HAIK'S GERMAN AUTOHAUS
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Mini
German Auto Repair & Service Santa Barbara
Serving the Santa Barbara area since 1979
40 years in business !!
(Conveniently located in downtown Santa Barbara near the 101 Freeway)
German Car Specialist
We are an independent automotive repair shop for your Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini in the greater Santa Barbara area.
With so many general foreign car repair shops which work on nearly every brand of foreign car, whether British, Swedish, French, Italian, Japanese, South Korean or other, it should be comforting to know that there is a speciality German car repair shop near you which works specifically on your brand of car.
Choose a Specialist
As a German car specialist, Haik’s has the greatest experience in your type of vehicle. We know more specific details about your car and will be far better equipped to handle any difficult diagnosis and repair. Our mechanics are equipped with the latest tools, expertise and knowledge to provide the very best repair or service for your Benz, Bimmer, Porsche, Audi, VW or Mini Cooper. We often fix cars which other shops have attempted to repair.
Modern Automotive Repair
Today's German cars require an auto mechanic who is a master of both electronics and mechanical systems. Nearly every system in the modern car is computer-controlled and requires electronic expertise. Some of the latest cars have up to 100 control units (computers) onboard. These systems require the best mechanics.
Quality and Convenience
If you are looking for an auto repair shop near you, always consider quality as well as convenience. At Haik’s, we offer both…and more—quality (auto repair from master mechanics), convenience (centrally located in the heart of Santa Barbara), friendly service (you can speak directly with the mechanic who performed the work on you car) and affordable prices.
So… if you’re looking for the best certified German car mechanic:
Please give us a call
Our Service Area
Our service area extends from Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta to Buellton, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Santa Maria and Lompoc in the North and south to Carpinteria, Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo and beyond.
Complete Auto Repair
We offer everything necessary to keep your German car healthy and reliable. Our mechanics are trained in every aspect of maintenance for your specific German vehicle whether it is car repair or car service.
From a basic oil change, air filter replacement, spark plugs, water pump, brakes, air-conditioning repair to engine service, transmissions, steering and suspension work, to more sophisticated electronic computer controls and check engine light, we do it all at Haik’s.
Automotive Services We Provide
Check Engine Light | Brake Service | Oil Change | Oil Service | Scheduled Maintenance | Engine Service | Transmission Service | Electronic Diagnosis | Inspection | Safety Check | Pre-Purchase Check | Coolant Change | Power Steering Flush | Brake Fluid Change | Tune-Up | Fuel Filter | Air Filter | Spark Plugs | Cabin Filter | Oxygen Sensors | Ignition Coils | And More…
Automotive Repairs We Provide
Brake Repair | Air-Conditioning | Engine Repair | Transmission Repair | Suspension | Lighting | Check Engine Light Repair | Electrical | Electronic repairs | Computer Controls | Body | Chassis | Exhaust | Muffler | Catalytic Convertor | Oil Leaks | SRS Air Bag and Seat Belt | Window Lifter | And More…
PLEASE CALL (805) 965-0975 FOR AN APPOINTMENT OR FREE CONSULTATION
Mercedes-Benz
Haik’s German Autohaus
Mercedes-Benz Independent
Repair & Service
Santa Barbara
40 + Years Experience
We are an independent Mercedes auto repair shop specializing in the repair and service of all Mercedes-Benz Class models.
We have been performing Mercedes car repair for 40 years in the same location. Our certified mechanics are trained in every aspect of auto repair and car service that your Mercedes may need from oil change, brakes, check engine light repair, water pump replacement, air-conditioning service to engine repair, transmission service and computer controls.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the most sophisticated cars in the world. Mercedes technology is leading-edge in safety, comfort, reliability and performance. Each MBZ automotive system requires knowledge, information, skill and proper tooling necessary to perform the high-level diagnosis and repair of the system. At Haik’s, we pride ourselves as a leading Mercedes-Benz shop in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas. As one of the oldest German car and Mercedes repair shops in Santa Barbara, we offer the benefit of long-term experience.
