Vanguard Motors is the premier independent BMW, Porsche and MINI service and repair facility in San Francisco. A family owned and operated business since 1986, we offer personalized and friendly service at competitive prices. While at other repair shops you work with a service adviser, at Vanguard Motors you will speak directly to the owners who know the ins and outs of BMWs, Porsches and MINIs.
Porsche drivers love Vanguard Motors! Having over 40 years experience servicing and repairing these masterworks of German engineering is what sets us apart from the dealerships and other independent shops in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are specialists in service for all BMW models. We also offer expert automotive diagnosis and repair to keep your BMW running smoothly and reliably.
Porsche drivers love Vanguard Motors! Having over 40 years experience servicing and repairing these masterworks of German engineering is what sets us apart from the dealerships and other independent shops in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are specialists in service for all BMW models. We also offer expert automotive diagnosis and repair to keep your BMW running smoothly and reliably.
Services
Vanguard Motors was founded in 1986 by Gary Grande here in San Francisco. He believed there was a need for an alternative to high priced, impersonal dealer service. Gary and his team stress a high quality, one-on-one level service for your Porsche, BMW, or MINI. A business IS its people, and Vanguard Motors is proud to employ some of the most highly trained, caring and honest people to ever work on cars.
We are a high-tech, fully equipped service facility. With 7000 square feet, seven lifts, and three technicians, we are prepared to quickly and accurately diagnose and repair any problems occurring with your car. Being specialists, we often have inventory on hand devoted to your specific car. We use both the factory and aftermarket factory system testers on your car.
I have been dealing with Gary before he was at Vanguard. Since he opened Vanguard, I have been very happy with he and Paula and I have recommended Vanguard to several others. Always good service. No games, and up front on needed and projected repairs. Will continue with Vanguard and continue to recommend to others.
Gary Grande founded Vanguard Motors in 1986 after working for German specialty shops since 1972. Gary has a rare combination of knowledge - from the cars of the 1960s and 70s all the way through 2017 models. He is devoted to continuing training and education and views each day as an opportunity to learn something new.
Reviews (29)
Zach K.
Apr 13, 2021
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Jonathan C.
Sep 09, 2020
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Steven A.
Apr 30, 2019
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Gary and I became acquainted many years ago in a completely different environment. I'd brought my BMW to another shop before remembering Gary and that he specialized in BMW. One night, my BMW mysteriously began overheat and left me along with child stranded on the highway. Very infuriating. So rather than the first shop, I remembered Gary and made an appointment with Paula. After a brief discussion about the problem, my car was towed there. Paula seemed confident and assured me they'd get to the bottom of it. After a few days, Paula informed me of the complexities causing the issue which
Harrison S.
Feb 04, 2019
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Gary and Paula are clearly experts at what they do. But their prices are the same or slightly higher than the BMW dealership...unfortunately without the nice car loaners and extended hours and other full service amenities that BMW dealerships offer. Those types of amenities are not important to me. But saving money and getting the best value is a top priority to me.
I found another local BMW repair shop to do the majority of my repairs, which Gary and Paula helped identify....at half, yes half, the pricing at Vanguard. But with the same warranty and other offerings as Vanguard. I literally saved
I found another local BMW repair shop to do the majority of my repairs, which Gary and Paula helped identify....at half, yes half, the pricing at Vanguard. But with the same warranty and other offerings as Vanguard. I literally saved
John Maynier
Dec 06, 2018
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I was having a really hard time finding anyone willing and competent to work on my beloved old Porsche 928 in a timely manner who didn’t to gouge me on price. Then I found Gary and Paula. WOW!!! Their prices are reasonable and the work has been refreshingly thorough, professional, and really transparent. I get to see what’s been done and told what still needs doing. No BS and no unnecessary repairs to pad the books. It doesn’t hurt that they’re really nice people as well.
Aaron Danzig
Nov 12, 2018
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Dan A.
Oct 23, 2018
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Jason Root
Sep 26, 2018
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Vanessa Conrad
Sep 06, 2018
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GARY and Paula are amazing to work with. I have a 1979 911 SC Targa and GARY has taken care of my baby for 17 years. I moved to Sonoma 3 years ago and after a bad experience here in Sonoma, I now go back to San Francisco gladly just to make sure that Gary take care of my car. Vanguard Motors is the best 👍👍👍👍
Vanessa
Vanessa
Ruth C.
