Thinking about becoming a BMW mechanic...

[fairweatherpunk]

The wiseguy's pretty much right, but I don't buy all of those really high numbers from some of these post's. I work at carmax. I've been a mechanic for 5 years. I work on eveything from honda's to BMW's but The highest paid guy at my work might make 100K, but that's with some dishonesty. I get paid flat rate which is the way a lot of mechanics get paid. You get paid by the job. And that's how you make your money. As a mechanic I have work pretty much all the time, which is rare at a dealership. Most dealerships will go through slow times and busy times. Don't believe everything that's being said in this thread. Some of it is very exagerated. The only way to know for sure is to ask someone who's done it. And again it may also depend on the area you live. You may get paid a little more or a little less in different states. I have a friend in Jersey who thinks after he goes through Audi school that he's going to make 140K straight out school. It just doesn't work like that.

[tech wanabe]

i have always wanted to be a tech for a major company but im not sure how to do so, Do you absolutley have to go to UTI? i live in san antonio and moving is out of the qeustion so what are you thoughts on this, what route should i take to do something i love?

[fairweatherpunk]

If I were you I would do my best to find an independent shop or dealership that is willing to hire you without experience and train you as you go. The problem is you become pool boy when your the new guy and eveyone just wants to throw oil changes and tires at you all day long. It's hard to find people that care enough about you as a friend to help you professionally learn the trade. It's so competitve in the auto mechanic field that everyone seems like a competitor to one extent or another. There are some guys who are willing to teach you anything or answer any question. And then there are others who think and act like everything is a big secret and they are the only ones priviledged enough to know how to work on cars. If your young and you have time, tinker with your own car. Start with basic maintenace and slowly work your way up. I would highly reccommend getting some auto fundamental books. I have a great one, that actually has a project you can do. You actually rebuild a lawnmower engine step by step, and it helps understand some basic concepts that can apply to car engines. Be willing to work on anything not just bmw's, because many different basics carry over into all types of cars. It takes some dedication, and knowing people doesn't hurt either. I hope this helps. (School is great if you have the time and money. I didn't have either.)