since 1991. We handle 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5 and more.
Why is my BMW leaking oil?
The most common cause is a bad gasket. The oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket fail often on BMW. We find the leak and replace the gasket.
Do you have the right scan tool for BMW?
Yes. We use factory-level scan tools for BMW. That lets us read every module in the car. We can also reset service lights and code new parts.
How often should I change the oil in my BMW?
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is a good rule. The dash may say you can go longer. Fresh oil keeps the timing chain and VANOS parts happy.
Why does my BMW overheat?
Most BMW overheating comes from a cracked plastic cooling part. The water pump, thermostat or expansion tank is often to blame. Stop driving and call us. We can replace the part and test the system.
Is it worth fixing an older BMW?
Often, yes. A well kept BMW can run past 200,000 miles. We will give you an honest view of what your car needs. Then you decide.
Other brands we service

Let's take a look at your BMW
Call 706-353-3880 or book your visit. We will find the problem and fix it right.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.