Ben’s Workshop

I took my 2005 CLK 320 convertible to Ben’s in October 2015 because I was having problems with the convertible top. Anyone that has a convertible always fears the hydraulic pump going out, but they said that it was the HYD CYL Folding Top (1914.00) and the HYD Top Folding RT (482.63) for a total of $ 3, 706.48. I went down the street, less than ½ mile and tried to put the top up and a warning came on, and the top stopped. I returned where we checked it again, I was told not to worry about the warning message, everything was fine and for about 2 months it was. Then I had problems again, I took it back to Ben’s and the owner came out and checked it for me, it worked, but his advice was not to use the top, because they were known to have problems. The warranty was about to end, so I took it back in on June 6, 2016. Guess what, it was the Hydraulic pump (not anything under warranty), total cost $ 3,606.87. I had also asked for an oil change $ 167.22. I had them put the car back together, paid for the most expensive oil change ever and left. Beware!!!

I’d like to share my experience with Ben’s Workshop. As with all reviews, it’s a personal opinion and represents my point of view. So here we go:
In September of 2014 I stopped by Ben’s Workshop. The main reason was that the vehicle, a Mercedes E320 2003 with around 151 000 miles had issues with acceleration. When pushing the gas pedal the vehicle accelerated but as the gas pedal was pushed further, the acceleration stopped abruptly and when the gas pedal was moved all the way to the floor the engine all of sudden took off like a rocket and that while gently pushing the pedal down, not flooring it. There was also a gasoline smell in the car after refueling. Besides that there was a rattling in the upper engine compartment and the ‘check engine’ light was on.
So I picked up my car 9÷9÷14 with a bill of $ 1,500. I paid $ 114 for a code readout (something that any parts store does for free), got new engine mounts, transmission oil change and a test drive and the engine light was off.
By 10÷2÷14 I was back in the shop as the ‘check engine’ light had come on again and the issue with the inconsistent acceleration was back just like before. A test drive by personnel from Ben’s shop was unable to duplicate my issue with the acceleration. This time a fuel shutoff valve and an engine purge valve was replace and the check engine light was reset and I walked out paying another $ 730 for parts and labor.
By 10÷10÷14 I was back in the shop with the engine light back on and the inconsistent acceleration persisting. I was charged only $ 30 for test drives and transmission reset. The code readout did not find anything. Engine light was reset. And my issue with acceleration and occasional gasoline smell in the car remained.
By 7÷21÷2015 I was again tired of the weird acceleration issue and the uneven run in idle and dropped the car back off at Ben’s Workshop. This time I received a new catalytic converter and oxygen sensor and was out the door after having paid $ 1700.
Rest assured the issues with the uneven acceleration and occasional gasoline smell in the car continued and the engine light came back. Fortunately I managed to reset the ‘check engine’ light based on the advice of a Crown Victoria driver in Louisiana and thus, was able to pass state inspection.
The issue with inconsistent acceleration continued until about two to three weeks ago from this review when I got stuck with my car. I drove somewhere, turned the car off and when I attempted to drive off 10 min later, the car would crank, but not start. Eventually it did start, like after waiting an hour. Once after that I got stuck in the country as the car did not start even after an hour.
Going back to Ben’s workshop was not an option, and I guess that does not need an explanation. So, I turned to the internet, Google and YouTube to be specific. I learned that the symptoms my car has point to the fuel pump and that made sense to me, as the car cranked well, but did not get the gasoline to fire up.
I went ahead and located the fuel pump and did so under the rear seat inside the car. I noticed that there was a small gasoline spill around the fuel pump, which explained the smell in the car and it indicated that there was a leak in the fuel pump and that, I thought, is not good. A leaky pump is a faulty pump and won’t likely be able to do a good job, as in pumping fuel consistently.
Then I called Ben’s workshop at the end of April how much it was to swap a fuel pump. I did not get an exact number but $ 600 for the pump part was a start. The pump resides inside the fuel tank btw. I was not in the mood to drop another $ 1000 or more there, therefore I went back to YouTube and watched a few videos how to replace a fuel pump and realized, it’s not that difficult. Just don’t smoke while you’re doing it, which I don’t do anyways. So I ordered the pump at PartsGeek for $ 280 and installed it per instructions from You Tube. The replacement went smooth, I think I even got a little high from the fumes, lol, and the car started up nicely.
Now the fuel smell in the car is gone and the acceleration is consistent, just like it was on the prior E320 model I owned and I am a happy camper now, however I believe I spent close to $ 4,000 to fix something that wasn’t even broken. Oh, and btw, the ‘check engine’ light is good now as well. Thinking back about this whole ordeal I am wondering why nobody checked the fuel pump for issues, but I guess it was because the code reader did not say to do so. It seems this world relies too much on gadgets and common sense is out the window.
And again, this is my personal opinion and the way I experienced this issue. Doesn’t mean this will happen to you.
One of the reasons why I picked Ben’s Workshop in the first place was that it is close to my work and that there is a shuttle service getting you to and from work, which is nice. I also met the owner of the company in person and I could not say one negative thing about him. Another good thing is that

