OEM Certifications

Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair maintains two prestigious original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certifications with BMW and Volvo.  These certifications are limited; available only to select auto body repair shops in any given metropolitan area.  Spirit West Motor Carriage is also designated Gold Class^® by I-CAR, a not-for-profit training organization founded by the collision repair industry and dedicated to consumer safety.  Keep reading to learn about the importance of these certifications as you search for collision repair service in the St. Louis area.

Spirit West Motor Carriage is a BMW Certified Collision Repair Center

This certification for BMW, The Ultimate Driving Machine^®, means that our collision repair shop in Manchester, MO, in the words of the automaker, meets the rigorous BMW standards or training, parts, equipment and repair procedures; using only OEM parts.  This designation, previously only open to BMW dealerships, opened in 2018 to select independent repair centers in 2018.  BMW modified its program to meet demand as the number of BMW vehicles on the road, many over ten years old, continues to grow.  Each of our technicians receives more than 120 hours of BMW vehicle-specific training and uses tools, methods, procedures and data from vehicle blueprints for pinpoint accuracy.  The result is subtle but exacting; our techniques and methods, approved by BMW engineers, allow our technicians to achieve body tolerances of 1 millimeter or less.  This tolerance is far more precise than the industry standard.  For BMW Certified collision repair services in the St. Louis area, you can count on Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair.  (BMW.com, 2019)

Spirit West Motor Carriage is a Volvo Certified Collision Repair Center

This certification for Volvo, an elite distinction, ensures Volvo owners that their repairs are completed by technicians trained in the methods and procedures set forth by Volvo. Only Volvo certified repair shop have access to the complete catalog of Volvo OEM parts as the automaker began restricting access to a variety of parts beginning earth in 2019. (repairerdrivennews.com, 2019)

Volvo OEM parts are a vital component for Volvo certified collision repair.  As an example, “a windshield is not just a windshield” states Volvo.  Not all windshields are manufactured to Volvo’s exacting standards and because a windshield is a critical structural component of the vehicle and crucial for the function of the safety systems unique to Volvo.  If you find yourself in need of Volvo certified collision repair services in the St. Louis area, Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair has you covered.  (volvo.com, 2019)

Gold Class^® award criteria are rigorous; only 20% of collision repair shops currently have met the criteria.  Vehicle technology continues to advance, offering new complexities and challenges related to functional components, parts, and materials.  Escalating complexity requires highly trained specialists prepared to meet present and future challenges.  Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair in the St. Louis area, as a leading provider, meets the stringent program criteria.  When you see the Gold Class^® logo, you can be confident in your choice of collision repair shop in Manchester, MO. It means a business has met the industry’s standard for training that contributes to complete, safe, and quality repairs.  Read on to understand how this highly sought distinction benefits our collision repair consumers.

I-CAR Gold Class^® Supporting Organizations

The following organizations support and endorse the high standards and requirements of Gold Class^®.  Both BMW and Volvo require a maintained Gold Class^® designation in order to participate in the programs.  For your automobile repair services or auto collision repair, it may help to understand what it means for an organization to participate in and qualify for the Gold Class^® program.  Today’s vehicles are so technologically advanced that technicians must have not only appropriate advanced training, but also access to manufacturers’ information and data.  The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support ensures Spirit West Motor Carriage customers seeking auto collision repair in the St. Louis area, will have access to the current data and information needed to return your vehicle back to its original condition.

What Gold Class^® Means for Spirit West Motor Carriage Customers:

Spirit West Motor Carriage is the leading Gold Class^® collision repair shop in the St. Louis area.  This designation ensures that your work will be completed by technicians highly trained in advanced methods and practices for collision repair in Ballwin, MO.  All Gold Class^® technicians must complete annual continuing education on an annual basis to maintain the Platinum^® individual designation.  Collision repair technicians face many unique challenges.  In order to restore your vehicle to its original condition, in the case of a major collision, the technicians will make repairs to the frame, suspension, electrical system, and depending on the extent of the damage, even to the powertrain, cooling system and advanced safety systems of your vehicle.  You can place your trust in Spirit West Motor Carriage, the premier Gold Class^® auto body shop in the St. Louis area.

For all of your auto collision repair needs, contact Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair at 636.394.1712 Monday through Friday between 7:30am-5:30pm or stop by our convenient location at 610 Park Lane, Manchester, MO 63021.