Import Specialties of Columbia

Feb 02, 2025

Detailed work on my 1976 MGB, fixed things others couldn't

Jan 07, 2025

I recently moved to Columbia, SC from Florida and needed to have a repair to my 2015 Range Rover Sport. The issue was related to a "charging system fault" error code due to a recent new battery installation. Initially, I went to a foreign car repair specialist near my home to get an estimate. The estimate came back at ~$6,100. I was not going to pay this much for a 2015, nor did I wish to pay this much to alleviate the charging system fault error due to a new battery installation. I researched for a foreign car specialist that had excellent rating reviews in the area and tried Import Specialties in Columbia, SC. I reached out to Import Specialties and was impressed from beginning to completion. The customer service was beyond reproach; the representative was friendly, prompt, and provided me a detailed estimate for the repair work. The next day, I dropped off my car at 8:30AM and picked up my car at 3PM. The charging fault was repaired and I was satisfied as the customer. My cost (out the door) was $472. As a happy customer with the work Import Specialties did, I recommend them for best quality, timeliness, and cost.

Jan 07, 2025

Only place I take my cars/ truck. David and staff always save me money compared to other shops. Never charged for anything that didn't need to be done and never fixed vehicle without confirming price and diagnostics with me in advance.

Dec 07, 2024

I have taken my LS 460 to Import Speciaties on two occasions. 1) Transmission flush, completed in a timely manner and resolved the issue of a slight noise / vibration my vehicle was having and for a 2)costly job , brake actuator repair. Expensive job but satisfied with the work which was performed in a timely manner. They appear to really care about servicing your vehicle properly. Nice guys with no bull. With these guys it is or it isn't. Recommend highly.

Dec 07, 2024

Nailed the diagnosis first day! BMW had my BMW X3 for three days and was NOT able to diagnose the issue but claimed they did and that it was fixed when they did nothing. GLAD I found out about you guys! Pricey, but the issue was fixed first visit.

Nov 07, 2024

I took my 1972 VW Super Beetle to them for repair of brakes, steering wheel issues, carburetor, fuel pump, fresh air blower, generator and some electrical issues. They fixed everything right. The office staff were very courteous and communicative all the time. The parts and labor are are expensive but they do good work. I'm pleased with their work. I know that shops do add an overhead for the parts they supply and a quality part is different from cheap Chinese parts that people see on google. But if they can slightly moderate the overhead on the supplied parts, this business would be a go-to place for vintage and modern import cars.

Nov 07, 2024

The quote and cost of the repair were equal. My car was washed and vacuumed, which I wasn’t expecting. Overall, a great experience!!

Nov 07, 2024

They do ok work, but aren't the best on diagnostics. Also quite expensive. Told me the general module was bad on my E39 when I was having issues with my battery draining while the car was off and slow shifting during heavy acceleration. This is a fairly expensive part to replace and requires someone to code the new module to the car. However, due to some doubts I had on their conclusion, I took the time to do some additional testing and diagnostics myself. I was able to determine the actual cause to be a combination of a short in the remote positive connection to the alternator and a bad final stage resistor.

Oct 07, 2024

Never in my 50 years did I ever have to put $1,000 deposit before they touched the car. I gave them 3 stars because they did take my car on the same day I called after it broke down. And the receptionist Alexis was nice. Other than that, they're utterly expensive. After diagnosis, I took my car elsewhere.

Sep 07, 2024

I took my BMW to 3 shops and no one could find out what was wrong with it. So I took it here and Tony had it running like brand new the next day! I’ll be back!

Sep 07, 2024

Import Specialties of Columbia knows everything there is about diagnostics and service on BMW and Mercedes vehicles of all years. From coding to wiring they're the guys.

Sep 07, 2024

Interesting that ownership has elected to attack critics of their poor service. Long drawn out defensive responses are not necessary. Unprofessional attitudes, building leaking with buckets to catch rain inside, Diagnosstics questionable, prices outrageous, and requested a deposit before any work was done.🤷🏾‍♂️

Sep 07, 2024

My car was overheating. Took it to Import Specialties and found I needed a water pump. They were scheduled to be closed the following week but knew I needed my car fixed and went out of their way to get it done that day. I can't say enough about the mechanics, the owner and the front office staff. Top notch service all around.

Sep 07, 2024

These guys are awesome. Resolved an issue for my wife's 2022 Mercedes AMG GT 63 in a very timely and professional manner. Their technician Tony was excellent at explaining his diagnosis when I had questions about my 2019 BMW X6. I highly recommend this shop to anyone with Mercedes-Benz or BMW.

Sep 07, 2024

These guys are very professional. Great service! Thank you for the fantastic work! I really appreciate you. I would recommend you to all my friends. Thanks again.

Sep 07, 2024

They have great knowledgeable people working for them, they definitely know their Mercedes and BMWs. I would highly recommend them. Ask for Tony.

Jul 07, 2024

Not thrilled. Pretty good shop based on previous work but now they seem to not want to work on my car. Gave me an appointment two months out and told me I needed to put up a $1,000.00 deposit. In fifty plus years of pushing cars around, I've never had a shop ask me for a deposit. message received.

Jun 07, 2024

My husband wanted my Range Rover Sport to be looked at by a company that specializes in foreign vehicles. He found Import Specialties vs me wanting to go Firestone 🤪. They were really nice and were welcoming being that I am a customer service connoisseur. Will return.