Ben’s has excellent customer service. Even when they’re swamped they go out of their way to be helpful and efficient. They even have loaner cars which is a huge plus. Everyone that works here is super friendly and always follows up. Not the cheapest option but the quality is great.

the people who work here are responsive and efficient, and seem to do a good job. (then again, what would I know unless my car starts on fire as I drive off the lot). What I do know is that they are triple the price of every other mechanic that I’ve been to before I moved to Austin. For no reason. I’ve been here twice, and I can’t, in conscience, go back, because of the predatory pricing. Be warned.

I can’t say enough good things about Ben’s Workshop. 6 weeks ago, my BMW began smoking. Panicked, I Googled repair shops in my area– the first place I called was booked for the entire week and said to call back. Ben’s was the second place I called. Though also booked, they said to drive over and they would fit me in first thing the next morning. There ended up being several issues with my 11-​year-​old car. Kyle, however, is a marvel! He provided me with a prioritized list on what needed repair immediately and what could wait and what each repair would cost. Long story short, two weeks later, I had another unrelated issue and, two weeks after that… another one. While BMW repairs and replacements aren’t cheap anywhere, Ben’s Workshop has gone above and beyond to fix my car — they always fit me in, explain what they’re doing/​have done, and my car is always ready when they say it will be. It’s running better than ever! Ben’s is the first mechanic repair shop I’ve used since moving to Austin and the only one I will ever trust with my car. What I’ve had to spend is a lot of money for me– it makes it more bearable that I know my car is fixed and fixed right!

Great people, great service, wouldn’t trust my Mercedes to anyone else except the Mercedes delearship, but Ben’s does the same quality work and provides the same high level of service for about half the cost of the dealership. Even simple things on these vehicles require a refined knowledge and expertise, and from the front desk to the guys in the shop, Ben’s clearly has it. Brought it in for a repair and service, they found another minor issue and offered to replace it a few days later when the part came in for the cost of the part. Great service at a fair price. Why go anywhere else?

Brought my Benz in To Bens Automotive and im so glad i tried these guys out. Never Taking my Car any were else. Customer service is the best I have ever experienced at a car shop. Fresh drinks, snacks, fruit exc
The nice lady at the front desk Ms. CHERRY knows it all she was so friendly and on top of everything. Never gone to a shop were they tried to save me money before. My Benz has found its new AutoShop home… #6StarRating

Ben’s workshop is the BEST. I am so lucky to have found this workshop because I just moved to Austin. I have never had service like this and as long as I live in Austin I will never go any place else. I had only posted about a company once before but I have to share with others about the service at Ben’s Workshop. Please give it a try and you will be pleased. I am amazed about how easy and enjoyable Dustin at the front desk and Bill, the owner made it for me.

