BMW and M Power Owners

[Dangerous Dave]

It's unlikely to have been remapped, BMW don't sell them as AUC if they have had one. They do still sell them but not as approved used always worth checking this and making sure it is a BMW AUC warranty they are offering. I've seen a couple of M3s sold non AUC at a BMW dealer so it's either been mapped or missed/late service.

 

[bingham67]

It's unlikely to have been remapped, BMW don't sell them as AUC if they have had one. They do still sell them but not as approved used always worth checking this and making sure it is a BMW AUC warranty they are offering. I've seen a couple of M3s sold non AUC at a BMW dealer so it's either been mapped or missed/late service.

I have it in email from the sales exec which says "I just wanted to confirm that this car is a BMW Approved Used car and that the bodykit on the car will not affect anything to do with the warranty of the car and that the car has not been modified in any way in terms of ride height/ engine/ gear box or anything to do with the engine/ electronics in the car and if that was the case we would not be able to sell the car to you"

Im still going to push for some compensation for not disclosing the aftermarket parts, it nearly made me have invalid insurance.

At least I finally have insurance covered now declaring a bodykit although thats costs me and extra £280 for mods.

 

[aaronyuri]

Depending on year, I thought you had to get the ECU modified to be able to remap the car and if you did that then it sets a flag that the car has been has been tampered with, so it would be pretty obvious. There are also plug in modules that connect to the ODB port which I presume are undetectable if you reset and unplug it?

All maps can be detected nowadays. ECUs started having write counters and tamper flags many years ago. The most recent BMW ECU updates (specifically enhancing anti-tamper) hadn't even been cracked, last I bothered to look into it.

 

[Robbo]

It's true that BMW will not sell a remapped car as Approved Used, but I have seen instances where things have been missed, so it's not impossible, but highly unlikely...

 

[[TW]Fox]

I have it in email from the sales exec which says "I just wanted to confirm that this car is a BMW Approved Used car and that the bodykit on the car will not affect anything to do with the warranty of the car and that the car has not been modified in any way in terms of ride height/ engine/ gear box or anything to do with the engine/ electronics in the car and if that was the case we would not be able to sell the car to you"

Im still going to push for some compensation for not disclosing the aftermarket parts, it nearly made me have invalid insurance.

At least I finally have insurance covered now declaring a bodykit although thats costs me and extra £280 for mods.

Surely you could see the parts when you looked at the car before buying it, or in the photos if it was a distance sale?

I appreciate you might reasonably say you were not to realise they were not factory specification but it does surprise me that people don't do much research before buying. It's a large purchase so it's well worth spending a bit of time beforehand to familiarise yourself with the cars I think.

 

[bingham67]

Surely you could see the parts when you looked at the car before buying it, or in the photos if it was a distance sale?

I appreciate you might reasonably say you were not to realise they were not factory specification but it does surprise me that people don't do much research before buying. It's a large purchase so it's well worth spending a bit of time beforehand to familiarise yourself with thr cars I think.

You no doubt can see it in pictures and I should have spotted it or had a more longer check tbh (or take someone with me who knows abit more) I admit that but I didnt expect BMW to be selling a car with aftermarket parts tbh, however BMW should mention about it, I did ask the sales exec when in the car before the test drive is the car standard for insurance purposes and he said yes.

He did apologise over this and he stated he meant the car is mechanically ok not regarding the cosmetic parts, but this should be disclosed in the advert and in person due to changes as this could easily make your insurance invalid and it nearly did for me. He said he sold loads of cars the same with no issue with insurance (which dosnt add up to me)

I only realised tbh because the rear valance has Maxton design on it a few days after purchase and googled it, I wish now I just waited for mechanic friend to come with me you live and learn, only my second car purchase and my old Golf was brand new and had it for 12 years.

Also the front splitter and rear spoiler has no marking on it there just black so tbh I didnt even know if it was a standard spec? or factory extra, but I agree with you I should have done the homework.

But anyway im happy with the car and insurance is sorted now so all good

 

[bingham67]

It's true that BMW will not sell a remapped car as Approved Used, but I have seen instances where things have been missed, so it's not impossible, but highly unlikely...

Well guess I will find out as BMW will tell me if it's been remapped etc when take it in as it checked on systems, this is what I have read elsewhere.

I'm getting tracker fitted by BMW in a few weeks so it's going to BMW service centre.

If that the case I'll show them the email from sales exec.

 

[ChrisD.]

Part of the AUC check is to validate that the car hasn't been remapped. They'll plug in their diagnostics laptop, if it's been remapped at any point (even if reverted to stock) it will flag S0777 Engine Tuning detected. It's not possible to remove this flag. When you sell your car to a BMW dealer you sign a disclaimer to say that the car hasn't been remapped, if this flag comes up during their checks they'll revoke the deal.

There have been cases where cars have slipped through the net, someone on Cutters bought an M4 (or M3?) CS which had been mapped. That car was rejected.

 

[MrRockliffe]

It's unlikely to have been remapped, BMW don't sell them as AUC if they have had one. They do still sell them but not as approved used always worth checking this and making sure it is a BMW AUC warranty they are offering. I've seen a couple of M3s sold non AUC at a BMW dealer so it's either been mapped or missed/late service.