For more information about our Mercedes-Benz service, please visit our
Mercedes Page
For the best Mercedes auto service your Mercedes-Benz can receive, please call us
(805) 965-0975
BMW
Haik’s German Autohaus
BMW Independent
Repair & Service
Santa Barbara
BMW Car Care
40 + Years Experience
As an independent German car repair shop specializing in BMW, we deliver quality automotive repair and car service at affordable prices. Our certified mechanics are trained in every mechanical and electrical system of your BMW.
Whether service or repair, from battery, oil change, check engine light, brakes, water pump or transmissions engine repair and the most sophisticated electronic computer problems, or any auto repair or car service, we have an auto mechanic who can diagnose and repair your car’s most difficult problems.
BMW automobiles are in the top ranks of German car quality and engineering. Along with that prestigious position and sophistication comes the difficulty of diagnosis and repair when something goes wrong. Today’s BMW requires the dedication of a BMW specialist who knows your car’s strengths and weaknesses, and can repair any of the automotive systems which live in your car. Every BMW system is computer-controlled and poses its own specific challenges. The BMW mechanic must understand electronics, as well as mechanics. At Haik’s, our mechanics are experts in BMW electronics and BMW mechanical systems.
If you are looking for quality BMW service, expert BMW repair and friendly prices you can afford, let Haik’s perform your next BMW service and prove that BMW repair can be thorough without breaking the bank.
For more information about our BMW service, please visit our
BMW Page
For the best BMW auto service your BMW can receive, please call us
(805) 965-0975
Porsche
Haik’s German Autohaus
Porsche
Repair & Service
Santa Barbara
40 + Years Experience
Choose the right mechanic for every automotive repair and car service.
Whether your car has a mechanical, electrical or electronic issue, the mechanics at Haik’s have the automotive expertise and equipment to repair and service any system. From check engine light, brakes, air-conditioning, transmission, engine repair, oil change, to the most sophisticated computer analysis and repair, we welcome the challenge.
For more information about our Porsche service, please visit our
Porsche Page
For the best auto care your Porsche can receive, call
(805) 965-0975
Audi
Haik’s German Autohaus
Audi
Repair & Service
Santa Barbara
40 + Years Experience
We Perform Every Major and Minor Car Repair and Auto Service for your Audi.
We are an independent German auto repair shop which offers complete car repair and auto service for every automotive system in your Audi. As a leader in the industry of German car repair, Haik’s is familiar with all the strengths and weaknesses of your automobile.
Every repair or service at Haik’s is performed by a certified mechanic who is a master of your particular model. Whether your Audi needs a water pump, battery, brakes, spark plugs, brake fluid change, has a check engine light on, is running poorly, or just needs a routine service, we are equipped to perform the task.
For more information about our Audi service, please visit our
Audi Page
For the best auto care your Audi can have, call
(805) 965-0975
Volkswagen
Haik’s German Autohaus
Volkswagen
Repair & Service
Santa Barbara
40 + Years Experience
Specializing in VW Auto Maintenance
As a leader in the automotive repair industry, we offer the best service your Volkswagen car receive. We have the latest tools, diagnostic equipment and factory information to perform even the most difficult jobs your car may require.
Our certified mechanics have the knowledge and experience to diagnose your automobile problems efficiently and cost-effectively. Whether your Volkswagen needs an oil change, water pump replacement, brakes, shock absorbers, radiator, transmission, tires, check engine light repair, or any mechanical, electrical or electronic repair or service, please contact us.
