In order to know what we do here at ABR Houston, you have to know why we do it. We could say we service and repair German cars better than others. (We have a proven track record we do) We could inform you we have a better warranty than the dealer. (Nationwide 3 year or 36 thousand miles) Or, that we offer a complete service and comprehensive repairs- (Of course we do! We do that without question) The thing is, is everyone claims to do that. If you want to know the number one thing that fires me up- Me: Alex Noll- (the owner) is really one thing. I truly want to help you. WE want to help you. The culture we have here at ABR Houston echoes through all of my employees. Without them, ABR Houston would be nothing. Every day, this place sings the praises and hard work of my employees. You have to trust your employees for them to trust you. You also have to instill trust into who you’re dealing with when it comes to car repair. You have to trust the shop. We’re here all as enthusiasts, and all work towards the common goal of making our clients comfortable with our recommendations. We want to know about your son’s soccer game, how your Spouse is doing, what new tricks your dog learned (maybe so I can steal the idea and teach Bones our shop dog). This is a long lost art in the automotive world. Relationships. We want a relationship with you and your car. You, Your car, Your situation, and your budget. Frankly- If we see you once, we’d expect to see you again. We want the first thing that pops into your head when you have car issues- is us. With 1500+ clients visiting us a year, it’s an amazing thing knowing people with a first name basis. We know their children, where they work, and what their hobbies are. It’s not just “fix my car, ok- here’s the bill”. We want it to be more than that. So, when considering a shop- take a peek and enjoy the view. We’ll be here ready to get you back on the road. It’s not just a motto or tag line. It's what we do, every day.
Business highlights
13 years of trusted experience
Services we offer
Oil leaks, suspension diagnosis & repair, factory, custom, & race alignments, engine repair, replacement & upgrades. Code & program vehicle computers. AC diagnosis & repair. Literally anything the dealer can offer, so can we.
I had my car shipped to ABR Houston, since they specialize in BMWs, after being unsuccessful with repair to my car locally. The timing on my car was going off. I suspected the cause of the timing issue was due to an issue with my crank hub. I communicated this to the owner, Alex, who refused to inspect this and properly diagnose the root cause of my issue as requested because he said it would cause him too much extra work. I requested several times to have my crank hub inspected, but instead of listening to the customer and checking, Alex, the owner refused to do as I requested and mocked me, which is poor customer service and completely unprofessional. In order to properly diagnose and repair the issue, it is imperative that the crank hub be inspected. There are several components attached to the crank hub (such as the timing sprocket, oil pump sprocket and grip disks) all of which can cause timing issues as I suggested. Instead of inspecting the components I requested, Alex simply retimed my engine (which is the exact thing that was done locally and failed prior to shipping my car to ABR. As soon as I received the car back from ABR the timing immediately went off. ABR kept my car from 8/14/17-12/19/17 and did not actually resolve the issue that I shipped the car to them to resolve. I had to send my car to another technician, who confirmed the issue was with the crank hub just as I had suspected. I had to pay the cost of shipping to and from ABR and was charged $2824 by ABR, who failed to properly repair my car because they refused to listen to me. I was without my car for 4 months and then had to send it elsewhere to have it repaired. All the time without my car and the money I spent for ABR to simply retime my car and overcharge for it at that. Not only did Alex, the owner of ABR, refuse to listen to my concerns he mocked my request. In the end I was right and had Alex listened to me, my car could have been returned from ABR repaired properly as I expected. He tried to blame the issues with my car on tuning, which is funny because I use the same exact tuner as ABR and tuning was not the issue. Then to top it all off after wasting my time and money and returning my car in the same exact condition in which it was sent to him in, he mocked me on social media then blocked me to keep me from responding. ABR is overpriced, unprofessional and far from punctual and if that's not enough they will openly bad mouth you for their mistakes on social media.
