Services / Audi & Volkswagen
Audi & VW Repair Specialists
Redondo Beach, CA
Audi and Volkswagen share the same engineering DNA. Mike has over forty-five years of experience with German cars and has been serving the South Bay for over forty-five years. This family-owned shop knows VAG platforms inside and out.
Call (310) 379-7754Why choose an independent Audi and VW specialist?
An independent specialist offers decades of platform-specific knowledge with a personal touch. Mike’s Foreign Auto is more affordable than dealerships, provides faster turnaround on the models we see every day, and gives you direct communication with the mechanics working on your car. As a family-owned shop with over forty-five years in Redondo Beach, our reputation is built on trust, quality work, and fair pricing.
Audi Models We Specialize In
A4 (B5–B9)
A4 1.8T, A4 2.0T, A4 Quattro
The backbone of the Audi lineup since 1996. Common work includes timing belt and chain service, turbocharger maintenance, and Quattro AWD system diagnosis. The B5 1.8T put Audi on the map for enthusiasts, and every generation since has built on that foundation.
A3 / S3
A3 2.0T, S3
Shares the MQB platform with the Golf and GTI. Responsive and well-built, with the same 2.0T TSI/TFSI engines we know inside and out. Common maintenance includes carbon cleaning on direct-injection models and DSG transmission service.
A6 / A8
A6 2.0T, A6 3.0T, A8
Sophisticated luxury with complex air suspension, multi-link steering, and advanced electronics. These cars reward an experienced mechanic who understands their systems. We handle timing chain service, suspension rebuilds, and electrical diagnosis.
TT (Mk1–Mk3)
TT 1.8T, TT 2.0T, TTS
Q5 / Q7
Q5 2.0T, Q7 3.0T, Q7 TDI
The SUVs that brought Audi engineering to a larger audience. The Q7 shares its platform with the Touareg, and the Q5 2.0T is one of the most popular Audis on the road. Timing chain tensioner issues on the 2.0T and supercharger maintenance on the 3.0T are regular work for us.
S4 / S6 / RS Models
S4, S6, RS4, RS5, RS6
High-performance Audis demand a mechanic who respects the engineering. From the iconic B5 S4 2.7T biturbo to the naturally aspirated V8 B7 RS4, we have the experience to keep these cars running at their best.
Volkswagen Models We Specialize In
Golf / GTI (Mk1–Mk8)
Golf, GTI, Golf R
Eight generations and still the benchmark for hot hatches. From the original Mk1 Rabbit to the current Mk8 GTI, these cars share a philosophy of accessible performance. Common work includes turbo service, carbon cleaning, and DSG maintenance.
Jetta
Jetta 2.0, Jetta 1.8T, Jetta TDI, GLI
The sedan counterpart to the Golf and one of the most popular Volkswagens in America. TDI models are a particular specialty. We handle timing belt service, injection system diagnosis, and the full range of maintenance these cars need to stay reliable.
Passat
Passat 1.8T, Passat 2.0T, Passat VR6, Passat TDI
Beetle
Classic Beetle, New Beetle, Beetle (A5)
From air-cooled classics to the modern water-cooled models, the Beetle has been part of this shop since the beginning. Mike started his career working on German cars when air-cooled VWs were everywhere.
Touareg / Tiguan
Touareg V6, Touareg TDI, Tiguan
The Touareg shares its platform with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, making it far more capable than most owners realize. The Tiguan is one of the best-selling VW SUVs on the road. Both benefit from a mechanic familiar with the VAG platform.
And all other Audi and Volkswagen models, classic through current.
Common Audi & VW Services
Engine Service
1.8T, 2.0T TSI/TFSI, VR6, and TDI diesel engines. These powertrains span decades of Audi and VW models, and we know every generation. From oil changes to full rebuilds, we handle it all.
Timing Chain & Belt Service
Critical maintenance on many VAG engines. The 2.0T TSI is known for timing chain tensioner failures, and many VW TDI engines require timing belt replacement at specific intervals. Skipping this service risks catastrophic engine damage.
DSG / S-tronic Transmission
Dual-clutch transmissions require specialized fluid changes and mechatronic unit service. We perform DSG fluid and filter replacement at the manufacturer-recommended intervals to keep shifts smooth and reliable.
Electrical & Quattro AWD
VAG vehicles are sophisticated electronically. From Haldex AWD service on transverse Quattro models to module coding and electrical diagnosis, we have the diagnostic tools and experience these cars require.
Suspension
Standard and magnetic ride (MagneRide) suspension on Audi models, plus coilover and standard setups on VW. Proper suspension maintenance transforms how these cars drive and handle.
Turbocharger Service
Nearly every modern Audi and VW is turbocharged. We handle turbo replacement, wastegate actuator service, boost leak diagnosis, and diverter valve replacement across all TSI, TFSI, and TDI engines.
“Mike is incredibly knowledgeable about German cars. Honest, fair pricing, and he treats every car like it is his own. Highly recommended for any Audi or VW owner.”
“Found Mike after years of overpaying at the dealership. Same quality work, more personal service, and significantly more affordable. This is where every VW and Audi in the South Bay should go.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Audi and VW really the same underneath?
They share the VAG (Volkswagen Auto Group) platform, which means many engines, transmissions, and electrical systems are common between the two brands. An Audi A3 and a VW Golf GTI, for example, share the same MQB platform, 2.0T engine, and DSG transmission. A mechanic who knows one knows the other. Mike's Foreign Auto has been working on both brands for decades, and that shared-platform knowledge is one of the reasons our diagnosis is fast and accurate.
How often does a DSG transmission need servicing?
Most DSG and S-tronic transmissions should have their fluid and filter changed every 40,000 miles. Some owners skip this because it is not always emphasized in owner manuals, but neglecting DSG service leads to rough shifting, shuddering, and eventually expensive mechatronic unit failure. We perform DSG service regularly and keep the correct fluids in stock.
Why is timing chain service so important on 2.0T engines?
Early EA888 2.0T engines (found in many 2008-2013 Audi and VW models) have a known issue with the timing chain tensioner. When the tensioner fails, the chain can skip, causing the valves to contact the pistons. This is a catastrophic failure that can total the engine. We inspect timing chain tensioners as part of our routine service and recommend proactive replacement on high-mileage early EA888 engines.
Is it more affordable to service my Audi or VW at an independent shop?
Yes. Independent shops like Mike's Foreign Auto typically charge significantly less than dealerships for the same work. We use quality OEM and OE-equivalent parts, and our labor rates reflect the South Bay market rather than a corporate dealership structure. You also get a more personal experience: direct communication with the team working on your car, and a family-owned shop that has built its reputation over forty-five years in Redondo Beach.
Do you work on TDI diesel Volkswagens and Audis?
Yes. TDI engines are one of our specialties. We service the 1.9 TDI (ALH, BEW), 2.0 TDI (CBEA, CJAA), and 3.0 TDI engines found in Jetta, Passat, Golf, Touareg, A3, Q5, and Q7 models. Common work includes timing belt replacement, injection system service, turbocharger maintenance, and diesel particulate filter diagnosis. Mike has been working on diesel engines for over forty-five years.
Ready to schedule your Audi or VW service?
Call (310) 379-7754