Mods that voids warranty?

[Franklin Joseph]

Since the 1M will be my first new car that i tinker with (that has a factory warranty), just want to know what mods might void the factory warranty.
I know a tune if detected will void it as well as going catless, what about intake, exhaust, suspension, brakes, adding BOV/midpipe?

Thanks
Franklin (reading too much on the 135i mods)

[ESC OFF]

OK I'll bite:

http://************/4xfbz9t

[Greenkirby21]

It also depends on your dealer. I have intake + cat back exhaust, both non BMW, and they even offered to install it for me : ).

[TunedM2C]

Originally Posted by ESC OFF

OK I'll bite:

http://************/4xfbz9t

LOL

[DiavelM3]

Originally Posted by Franklin Joseph

Since the 1M will be my first new car that i tinker with (that has a factory warranty), just want to know what mods might void the factory warranty.
I know a tune if detected will void it as well as going catless, what about intake, exhaust, suspension, brakes, adding BOV/midpipe?

Thanks
Franklin (reading too much on the 135i mods)

I heard you can install DINAN performance gear and even have a BMW dealership install it for you, and it will not void warranty

[Wild Bill]

Originally Posted by ferrari4evr1

I heard you can install DINAN performance gear and even have a BMW dealership install it for you, and it will not void warranty

That is true, I will have my dealer install the DINAN tune for the 1M when it is available.

Spoke to them at Bimmerfest and they will have it in a couple of weeks.

Their tune is not as aggressive as some others and it is expensive but I think it is worth the warranty piece of mind.

My local dealer is a DINAN licensed dealer.

WB

[Wild Bill]

Originally Posted by TrackRat

I think you'll find that Dinan actually provides the warranty for their mods, not BMW.

That is true, but that warranty is executed through the DINAN licensed dealer.

They will fix it and process it through DINAN.

Not true if you have it done any other way, then you must deal with DINAN yourself.

WB

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by TrackRat

It's all very simple actually...

"ANY alterations to the vehicle's engineered specifications" is grounds for voiding the specific part of the warranty that it impacts. So if you mod the powertrain "engineered specifications" in any way, BMW can void your powertrain warranty. If you alter the suspension's "engineered specifications" BMW can void your suspension warranty. The same applies to the vehicles, electrics.

To save mis-information and debate - The Magnuso-Moss Act which applies to "OE spec replacement service parts", does NOT apply to "alterations to the vehicle's engineered specifications".

The forum SEARCH feature will turn up numerous threads/debates on the various forums regarding grounds for termination of the new vehicle warranty which is a conditional contract. You should read your new vehicle warranty and maintenance requirements so that you fully understand your rights and obligations.

This is a very true statement, actually presented very well.. Most people quote the Moss act and fail to distinguish the difference from replacment servicve parts and mods to engineering specification.

I also might add that BMW must Prove that the Mod caused the failure, IF you were to take them to court. they would have to show that engineering specification has been exceeded.... its ugly when it get to that point .

example.. ( very simple one to make easy and short)

Catless DP's >>>> o2 sensor failure... What is the design limit temp wise for the 02 sensor, and what temp did the catless DP"s achieve to damage / exceede the design limit of the o2?? .... This is where it gets ugly... did BMW ever test it ????? what numbers did they get..??? BMW cant just "say" well it must of exceeded...there is no cat ...... they need the number is court..

Also the statement that my warranty gets voided only pertains to the item in question...

example as above...... has no impact on your window regulator warranty for the same vehicle..

hope that helps someone else searching in the future

[Franklin Joseph]

Thanks for the info.
Dinan tune is on the list, a somewhat local dealer sells Dinan goodies.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by ESC OFF

OK I'll bite:

http://************/4xfbz9t

LOL.. my HERO! beat me to it... other good info has been posted as well.

Most important is what Drive hard stated... that modifying a part of your car does not affect the ENTIRE vehicle warranty. Many times dealer service personell DO tell clients that their entire vehicle warranty is void because of X modification, and this is simply not true.

With respect to Dinan.... Dinan's warranty picks up where the manufacturer warranty ends... if there is a failure, and the failure is determined to be due to the Dinan part (and therefore not covered by the manufacturer warranty) then Dinan will warranty the repairs. Any warranty claim with Dinan will likely start with having BMW inspect the vehicle to determine what failed.

[JimD]

I find this link to be useful to understand the Magnuson-Moss Act:

http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bu...#Magnuson-Moss

It is written to business persons - like a car dealer - but the information on the laws provisions are explained clearly. The prohibition of "tie-in sales" means the manufacturer or dealer cannot tell you you can't put on other parts or have other people do work. That would be illegal unless they can prove that is necessary to maintain proper functioning. For a car, that is not practical. Independant car mechanics can clearly successfully service bimmers. For parts, it depends on the quality of the part. Some might do damage, others clearly would not.

I think it is simpler not to think in terms of "voiding" the warranty. The law basically says that if you modify the car, and that modification is the source of a subsequent problem, then the responsibility is yours and not the manufacturers (or dealers). That makes sense to me. If you have to sue the manufacturer, and dealer, to get them to honor the warranty, and you win, you get your legal costs back too. So it is a powerful protection and worth mentioning if you are sure you are right but the dealer is hessitating.

If you put a tune on the engine, the dealer cannot say that the engine is not warranted any longer. But if you blow the head gasket and it is due to the greater boost pressure of the tune, then the resulting repairs could be your responsibility. But unless the damage can be clearly connected to the modification you did, the engine is still covered under warranty.

It comes down to "what mods will not break my car". Dinan apparently warrants their mods will not break your car. To my knowledge, they are the only one.

Jim