Say hello to my GTi
#41
Team Owner
It's not a dealership problem. If that was a case, you just find another dealer. It's a VAG problem (from what I've heard anyway). Any ECU tampering goes straight to VAG. Your car gets flagged in the system and no warranty work for you, regardless of what dealership you go to. It's not even up to the dealership.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#42
Moderator
It's not a dealership problem. If that was a case, you just find another dealer. It's a VAG problem (from what I've heard anyway). Any ECU tampering goes straight to VAG. Your car gets flagged in the system and no warranty work for you, regardless of what dealership you go to. It's not even up to the dealership.
Last edited by ttribe; 07-06-2015 at 06:28 PM.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#43
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
It's not a dealership problem. If that was a case, you just find another dealer. It's a VAG problem (from what I've heard anyway). Any ECU tampering goes straight to VAG. Your car gets flagged in the system and no warranty work for you, regardless of what dealership you go to. It's not even up to the dealership.
I'd be somewhat surprised if it's quite that automatic. I know many, many people are running tunes on their BMWs (myself included) that have not been detected by the dealership service departments. Is it conceivable that BMW's software is that much less secure than VW's? I suppose it's possible, but not sure how likely.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#44
Moderator
I'm 95% sure that the dealers can detect it if they try. But dealers don't do this for some minor issue with the car. If you blow up your engine with a bad aftermarket tune and want the dealership to replace the engine, they will run the full diagnosis and can possibly detect that you had a tune on the car.
I should have been more clear.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#45
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
That's how most of the tuning devices are these days. You can always install the stock map back on before going in for the dealer visit.
However, the dealership can still detect if the ECU has been messed with.
However, the dealership can still detect if the ECU has been messed with.
#46
Moderator
I'll have to do some searching, but I've not yet heard of BMW catching these...I could be wrong...or their software could just be that bad.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#47
Under construction
Thread Starter
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![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
With the tune it'll probably be a bitch to handle but right now the torque steer isn't bad at all. My 6mt TL had more torque steer.
Thank you! Sad to see your Porsche go but I know you'll replace it with another badass vehicle!
It's too bad that as soon as you change the tune on this car, you'll void your warranty. I dunno how true it is, as I've never owned any german vehicle, however, I've been told that as soon as you bring the car in to a VW dealership, they plug into the ECU and some sort message comes up to say the ECU has been tampered with... and it goes straight to VW HQ, so if you try claiming warranty on anything engine/power train related, they'll tell you to pound sand.
Is it true? I dunno. However, I believe that if you buy the chip straight from APR, they will warranty your engine if anything happens. Not sure how much of a hassle that would be, or what hoops you'd have to jump through to get it done. If that is the case, I guess APR really stands behind their product.
I must admit though, that interior is VERY nice. Everything is where it should be and the materials are nice too.
Wait. Edit: I think it was Stasis who had such a warranty. Last I heard they were no longer in business, but I dunno...
Is it true? I dunno. However, I believe that if you buy the chip straight from APR, they will warranty your engine if anything happens. Not sure how much of a hassle that would be, or what hoops you'd have to jump through to get it done. If that is the case, I guess APR really stands behind their product.
I must admit though, that interior is VERY nice. Everything is where it should be and the materials are nice too.
Wait. Edit: I think it was Stasis who had such a warranty. Last I heard they were no longer in business, but I dunno...
Interior is very nice but a bitch to keep clean! The dash and center console show every little speck of dust. If I could, I'd have a tan interior
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
I'd be somewhat surprised if it's quite that automatic. I know many, many people are running tunes on their BMWs (myself included) that have not been detected by the dealership service departments. Is it conceivable that BMW's software is that much less secure than VW's? I suppose it's possible, but not sure how likely.
#48
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
I thought the dealers can't find it out if people change back to the stock map before too. But I guess it leaves the mark on the ECU. Well, 95% of the time, the dealers don't even run the diagnosis because it's not needed. That's why people don't get caught putting a tune on the cars.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#49
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#50
Team Owner
I thought the dealers can't find it out if people change back to the stock map before too. But I guess it leaves the mark on the ECU. Well, 95% of the time, the dealers don't even run the diagnosis because it's not needed. That's why people don't get caught putting a tune on the cars.
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#51
Team Owner
My understanding about the current plug/play tunes (Like JB4, Cobb..) is the dealer cannot detect anything as the way the car sits right now after the tune is removed and back to factory settings, which is what most of the dealers do anyways unless they are suspicious about something.
Then they can run some kind of back log on the ECU to see if the car was abused, that is when they could see the powerband or whatnot was not the same as stock.
Even cars without FI can be traced. Honda did that on my S2000 when the engine was seized.
Then they can run some kind of back log on the ECU to see if the car was abused, that is when they could see the powerband or whatnot was not the same as stock.