For more information about our Volkswagen service, please visit our
Volkswagen Page
For the best auto care your Volkswagen can receive, call
(805) 965-0975
Mini
Haik’s German Autohaus
Mini & Mini Cooper
Repair & Service
Santa Barbara
19 Years working on Minis
We Perform All Services and Repairs on Mini Cars
At Haik’s German Autohaus, our German car mechanics are equipped with the best testing and repair equipment available. We provide repair and service for every system in your Mini Cooper from the most sophisticated electronic or mechanical repairs on your engine, transmission, brakes, steering and suspension to any of your car’s service needs such oil change, battery replacement, air filter, tire rotation, brake fluid change, water pump replacement or any other service requirement your car may have.
Every auto service and car repair your Mini receives at Haik’s, is performed by a master automotive technician trained in your specific type of car.
For more information about our Mini and Mini Cooper service, please visit our
Mini Page
For the best care your Mini can have, call
(805) 965-0975
Auto Maintenance = Services & Repairs
Both routine services and repairs are necessary for the maintenance of your car. Routine servicing will lessen the chance of a break-down. And having repairs done at the first sign of trouble will minimize serious complications.
Check Engine Light
When the “Check Engine Light” is illuminated, it is a warning that a pollution-causing malfunction is occurring. The problem could be an engine running problem such as misfire caused by fuel, ignition or mechanical malfunctions, but there are certain pollution-causing events which are not engine-related and that will set the check engine light as well. The evaporative emission system or “evap” is responsible for preventing gasoline vapors from escaping the gas tank and entering the atmosphere. If a leak in the system is detected, the check engine light will come on. Another cause of check engine light, could be a failure in the exhaust system. If the catalytic converter does not properly burn excessive hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, or if mechanical components to control NOX (oxides of nitrogen) do not operate properly, the check engine light will be set as well.
At Haik’s German Autohaus we understand all the complications with your “check engine light” whether for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW, or Mini Cooper. If you are looking for the best German car service at the most reasonable price, please give us a call at (805) 965-0975 or come by for a chat.
Pre-Purchase Check
See Inspection Car Check (2 Hours) immediately below.
Inspection Car Check (2 Hours)
This car-check inspection is performed for the purpose of determining the maintenance status of a car. It can be carried out in the course of general servicing or as a stand-alone procedure for the purpose of buying or selling a vehicle, or just to know what shape your car is in. It is also used by some customers to determine how long they wish to keep the vehicle.
*Note: An inspection does not include any service work or adjustments to the car.
*(For services, please go to our Services page and scroll down to Haik’s Major, Mid-Level or Minor Services.)
*Note: Inspection does not include diagnosis of problems such as determining the source of an engine misfire or an oil leak. Diagnosis can be time-consuming and is billed separately.
Inspection List:
Underside of Vehicle
(Visually inspect or physically manipulate each of the following)
- Suspension System—shock absorbers, struts, mounts, ball joints, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings
- Steering System Mechanical—wheels, tie rods, drag link, steering damper, idler arm, bushing, steering box, steering gear or steering rack
- Power Steering System—hoses, belt, power steering pump, steering rack boots, leaks
- Brake System—pads, discs, calipers, hoses, brake fluid color and age, leaks
- Exhaust System—holes, damage, rust, leaks, support hangers
- Oxygen Sensors—proper sealing, age
- Differential fluid leaks
- Transmission—cooler lines, fluid level, leaks
- All leaks—check and attempt to locate source: engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, gasoline, differential gear oil
- Driveshaft—flex disks, center support: check condition
- Drive Axles—constant velocity boot condition
- Fuel filter—check for leaks, age
- Chassis and Body—check for rust
- Wheels—check for damageTires—check condition, wear, inflation, nails
Under Hood
(Visually inspect or physically manipulate each of the following)
- Drive Belts and Serpentine Belt check condition and tension for air-conditioning, power steering, alternator
- Engine Oil—before changing check level for oil burning or usage
