First off, if you're looking for an auto repair shop you can trust to be honest, straight forward and sincere, look no further than Semaca Foreign Care Repair, Port Chester NY. I will not go anywhere else, ever again!! My 2007 BMW X3 has never been happier. Serafino and his team saved me BIG $$$$, educated me, provided alternative repair options, and identified 2 oil leaks not even mentioned by others, that could have caused major engine failure. I can't thank them enough, and felt the need to post this Review to show my gratitude. While the following is long winded – it explains my situation and the true honesty and value provided by Semaca!! I own a 2007 BMW X3 (40 K miles), had used the BMW Service Center (Port Chester, NY) over the years for general maintenance and warranty repairs. I never had major problems until recently, my Exhaust suddenly sounded like there was a large hole, engine lost power, and the service engine soon light came on. I went to my BMW Service Center, requested an oil change, along with diagnosis of the Exhaust, break system, (because I knew replacement was needed soon), and rear suspension, (I recently heard a strange “dink” noise when I hit bumps). When I arrived at the BMW Service Center, I noticed everything had changed, and learned “Penske Automotive” was now basically running the place. The Service Manager tells me “the entire exhaust system is rotted”, everything needs to be replaced; Quote $9,535 Which is more than half the entire value of my 2007 BMW X3 !! As far as the breaks and rear suspension, I didn’t care given the shocking Exhaust cost. I told them to only change the oil, and I will go shop around. I reached out to Semaca, brought in my X3, provided the BMW diagnosis with quote, and asked them to validate the issues and provide an estimate. They immediately put my X3 on the lift to inspect the Exhaust with me present. Results, the “entire exhaust system” was absolutely not rotted, what was “rotted” and needed replacement was the front 4 bolts and gasket connecting a down pipe from the engine manifold to the front section of the Exhaust system. Serafino explained, a new X3 comes from the factory with the Exhaust as one entire unit, from those 4 bolts to the exit pipes. However, BMW replacement Exhaust systems are sold in 4 separate sections, because it's rare the entire Exhaust system has to be replaced. I also confirmed this with another BMW Dealer / Service Center. Serafino then pointed out two oil leaks, from the Valve Cover, and Oil Filter Housing. BMW “claimed” to change the oil, which I paid for, yet never mentioned any oil leaks. Serafino told me these leaks are common in the X3 (I also confirmed with another BMW Service Center). I was shocked (again), because There's no way not to see these leaks, oil would've dripped onto the mechanics face when changing the oil filter. We agreed these oil leaks were of major concern, and required repair, to avoid total engine destruction. I would've never seen oil spots under the X3, because it was pooled in a plastic shield under the engine, that Serafino had removed when determining the full extent of the exhaust issues. Semaca - honest, sincere, cost effective... I will never use another auto repair shop.. period !!