Apr 07, 2024

The responses provided to other customers' complaints.... say 1.) Emotionally unstable to handle business professionally 2.) Medorice in professional talent and skill 3.) Simply sophomoric in accountability The consistent calling my husband & I received to complete a service we had placed a down payment on should have been our first sign of the desperation they are capable of exhibiting. 4. The reason why small businesses get a bad rap Make your own decisions when choosing to trust your repairs in these folks And their responses to their complaints can and will hold them liable in court. Litigation is expensive....best of luck ;)

Apr 07, 2024

First and most important, do not use this business for vintage vehicles. I found several discrepancies after and during the attempted repair of my vehicle. They are so overpriced, they over charge labor, they over charge parts and the worst part of all. They charged me over 6k dollars for a repair and did not repair my vehicle. So disappointed, and I will be filing a complaint with the BBU of Columbia.

Apr 07, 2024

They have a very organized appointment, intake process. They accurately diagnosed my 1987 Land Rover Defender 90k With a number of problems, made recommendations and gave an estimate and time frame for the work. The work was well done, on time and very close in price to the estimate. My bill was 8K, and due to the amount they wanted the estimate price up front to be adjusted up or down at completion. They are expensive , but you get what you paid for. I have no hesitation recommending Import Specialties, particularly for work on vintage/ collectable cars

Mar 07, 2024

Great Customer service Over There..I was looking at buying a used 911 and they gave me a estimate to replace parts in a reasonable timely matter..I will use them again..

Mar 07, 2024

I am very pleased with my first visit with Import Specialties. They quickly diagnosed an electrical issue and were able to efficiently perform a repair. The cost was reasonable and everyone I spoke with was pleasant and knowledgeable. I will gladly take my old BMW back there in the future.

Mar 07, 2024

I took my car there to be fixed. The receptionist Alexus quoted me the price over the phone. I clearly asked her if this price included everything that had to be done and she said YES. I paid the price she quoted over the phone. I sent my daughter to pick my car up and they tell her I Owe another $600. I asked to speak with someone and the owner got on the phone and cursed me out. He was very rude and disrespectful. I asked for an explanation of the charges and he kept screaming and cursing. I told him his receptionist Alexus quoted me the price and he said he didn't care what she said. He didn't try to fix the issue. I had to pay the $600 overage to get my car back after I had already paid $1300!! I will never go there again. They did my brother the same way. Quoted one price and charged something totally different. People, please take your cars elsewhere!!

Feb 07, 2024

Awesome Job with getting my car fixed and back to me Thanks to everyone

Feb 07, 2024

By far the best experience yet. Among’s other foreign repairs shop this by far is the best one I’ve been to. David here Is very reasonable and honest on what needs to be done and will get you in an out in reasonable timing. Prices reasonable. Furthermore this is where I will be taking all my vehicles to. I give this shop a 10/10 would recommend!!!

Feb 07, 2024

Called and got a quote from Kimberly via email a week ago and brought my Mercedes Benz GLA250 in today. Super impressed with the timely manner everything was done and the atmosphere. What was quoted to me prior to me bringing my car in is exactly what I paid at time of checkout. With no random and unnecessary additional markups. I was also recommended additional preventive maintenance (also received a quote for this) without the pushiness that often occurs at smaller maintenance shops. I feel 100% confident in this shop to do their best work and I will be back for more scheduled services! Thank you

Feb 07, 2024

David and Kim at IS should be your one stop shop for any concerns you have for your import or domesticated import. I do my own work, and haven't taken my car to a mechanic in years. My Japanes Toyota had issues I just couldn't fix. I wouldn't lie, I was skeptical and nervous. But I dropped my car off and within HOURS of drop off, Kim rang me informing me David took time to look at it early. The most important thing to note is not a single shop in the area would even touch my car. David and his shop did. I authorized the work, and it was finished the following morning. The speediness, professionalism and courtesy I was shown reassured me during a stressful time. I see alot of complaints about their fees, and from my experience growing up in a garage, they are more than fair. Imported vehicles require skill and time. Kim was very clear and concise regarding what condition the vehicle needed to be in, and what costs were associated with a diag. At no point of the repair process was I surprised with fees or charges. Kim was very communicative. I will definitely trust this team with my vehicle again. If you are reading this, you should as well!

Feb 07, 2024

Extremely friendly service! I had a very positive experience. I drove in with a punctured tire from a few blocks away and they helped me immediately. They took a morning that started out kind of badly and turned my day around with their kindness.

Feb 07, 2024

Fantastic experience! Great customer service with competitive prices! Love dealing with a locally owned small business that actually cares about the services they provide and taking care of their customers!

Feb 07, 2024

Great customer service, highly experienced technicians. Great place to get your BMW or Mercedes serviced.

Feb 07, 2024

Great experience, responded quickly to inquiries and delivered on schedule. Great job Import Specialists Team!

Feb 07, 2024

Great professional customer services from start to finish! Was completely satisfied with the work performed on my BMW 740Li and my wife’s Jaguar XE. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that doesn’t want the dealership to take you to the cleaners. Expert import car mechanics.

Feb 07, 2024

I came in there and you didn't do half the stuff I asked you to do I have a tail light out you did not set my clock or my radio what did you do?

Feb 07, 2024

I haven’t been here but looking for a good price i bought a Audi TT 2008 and it’s been having lots of problems can maybe someone tell me the average price on fixing a oil leak, evap leak, and electrical problems im mostly worried about the oil leak though i thought i had fixed it but it ended up coming back so would be nice if i can get a price check on that.

Feb 07, 2024

Very, Very bad experience. Customer Service sucked during recent visit. Owner got involved. Racial tones displayed by young lady that assisted my wife during visit.