BMW have been known to miss this before, so it’s not a guarantee.

From memory the dealer had to buy back the car at the price the customer paid. Think it was an M2.

 

[bingham67]

So need some advice guys in regards to all the above?

I've spoken a while ago to BMW dealer he said that because the mods are disclosed in photos from the Autotrader advert, that is enough and the information doesn't have to be in the advert description. Unfortunately Autotrader can only provide me with the advert description and not the original photos, but I'm sure they would be there.

I can't believe it so unless your enthusiast how are you suppose to know if they are not standard by looking? I expect this from independent dealer not a main dealer of BMW's. As said before I wouldn't of thought BMW would sell cars with aftermarket parts even if cosmetic. I explained you should be more clear to buyers etc all he said was understands.

They won't give me any compensation as he said they can't be liable if say insurance premium goes up again, and you go back to them asking for more money.

However he has offered me a full refund or to source another vehicle at standard spec. I'm happy with the car however I nearly had invalid insurance because they didn't state this which I feel is wrong?

Problem is I need the car for work and my old car part ex has gone to auction so I'm in a dilemma if I wanted to return it now.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

BMW have been known to miss this before, so it’s not a guarantee.

From memory the dealer had to buy back the car at the price the customer paid. Think it was an M2.

Yes I'd never trust a salesman, I'd ask to see the health report from ISTA.

Should have added if the dealer does the AUC checks correctly it won't have been remapped, I guess in the case of the M2 they didn't do the check.

 

[Robbo]

So need some advice guys in regards to all the above?

I've spoken a while ago to BMW dealer he said that because the mods are disclosed in photos from the Autotrader advert, that is enough and the information doesn't have to be in the advert description. Unfortunately Autotrader can only provide me with the advert description and not the original photos, but I'm sure they would be there.

I can't believe it so unless your enthusiast how are you suppose to know if they are not standard by looking? I expect this from independent dealer not a main dealer of BMW's. As said before I wouldn't of thought BMW would sell cars with aftermarket parts even if cosmetic. I explained you should be more clear to buyers etc all he said was understands.

They won't give me any compensation as he said they can't be liable if say insurance premium goes up again, and you go back to them asking for more money.

However he has offered me a full refund or to source another vehicle at standard spec. I'm happy with the car however I nearly had invalid insurance because they didn't state this which I feel is wrong?

I think it's a tricky one, BMW do often sell cars with bodykit parts on, particularly M cars, but they are usually the BMW OEM spec ones.

You could just remove the parts, I doubt they've been drilled/screwed on, they'll just be stuck on with 3M tape.

If you're happy otherwise I'd just chalk it up to experience and move on. Yes the dealer could have disclosed it and advertised it better, but you should have perhaps looked into it a bit more. Not the end of the world.

 

[mattyg]

So i'm currently in spain and the Villa weve rented is up a very steep road. Brothers MG couldn't get up with anyone in the car other than the driver.. Anyhow. Its got a really nasty transition from road to dirt track and I cant get over it without scraping the bottom of the bumper. So I've totally wrecked the lip thingies. See pic

Anyone @ Fox know what they are called and how much so i can get them ordered for my return home

 

[Dangerous Dave]

So need some advice guys in regards to all the above?

I've spoken a while ago to BMW dealer he said that because the mods are disclosed in photos from the Autotrader advert, that is enough and the information doesn't have to be in the advert description. Unfortunately Autotrader can only provide me with the advert description and not the original photos, but I'm sure they would be there.

I can't believe it so unless your enthusiast how are you suppose to know if they are not standard by looking? I expect this from independent dealer not a main dealer of BMW's. As said before I wouldn't of thought BMW would sell cars with aftermarket parts even if cosmetic. I explained you should be more clear to buyers etc all he said was understands.

They won't give me any compensation as he said they can't be liable if say insurance premium goes up again, and you go back to them asking for more money.

However he has offered me a full refund or to source another vehicle at standard spec. I'm happy with the car however I nearly had invalid insurance because they didn't state this which I feel is wrong?

Problem is I need the car for work and my old car part ex has gone to auction so I'm in a dilemma if I wanted to return it now.

I'd go with what Robbo has said and see if they are just stuck on, if they are screwed on chances are they have been self tapped in and I would take the dealers offer of a refund and find another M135 plenty of them about. You also have to take into account if you keep the parts on you are going to be paying the increased insurance cost every year you own it. Although you should be able to that cheaper than £280 extra a year with another insurer that doesn't class it as a full body kit.

 

[matt100]

So need some advice guys in regards to all the above?

I've spoken a while ago to BMW dealer he said that because the mods are disclosed in photos from the Autotrader advert, that is enough and the information doesn't have to be in the advert description. Unfortunately Autotrader can only provide me with the advert description and not the original photos, but I'm sure they would be there.

I can't believe it so unless your enthusiast how are you suppose to know if they are not standard by looking? I expect this from independent dealer not a main dealer of BMW's. As said before I wouldn't of thought BMW would sell cars with aftermarket parts even if cosmetic. I explained you should be more clear to buyers etc all he said was understands.