Aug 30, 2018
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David John
Jul 29, 2018
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Gary has been servicing my 1979 911 for over 30 years that included brakes, rotors, 3 clutches, fuel pump, and lowering the car. All the work was done professionally and with courtesy to me as a customer. I have not had to return the vehicle to have something redone due to has error. I feel if you bring your car to him for service you will not be disappointed. I highly recommended him.
Nicholas Reidy
Jul 26, 2018
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Gary, Paula, and the team at Vanguard Motors have been taking good care of my 2004 Porsche 996 for the last five years. Their work is always top quality, and thorough. They have good, sensible recommendations for what really does need to happen now, and what I might be able to defer for a little. Given that basically any fix to a 996 is going to be expensive, I appreciate that sometimes I can wait and see with some items. The team at Vanguard has many many years of experiences with Porsches (and with BMWs as well) of all sorts. It's cool to see what else is in the shop when I am there. Big thanks
E. E.
Apr 22, 2018
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Gary and Paula at Vanguard are absolutely the best BMW service and repair team in San Francisco. I have a 2001 BMW530i that they have helped me efficiently and economically keep humming ever since the dealer warranty expired. They help prioritize the items that must be fixed and the items that can wait and they are always on the money and on time with their repair and time estimates.
Alison P.
Jan 25, 2018
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Jay Sondhi
Dec 30, 2017
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I wish my BMW was still running because I miss Gary and Paula. They have saved me tons of cash and kept my old BMW running nicely when I had it. One time, we thought the transmission was out, but he found out that there was a chip that could be replaced for a couple hundred bucks. Good bet. Kept me going for another couple years when I thought it was all over. Thanks Gary and Paula!
Norman R.
Sep 01, 2017
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This shop was recommended by my colleague before I took the plunge and bought a used Porsche Boxter. Even before I was a customer, Paula and Gary talked to me at length about the ins and outs of buying a used model and what to expect in terms of maintenance costs. When I finally purchased my Boxter they helped me get it in tip top running condition and they've been servicing it ever since. I can't say enough good things about this shop. They are master mechanics who are reliable, trustworthy, and fair dealing. If you own a Porsche or BMW, you can't go wrong trusting them with your
Mark Hensley
Aug 01, 2017
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Friendly, customer-driven service with an emphasis on doing it right the first time is what I have experienced at Vanguard. I appreciate their willingness to meet the service and repair needs for both my BMW and Porsche and work me into their schedule when I've encountered "emergency" issues. Needless to say I am a loyal and very happy customer.
Eric P.
Jun 27, 2017
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Once your BMW's warranty has expired, Vanguard is the best place in San Francisco to service it. I knew right away that this was going to be a good place, since I was referred to Vanguard by another reputable BMW shop that was over capacity. Paula and Gary took great care of my '07 550i for many years. The quality of the service was good and the pricing was reasonable (for San Francisco). Also, I felt that they accurately communicated to me what the issues were and how best to solve them. I highly recommend Vanguard to take care of your BMW!
Lester Kaufman
Jun 11, 2017
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Kyle Ramirez
Jun 03, 2017
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Michael L.
May 30, 2017
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Honest and Dependable work. I can't think of two more important words one wants to hear about a shop in which they are entrusting to work on their car.
I've known Gary and Paula since my E34 5 Series BMW went out of warranty...and I haven't looked back since.(roughly 17 years ago) They have serviced my BMW's and will soon be working on my new Porsche. Why? Because I trust them explicitly and their work is above reproach. I recommend them without hesitation when asked for a mechanic referral for a BMW or Porsche.
I've known Gary and Paula since my E34 5 Series BMW went out of warranty...and I haven't looked back since.(roughly 17 years ago) They have serviced my BMW's and will soon be working on my new Porsche. Why? Because I trust them explicitly and their work is above reproach. I recommend them without hesitation when asked for a mechanic referral for a BMW or Porsche.
Joe F.
May 28, 2017
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Gary and Paula run a top notch business. I've been using them for over 20 years (and 2 cars.) In fact I won't buy a new car because because I don't want BMW or anyone else to touch my car. The only people I trust is Vanguard. They're like doctors from the Mayo Clinic.
They are honest, fair and by far the best garage I've ever used.
The people who work for them are great, friendly and professional.
I could not recommend anyone better than Vanguard.
Vanguard is the best kept secret for BMW owners in San Francisco.
They know their business and treat their customers like
They are honest, fair and by far the best garage I've ever used.
The people who work for them are great, friendly and professional.
I could not recommend anyone better than Vanguard.