Description of Work: timing issue with BMW 335
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0
$2,824
Response from ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist
[Member Name Removed]Khac [Member Name Removed] shipped his vehicle, a 2009 BMW 335Xi to us under the assumption his recently built performance engine installed in the vehicle had failed. This engine was not built nor had ABR been involved in this engine or vehicle before this transaction. The vehicle as presented was not readily drivable, it ran albeit very poorly, and it was fitted with race-slicks, (non-road legal tires) among many other aftermarket modifications already installed on the vehicle at its time of arrival. The vehicle was shipped prematurely, as we had told Mr. [Member Name Removed] that we would not be able to touch the vehicle for 1-2 months at best. This was further compounded with the natural disaster that happened in Houston while his vehicle was in our possession. Thankfully no damage or loss happened to the property during this natural disaster. Upon bringing the vehicle in for initial diagnostics we found the oil filter full of metallic particulate, as [Member Name Removed]stated it would be, and what had led him to the assumption his engine was bad and/or damaged and needed to be rebuilt. We concluded otherwise after a thorough examination of the engine and determined from the stored fault codes and through physical means the engine was out of timing. We provided [Member Name Removed]an estimate to remove the valve cover and check the camshaft timing with BMW special tools of $3000, which was approved by him. This approval was given in writing via Facebook Messenger, Phuong's chosen communication preference. Once the valve cover and aftermarket turbocharger were removed, it was possible to install the BMW special timing tool set and verify physically the timing between the camshafts and crankshaft was not in correct correlation. Our technician proceeded to reset engine timing to factory specifications per our written estimate and carried out all work as discussed with the client. We also checked the camshaft trays, and found that the incorrect steel rings were installed on the new components. We replaced them with the correct updated "blocking rings" to properly repair this issue, since it directly relates to the correlation of the timing faults (but not the mechanical aspect of being out of time).The engine was reassembled and started. Idle was smooth and the engine was now running well in the service bay with no fault codes returning for camshaft timing, like the vehicle originally was presented with. The initial test drive yielded satisfactory results with the engine running as intended under light driving on surface streets (+/- 40mph). Test drives were very limited for safety reasons as the weather was cold, damp and the tires fitted to the vehicle were non DOT approved race slicks with no tread at all. When weather allowed, a test drive was made with data logging software to capture all aspects of engine running variables. We sent the information to a very well respected and known engine tuner for evaluation. The engine tune installed in the vehicle was dangerously lean and all further driving aside from moving at parking lot speeds was out of the question until this was rectified. We expressed our concerns to [Member Name Removed]over the state of the engine tuning he had done elsewhere predating coming to us, the state and extent of the aftermarket performance components installed on the vehicle, and what we needed to do to move forward. [Member Name Removed]declined having the engine tuning corrected while in ABR's care, and declined all other recommended services including a faulty low pressure fuel sensor which the engine computer relies on as part of its fuel trim management system. At this time ABR had resolved the immediate problem with the engine, but we stressed to [Member Name Removed]it needed more extensive test driving before we were confident this was the only issue with the vehicle. [Member Name Removed]asked after all approved work was completed to check the crank hub, carry out a compression test, and conduct a leak down check, but decided against requested services after noting it would be considerable rework and additional billed time. ABR again communicated to [Member Name Removed]no further driving was possible, nor did it make any sense to further modify an already highly modified vehicle until the engine tuning was safely established. While ABR awaited further instruction after [Member Name Removed]inquired about installing numerous additional aftermarket modifications on the vehicle, including a ported/polished stage 3 cylinder head, camshafts, an engine oil cooler, aftermarket fuel pumps, and aluminum radiator. We offered a solution to the issue he was concerned about, and that was in development and could be installed on his vehicle to fix the hub concern of his. We explained we simply could not just "check" the hub, as it is one time use items, and would require us to retime the engine, yet once again. The corrective hub would've been released shortly for sale, and since the vehicle was here we could install it- ending the concern of his. [Member Name Removed]initially said we were to keep the vehicle until the developed fix was released (within Q1 of 2018), but hours later we learned the vehicle was being picked up from a transport driver calling to check availability to load it up. Not soon thereafter [Member Name Removed]asked for copies of all data logs and a final invoice. It was communicated to [Member Name Removed]numerous times through Facebook Messenger, Email, on the phone, and printed on his final invoice the tuning on the engine was dangerously lean and we recommended not driving it. ABR did not build the engine in this vehicle. ABR did not install any of the aftermarket accessories that were requested to be estimated. ABR did not produce the tuning loaded into the engines management computer. ABR did request authorization to correct the tuning so the vehicle could be extensively test driven but the client declined repeatedly. Approximately a month later we were contacted that the engine had started having VANOS faults (variable valve timing) and accusations of improper work began to be cast in our direction; followed by this BBB report, citing we did not "fix crank hub assembly". The crank hub assembly [Member Name Removed]is referring to was never a service that was approved. We could never test the engine at its full capacity because of the tuning service [Member Name Removed]declined as well. We would not intentionally cause harm to a system we know is not correct. [Member Name Removed]believes the issue with his engine is a faulty factory crank hub, which may have spun due to the considerably higher than factory power his engine generates, or faulty initial installation. If that is the case it has no bearing on the work requested of, suggested, or carried out by ABR. That is a matter to be taken up with the individual that built the engine. Furthermore, we had discussed with him on potentially going into the engine to install an aftermarket keyed crank hub assembly to resolve his concern. However the part needed was not and is to this day still not available for purchase from the aftermarket. [Member Name Removed]chose to pull his vehicle out of our shop before the product was available to purchase. I've attached a screenshot of Mr. [Member Name Removed] complimenting how the vehicle ran well when he received the vehicle back from transport. Mr. [Member Name Removed] also still owes us 500 dollars for the transport fee that was COD, which we did not collect. Mr. [Member Name Removed] performed a credit card charge back dispute. His credit card company found it to be in our favor and awarded us the money back. Mr. [Member Name Removed] has had poor business transactions in the industry we have learned as well, and have communicated with. Mr. [Member Name Removed] has posted this complaint and review in multiple social media platforms which is not warranted. We simply did exactly what we were told, and never anything that was not authorized. For the reasons listed above ABR finds this Angie's List complaint to be fraudulent. All work estimated and authorized was performed according to the accompanying final invoice. Transcripts of all written communications with the client are in our possession, along with recorded phone conversations as well to further complement our side of the situation. Respectfully yours, Alex Noll Owner of ABR Houston
John S.