Sigh. I have always had trust issues with mechanics, they steal from you, they lie to you… They just screw you over. I was very disappointed to find out this place is not the exception. About six months ago, I took my X5 to this shop for an oil change and something else it needed (message center was telling me so), everything went nice and smooth, from the nice lady at the front desk (not the girl with long blond ish hair, she was a little abrasive), to the guy I spoke to about my car, all to the end, until. I got my car back, there it was, a dent on the left passenger side, small (about a quarter size). I was a little pissed, because obviously whoever did this, knew what he/​she did and didn’t tell me anything about it (shady and unprofessional), so I called back and after they asked «are you sure?».(Ehem, yes I am), I ended up talking to a very nice gentleman, (the owner?) all I know is he drives a gold Mercedes SUV. I explained to him what has happened, I told him how everything had been nice and smooth, but that this dent on my car was not there when I left it earlier (you could tell the dent was «new»), he was nice and even offered to pay to fix it, he went ahead and gave me a card with the number of the guy he uses to do body work on his cars, very nice. At that point I was satisfied, because like I said earlier, didn’t care so much for the dent, but it bothered me that they tried to be sneaky about it. I contacted the gentleman from the card, very nice and helpful. The estimate to fix that little dent was almost 600 dollars, because (he said) he had to paint the whole door. I was like «a little too much, the gentleman (from Ben’s) was so nice, I wouldn’t like to do that to him, (make him pay such an amount for pretty much nothing) so I decided to call it quits and forget about the incident, I was happy with the service and the job they have done, I thought to myself «yay, finally found a mechanic I like!». Boy was I wrong … Fast forward, the message center was telling me there was something wrong, plus there was /​is a noise my car Has been doing for a few days maybe that’s what the message center is trying to tell me ?, also one of the locks (passenger side) was not working. I am not a mechanic obviously so I took it to my new trusted place. First, no more friendliness, what had happened? I don’t know. I tried to explain (to Kyle I think?) the best I could that noise and what the car was doing, and then this girl (same abrasive girl from last time) «BUT, WHAT IS IT ?»… Well, if I knew I would’ve fix it myself. So I just told Kyle to run the test they perform (computer they conect to the «brain» of the car to see why is it showing the message on the screen). «Can I keep the car today ?» (It was around 11 am) «I am off today and tomorrow so sure, take your time», I answered. I also told him to please be careful because of what happened last time (dent) «sure». Ok, I wasn’t happy with the customer service but I’m there to fix my car, not to be «pampered» (like last time). Kyle called right past 5 pm, to tell me that he wasn’t sure what was wrong with the lock, but they could remove the panel and find out … Isn’t that what I’m paying 116 dollars for an estimate? Anyways, I don’t care much about the lock, what is it with the message center, it’s telling me that service is due, what is it? «Oil stand gasket», I don’t know what it is but it needs to be done, right? So I asked him to go ahead and do it. Next «so what is that noise the car is making?» He said he doesn’t know, but he will check it in the morning and call me to let me know (at this point I was clear I wanted the gasket changed), fair enough I will wait for his call. 330 pm, and no call, I need my car to go to work, so I called «Oh sure, I was about to call you» .whatever. «So I heard the noise like 4 or 5 times, it’s coming from the bottom». That o know, what is it? Can you fix it? , «well, I don’t know what it is, but we need to fix it before it gets worst…» Really ?.. Anyways, I just thought «I’m going to get the car, they fixed whatever the message center was telling me. Wrong. I arrive, and I’m given an estimate. «So you didn’t do anything to my car?», «no.» (Insert awkward gap of silence). «Ok, but I told you to go ahead and fix it, that was the reason of your call yesterday». At this point I was (still I am as I’m writing this) beyond fucking pissed, you are telling me that not only you didn’t fix anything on my car, but also you are not «sure» of what is wrong with the door, nor the noise the car is making … So my car was sitting there for two days for what? How did you manage to take away the message from the message center without fixing what was wrong with it? . Now more than ever I wish I would’ve go ahead and do that fucking dent for 600 dollars, I’m sure that means nothing for them but still. «Your total comes to 116 dollars». To tell me you don’t know what’s wrong?.. SMH.

I’ve been going to Ben’s for 15 years. They deliver consistently fine work and the front-​office staff is first-​rate. My cars always come back well-​serviced — and nicely washed. However, after the last service the car was returned to me with the interior smudged in many places from the technician’s greasy hands and feet. I sent Bill (the owner) an email with pics. He *immediately* got back to me and offered a complete detail of the car. I took him up on it, and it came back looking like it just left the showroom.
Excellent customer service to make up for a (very rare) less-​than-​excellent service job.

