Larry Bernstein’s Eurotech

Larry is a car whisperer, and an honest one at that! I moved from California to DC and my 2001 Honda Accord EX started experiencing transmission problems at 155K miles. «Check engine» light came on and my DC mechanic diagnosed two codes: P0780 — «Shift Malfunction» and P1738 — «2^nd Pressure Switch Failure.» My DC mechanic replaced transmission fluid and said if that does not work, I would need a new transmission. Sure enough, as soon as I drove away from his shop, my «check engine» light came back on. I was quoted between $ 2,600 and $ 3,200 for transmission rebuild /​remanufacture. Not certain if I wanted to put that kind of money into a 15-​year old car, I called Larry, thinking «he cannot possibly fix my car from 2,700 miles away, but I am desperate.» Low and behold, Larry did fix my car from California. He told me to replace two pressure switches, gave me Honda part numbers for those switches, and found a reputable local mechanic in my zip code to replace the two switches. But Larry did not stop there: he called the local mechanic, told him what to do and negotiated the scope of work and price for me. The local mechanic did what Larry told him to do and 250 miles later, my «check engine» light did not come back on and the car is running smoothly. Even my local mechanic asked me to thank Larry for his expertise. My only regret is that Larry is in California! If you can go to Larry for your car needs, consider yourself fortunate because you will have not only a great mechanic, but the one with great integrity, too. Thank you, Larry!

I did some business witrh Larry yesterday. My ABS and parking light intermitenly continues to come on my dash was the problem. His diagnoses was right on after just a few minutes. Just about as good as it gets. Thanks Larry

Larry Bernstein saved my week. He got my ’89 300TE repaired and road worthy quickly and is now my go to Mechanic.
Thank You Larry

Did a good job on a tough problem.
I felt he was very knowledgeable and honest

Larry is great. My BMW 525I had a water pump blow late on a Saturday night while I was 120 miles from home. Larry answered my call on SUNDAY morning and met me at the shop an hour later! He called me to keep me updated on the repairs and did an excellent job for a fair price, on time. Larry knows European cars and his service is personal and professional. Anyone who will help me on a Sunday when I need help is pretty cool.

«Amazing» is the word that I can describe my repair man Larry. I have been going to Larry since 2001 and I trust his opinions because he’s the perfectionist. Plus, he’s very honest and detail oriented when it comes to cars. I recently have my old Mercedes 1990 300E checked by him and he did a outstanding job. Replaced my windshield glass and fixed lots of minor problems that I didn’t even know since my car is quite old. What can I say, my car is running great and thanks to Larry and his hard work. I don’t mind driving 65 miles just to go to him because I know he cares about my car just like his own. His auto repair knowledges is beyond strong and I know that comes from many years of experiences. Reasonable price unlike those car dealer repair shops. I highly recommend Larry!

Where do I start?!
My responsibility as a Mercedes owner has been a bit lacksidasical (sp?). The cost and intimidation of being taken advantage of by a random mercedes mechanic is a very real threat and fear. I found the first review on Unilocal and thought, ok, this woman wrote this review and if a woman is writing good things, than I can probably expect good things. I was going to take my car in for a break job and all of a sudden my key fob was no longer working in my ignition… my ignition switch would not turn to any position. So, at 6 pm at night (mechanic has already gone home), but I called his number and it rang to Larry’s cell phone and he actually answered it after hours. Larry drove back to work, to meet me and the tow truck driver, to accept the delivery of my car.
Customer Service
First, I do not feel price gouged in the slightest. The problem’s were:
1. Main Battery not getting enough juice… needed to be replaced.
2. Key Fob needed to be reprogrammed because the signal wasn’t being picked up.
3. Sunday, Valvoline has changed my oil… and they had over filled it. Larry said that is really bad for a mercedes. He spent 1 hour keeping the car at the right temperature and releasing a little oil at a time to get it to the level it needed to be.
4. My brakes on the front are worn to the metal. Both the brake pads and rotors need to be replaced at the same time.
There are other things wrong with my car — but, Larry suggested we do a little work at a time over time to get it to where it will be in good working order. He asked me if I intend to keep the car long term, we talked about the shaking on the freeway (unbalanced tires), hydroplaning on the freeway (non-​standard mercedes tires with bad tread — replace later), transmission slipping (needs trannie service — do a little later), rear brakes have 20% left (replace at a later date)
Once, basic maintenance items are handled, he my maintenance will be every 10k miles… and it won’t be so expensive. I have had the car for two years and other than changing the oil… I haven’t done any work on it. The time has come and my poor mercedes will begin to forgive me for my neglect.
He offered to bring me my car after hours as long as I could return him to the shop. Called me and communicated before any work was done. Texted me when I texted him with questions. Called me at work and my cell phone. Very thoughtful and professional throughout.
Shop Environment — very very clean. Did I say… very clean? Not crowded with a bunch of cars that need to be fixed or like a dumping yard.
Cost
All in all roughly $ 1255 (all includes labor)
Main Battery replacement w/​labor and 5 year warranty $ 355.
Key Fob reprogramming, removal of oil, diagnostic $ 205.
Front brake pads and rotors $ 695. (previous mechanic did not attach the sensors so I never received an alert letting me know the brakes needed replacing)
I highly recommend Larry, he is a previous Mercedes Dealership mechanic and has very high standards, but not too high that if he can compromise on the quality of something to save me a little money he will tell me my options and I can make the choice. There are somethings with Mercedes you just cannot compromise on… unfortunately.

When I was a kid (and I’m not that old!), we went to the butcher for meat, to the local shoe store for shoes, and to the local clothing store for clothes. We even had a soda guy! Now all that is gone, and it’s all Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Foot Locker, etc, where they pay their employees little and take the profits out of the local community and the service we receive is lackluster.
When I found Larry, I was amazed to find this one-​man shop! No impersonal, inattentive care here — this is this guy’s BUSINESS and his livelihood. He is totally anal and obsessed with doing everything perfectly. He takes the calls AND does the work! He explains everything that needs to be done and shows it to you — you can be sure that he is honest and not giving you the run around.
After having gone to a few bigger, more corporate mechanics and then coming here, I would never choose to take my car anywhere else. I hope I never have to move away from the valley and leave Larry!