About Us

Beckley Imports has been providing specialized European car service to Central Iowan’s for 34 years. Here’s the story of why that works for our friends and customers.

“I began my company servicing Mercedes Benz models in 1977 after several years of training on Mercedes at Dave Ostrem Imports. Back then, BMW and Volvo were much less popular and refined. When I began my career some Saabs still required mixing oil with the gasoline.”

There was another advantage in the choice of cars Beckley’s specialized in – enthusiastic owners.

“I always appreciated the design and technology of Mercedes, they are a pleasure to work on. But I soon discovered Mercedes owners were just as enthusiastic about their cars. They are loyal and dedicated to maintaining their cars properly. This made it much more enjoyable.”

As the popularity and sales of other high performance European makes grew the demand to maintain them increased.

“First I added BMW service, followed by Volvo. I found the same enthusiasm for those makes. Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche were gaining a dedicated following but I resisted working on them. The VW’s were pretty cheap and the early Audi’s were miserable. They broke so often they made us look bad. Today they are all great cars. I’ve owned everything I work on, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo… today I drive an Audi.”

 

In 1987 Robert Bosch corporation (Germany) asked Beckley’s to be their authorized service center for Central Iowa. Bosch designs and manufactures the systems that power and control the cars Beckley’s service. They are the world’s leading supplier of automotive components including antilock braking and fuel-injection systems, engine management electronics, starters and alternators.

“Everything that makes your car stop, go and be safe is a product of Bosch technology. The partnership with Bosch and their factory training allows us to stay proficient in the latest technology.”

Next AAA asked Beckley’s to represent them as a AAA Approved Auto Repair center.

“This was a great compliment. AAA is very rigorous about choosing the facilities they partner with. It is a confirmation we are serving the Central Iowa community well.”

In 2001 Beckley’s completed construction of their new facility, on the North edge of Downtown at 8th and Crocker street.

“We had to relocate due to the MLK bypass. We were good neighbors and the City of Des Moines saw us as a valuable complement to downtown. They did everything possible to make this work and our new location, one block south of the freeway, has proven very convenient. We’re less than 10 minutes to Valley West Mall.”

33 years in business has resulted in many outstanding relationships.

“I like the cars but the most rewarding part is the relationships. Many current clients are friends that go back to the first years and I often take care of their kid’s cars. They say some of the most valuable relationships in a community are a good doctor, a good plumber, and an honest, competent car mechanic. This has always been my goal-the trusted family car repair guy-and it’s worked out very well for all of us.”