Your warranty cannot automatically be voided

FirstClass · 05-01-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian GT PRO

actually you are wrong. I spoke to my SEMA rep today in the legal dept., and he and I went through this topic, I FW him all the threads here. It is unlawful for BMW to just arbitrarily void my warranty becuase I have one aftermarket component on my car, there was no failure, no warranty claim, and IF I broke something due to my aftermarket part? I would pay for it, no issues, but if it is totally unrelated I'm not paying period... We are investigating the recourse we are going to take with BMW NA. The funny thing is his boss drives a modded BMW, we both laughed a bit and said well it's time to let him know what's going on and put a plan of attack together.

They haven't denied you anything yet, they've simply noted for their records that if you ever do claim anything in the powertrain they aren't going to pay for it, which is entirely justified.

Mattscott · 05-01-2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpybear

Problems or claims aren't needed, discovery is enough.

+1

Mattscott · 05-01-2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian GT PRO

actually you are wrong. I spoke to my SEMA rep today in the legal dept., and he and I went through this topic, I FW him all the threads here. It is unlawful for BMW to just arbitrarily void my warranty becuase I have one aftermarket component on my car, there was no failure, no warranty claim, and IF I broke something due to my aftermarket part? I would pay for it, no issues, but if it is totally unrelated I'm not paying period... We are investigating the recourse we are going to take with BMW NA. The funny thing is his boss drives a modded BMW, we both laughed a bit and said well it's time to let him know what's going on and put a plan of attack together.

They can do whatever they want. IF they find a tune they can void all warranty as the car us being operated outside of it's designed perameters.

Brian GT PRO · 05-01-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstClass

They haven't denied you anything yet, they've simply noted for their records that if you ever do claim anything in the powertrain they aren't going to pay for it, which is entirely justified.

actually the car is red flagged at BMW NA I had it checked.

Mattscott · 05-01-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian GT PRO

actually the car is red flagged at BMW NA I had it checked.

I'm red flagged as well.

I will be returning it to OEM specs and having it re-checked by a field rep to have the flag removed

O-cha · 05-01-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattscott

I'm red flagged as well.

I will be returning it to OEM specs and having it re-checked by a field rep to have the flag removed

They do that?

Mattscott · 05-01-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-cha

They do that?

I've got it in writing. Warranty will be re-instated once vehicle is returned to OEM specifications.

O-cha · 05-01-2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattscott

I've got it in writing. Warranty will be re-instated once vehicle is returned to OEM specifications.

Wow, that's impressive how did you manage that?

Mattscott · 05-01-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-cha

Wow, that's impressive how did you manage that?

I asked. HAHA. Took it in for an issue with catless dp's on. It's been a headache but field rep will be back in 2 weeks for re-inspection.

arabbmw · 05-01-2008, 11:06 PM

I hope you guys dont mind me asking, but has anyone had any major power train issues with our with out a tune?

I was planning on buying a jb1 this weekend at bimmerfest, but now im all freaked out. Before i started reading all this, i was just telling my self ill take it out when i need to, and then put it back in when i need to. No problems. But now im worried that if when its in, i blow a turbo or something and they somehow figure out its cause of the jb1. What do you think?

jm1234 · 05-02-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian GT PRO

it was a JB2HR, not SSTT + I was not claiming ANYTHING at all, just my sunroof would not close, they went digging and found the JB gave an immediate VOID on my powertrain, even though I had/have no problems with it or claims.

Would you be happier if they had waited until you had a problem and then told you your warranty was void? Sounds like they did you a favor by letting you know you were on thin ice. At least now you can be careful with the car if you don't want to pay for repairs...

The fact is that your powertrain warranty is legally void the second you install anything that modifies the operating specifications. The entire power train is a system and forces are transmitted in each direction to each and every piece in a very scientifically provable manner. The system is specifically designed to be stable given a very wide latitude of external inputs from environmental conditions. It's not designed, nor is it reasonable to expect the manufacturer to prove any of thousands of specification changes can/could have any effect on any of thousands of components. If it modifies the operating specifications in some way to exceed stock then DUH, your warranty is void even if you get a jury trial! If you hand them the evidence (modified car) how can you be upset that they told you something you should already know? It's not as if they were listening to your music or reading your diary. They were looking over the car. Is it really such an invasion of your "privacy" to have a mechanic check out all the car's systems when you bring in a car for work? Isn't that especially expected when the mechanic (or his employer) is responsible for the proper operation of those systems (under warranty).

Black Chili · 05-05-2008, 02:21 AM

After seeing this topic debated for the last several years with Ford, Dodge, Mitsubishi, and Suburu owners and their Cobra/ SRT4/ Evo/ WRX/ STi's, I can say there is one thing you can do to help yourself:

FIND A GOOD DEALER AND/OR SERVICE DEPARTMENT or SA.

How is another matter, but when you do find a cool dealership stick with them. A good dealer wants you, your family, your friends and coworkers coming there way. Pissing you off will cost them a future sale, maybe several.

The problem with fighting a warranty claim has already been stated and I've helped a friend fight Suburu over a blown WRX. Be prepared to get tied up for months and find another car in the mean time- that's 2 car payments plus legal fees plus lots of time and hassle.