Absolutely fantastic pricing, service and knowledge! Wonderful front desk people and even better mechanics! I will be taking both of my Mercedes to Ben’s from now on!

I have been going to Ben’s for years for my E320. Recently, I had some problems with a sensor light coming on. I had just had my oil changed at a local auto care place in Cedar Park. So, I limped it in there and was told «rats had eaten through to my engine and it would be around 5K to get it repaired. I kindly stated I would need a second opinion and quickly called Bill Moury, the owner. He had it towed and the next day told me it was repaired and would be a fraction of the cost quoted. It just reinforced that the «trust factor» must be there when you drive a luxury car. I emphatically trust Bill and all the gang at Ben’s.

I’ve been a customer at Ben’s Workshop for 4+years and their service is consistently top notch. Their entire staff goes above and beyond to explain the high-​quality work they perform, keeping customers respectfully informed along the process. You always know what you are getting, no hidden surprise fees — as good & reliable as they come. For instance their owner, Bill Morey, picked me up in the middle of a flooding rainstorm and took me the car rental place when no one else was able to help me. Doesn’t get any better than that. Ben’s Workshop — you have my business for life!

Very impressed with the customer service here. Owner is personable and available, and certainly cares that the customer comes first. I will absolutely recommend this shop to anyone that has a foreign car and needs a good quality, high integrity auto repair shop. I have gone to BMW of Austin for years, but Ben’s is in an awesome location and can provide the same quality in service and is very conscious and accommodating toward the high price of foreign car parts.

Super nice people, lovely shop. They provide coffee, snacks, water and colas in the waiting area. I have an odd car (Morgan Aero 8) and took it in for an inspection and to fix the headlight switch. Bill fixed the headlight switch quickly and didn’t charge me a cent. All the techs I met were super friendly. It is fantastic to have a high quality, nice place in the neighborhood. They’ll get all my business in the future.

Short version:
Ben’s Workshop is a top, professional Mercedes shop that does informed, high-​quality work at a labor rate reflective of that level of quality that also beats dealer rates hands down.
Long version:
I took my 89 Mercedes gwagen in for extensive brake work. She’s a rusty mutt to work with, but Barry was all over it and had a can-​do attitude from the start. Along the way were some complications due to corrosion issues on the vehicle, but thanks to the experience and knowledge level at a pro shop like Ben’s, they approached each issue with patience and careful workmanship. A week later, I was driving out of there with half a new brake system that braked better than I thought was possible and the knowledge that the work was quality (also, it occurs to me that they also guarantee their work for a year, so how bout that).
Their part sourcing prices were cheaper than I expected, and their labor rate was fair (especially when shops like this tend to make much on older vehicles like mine). So if you have work needed on a Mercedes vehicle, high quality work is a priority for you, and you feel that you generally get what you pay for, then you know where to go.

[UPDATED]
Ben’s Workshop cares about their reputation. When I followed up to have my repair completed, they were courteous and friendly. They acknowledged the oversight, and made the repair in a timely manner while I waited. The service manager had read my original 3-​star (which is still ‘A-​OK’ and not a bad rating) review and clearly wanted to make sure that my problem was both recognized and resolved. For this, I’m glad to tip to a «Yay! I’m a fan.» rating. They are straight-​shooters.
[EDITED REVIEW]
The front of house customer service is excellent, as is the turnaround time. I have also received a follow up letter from the business owner. They are accurate in their estimates for work. In some respects, you get what you pay for, and as far as auto repair you have to trust a shop that does a good deal of business. I have brought my automobile for service at least 3 if not more times. I have always had a positive experience.
The one drawback I’ve experienced was fixable: quality assurance. I spent $ 1,900+ recently for the Mercedes ‘B’ service (oil, filter, inspection) e-​brake repair and rear brake pad job as well as an expensive fix of valve gaskets.
There was also a small repair [now completed] of a rear window bolt to reattach the driver’s side glass panel rear vent window on the ML-​class SUV. After having the front of house run me through the list of repairs, I went to retrieve the car and the repair had not been made.
Ultimately, this kind of oversight, albeit a small one, could erode the trust a car owner has in a repair shop. If an obvious body part fix is not done that I can see with my own eyes, how then can you expect that the customer has a high degree of confidence that all the under-​the-​hood repairs are done as promised?
Make sure to ask that the manager inspect the work to be certain it was completed, before you leave to go pick up the car. They will gladly comply.

