ASE-Certified Mechanics
AAA Certified Service Center
24-month/ 24,000-mile Nationwide Warranty
Complimentary Loaner Cars
Comfortable Waiting Area
- ASE-Certified Mechanics
- AAA Certified Service Center
- 24-month/ 24,000-mile Nationwide Warranty
- Complimentary Loaner Cars
- Comfortable Waiting Area
San Rafael’s Preferred Shop for European Auto Service & Repairs
Known for their high-performance, safety, and comforts, European cars continue to be some of the most popular & sought-after cars available today. With the high expectations and standards that drivers have, maintaining your European car should always be a top priority and the quality of service your car receives can make a huge difference in the lifespan and performance of your car. At Heynneman European, our ASE certified mechanics treat your car as if it was our own. We believe that standard of service helps San Rafael area drivers always enjoy the best their European cars have to offer.
Your European Auto Experts
At Heynneman European, we always put quality first and meet or exceed dealership standards of service for all models of:
With each brand requiring unique services, our ASE certified mechanics are continually undergoing the latest training, so we can stay at the cutting edge of service.
Complete Services & Repairs You Can Trust
We hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to the quality of service we provide your car. With that in mind, we keep our shop fully equipped with the latest factory-grade tools & equipment for all services & repairs so that we can always ensure accurate work, high-quality service, and long-lasting results you can trust. This allows our team to handle everything your car needs, including:
- A/C Service & Repair
- Brake Service & Repair
- Check Engine Light Maintenance
- Clutch Repair
- Diagnostic Inspections
- Engine Repairs
- Factory Scheduled Services
- Fluid Checks & Changes
- Mileage Specific Maintenance
- Oil Change Services
- Oil Leak Repairs
- Preventative Maintenance
- Suspension Repairs
- Transmission Repairs
- Tire Services
- Wheel Alignments
A/C Service & Repair
Brake Repair
Check Engine Light Maintenance
Clutch Repair
Diagnostic Inspections
Engine Repair
Fluid Checks
Mileage Specific Maintenance
Oil Change Service
Oil Leak Repair
Preventative Maintenance
Suspension Repair
Transmission Repair
Tire Services
Wheel Alignment
The Heynneman European Family
Paul Heynneman
In 1979, Paul Heynneman, an alumni of Bay Area service shops Sonnen BMW and BMW AutoZentrum, launched Heynneman European with the intention of offering owners of top marque automobiles a level of service and attention to detail that he felt could not be obtained at the large factory shops.
Paul Heynneman fills many roles at Heynneman European; he is founder and owner, service writer and diagnostician. He is dedicated to installing only top quality parts which are carefully selected to meet or exceed the original equipment on your car. Additionally he is committed to performing 100% best practice service procedures on all vehicles. These are but 2 of the ingredients which have led to the enviable Heynneman European reputation as the premier service facility in the North Bay.
Paul also co-founded a nonprofit charity with his wife to provide support and aid to children in Africa, with a current focus on building a vocational school in Northern Ghana. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in his garden and walking the beautiful hills of Marin and Northern California, and restoring cars.
Call or Visit Our Shop Today
Located in San Rafael, Heynneman European also proudly helps drivers from surrounding areas including:
Whether it’s routine maintenance or an emergency that needs to be taken care of, our friendly staff has your back. Please call or visit our shop today with any questions for our team or to schedule your car’s next service appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What European car brands do you service in San Rafael?
Six makes: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. That covers everything from an oil change to engine, transmission and electrical repair. Each make has its own page on the site. Those pages cover the known faults for that brand.
Is an independent shop a good alternative to the dealership?
For most owners, yes. Here’s why. You get ASE-certified mechanics, factory-grade diagnostic equipment and dealership-level quality parts, and the service writer is Paul Heynneman himself. He’s the owner, an alumnus of Sonnen BMW and BMW AutoZentrum, and he opened the shop in 1979.
What warranty comes with your repairs?
Repairs are covered for 24 months or 24,000 miles on parts and labor, whichever comes first. Keep your invoice. The full terms and exclusions are on our warranty page.
Do you provide loaner cars?
Yes, for longer jobs. Ask about a complimentary loaner when you book. Shorter visit? Stay in the waiting area. It’s comfortable.
Which Marin towns do you serve?
All of central Marin. Drivers come to Kerner Blvd from Corte Madera, Fairfax, Kentfield, Larkspur, Mill Valley and San Anselmo, each of which has its own page on the site, and because the shop sits right off Highway 101, most of them are a short drive away.
Is it worth keeping an older European car well maintained?
Usually. A German or Swedish car with a solid maintenance history can run well past the point most owners expect. Regular service costs far less than a replacement. It also keeps resale value up, since a documented service history is one of the first things a buyer asks about.
Latest News
Your Audi Is a Quart Low Again in San Rafael — Worn Piston Rings Explain It
The low oil warning comes on between services. You add a quart. The driveway is dry, nothing smells like burning oil, and the last shop that looked found no leak. Frustrating. On the 2.0-liter turbo four in a lot of Audi A4, A5, A3, Q5 and TT models, the answer...
BMW 30k/60k/90k Mileage Maintenance in San Rafael
BMW's 'Condition Based Service' is convenient, but it doesn't catch everything your car needs at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. Mileage still matters. Some of the most important items, like brake fluid, spark plugs, filters, and driveline fluids, run on a mileage...
Why Your Volvo Whistles and Leaks Oil in Marin’s Summer Traffic
You pop the hood after a slow crawl down 101 and hear it — a faint whistle from the engine. Maybe the oil cap fights you when you twist it, or a fresh oil spot has shown up on the driveway in Larkspur. Those are classic signs of a failing Volvo PCV system. The...
Excellent service as always. Gary took care of the regular maintenance and trouble shot a pesky steering issue. All of the past maintenance performed on the vehicle is in the computer, and the future maintenance needs have been addressed. My seven series 740il is driving nice and smooth after this service, which has been my experience with Heynneman thus far.
Paul Heynneman
Owner