IMO, BMW is getting tough because the 335 is now coming up to or exceeding the performance of the new M3, not to mention getting uncomfortibly close to an M5/M6. That and perhaps they have there own durability data and are expecting increased warrenty claims before the 50k warranty expires..

2e9x's · 05-05-2008, 09:09 AM

This issue is troublesome but advice to find a good dealer is well taken. Following is a true and disturbing tale of a friend of mine...the point is to demonstrate how a bad dealer can make a mess of things and a good dealer can make them right...

I have a friend who owned a 530xi touring (now a e92 335i). His car leaked water during rain. The water ran into the electronics bay in the back and shorted everything out. One dealer, McKenna BMW, handed him a bill for $6,000. I found a SIB for leaky sunroof cassettes which covered his car. The SIB specifically mentions debris in the drains causing a leak into the car and attributed the leak to a faulty sunroof cassette.

McKenna said there were leaves blocking the drain holes and thus denied warranty coverage. The field service rep backed the dealership up and made a notation in the car's file.

My friend then took his car to South Bay BMW. They told him that the car clearly falls under that SIB and that it should have been covered. However since the field service rep noted the file thy were out of luck. The total bill came to <$600 (exact same list of parts and labor)!!!

The moral of the story is that not all dealers are the same. Make nice to your shop's service manger and shop foreman. That can make all the difference in the world. (NB: I am NOT saying they will do anything improper to help, but they are less likely to go looking for a problem)

Taimur · 05-05-2008, 03:22 PM

I'm really curious to know that ... How old are these people who are having their warranties voided?

ArmyBimmerDude · 05-05-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taimur

I'm really curious to know that ... How old are these people who are having their warranties voided?

Young. There have been two that left their piggybacks in, even after this forum said its best to pull them out before going to the dealer.

Then you have exhaust mods, which you really cant do much about.

05-01-2008, 11:06 PM	#54
arabbmw Lieutenant 17 Rep 548 Posts Drives: 335i coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: G hills iTrader: (2)	I hope you guys dont mind me asking, but has anyone had any major power train issues with our with out a tune? I was planning on buying a jb1 this weekend at bimmerfest, but now im all freaked out. Before i started reading all this, i was just telling my self ill take it out when i need to, and then put it back in when i need to. No problems. But now im worried that if when its in, i blow a turbo or something and they somehow figure out its cause of the jb1. What do you think?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-05-2008, 02:21 AM	#56
Black Chili IT geek 6 Rep 187 Posts Drives: M4 Black Saphire Metalic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	After seeing this topic debated for the last several years with Ford, Dodge, Mitsubishi, and Suburu owners and their Cobra/ SRT4/ Evo/ WRX/ STi's, I can say there is one thing you can do to help yourself: FIND A GOOD DEALER AND/OR SERVICE DEPARTMENT or SA. How is another matter, but when you do find a cool dealership stick with them. A good dealer wants you, your family, your friends and coworkers coming there way. Pissing you off will cost them a future sale, maybe several. The problem with fighting a warranty claim has already been stated and I've helped a friend fight Suburu over a blown WRX. Be prepared to get tied up for months and find another car in the mean time- that's 2 car payments plus legal fees plus lots of time and hassle. IMO, BMW is getting tough because the 335 is now coming up to or exceeding the performance of the new M3, not to mention getting uncomfortibly close to an M5/M6. That and perhaps they have there own durability data and are expecting increased warrenty claims before the 50k warranty expires..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-05-2008, 09:09 AM	#57
2e9x's Major 53 Rep 1,137 Posts Drives: 335i ED 7/07 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: A Sunny Place iTrader: (2)	This issue is troublesome but advice to find a good dealer is well taken. Following is a true and disturbing tale of a friend of mine...the point is to demonstrate how a bad dealer can make a mess of things and a good dealer can make them right... I have a friend who owned a 530xi touring (now a e92 335i). His car leaked water during rain. The water ran into the electronics bay in the back and shorted everything out. One dealer, McKenna BMW, handed him a bill for $6,000. I found a SIB for leaky sunroof cassettes which covered his car. The SIB specifically mentions debris in the drains causing a leak into the car and attributed the leak to a faulty sunroof cassette. McKenna said there were leaves blocking the drain holes and thus denied warranty coverage. The field service rep backed the dealership up and made a notation in the car's file. My friend then took his car to South Bay BMW. They told him that the car clearly falls under that SIB and that it should have been covered. However since the field service rep noted the file thy were out of luck. The total bill came to <$600 (exact same list of parts and labor)!!! The moral of the story is that not all dealers are the same. Make nice to your shop's service manger and shop foreman. That can make all the difference in the world. (NB: I am NOT saying they will do anything improper to help, but they are less likely to go looking for a problem) __________________ 2010 Evo X - silver with a big, stupid wing on the back 2009 VW CC - Black/Black - with a 2011 328i on order to replace it - ED 8/1/11
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05-05-2008, 03:22 PM	#58
Taimur Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 270 Posts Drives: '15 M3 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I'm really curious to know that ... How old are these people who are having their warranties voided?
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