Orion Auto Service

Before I moved out of Houston, I took my 2005 325i to Orion to have an oil change and to replace the window switch which had been broken for several months. The oil change was reasonably priced (I had called ahead because of a bad experience at another mechanic in Houston), and they noted a minor oil leak which I was already aware of. I wasn’t fussed about the leak, frankly, because I knew that I was moving overseas in about a month or so and was ditching the car. I asked them right then and there about replacing the window switch, and I was very impressed that they called me back later that afternoon with a price quote. They said that they could replace it for about $ 100 for parts and labor or I could buy the switch myself and they would only charge me for the labor, which would be about $ 50. Since the part itself was $ 50, I elected to have them buy the part and install it for me. They called me a few days later when the part arrived. I dropped my car off first thing the next morning, and it was done within a few hours. So great!

(I’m withholding a 5^th star due to my limited experience with this business)
I have been here once for an oil change. They were able to schedule me very quickly, they dropped me off at my house after I dropped off my car and they picked me up later in the day.
Everyone was very friendly and no one tried to scheme me. I plan on going back.

Was looking for a new service center after the warranty on my 2008 BMW 335i expired and I stumbled upon this place. I’ve have nothing but positive experiences so far — everyone has been very friendly, offering free shuttle services within 10 miles, and all maintenance/​repair work has been top quality. I’ve had many bad experiences with Advantage BMW in Midtown and was relieved to finally find a place with reasonable prices that performs great work and has great customer service.

FIND ANOTHER PLACE. I went to Orion last year when my water pump went out on my 2007 BMW and had a decent experience. I went there again this week when my starter failed and it was a completely different story. I feel like they may have scammed me the first time and tried to do it again. Plus the customer service was terrible, they wouldn’t even take the time to speak with me when I picked up my car. Below is a full story of my experience.
Last year I was quoted around $ 1,100 to change out my water pump. When they began servicing my car, they called me and said I had 2 major oil leaks that should be addressed, my gasket and some rings. They said since they were already in the area they could cut the labor costs in half and charge me just $ 400 more to fix these additional issues. I didn’t want a bigger problem down the line with my engine so I said okay. I spent approximately $ 1500 on that service.
This week my car wouldn’t start so I had a tow truck pick it up and drop it off at Orion. They quoted me $ 850 to replace the starter. After they began working on it, they called me and said… and get this… I had some oil leaks that should be addressed, my gasket and some rings and it would cost about $ 400. This was the same thing they said to me last time! I waited to hear everything Rodger said before I told him «Rodger, I heard this last time, you guys changed those out last year.» Then you could hear a long pause on the other end. That’s when he back-​tracked and said he would call me back. When he did he said «sorry, he spoke to the mechanic and the leak is coming from the oil filter O-​ring which isn’t that big of an issue and you don’t need to address it right now but we’ll go ahead and change out the other ring under warranty.» If that isn’t a red-​flag for a mechanic shop, I don’t know what it is. How would I even know if they actually changed it out or actually did the work the first time?
The next day I call up and asked if my car is ready, they said it was. I asked them if they could send someone to pick me up and we scheduled a pick-​up at 4pm. At 4pm I left work and waited outside my office. At 4:30 I called back and asked if my ride was on the way, they said he was a block away. At 5pm I called back and asked if I could get the driver’s number because he obviously was not a block away. I got his number and gave him a call, the guy had no clue where he was driving to and couldn’t communicate well (he doesn’t speak English well, I understand completely and I’m not going to knock anyone for that). I gave him directions and as he approached I see his Audi steaming from the engine and steam coming from all the windows. They sent an old broken-​down car that over-​heats to pick up their customers??? So now I call back to talk to the manager to express my frustration of waiting over an hour for a broken down-​car to pick me up. After being on hold for a while, I speak to Marlon to get an idea of whether to wait for another car to arrive and what time they close. Marlon must have had a bad day because he answered in a rude manner and said it’s not in his control and that these things happen. With Audi parked outside my office with the hood-​up steaming all over the place, I just called an über and went to the shop (something I would have gladly have done if I was notified of beforehand).
When I arrive at the shop, the only person that was there was a sweet women that had nothing to do with it. I asked to speak to Marlon or anyone in management to discuss what happened and to get a summary of my car but no-​one would speak with me. I stayed polite, paid my $ 850 bill, and took my keys and left.
When I get in my car and press the start button, I listen to the sound when it turns on. With my old starter, when the car turned on it had a distinct sound you would expect from a BMW. With the starter they put in, it sounds like a base model Honda Civic being turned on. I am certain they did not put in a quality OEM part in my car.
They lost my business. It’s a shame. I spent over $ 2k in their shop and I felt completely disrespected and taken advantage of.
In summary, don’t trust this place.
Regards,
Alan G.

