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Black Forest Motors

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4

3

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4.8
(48 reviews)
Review highlights

"… Black Forest, hands down, was the most thorough. Labor rates are extremely fair and communication was superb. I’d recommend scheduling service in advance, as there is …"

"John is a great BMW Mechanic with dealership level experience and service."

"What an incredible and personable service experience we had."


Overview

Categories

Auto repair shop


Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

Closed


Reviews (31)

Jan 16, 2025

John is a very competent and honest mechanic I would definitely recommend! -Sarah


Jan 06, 2025

If you own a BMW or a mini, this is your one stop shop here in Bozeman. I've worked with a lot of mechanics over the course of my years and John is single-handedly the best mechanic I've ever had the pleasure of working with... He's incredibly knowledgeable, fairly priced and will give your car the love it deserves... I don't give out five-star ratings very often but Black Forest Motors is definitely deserving..


Jan 06, 2025

This is the place to go if you own a BMW in Bozeman. John is a great. I brought it to him for the brakes, and he went above and beyond to help me fix some trim on my X5 which required extra time on his part to track down the parts. I would go to John with any issue and feel confident that he would give me a real and honest answer.


Oct 06, 2024

i just moved to bozeman from tucson and was concerned i would be able to find someone to work on my 1997 z3. i only know one location that might have been john’s equal. and he’s retired. i recommend them highly. you won’t be disappointed


Jul 06, 2024

Taking your car in for repairs is so stressful. Our MINI Countryman developed some electrical issues - can't be good, right? John diagnosed the problem, tracked down the obscure parts, and fixed her up right away for a reasonable and therefore honest price. Knowledge, skill, and integrity: doesn't get any better than Black Forest Motors!!!


Jun 06, 2024

Black Forest Motors is the only place I trust to touch my BMW. John is a highly knowledgeable mechanic with decades of experience working on these cars. If you’re looking for a mechanic who genuinely cares about your BMW, John is your guy!


Apr 06, 2024

So stoked to find a such a qualified BMW service so close to me. No driving to Idaho falls or Spokane. This guy John was incredibly knowledgeable on all models BMW. Even rare Beemers like mine. I had mice chew my oil level sensor wiring harness, (not a rare occurrence) I mentioned the symptoms, and he knew just what to do. Luckily for me , his first appointment was late and he had me out of there within the hour. I could not be happier. As a lifelong BMW guy, I could tell this guy knows his stuff. I also noticed how clean and organized his shop was. Must be the Navy training. Veteran owned a plus in my book. Thank you John Tovaas. Travis long


Feb 06, 2024

Great mechanics , trust his work ..


Feb 06, 2024

Had my 2014 mini countryman towed in to John's impeccably equipped and cared for technicians garage because overheating on hwy trip to Bozeangeles. Not understanding why my car had failed - it gave me so much fear relief when John meticulously and efficiently looked over my entire car while simultaneously replacing the broken serpentine belt that has caused the car to fail. John also happened to have in stock the exact belt(and the only belt in area) to do the repair in under an hour! What relief! In the old adage about the ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure, I plan to spend as much money as humanly possible with John so that I don't have to worry about a future mechanical failure that would be much more costly and disappointing. My boyfriend was even trying to find additional services John could do on the car there but John was so honest he told us they didn't need to be done! -Master Skill -Clean Facilities -Honest Advice Thank you for keeping our mini healthy John 🙏🚗


Feb 06, 2024

I was visiting from out of state and critters chewed through some wiring on my BMW Sportwagen. John got me in first thing on Monday morning and had my car fixed right away. He knows his stuff and prices are quite reasonable.


Feb 06, 2024

I won’t take my car anywhere else. John has always done an excellent job with my car. His recommendations for upcoming service are appreciated.


Feb 06, 2024

John saved me. Car was immobile and flooded with oil. Not to mention that it was the Coldest day of the winter this year and when all other mechanics turned me away he looked at my car and had it driving with in a few hours. Super satisfied with his services and will exclusively be going to Black Forest Motors for my auto service needs.


Feb 06, 2023

Black Forest Motors is THE place for your BMW service. John is a BMW master and always goes the extra mile for his customers. His service is prompt, professional and reasonably priced.


Feb 06, 2023

I cannot speak highly enough of John from Black Forest Motors. He’s been servicing my BMW for over a year now and every experience with him has been a pleasure. Car issues are always stressful, but I feel so much better knowing I have a great mechanic to call whenever something comes up.


