Send Cars, Not Jobs: Spartanburg, SC Is Awarded NAFTZ Top Vehicle Exporter

Much congratulations are in order for one South Carolina BMW plant. Recently, the Spartanburg plant was recognized by the Nation Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) as the United State's top vehicle exporter. In order to attain this award, the factory produces a mind-boggling 1,000 cars each day for BMW enthusiasts around the world. The plant is already projected to be on track to produce 300,000 vehicles this year while exporting around 70% to over 130 markets around the globe. While many businesses are sending their businesses overseas, BMW continues to grow jobs in the United States. For more information this story, see BMW USA News' feature on the award. 


For quality European automobile repair and maintenance, see Tulsa, Oklahoma's dealer alternative at European Autospecialist for quality service to BMW, Mini Cooper, and Mercedes-Benz autos. 

Mercedes Benz A-Class Gets an iPhone Upgrade

In the past, we've reported about the iPhone compatibility of BMW cars, but now Mercedes Benz has announced that drivers of their all new A-Class will have full use of every feature of the iPhones from interior controls that are both user-friendly and safe. Instead of gazing down at a small handheld iPhone screen, users will be able to view all media on the A-Class' built-in screen in the dash and will be able to safely navigate their phones using a very simple joystick/wheel style selector device located in the center of the cockpit. From checking the weather, shuffling through your music mix, or using GPS and Siri voice commands,  iPhones and Mercedes Benz autos will go hand-in-hand for an optimal driving experience. For more information, Mercedes-Benz-Blog has this feature. For Tulsa's dealer alternative for expert repairs, maintenance, or upgrades for Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Mini Cooper autos in the Tulsa, OK area, visit the official website of Tulsa's own European Auto Specialist. 

BMW X5 Comes Out On Top

Though many enjoy seeing how BMW automobiles stack up against Jaguar and Mercedes Benz model autos, this was quite literally the scene in one Chicago parking garage as a 74-year-old driver was returning a rented BMW X5. Not as familiar with the car as he should have been, the man accidentally pushed down on the gas instead of the brake upon entering a space which sent the X5 through multiple cables, landing on top of a 2003 Mercedes Benz E-Class and a 2005 Jaguar XJ. The man responsible was cited for driving too fast for conditions, but other than being a bit disoriented by the scene, no one was injured. For more on this peculiar story, check out this article from BMWBLOG. Had this happened in Tulsa, most of the cars involved could have benefited from the services of European Auto Specialist. Tulsa's favorite dealer alternative for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, let the BOSCH certified technicians from European Auto Specialist handle all your BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Mini Cooper repairs and upgrades. 

Internet Marketing Drives Auto Sales

In a recent blog post by BMWBLOG, Bloomberg news reported on the changing face of automobile marketing. As more individuals begin to utilize the internet for information on automobiles, internet marketing has begun to play a much larger role in how consumers shop for new vehicles as well as various other products and services. A great example of the influence  that social media, blogging, and internet ad campaigns have had on the auto market comes from BMW who reported a $110 million gain in revenue for its 1-Series line. The 1-Series line by BMW was only advertised via the web which expresses the influence the internet alone has on product marketing.  The auto industry is anticipating a large shift from traditional methods of advertising by devoting a larger focus towards internet marketing. By creating an engaging online marketing experience for the new generation of automobile enthusiasts as well as those who have begun utilizing the web to assist in their buying decisions, auto manufacturers hope to take advantage of a huge marketing opportunity that is only continuing to expand. 


Keeping up with European auto enthusiasts online, check out the official website for Tulsa's own European Auto Specialist for more information on the Tulsa dealer alternative for all your European automotive repairs, maintenance, and upgrades.  

The Internet and Misconceptions

The internet is a wonderful thing, really. It’s the worlds filling cabinet! Anything and everything can be found here. But, is it all correct? Now, we know there is no way for the human race to monitor, correct or clear up everything on the internet. The best thing we can do is educate! The more my customers know and understand about their vehicles, the easier my job is!

What I would like to write about today is a misconception about BMW automatic transmissions in vehicles that are 1994 and newer. Recently, I had a customer on the phone that unfortunately had a transmission that was failing. He was telling me that he had read on multiple forums that this was a problem with BMW’s. Well, that’s not really true. And the cause is not limited to BMW. The initial problem started with us, people and society. We didn’t like maintaining our vehicles, we didn’t like the cost involved, and we didn’t like the inconvenience of not having our cars. It brings to mind one of my favorite saying “Careful what you ask for, you may just get it.” As petroleum technologies advanced and synthetic fluids came into the picture, factories started filling their transmissions with “Long-Life” synthetic fluids and telling people that maintenance was no longer necessary. They said that the transmissions were filled with “lifetime” fluid. Well, this made people happy, something they no longer had to worry about right? Wrong, just like there is no such thing as a “maintenance free battery.”