They won't give me any compensation as he said they can't be liable if say insurance premium goes up again, and you go back to them asking for more money.

However he has offered me a full refund or to source another vehicle at standard spec. I'm happy with the car however I nearly had invalid insurance because they didn't state this which I feel is wrong?

Problem is I need the car for work and my old car part ex has gone to auction so I'm in a dilemma if I wanted to return it now.

I might be underthinking this but assuming the parts are subtle ie not a full on bodykit I wouldn't have bothered telling the insurance and I wouldn't be getting as worked up about it.

Having had discussions about this sort of thing with a close friend who's been a copper for 15+ years they certainly wouldn't consider your insurance invalid, anecdotally at worst if you ended up needing to claim you may have to pay the difference in premium.

That said, are you very young/low NCB etc? Because £280 is crazy.. I paid about £15 to declare my car as chipped because it's a physical loom thats installed.

 

[Bear]

So i'm currently in spain and the Villa weve rented is up a very steep road. Brothers MG couldn't get up with anyone in the car other than the driver.. Anyhow. Its got a really nasty transition from road to dirt track and I cant get over it without scraping the bottom of the bumper. So I've totally wrecked the lip thingies. See pic

Anyone @ Fox know what they are called and how much so i can get them ordered for my return home

Its called a front splitter and a genuine BMW replacement is about £2k. You can get copies for less

 

[bingham67]

I think it's a tricky one, BMW do often sell cars with bodykit parts on, particularly M cars, but they are usually the BMW OEM spec ones.

You could just remove the parts, I doubt they've been drilled/screwed on, they'll just be stuck on with 3M tape.

If you're happy otherwise I'd just chalk it up to experience and move on. Yes the dealer could have disclosed it and advertised it better, but you should have perhaps looked into it a bit more. Not the end of the world.

Na they been put into the car and fitted this is a back valance, rear roof spoiler, mirror caps and front splitter.

Not any tape I can see been fitted underneath.

BMW have confirmed a while ago In writing email this is AUC Approved used, and I have 12 months warranty.

Well mods are declared so there should be no issue if they been fixed or just used tape surely?

I'd go with what Robbo has said and see if they are just stuck on, if they are screwed on chances are they have been self tapped in and I would take the dealers offer of a refund and find another M135 plenty of them about. You also have to take into account if you keep the parts on you are going to be paying the increased insurance cost every year you own it. Although you should be able to that cheaper than £280 extra a year with another insurer that doesn't class it as a full body kit.

If they have been fitted as ive put above surely this is ok, BMW have sold me car like this and I've declared the modifications to insurance?

I'd love to keep the car just trying to see where I stand.

 

[Robbo]

So what is the problem? BMW are happy, the insurer are happy - albeit it's cost you some extra money...

I can't see how the mods would impact the warranty, and you've got plenty of paperwork to back that up anyway.

 

[bingham67]

I might be underthinking this but assuming the parts are subtle ie not a full on bodykit I wouldn't have bothered telling the insurance and I wouldn't be getting as worked up about it.

Having had discussions about this sort of thing with a close friend who's been a copper for 15+ years they certainly wouldn't consider your insurance invalid, anecdotally at worst if you ended up needing to claim you may have to pay the difference in premium.

That said, are you very young/low NCB etc? Because £280 is crazy.. I paid about £15 to declare my car as chipped because it's a physical loom thats installed.

I can't understand why my premium are so expensive but I do have my dad on the policy as a named driver to. I'm 39 with 20 years no claims or 9 plus is the max with my insurer which is LV. I did the comparison site yesterday and it come up with Admiral at £700 but rest of the quotes were over £1,000. I just wondered why Admiral was so low but I've read disasters about Admiral online.

I'm on owners club on Facebook and there 24 and 20 year olds paying less then me with declaring mods. Even some areas of UK like cornwall £300 to £500 so low!

Reason I'm getting a bit worked up is because Insurance are known to wriggle out, also I was told by agent at LV that if I didn't say about the mods my insurance would be invalid.

From LV website

What if I don’t tell my insurer about a modification to my car?

If your insurer doesn’t know about a modification you’ve made (or intend to make) to your car, and you then have to make a claim on your insurance, they may reject the claim or reduce the payments they make

Could modifying your car affect your car insurance? | LV=

We ask an LV= underwriter how much of a motor makeover you can do without losing out on car insurance. Find out here.

www.lv.com

I want to be squeaky clean as you read / hear about horror stories of insurance pulling out.


I'm paying £1,379.34 with the mods all declared.

 

[bingham67]

So what is the problem? BMW are happy, the insurer are happy - albeit it's cost you some extra money...

I can't see how the mods would impact the warranty, and you've got plenty of paperwork to back that up anyway.

I have no issue now just lesson learned.

However the 3M part you mentioned about mods had me confused.

Surely I'm covered insurance wise if I've declared the modifications it doesn't matter how they was installed?

Anyway it comes from BMW like that so got to be ok surely.