- Cooling System—color, leaks, hoses, radiator, fluid level
- Transmission Fluid—level, color, leaks, cooler lines, fluid level (on transmissions with dip stick only)
- Brake Fluid—reservoir, color, leaks, fluid level
- Power Steering Fluid—color, leaks, fluid level
- Windshield Washer System and Fluid—squirting, leaks, fluid level
- Vacuum Hoses—check condition and leaks
- Air Filter—check condition, dirt, dust, torn
- Cabin Filter—check condition, dirt, dust, torn
- Valve Cover Gaskets—check leaks at perimeter and at spark plug seals where applicable
- Timing Belt (Audi and Volkswagen) check condition and mileage last changed if available
Interior Cockpit
(Visually inspect or physically manipulate each of the following)
- Horn operation
- Interior Lighting—dome, courtesy, instrument cluster, gear selector
- Gauges registering
- Gear Selector for tightness
- Steering Wheel—tightness and smooth turning
- Power Windows and Switches—function and smooth operation
- Power Mirrors function
- Air-Conditioning cooling
- Heating function
Exterior
(Visually inspect each of the following for operation and damage)
- Exterior Lighting System—headlights, high beam, low beam, fog lights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate lights, parking lights, back-up lights
- Lenses for lights for cracking and discoloration
- Windshield Wipers—blade condition and operation
- Windshield Washer system function
Computer
- Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes for Engine (DTC)
- Reset service indicator
Road Test
(Extended test drive, checking)
- Brakes
- Brake shimmy
- Steering center position and tightness
- Engine performance
- Transmission shift
- Manual transmission clutch operation
- Vehicle tracking
- Vibrations
- Turn signal for auto canceling
*Note: Tire pressures are adjusted according to C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) regulations for the purpose of reducing fuel consumption and air pollution.
Haik’s Custom Service Schedules
We offer three levels of custom service: Major, Mid-Level & Minor.
*For detailed information, please see our Services page and scroll down to "Haik's Custom Service Schedules.
Services & Repairs We Offer
We offer complete service and repair of your entire vehicle.
The following is a partial list of the most common services and repairs we provide. For more information see our Repairs page or our Services page.
For Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini, we offer such services and repairs as:
- ABS diagnosis and repair (anti-lock braking)
- Airbag service (SRS)
- Air spring replacement (suspension)
- Air filter change
- Alarm system repair
- Air conditioning recharge and repair
- Alternator replacement
- Battery replacement
- Belt replacement
- Body electronics
- Brake service
- Brake flush
- Brake repair
- Brake light
- Cabin filter change
- Car check Inspection
- Catalytic converter replacement
- Charging system repair
- Check engine light diagnosis and repair
- Chassis electronics
- Climate control repair
- Constant velocity service (CV joint)
- Control arm repair
- Convertible top repair
- Coolant leak repair
- Cooling system flush
- Diagnostics
- Diesel engine service
- Diesel engine repair
- Direct injection service
- Door lock repair
- Drive axle replacement
- Driveshaft replacement
- Electrical wiring repair
- Electrical harness replacement
- Engine diagnosis
- Engine electronics
- Engine service
- Engine overheating repair
- Engine repair
- Electronics and computer coding
- Evaporative emission system repair
- Exhaust system repair
- Filter changes
- Fluid changes
- Fuel injection repair and service
- Fuel pump replacement
- Headlight repair
- Heat system repair
- Inspection service
- Light bulb replacement
- Lighting repair
- Muffler replacement
- Oil change
- Oil leak repairs
- Oxygen sensor replacement
- Pollen filter change
- Power seat repair
- Power steering flush
- Power steering pump replacement
- Power steering rack replacement
- Power window regulator and motor replace
- Radiator replacement
- Seat belt diagnosis and repair (SRS)
- Shock absorber replacement
- Smog check
- Spark plug change
- SRS diagnosis and repair
- Starter replacement
- Steering repair
- Strut replacement (suspension)
- Suspension repair
- Tail light repair
- Thermostat replace
- Timing belt change
- Tire replacement
- Transmission service
- Transmission fluid and filter change
- Transmission repair
- Tune up
- Turn signal repair
- Vehicle inspection
- Water pump replacement
- Wheel bearing replacement
- Window lifter replacement
- and more…
We offer complete diagnostics of every system in your entire vehicle, engine, transmission, suspension, steering, exhaust, braking, body, chassis and electrical.