07/2017
5.0
auto repair, transmission repair
+ 0 more
I have gone to ABR Houston multiple times now and they always provide top-notch service. I have been meaning to leave them a positive review for a while now, but on my transmission service they real went beyond my expectations. Prices are always less than the dealership and they always make every effort to accommodate my schedule on service. The car has been running great and they continually help me monitor the vehicle with recommendations for service down the road. I never feel forces to do anything though and I always feel like they have my best interest in mind. Go see Jordan and the team at ABR!
Description of Work: BMW 3-series Transmission Service
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist
Thanks a ton, [Member Name Removed]! We appreciate the kind words :)
Raymond T.
07/2016
5.0
auto repair
+ -1 more
I rated ABR Houston an overall "A" because they went above and beyond what I was asking. I'll try and keep this brief, I took my vehicle into ABR Houston because I hit a pothole and the sensors in the vehicle were going crazy. Anyways, I get a phone call from the owner Alex saying that a truck scratched my vehicle and that he was going to pay to get it repaired. First of all, I really appreciated his honesty, because the scratch was so small that I probably would never had noticed it. It means a lot when a company is really honest! Prior to ABR fixing my vehicle, I knew that I was going to need new tires because there were lots of wear and tear on the tires. Needless to say, Alex and his team put a doughnut tire on the vehicle and followed me to the local tire store. These guys definitely went above and beyond to help me. I would highly recommend this company to everyone! They have safely secured my business in the future. Thank you Alex and ABR Houston.
Description of Work: ABR Houston fixed my BMW.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$900
Response from ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist
Thank you very much! We always are transparent and honest. We're glad you trust us with your vehicle repair.
Laurie S.
01/2016
5.0
auto repair, transmission repair
+ 0 more
Alex got the car schedule right away and we picked it up 2 days later. It runs much better and we were pleased with the service. Alex followed up with us a month later to see how the car was running. We will definitely use ABR again for our BMW.
Description of Work: Complete vehicle inspection. Check for transmission leak and replace some parts, replace front control arm bushings and thrust rod bushings, aligned wheels, fixed coolant leak.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,500
Response from ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist
Thank you for the amazing review, [Member Name Removed]! As always we'll provide more value than those dealers can :)
Alexei F.
11/2015
5.0
auto repair
+ -1 more
.
Description of Work: .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,500
Response from ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist
Thanks for the review, Mr. [Member Name Removed]- we really appreciate it!
Tim W.
01/2015
5.0
auto repair
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They changed out my thermostat and water pump most recently. I've used ABR for several fixes over the last year and they have always done a great job, shown the utmost care to make sure I was happy, and beat the dealer on prices. I've been to the "other guys" and won't take my car anywhere other than ABR from here on out. Ask for Alex (he'll probably answer the phone) and get ready for the best in BMW repair!
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,050
Response from ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist
Tim, we appreciate you taking the time to give us an AWESOME review, thanks!
Tim W.
07/2014
5.0
auto repair
+ -1 more
They did a pretty good job. They were worked personally and they were very concerned about making sure the do the repairs correctly and identifying overlapping labor for different things. They were very professional and very courteous. I would go back. The owner actually is one of the mechanics there too.
Description of Work: I’ve got my car fixed recently at Advanced B M W Repair. They fixed a whole bunch of things.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
Response from ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist
Thanks for the review, [removed member name]- We really appreciate it!
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
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Service Categories
Auto Service,
Auto Transmission,
Auto Glass,
Auto Accessories,
Auto Radiators,
Auto Tires,
Auto Mufflers
FAQ
ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist is currently rated 4.4 overall out of 5.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,Financing Available,MasterCard,Visa
No, ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist does not offer a senior discount.
No, ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist does not offer emergency services.
Yes, ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist offers warranties.
ABR Houston, Your BMW specialist offers the following services: Oil leaks, suspension diagnosis & repair, factory, custom, & race alignments, engine repair, replacement & upgrades. Code & program vehicle computers. AC diagnosis & repair. Literally anything the dealer can offer, so can we.