Your Questions About European Auto Repair, Answered
What to Know Before Your First Visit to Heynneman European
Quick Takeaways
- One shop since 1979: founded in San Rafael by Paul Heynneman, an alumnus of Sonnen BMW and BMW AutoZentrum.
- Six European makes: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo.
- Estimate first: you approve the work before it begins.
- Repairs are warrantied: 24 months or 24,000 miles on parts and labor.
- Loaners for longer jobs: complimentary, plus a waiting area if you’d rather stay.
Most people call a repair shop with the same handful of worries. What will it cost? Will they fix it right? What happens if they don’t? Here are straight answers about how Heynneman European works, from the estimate to the warranty. If your question isn’t here, ask when you book. Paul Heynneman still writes service himself, so you’ll talk to someone who knows cars.
Booking and Visiting the Shop
How do I schedule service at Heynneman European?
Use the online appointment page or contact the shop through the website. Include the year, model, mileage and what the car is doing, since a clear description shortens the diagnosis.
Can I wait at the shop while my car is serviced?
Yes. There’s a comfortable waiting area if you’d like to stay during shorter jobs. For longer repairs, a complimentary loaner car is usually the better option.
Where is Heynneman European located?
We’re at 3155 Kerner Blvd in East San Rafael, right off Highway 101 and close to the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge approach. Directions are on the site’s location page.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Your key, any wheel-lock key, and service records if you have them. Records show what’s been done, which helps us avoid repeating work and spot overdue items.
Do you work on classic European cars?
Yes. The classics gallery on the site puts it plainly: the shop loves working on classic cars, alongside contemporary ones. Tell us what you have when you book, and we’ll talk it through.
Estimates, Pricing and Your Rights in California
Will I get an estimate before any work is done?
Yes. Under California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair rules, a shop must give you an estimate for parts and labor, and you must authorize the repairs before work begins. Approval can be written, oral or electronic. Nothing starts without your go-ahead.
Can I get a second opinion before approving a repair?
Of course. It’s your car and your money. We’ll explain what we found and why it matters, and you’re welcome to take that information elsewhere before deciding.
How do your prices compare with the dealership?
Heynneman European is an independent dealership alternative. You get dealership-level quality parts, ASE-certified mechanics and a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty.
Warranty Coverage and the Parts We Use
What happens if a repair fails under warranty?
Our warranty covers parts and labor for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. The car needs to come back to our shop for the warranty repair, and the full terms, including exclusions, are on the warranty page.
Will servicing my car at an independent shop void the factory warranty?
No. The same Bureau of Automotive Repair page notes that warranty repairs can be done at any auto shop, not just the dealership, and the warranty stays in effect when appropriate parts and procedures are used. Keep your invoices.
What kind of replacement parts do you install?
Dealership-level quality replacement parts, chosen to meet the manufacturer’s standards for your model.
Certifications and Experience Behind the Work
Are Heynneman European's mechanics certified?
Yes. The mechanics are ASE-certified, the lead technician is a Certified Advanced Automotive Technician with more than 15 years at the shop, and staff hold MACS A/C licenses and attend training every year.
Who is Paul Heynneman?
The founder and owner. An alumnus of Sonnen BMW and BMW AutoZentrum, he opened Heynneman European in 1979, and he still writes service and diagnoses cars. Away from the shop, he restores cars and walks the Marin hills.
Is Heynneman European a AAA-approved repair shop?
Yes. CSAA inspects the shop every year and has kept it on its recommended list for more than 26 years running. AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program counts over 7,000 inspected facilities across the U.S. and Canada, each one inspected by AAA to stay in the network.
Maintenance Plans and Scheduled Service
Do you handle mileage-based factory maintenance?
Yes. Mileage-based maintenance for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo is handled here, built around the manufacturer’s schedule and how you actually drive.
Can you tell me which repairs are urgent and which can wait?
Ask, and you’ll get a plain answer. Some items affect safety or risk further damage; others can reasonably wait until the next visit, and knowing the difference lets you budget.
Visit Heynneman European in San Rafael
Drivers come from Corte Madera, Fairfax, Kentfield, Larkspur, Mill Valley and San Anselmo. Book online and tell us what the car needs.
Heynneman European, 3155 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901 — heynnemaneuropean.com.