For more details see our Services page and/or our Repairs page.
*Or give us a call at (805) 965-0975 for a free personal consultation.*
Oil Change or Car Service?
Oil Change
As most automobile drivers have heard, an oil change is the simplest way to preserve their car. It is true that changing the engine oil on a routine basis is very important to the life of the engine and that neglecting it can lead to serious and expensive problems. There is a misconception with many people, however, that an oil change is all a car requires to stay healthy. This is far from the truth.
A car is a very complex piece of machinery. It is composed of many systems. An oil change is just that, an oil change. It does not address the entire vehicle. It does not address the many things which wear out and can go wrong with your car. Tires, brakes, fuel system, transmission, steering, and warning lights are just some of the sytems which need to be checked from time to time. If a car has been serviced properly, sometimes an oil change is all it needs. But it is important to know the difference between an oil change and a proper service.
Car Service
A car service includes an oil change, but covers so much more. Depending on the service interval, a list of inspection items and service operations are performed. At bare minimum, a car service should always include a safety check of tires, brakes, exterior lights, fluid levels, belts, steering and any damage or wear which may cause the vehicle to fail.
A more extensive car service is performed at greater service intervals according to mileage and time. These services such as brake fluid flush, air filter and spark plug change, transmission fluid and filter change, and power steering flush are meant to preserve the longevity of the various components of the entire vehicle. Discuss your car servicing with your mechanic to determine the level of service your car requires.
Tire Sales
We sell all brands of tires at low prices—Mercedes-Benz tires, BMW tires, Porsche tires, Audi tires, Volkswagen tires, Mini tires. Please give us a call and check our quality and prices. (805) 965-0975
Auto Detailing
Interior and exterior car detailing
Also available: headlight restoration and bumper repair
Smog Check
For your convenience, we provide basic or enhanced smog-testing.
High-level Skills
Today’s German cars require high-level skills. They are sophisticated machines with state-of-the-art electronics and highly advanced automotive systems for engine, transmission, brakes, adaptive chassis control, climate control (heating and air-conditioning), windows—every system in the car. Servicing these automobiles requires proper tools, skills and information. Electronic as well as mechanical skills are essential, as are attention to detail and knowledge of the product.
At Haik’s German Autohaus, our knowledge and expertise is up to the task. There are no repairs or services we cannot perform, nor are any service or repair jobs too big or too small. We have the speciality tools required to maintain all models of Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Mini and Volkswagen, including the latest models. To help diagnose electronic and mechanical failures, we use the finest computer scan tool money can buy. Every repair and service which leaves our shop is performed to factory specifications or beyond.
*For more information on Scan Tool see our Repairs page and scroll down to "Scan Tool."
Specialty Electronic Tools Required
In order to diagnose electronic or mechanical failures of modern cars, speciality tools are required. Perhaps the most important is the scan tool (shop computer). No auto repair shop can operate effectively without one. The scan tool can interrogate each of the car’s computers and help locate the source of a problem. The scan tool we use is the AutoLogic. It is the best on the market.
Speciality Tools for Every Job
Today's sophisticated cars require a lot of specialized tools. The high cost of tools makes it impossible for a general auto repair shop to buy every tool needed for every job. Specializing in only the six German car lines however, allows us to purchase all the specialty tools required to properly repair the six German car lines we service, whether Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen or Mini. Electronic scan tools and software are the most expensive of tools, but there are plenty of other mechanical tools required, from camshaft holding fixtures to specialty bushing press tools.
Call Haik’s German Autohaus with any concerns about your German car.
