Originally Posted by gwf545' post='382235' date='Jan 23 2007, 10:21 AM

Brecht has their own body shop. The dealership occupies mutliple sites for sales, service, and bodyshop (Appearance Center).

Originally Posted by vegastrashed' post='382032' date='Jan 22 2007, 11:35 PM

I stopped by Thearle's and the owner, Phil Thearle, gave me a tour of his shop. Very impressive. I don't know if you're aware, but once our cars are in a collision which damages a good portion of the engine bay, it is considered totalled due to the aluminum structure. During the tour I was shown a e60 that was being rebuilt from the firewall forward. It was being rebuilt to factory specs. Amazing job. Thearle's body shop specializes in BMWs. Do a search about Thearle over on e46fanatics.com and bimmerfest.com and you'll see he comes highly recommended.

As for Brecht BMW, do you know if they have a onsite body shop? Most dealerships like BMW of San Diego outsource their body work.

Originally Posted by 545i now' post='381977' date='Jan 22 2007, 09:21 PM

I've used Amato's in Sorrento Valley in the past . Impeccable attention to detail. Not sure if they are BMW certified, but I know they get a lot of BMW's....Lambo's, Roll's, Ferrari's, Bently's too.

Originally Posted by Rizbel' post='475601' date='Sep 28 2007, 04:06 PM

There's one in Clairemont, corner Balboa and Convoy. I can't recall the name but it's an authorized BMW body/repair shop.

Originally Posted by Amato's' post='475591' date='Sep 28 2007, 03:35 PM

Thank you very much for the praise!

I just wanted to pop in and say Hi and clear up some mis-information.

We are a Factory Authorized BMW Collision repair facility we are 1 of 3 in San Diego, the other 2 are dealerships. We pride ourselves with impeccable quality and attention to detail in repairs as simple as scratches to as complicated as frame bench repairs. We have been serving San Diego for 27 years in Sorrento Valley!

We are also Mercedes-Benz, and Aston Martin factory Authorized. We are very close to obtaining our Audi collision repair authorization as well.

~Jonathan
Amato's Auto Body

Originally Posted by 545i now' post='475639' date='Sep 28 2007, 07:37 PM

Jonathan, took you a while to find us...keep up the good work . Have had all my unexpected body work issues dealt with by you guys since 1997. 2 BMW's, 1 Audi. So far, my current 545i has only driven by your fine facility.

Originally Posted by Amato's

Thank you! And if anything ever happens please dont hesitate to call. (hopefully it wont

~Jonathan