Vanguard is the best kept secret for BMW owners in San Francisco.
They know their business and treat their customers like
George C.
May 23, 2017
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We have been using Vanguard Motors for more than 10 years. We were referred by Alan at The Stable where our Porsche was being serviced.
Gary and Paula are involved, caring and honest owners who strive to provide excellent service. They are not cheap, rather they charge comparably to the Dealerships. The big difference is they are honest. They do not make repairs until they are necessary.
On my first visit, the dealer who had been doing my service old t I needed six different repairs which would cost around $8,000 (or more). I went to Vanguard for a second opinion. One of the repairs was in
Gary and Paula are involved, caring and honest owners who strive to provide excellent service. They are not cheap, rather they charge comparably to the Dealerships. The big difference is they are honest. They do not make repairs until they are necessary.
On my first visit, the dealer who had been doing my service old t I needed six different repairs which would cost around $8,000 (or more). I went to Vanguard for a second opinion. One of the repairs was in
Craig C.
May 04, 2017
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I was referred to Gary & Paula by a good friend of mine who is also an E30 enthusiast. What stands out about this shop is that 1) they are genuine people, 2) they do great work, and 3) they care about their clients. They are experts on BMWs and car enthusiasts in their own right!
I went through a few different shops/mechanics only to experience poor work and/or dishonesty. Even another supposedly reputable BMW shop in SF (who shall not be named) up charged me for unnecessary work. This was not the case here as Gary showed me the broken parts he replaced and how to look for signs of wear in
I went through a few different shops/mechanics only to experience poor work and/or dishonesty. Even another supposedly reputable BMW shop in SF (who shall not be named) up charged me for unnecessary work. This was not the case here as Gary showed me the broken parts he replaced and how to look for signs of wear in
Elisa B.
Sep 06, 2016
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So have you been going to mechanics feeling ripped off by some mean dude? Felt like the dude behind the counter was just ripping you a new...........whatever!
I just went to Vanguard and was in a bit of a hurry. Had a headlight go out the other night after hitting a pot hole with the new Mill Valley street improvements? I called Bonnie; She told me to come right over. Fixed the headlight on the spot and boom! I was on the road feeling grooooovey!!!!
The thing about Vanguard: You feel totally honored for your time, money, work and car. You feel totally respected and supported. When do
I just went to Vanguard and was in a bit of a hurry. Had a headlight go out the other night after hitting a pot hole with the new Mill Valley street improvements? I called Bonnie; She told me to come right over. Fixed the headlight on the spot and boom! I was on the road feeling grooooovey!!!!
The thing about Vanguard: You feel totally honored for your time, money, work and car. You feel totally respected and supported. When do
Remy H.
Apr 21, 2016
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My temperamental 335i had an emergency electrical failure that put the car in a fail-mode. I can't tell you how pissed off I was w/ the car. I took it to Vanguard because I had a very good experience with them in the past, and I feel comfortable entrusting them again. In my case, it was a super labor-intensive process on their part because the diagnostic tool could not connect to the car to do what it was supposed to do. Gary and his crew had to manually go through a painful process by elimination. Well, not only they solved the problem, they were super reasonable with the rate. They
Jacob M.
Mar 25, 2016
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Vanguard is the spot! I have brought my 1987 325is to Gary & Paula a handful of times now, and every experience has been quick, easy, and best of all, thorough. Gary is such a wealth of knowledge on E30s (and many other models!) and has really given me a lot of confidence in running an older car. The work has been high quality, delivered on time, and often under estimate. The best of all worlds! Highly recommended, especially if you have a "classic" (or borderline classic, in my case) BMW or Porsche.
Tony S.
Jan 13, 2015
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I've been a Vanguard customer for just over a year now after my 2008 BMW 535xi wagon fell out of warranty. They are everything you want from a non-franchised specialist and nothing you don't.
Gary and Paula make a great team and they know their BMWs better than the dealership. They have been able to diagnose problems with alacrity that is often appreciated when you are running an older, high mileage German car.
They are prompt, always looking to save you money, don't cut corners and always use proper parts. They aren't the cheapest in the area but I am wary of using the
Gary and Paula make a great team and they know their BMWs better than the dealership. They have been able to diagnose problems with alacrity that is often appreciated when you are running an older, high mileage German car.
They are prompt, always looking to save you money, don't cut corners and always use proper parts. They aren't the cheapest in the area but I am wary of using the
Pedro F.
Jan 14, 2014
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