Latest Technical Information
Online Information Service
No matter how skilled an auto mechanic is and how many tools he has at his disposal, it is impossible to work on a modern car without the proper information. Even a simple oil change requires information of specific oil required, viscosity and capacity. I find myself looking up oil specifications every time I do an oil change. Current information is essential, whether the job requires a specific type of testing or an overview of the system, we must look it up. For this purpose we use an online service called AllData. AllData purchases auto manufacturer information and resells it to the independent auto repair shops. They provide technical information, specifications, wiring diagrams, testing procedures, estimating times, service intervals, for every type of auto repair we perform. This expensive service is essential. We would be lost without accurate information. The day of the auto repair manual is gone. The vast volume of information on one car can no longer be effectively contained in a paper repair manual.
The Value of Accurate Information
In diagnosing an ABS failure on a BMW 325i, the trouble code read that the right rear wheel speed sensor (at the right rear wheel) was giving an improbable signal. If we had simply gone by the trouble code and replaced the sensor, we would have been disappointed. Using the technical information provided by an electrical wiring diagram, we saw that the two wires at the wheel sensor both led to the ABS control unit (computer). With other technical information provided on testing the wheel speed sensor, we determined whether the sensor was working or not. In this case, the sensor was working properly, despite the code. It was the ABS control unit (in the engine compartment) which was faulty and needed to be replaced.
Up-to-date Information
Up-to-date information is essential. Information undergoes changes and updates for various reasons. When the Audi and Volkswagen 1.8T turbo engine came out in 1998, the oil recommended was a regular oil with a 5W30 viscosity. The engines ran into severe problems when the turbos cooked the engine oil and the particles clogged the oil pick-up tube to the oil pump, starving the engine of proper lubrication. Today that information has been revised. Volkswagen and Audi recommend that the 1.8T use synthetic oil with a 5W40 viscosity. Around 1995 to 1996 when most German car manufacturers came out with electronically controlled transmissions, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, all called their new synthetic transmission fluid a “lifetime” fluid which never needed changing. Due to the amount of premature transmission failures, they have all revised their claims and now recommend transmission fluid changes as frequent as every 40K miles. This updated information is vital.
Manufacturer Warranty
Most car manufacturers will not reimburse independents for warranty work performed. However, any work for which the customer must pay (even during the warranty period) can be performed at Haik's German Autohaus without jeopardizing the car’s warranty.
Factory Recalls & Service Bulletins
We are familiar with all the factory recalls and service bulletins for the cars we repair and service. If a job comes to us which is covered under factory warranty, we will refer you to the local dealership of your particular vehicle for the free service, rather than charge you for the repair.
Environmentally Sensitive
In as much as any auto repair shop can be responsible toward the environment and the community, Haik’s German Autohaus does its share. We believe in our planet and a clean, sustainable world.
Recycle
We recycle as much as possible. Instead of filling the trash bin, we sort our discards carefully. We recycle metal auto parts and metal products to a recycling company which takes them to be melted and reused to make other products. Our plastic, glass and paper waste is recycled to our local trash company to be recycled and used for new products. Waste oil, coolant and other automotive fluids are picked up and sent to a hazardous waste recycling company to be cleaned and/or reused as fuel for shipping. Our batteries are sent to battery recyclers who use components of the worn out batteries to make new ones.
Degreasers and Cleaners
We do not want to add more poisons to our world which is in need of clean maintenance. We choose cleaners which are eco-friendly, even though the cost is considerably more. From floor cleaners to engine degreasers, we avoid dangerous and harsh chemicals which pollute our air and ground.
Clean Water
We are sensitive to the issue of clean water and do not pour pollutants down the drain or flush them into the sewer system. We also do not allow contaminated water to flow out to the street where it ends up in our streams and in the ocean. If there is a spill, we clean it and dispose of the waste with the proper methods.
Water Shortage
Because of the drought and Santa Barbara’s severe water shortage we have taken steps to use as little water as possible.
Award
Because of our attempts at preserving our environment, Haik’s German Autohaus was awarded a Clean Water Award from the city of Santa Barbara.