Even cars without FI can be traced. Honda did that on my S2000 when the engine was seized.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#52
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Yeah.. unless you blow up your engine for some reason with the tune... the dealers don't care for minor jobs like oil changes..
The forums usually have the white/blacklist of dealerships. Check the list before visiting the dealer..
The forums usually have the white/blacklist of dealerships. Check the list before visiting the dealer..
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#53
2024 Honda Civic Type R
I was excited when I first got the ST and couldn't hold out long until I started modding. I first tuned it at 380 miles and have been trouble-free since. Every time I take it in to the dealer for routine maintenance I just flash it back to stock anyway.
I have heard stories from members on forums, and some claim to be Ford dealer employees and such, that a Ford dealer must have a $10k tool to read the ECU and detect if it has been adjusted (flash counter, different tune map, etc.) and that most dealers do not have this technology.
Let's face it, we're (mostly) all car enthusiasts here and enjoy modding our cars. We all understand the inherit risks from modifying them, and we can claim things such as the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act to protect ourselves from threats from the dealer, but in the end we know if a modification has caused an issue or problem with the car, it can very well be our own liability in the end.
With that said, screw it all and have fun because life is short. It's not worth the sweat and stress to worry about it. If you want an intact warranty 100% without worry, simply don't modify your car. But more often than not you are going to be just fine.
I have heard stories from members on forums, and some claim to be Ford dealer employees and such, that a Ford dealer must have a $10k tool to read the ECU and detect if it has been adjusted (flash counter, different tune map, etc.) and that most dealers do not have this technology.
Let's face it, we're (mostly) all car enthusiasts here and enjoy modding our cars. We all understand the inherit risks from modifying them, and we can claim things such as the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act to protect ourselves from threats from the dealer, but in the end we know if a modification has caused an issue or problem with the car, it can very well be our own liability in the end.
With that said, screw it all and have fun because life is short. It's not worth the sweat and stress to worry about it. If you want an intact warranty 100% without worry, simply don't modify your car. But more often than not you are going to be just fine.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
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D's Up (02-16-2016)
#55
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
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Are you set on getting HRE? You can get some really good wheel brands that look like wheel option 1 that cost you less and you could then get the tune still as well. Just a thought.
I think wheel 1 will look better.
I think wheel 1 will look better.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#57
Under construction
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
No, just looking around for now. I think I was quoted $2100 for a set of 19s for wheel 1 but I know if I do a little more digging I can find something cheaper.
#58
Moderator
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$2100 for a set of HRE in 19s? Have they started making some cheaper wheels now or have their prices just gone down? I am really shocked at that price. I figured they would be around $4000 for a set of 19s.
#60
Ex-OEM King
Get the tune. Wheels look great but tune makes it go faster.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#62
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
I vote for speed.
You already have wheels
You already have wheels
![Teef](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/teef.gif)
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#64
Ex-OEM King
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#65
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Those wheels in photo 1 are sick!!!
![Drool](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif)
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#68
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
The car will look fantastic with those wheels, but it'll all be ruined once your ugly ass is seen driving it
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
#69
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Want those style on our Avant. Looks epic!
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#71
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
![](https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazine.com-vbulletin/933x700/white_gti_wheel_chop_69a8555fc77baafe68808bc8bd217d44f842dbc3.jpg)
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#73
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Anytime. Of course those wheels look much better with a drop.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#75
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If the HRE are cast then you are just paying for the name. charliemike mentioned the wheels I couldn't think of in VMR. I also agree the wheels look so good because of the drop. If you are staying stock height definitely go for the tune first or maybe tune and VMR wheels since I think you could do that for the price of the HRE wheels.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#76
GEEZER
I have a 2008 AUDI B7A4 2.0T FSI. I went with APR Tune first. It was a great call on my part. ![Drag](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/drag.gif)
Then I put a test pipe on..(No cat)...![Naughty](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Shes wicked quick now.
![Drag](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/drag.gif)
Then I put a test pipe on..(No cat)...
![Naughty](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Shes wicked quick now.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#77
Under construction
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
If the HRE are cast then you are just paying for the name. charliemike mentioned the wheels I couldn't think of in VMR. I also agree the wheels look so good because of the drop. If you are staying stock height definitely go for the tune first or maybe tune and VMR wheels since I think you could do that for the price of the HRE wheels.
#78
Under construction
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
![Too Cool](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/toocool.gif)
#79
Team Owner
I too say do the tune, instead of the wheels. It'll look more like a sleeper!
Also, like others said, don't pay that much for cast wheels. Not worth it.
Also, like others said, don't pay that much for cast wheels. Not worth it.
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alexSU (02-16-2016)
#80
GEEZER
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alexSU (02-16-2016)