[BmwFanFL]

Originally Posted by HennarotM3

I assume you're joking, because in no way would a SA referring you to Terry Burger's website serve as a complete defense to BMWNA's denial of warranty work.

Let's be realistic. SAs are enthusiasts, too. They want to mod their cars. A SA giving you tuning information scribbled on the back of a business card likely falls outside the scope of the SA's employment period; it certainly doesn't reveal apparent authority sufficient to bind BMWNA to cover tune-induced warranty work.

Better safe than sorry. I know it makes a lot of us feel cool to have the "mod-friendly SA," but you're asking for it if you don't take reasonable precautions against detection.

I agree 100%.

When (if) problems arise, the SA will likely recall telling you to mod at your own risk, remember your warranty, etc... They are unlikely to risk their jobs...

However, I'm sure your written documents related to your car purchase all state that the agreement is contained entirely in the written, properly executed documents, and specifically excludes oral, extemporaneous communications. The most you could do (IMO) is get your SA in hot water.

The best your SA can do for you is keep their mouth closed regarding the likelihood of tunes/mods on your car that may not be apparent at the time of service. Since the best they can do is say nothing, I assert there is zero value in discussing it with them in the first place.

I advise removal of mods at service, diagnostic stealth, to protect you from marginal cases and make sure you get likely unrelated drivetrain repairs under warranty. I absolutely don't advocate BMW paying for new turbos after you push the design boost limits BMW established (regardless of what we think the turbos can/should do). Hopefully, that really doesn't happen in practice, but I certainly don't know one way or the other (it is a risk, albeit not quantified yet).

[bolinp78]

Originally Posted by i2iSTUDIOS

It's not in writing but my SA is pretty cool, he's been my SA since the E46.

I would do yourself a huge favor and get it in writing.

[Kyosho]

Ernie at Crevier was a douchebag.
You're lucky you and your SA have a good relationship

sorry for thread jack, but does anyone know if installing gauges (boost, watertemp, etc) void warranty?

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by i2iSTUDIOS

I took my car to the dealership for brake fluid flush I asked him if it would be ok if I put on the following mods and it wouldn't be a problem for him and the warranty.

1) Dual Cone Intake: No problem
2) Oil Catch Can: No problem
3) SSTT mod: No problem, we can unplug it if we ever have a problem.

It's not in writing but my SA is pretty cool, he's been my SA since the E46.

A couple questions:

Who is "him"?
Did you get it in writing?
Did the shop forman approve this?

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by Kyosho

Ernie at Crevier was a douchebag.
You're lucky you and your SA have a good relationship

sorry for thread jack, but does anyone know if installing gauges (boost, watertemp, etc) void warranty?

I'm really trying to get you guys to understand this...it really doesn't matter what kind of relationship you have with your SA.

I'm not saying it's not a good thing but your relationship is somewhat independent of whether a warranty claim is going to get approved or not.

They key is to have a BMW tech that doesn't mind about the mods.
He is the one who has access to the computor for notes.
He is the one who will deny work if he sees modifications.

I try to think of it like this--The SA is the guy whi gets paid to kiss your butt; the Tech is the guy who gets paid to do the job under the regulations of BMWNA.