First of all, don't bother with BMW dealers - they'll just wonder if you want to trade up from that Corvair you drove onto their lot. Second, take a look at the CS Registry (URL below) and consider getting on the email list. There are a number of folks on the list who live around DC and could suggest good mechanics. There's a modest yearly fee and though a lot of folks on this board like to slag off on the CSR, I gotta say that as another recent coupe newcomer, it's been worth every cent. This board does serve a purpose, but it lacks the detailed help available from the CSR list. By the way, a few of us (including a couple of folks from N Virginia) are driving coupes out to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix next weekend (the 21st + 22nd). Interested?