[stimpy]

I'm sure you guys have thought about this over and over...

What's your plans for when you get these installed? Going to take them off every year for service? Anytime something breaks and you need to go to the dealership for warranty work?

I'm not much of a mechanic but I am confident I can get these installed. I'm just not looking forward to taking the damn things off and putting them back on everytime I need something done. It's not exactly as quick as removing a tune.

Just want to hear what thoughts you mulled over and why you decided to go for it (or not).

[getInline]

yup, I certainly thought about it and a lot of it depends on how hard it is to get in and out. If I want to kill kittens after I've finished installing it, then I'll probably leave it on for routine service, otherwise I'll swap it in and out.

[enrita]

i will always keep them in . I would probably only remove the DPs if i have some serious problems with the turbos .

[stimpy]

Wouldn't they make note of the DP and IC? So if you took it in for warranty work they would just give you the finger...

[akira42]

They're not going to notice DP's if you're only going in to get your oil changed. Air Intake is visible by just lifting the hood. So that is something that has to come off. But they have to go looking for DPs to notice them. Something they're probably not going to do just for oil changes.

[stimpy]

I've had warranty work done with my BMS filter on - I don't care to take that off. My last three cars had intakes and some had major warranty work and it was never mentioned.

Would take a real D-Bag to try to blame a filter on an engine failure.

Good point about them not noticing downpipes or an intercooler for doing normal service -- however I am sure they will be able to smell and/or hear the downpipes but would really have to go out of their way to verify.

Other thoughts would be appreciated still on the fence.

[akira42]

Wow. I would be scared to go in with intakes being as visible as they are. DP's and exhaust i would think they wouldn't notice. Especially since these cars haven't been on the road that long. It's not like they have seen a lot of 'what it's supposed to look like'.

I think if you keep you back-cats, they're not going to notice that big of a difference in noise difference with after market DP's. As for the added power, they probably don't have the oppurtunity to really crank on it to the point where it would be noticable at the shop....

[ontopofm]

Originally Posted by akira42

They're not going to notice DP's if you're only going in to get your oil changed. Air Intake is visible by just lifting the hood. So that is something that has to come off. But they have to go looking for DPs to notice them. Something they're probably not going to do just for oil changes.

this is not true, when the car is on the lift it's very easy to spot the dps, there's an opening at the dps/exhaust connection and the oil drain bolt is almost right next to it, and with dps the car sounds much louder even my SA noticed

[ToadHollow]

Noone should receive ANY static from the dealer with regard to the upgraded FMIC. Helix here I come!

AR DP's (or any manufacturer) are going to catch some attention dependant on the dealer though. I went with the catted version to lessen headaches with emissions ......... and they're staying on with trips to the dealer as well. Unless I have some major problem with the car that could cause a closer inspection by the dealer, they stay installed.

[ToadHollow]

Scary post count Stimpy ...... 666

I forgot to mention that I also have never removed any visible mods from the car before going in for service and have yet to encounter any problem(s) with regard to the dealer/warranty issues.

[stimpy]

You don't think they will put a note on your account and bring it up when it comes time to replace a shit HPFP or a failing turbo Toad? Remember, they can deny you all they want and it'd be in your hand to hire a lawyer and take them to court.

Edit: lol nice.. maybe the 666 is a sign not to buy downpipes .. Satan will pwn my motor.

[TheAcAvenger]

Intercooler in, downpipes out

But I don't go to the dealer, and I won't until the fuel pump goes. Most of the maintenance (oil, microfilters, brake fluid) are easy DIYs or you can take it to an authorized shop. $100 bucks is worth the hassle, IMO.

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by stimpy

You don't think they will put a note on your account and bring it up when it comes time to replace a shit HPFP or a failing turbo Toad? Remember, they can deny you all they want and it'd be in your hand to hire a lawyer and take them to court.

Edit: lol nice.. maybe the 666 is a sign not to buy downpipes .. Satan will pwn my motor.

Well, as anal as I am about maintenance and the likes on this car; the only type of damage/problem the engine might endure would be something I have no control over. Eg internal/transmission/ECU ........ anything major and I'll remove whatever might connect the dots to a tech.

Did you hear me BMWNA????

HPFP hasn't been a problem and I don't believe my build date was affected. With everything I have changed out on this car (suspension/brakes/Dinan/lights/exhaust etc) I don't expect I have much of a warranty left with regard to the bolt-on stuff. The only thing I haven't "technically" voided is the powertrain warranty.

[akira42]

So what does happen if BMW catches you and refuses service? Has anybody had this happen and is willing to admit it? Do they blacklist you? Can you try a different dealership?

[Bimmer This]

I work at a dealership as a technician. Chevrolet though. Anyways, to tell you the truth, if a car coMes in for routine service (oil changes, services, etc.) I don't really look for mods. Everyone and their grandma drives around with aftermarket air filters whether it be a full on pipe and filter or just a normal drop filter. I'ven seen people with diesel trucks 2009 models come in with Banks system on the with full exhaust and even propane injection installed and I could care less if they have them. I just look past them until someone acutally brings in one with a failing turbo. Maybe that is just me but just my opinion, for routine oil changes and etc., you should be fine with down pipes and air filters and IC installed until soMething actually fails (turbos) then you take take them off. The tech would have to be an absolute dick of he was to tell the service manager about your add in just because of an oil change. Like I said, that'd just me. Or, you can just put two 12 packs in your trunk and tell your SA that you have a gift in the trunk for him and the tech. Everytime out bring your car in. Buying their friendship
With beer usually works real well. LOL

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

I work at a dealership as a technician. Chevrolet though. Anyways, to tell you the truth, if a car coMes in for routine service (oil changes, services, etc.) I don't really look for mods. Everyone and their grandma drives around with aftermarket air filters whether it be a full on pipe and filter or just a normal drop filter. I'ven seen people with diesel trucks 2009 models come in with Banks system on the with full exhaust and even propane injection installed and I could care less if they have them. I just look past them until someone acutally brings in one with a failing turbo. Maybe that is just me but just my opinion, for routine oil changes and etc., you should be fine with down pipes and air filters and IC installed until soMething actually fails (turbos) then you take take them off. The tech would have to be an absolute dick of he was to tell the service manager about your add in just because of an oil change. Like I said, that'd just me. Or, you can just put two 12 packs in your trunk and tell your SA that you have a gift in the trunk for him and the tech. Everytime out bring your car in. Buying their friendship
With beer usually works real well. LOL

Around here wine is always a good gesture .......

[stimpy]

Good info Bimmer...

Sidenote: I've always looked for a way to 'tip' my SA/tech but I really don't like giving money. Beer in the trunk is a good one - wonder if they can get it out without being noticed

[Bimmer This]

Wine might be a good idea. Not for me though. I've seen a lot of people just do beer though. Myself personally, I've never had anyone do that to me. It happens a lot with my co-workers. Like I said, I usually don't mind aftermarket parts on the car until something usually fails. Tech's don't keep a mental picture of what you have done to your car unless your car stands out from the rest. Stimpy, as long as you stick with the same SA, you can tip him anyway you like. SA's are usually pretty cool because they aint the ones paying the money to get your car fixed. They also get paid just like techs. As long as you treat them with respect (like don't bitch about every little squeak and rattle or the best things is GIVE THEM PERFECT SCORES when BMW calls you about your recent service visit) and you remain on good terms with them, they too will look past whatever you have done to your ride. But, if something fails (engine, transmission, etc.) take off what you got before you take it in. I've seen my friends walk right out the dealership with 12 packs in their hands and service managers dorn't say a thing to them. As long as they are not drinking during the job.

[stimpy]

more input gogo