NOT Happy with attitude and lack of professional courtesy. Put customer in a courtesy ride car that was not insured, inspected, etc. Driver was pulled over for no inspection sticker and promptly taken to jail by police for some unknown issue. Left car and customer on side of road feeling very uncomfortable. No apology or Wow, we are sorry you went through that … Have spent thousands of dollars at Ben’s Workshop over the past few years … NO MORE.
Mark S.

I prefer bringing my car to Ben’s Workshop over the Mercedes dealership shops. After multiple visits to Ben’s, I’ve found their work to be reliable.
For each service at Ben’s, they’ve done only the work which I brought the car in for. Every time I went to the dealer’s shop (at least three times), an unexpected problem was found that needed fixing and cost me more money. These very well may have been legitimate issues, but I just have a feeling it’s not coincidental.
I haven’t encountered any troubles with my car in between regularly scheduled service visits to Ben’s. Looking at Ben’s website, their technicians have a lot of experience. The parts and service rates here are at a similar level to what I’ve been charged at the dealer. When I needed a new part, Ben’s ordered it and was ready to apply the next day.
Ben’s will also give you a ride after you’ve dropped your car off, and even pick you up if you need as well. The owner, Bill, has always been at the front desk and is a friendly guy. It’s nice to have an honest neighborhood shop alternative to the dealer. I’d definitely recommend MB owners give it a shot.

Do not take your Mercedes to this place!
There were a few things needing attention on my C230, and I didn’t want to pay the price of the dealership. I thought Ben’s Workshop could save me money, so I took my baby there.
After my car was repaired, and I’m checking out, I asked for a written estimate on the things I didn’t have repaired at that time; so I could know what type of cost I was looking at down the road. The service manager, Barry, comes out & verbally tells me «approximate» costs. I asked if he could please give me a written estimate. He proceeds to write down «approximate» costs on my receipt. It was like pulling teeth with just getting an estimate! I asked him if the numbers he was writing on my receipt would be the exact costs for the repairs. Barry says he wouldn’t be able to give me exact costs without looking at the items needing repair more closely. I said, «well, that’s what you were suppose to have done with my car being in your shop.» Then, to top it off, he didn’t give me figures on the complete list of remaining repairs! He had to be called back out of his office.
Okay. So, I walk out to my car to leave. But, decided to inspect the fog light repair first. Lo and behold they didn’t even replace the mesh grill over the fog light! Really? My Benz was sitting there, all washed and pretty and ready to go… with incomplete repair work!
So, I have to go back inside. At this venture, Bill Morey was at the front desk and asked if he could help me. He looked at the fog light & MISSING grill and attempted to make excuses. There are no excuses. I told Bill that a customer expects to have a completed job done when they pick up their car. This wasn’t a complete job. What? Was I suppose to then go to Continental Collision for them to replace the grill? Ludicrous! I asked him if Ben’s Workshop has a finishing person who inspects the completed work before the car is released from the garage. He said yes. Then, apparently they thought a MISSING grill was fine work. I asked Bill if you fix a tire, would you leave the hub cap off?
This makes me wonder what else did Ben’s Workshop skimp on that can’t be seen.
Bill Morey made good on getting a grill and putting it on the next day. So hallelujah for that. But, what an ordeal. You would expect from a Mercedes workshop, it’d be first class. Apparently not.
Never will I take my Benz back to this place. I question their workmanship, along with the dismissive attitude of Barry the service manager. And, one other note… when I had to return for the grill, another customer arrived & was telling Barry he didn’t expect to pay for something that was in his bill. Shady operation.