Basically what that says is, use it until it fails then buy another one from me and I can make a bigger profit, faster. This applies to almost everything around us, we have become a use- it-and-buy-a-new one society, and we are getting worse. But I regress. Transmissions require service if you plan on keeping and driving you car for any real length of time. Transmissions should have their fluid service approximately every 60,000 miles. We see a lot of cars with transmissions failing around the 80,000 to 100,000 mile range. Hey, guess what? That’s the “lifetime” of a transmission that sees no service! We have long-time customers on their second or third BMW with over 150,000 miles on them. You know how many transmission problems they’ve had?? None, why? Because we have serviced them. On the basics of transmissions, nothing has changed. They still wear, the fluid still breaks down, but because the damage doesn’t happen for a much longer time, the factories don’t care. Let’s face it; they want you to buy a new car every 3 to 5 years anyway. No machine lasts forever, or your “lifetime” without maintenance, unless you’re prepared to use it, throw it away and buy a new one.

Please Don't Ask

I understand that economic times are hard everywhere. I understand that everyone is looking to either save money and/or getting the best they can for the dollar. No one can be criticized for this. But, when cutting corners, I personally don’t understand why your car’s service and repairs seem to be an area people seem to think are a good one to cut. Yes, some service and repairs are expensive. Yes, there are repair shops that are less expensive than our business. These shops use aftermarket, less expensive parts and may allow you to take your own parts in. We don’t do this. I know this may sound harsh or elitist, but we do have good reasons. First is quality. We use factory parts; we know they’re going to fit properly; We know they are of high quality; we know that if there is a premature failure, there is no problem with warranty and the factory is backing their own quality. Now, I understand that if you buy a part from the dealer, you would think, “I bought the right part, why won’t you install it for me?” That is our policy. We stand behind everything we do. If we were to compromise in one area or policy then you could ask yourself, what’s to keep them from compromising in other policies or areas?

Think about it, your car is the third highest expense in your life (The first being children and second being your home), and a very important necessity. You need your car to go to work (to make your hard earned money), to go to the store for food, to protect you from inclement weather while you are taking care of your responsibilities. Your car is something that you depend on. Are you really wanting to compromise with its dependability? What if you were hurt and had to go the emergency room? You wouldn’t take a bottle of whiskey with you because it’s cheaper than the Hospital’s anesthesia? It’s amazing how many phone calls we get from people that want to bring their own parts in, parts that have been purchased online, at an auto parts store, from the salvage yard, etc. Ask yourself this question; “Why is that part cheaper?” I could give you at least 50 different reasons why. I mean why buy a diamond wedding band when a cubic zirconium looks just as good, right? There is truth in the saying “You get what you pay for,” and it works both ways. Sometimes the “cheap” way is even the most expensive way. I personally learned this with a washing machine. Keeping your car dependable and in top condition, that’s what we do, that’s our job, our focus. It’s what we do best, allow us that privilege and I promise, we won’t come to your job, bring our own stuff and ask you to compromise your quality.

Welcome to Our Blog!

European Autospecialist is the best auto repair shop in town that specializes in European cars such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini Cooper and more. Our technicians are ASE Certified and factory trained in automotive repair, so you know that your prized automobile is being taken care of properly. We work on all aspects of car repair including air conditioning, exhaust, electrical, engine, suspension, transmission, and brakes. We also have specialty services and products such as tune-ups, restoration, service, maintenance, diagnostics, and even performance parts! We service vehicles from all over the Northeastern Oklahoma including Tulsa, Jenks, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Bixby and everywhere in between.

Locally-owned, European Autospecialist has been serving customers for over 27 years! We have loyal customers in Tulsa, Jenks, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Bixby and all over Northeastern Oklahoma! We service European cars like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Mini Cooper because we love them. It’s that simple. We are one of three auto repair shops in the state of Oklahoma that own GT-1—BMW's factory diagnostic computer. The other two are in dealerships. If you are in need of service for your air conditioning, exhaust, electrical, engine, suspension, transmission, brakes or just want to know more about our tune-ups, restoration, service, maintenance, diagnostics, or performance parts, give European Autospecialist a call today! We are experts in car repair for all of your European vehicles. If you need your automobile checked out by an automotive expert who is factory trained or ASE certified, look no further.

Do you own a European automobile such as a Mercedes Benz, BMW or Mini Cooper and live in Tulsa, Jenks, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Bixby or anywhere else in Northeastern Oklahoma? As experts in all of these makes, we can provide you with tune-ups, restoration, service, maintenance, diagnostics, and performance parts such as exhaust, air conditioning, electrical, engine, suspension, transmission and brakes with better service, more experience and for less money than the dealerships can. Why go to any other auto repair shop for car repair? We’re cheaper than the dealerships and we provide better service, all without voiding your warranty. Visit the ASE certified, factory trained automotive enthusiasts at European Autospecialist. We can service a variety of vehicles for less. We’d love to work on all of the cars you own. Stop by our shop, visit us online at www.europeanautospecialist.net or give us a call at 918-627-2002 today!