Feb 06, 2023

John did a fantastic job on our BMW. He got it fixed as soon as the part was deliver. He communicated the whole time with me. Such a knowledgeable mechanic. Great customer service. I will never go to the other BMW shop in Bozeman. They told me it would be over a month before they could get me in. And their prices are way higher. Black Forest is where its at!!!


Feb 06, 2022

John Tovaas is a knowledgeable qualified expert on all things BMW. In his immaculately clean single lift shop, I stopped by without an appointment and received accommodating same-day service for a quick and affordable oil change and vehicle inspection on my X3, AND he was able to spot and address other non-impeding issues as well (which he suggested I can take care of at a later time). Being a first time BWM owner, he answered any questions without hesitation and was able to instill my confidence in his honest assessment, thorough expertise, and amiable non-condescending professionalism. I highly recommend going to John for your BMW needs in the Gallatin Valley.


Feb 06, 2022

John knows BMWs inside and out. A great mechanic that makes sure it's right and explains what's going on. Top notch guy!


Feb 06, 2022

Attention to detail, very good pricing. Been doing maintenance works myself for a couple of years now but will take my car here for the awesome and professional services.


Feb 06, 2022

I cannot say enough about the quality of my experience with John, the owner of Black Forest Motors. I was traveling through town, my Mini Cooper began acting up. Nobody could figure out the problem, even with codes. John did in a matter of minutes. He was able to fit me, order the part overnight and install so I was able to leave town on time. I told him to charge me more for the quick service but he refused to do so. He is a real BMW pro having owned a shop for 30 years in Beverly Hills, CA


Feb 06, 2022

John at Black Forest Motors, in my opinion, is one of the premier BMW mechanics in the United States. He possesses savant-like knowledge of the e46. I’ve had service performed at various BMW indie shops from coast to coast, and Black Forest, hands down, was the most thorough. Labor rates are extremely fair and communication was superb. I’d recommend scheduling service in advance, as there is limited parking.


Feb 06, 2022

John, is super amazing! He clearly knows BMWs in and out. I brought a troublesome BMW to him. He quickly figured out the major problem (an electrical gremlin) and ran over the cost of each repair with me. His pricing is incredibly fair, his work is quality, he is honest and professional! I only wish he worked on other makes so I could bring my other cars to him! Also, please notice all his reviews are 5 star so far. With the exception of two with little or no text, I doubt either are real reviews. This should speak volumes to anyone in need of a good, honest and fair BMW mechanic.


Feb 06, 2022

Perfect experience. I called and the phone was answered! In 2021, that's already crushing it. Work was done very timely and at a really reasonable price, especially when you consider the Bavarian tax. Oem parts and quality work. Support this small business, you will not regret it.


Feb 06, 2022

What an incredible and personable service experience we had. Our son's new-to-him BMW had a sun roof and sunshade that were stuck in open position. We were quoted $3500 for a new cassette in Billings. After just three hours of labor (that's ALL we were charged for), the sunnroof and sunshade are closed. What a kind, helpful place to offer such service! We will be back when the need arises!


Feb 06, 2021

Best BMW mechanic in the state, if not the entire country


Feb 06, 2021

Black Forest Motors (aka John Tovaas) does amazing work and runs a pristine shop. Gunther needed new brake pads with 2,200 more miles to go and John was able to fix them in a very timely manner. I only wish his shop were closer to my home! Top notch operation!


Feb 06, 2021

I appreciate John and the services he offers. Every time I hand my car, I get it back as Cool as I expect. Thanks John!


Feb 06, 2021

I found John because he left a card on my BMW a couple years ago. Made an appointment for an oil change and an overall check of my car. He called me and let me know the things that were wrong that needed to be fixed right then, and then he provided a detailed list with pricing of the other things that my car will need soon. Very kind, rates are very competitive, and he is very knowledgeable. Customer service is top notch, I recommend to anybody in the state who has a BMW.


Feb 06, 2021

John knows his stuff. Great service and car care.


Feb 06, 2021

So grateful to have this level of service in Bozeman. No more long distance trips to dealers at dealers prices when you have better service and value right here in town. Peace of mind......


Feb 06, 2021

The owner was great, very helpful and quick service. Well earned 5 🌟


Feb 06, 2021

Very knowledgeable BMW tech. Got our headlamp and air filter changed. Great pub and food next door if you want to wait.