I purchased my Audi from a dealership and since performed all maintenance thru this particular Audi dealership. I quickly found myself frustrated and annoyed with their lack of service. A co worker referred Orion when my brakes pads needed to be changed.
Marlon and his team were awesome! He takes the time to explain the process and his prices are honest… something you will NEVER find at a dealership. With other places, I had to be on them asking for updates and leaving voicemails because they never kept me updated. You will not experience that with Orion Auto.
So what if they don’t offer a free car wash or rental service? I’d rather have a honest and reliable mechanic that I know is working for my best interest; not for his bottom line!

This place was good. quick friendly service good prices. Glad I found a nice auto shop for my car.

My Jaguar has all kinds of communications errors. Took it to Orion because of Unilocal reviews. These guys kept it a day and ran diagnostics, but were up front that they could not fix the problem. Bill was $ 0. Thanks guys, I’ll be back!

Went in twice, the first time because my BMW was running rough and the check engine light was on. They were quickly able to figure out it was the spark plugs and replaced them. I haven’t had a problem with the car since. The second time I went in was for an oil change. They had me in and out within 30 minutes, and even replaced my washer fluid as a courtesy without me even asking. Great service, fair prices and they will keep your car running great!

Got my tensioner belt and oil change fixed from here and the car is doing pretty good! Marlon is prompt with his work and their charges are nominal.

They wont wash your car.
They are not the cheapest.
They are not the closest.
They don’t offer you a car while working on yours.
BUT
They fix your ass quickly and professionally at a reasonable price.
Also their offer pick up and drop off services for your conveniences.
If you don’t want waster time finding an honest bimmer shop, this is it. You wont regret.

I took my car (Mercedes C300) for the pre-​purchase inspection and the oil change /​service to this shop. The guys did a great job, they were very thorough, pointed out several things about the vehicle and gave me a ride while the vehicle was in the shop. The prices are very reasonable for the imported cars. I’ll definitely come back here if I need service work done again. Strongly recommend this place to other imported car owners.

These guys are the best !
Every time I’ve brought one of my cars in, they call me back with a quote that does not kill my bank account. It is right on the money and the problem is ALL WAYS fixed the 1^st time.
Thanks,
Sam L.

This place is by far, the best mechanic I’ve ever dealt with… and I have VW, so I’ve known a lot of mechanics. Their invoices and estimates are really clear and easy to understand. I’ve never left Orion feeling like I’ve been over-​charged or lied to. And I’ve never been made to feel guilty for not having something done to my car that I can’t afford. The whole staff is very kind… they even send me Christmas cards! These are genuine people who know what they’re doing and it shows in their work.

Mechanics, especially if you are a new customer, can be a tricky lot. They get a bad rap because a few jerks try to take advantage of people but this place will do you right.
Not everyone works on import cars like VWs, so it’s nice to have a trustworthy mechanic, specially one that is so close to my house.
This place is family run and they’ve been around for years. I’ve recommended them to all my VW/​import driving friends and I will be a loyal customer for a long time.
Thanks Jasmine & Marlon for doing such a great job!