Remapping on PCP

kingshaun2k

kingshaun2k

kingshaun2k

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28 Dec 2010
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201
So last month I decided to trade I my Fiesta ST3 in for a BMW 420i Msport+ and I've been looking into getting it remapped, can you do this whilst it's on PCP. I've been reading quite a few things on it and can't get an accurate answer as everyone is saying different....

Has anyone done it?

This is it.

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Good look with that op. On a car like that it will be logged even if you removed the remap before taking it in they will know it’s been mapped which will invalidate your warranty. Go and look on Pistonheads there’s numerous examples on why u shouldn’t remap a car that is leased or new under warranty like the guy who mapped his diesel Audi and blew the gearbox and clutch to bits. Audi still found out he had it mapped in the past even though it was removed it was still logged on the car’s system and refused to cover his repair which were something ridiculous like 6k lol.
You should have bought a faster car if u wanted more performance
 
flea.rider said:
as long as it get mapped back before you turn it in are they going to know ?
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If there's an engine claim and the warranty is voided... I don't think they'll be very happy... but as long as you'd pay for any potential repair. As long as nothing goes wrong, they won't notice.

But it will break the terms of your agreement... so if they did find it through whatever means... then it could lead to a claim for at least the devaluation of the vehicle, if not the full value of it.

Depends how important it is to you to get it done...

The ECU will log the map, even if it's been returned to factory standard later... you won't be able to hide it. The only option you can hide would be one of those chips that just plays with the boost and some sensors... but those have other issues associated with them.
 
Dav4 said:
Good look with that op. On a car like that it will be logged even if you removed the remap before taking it in they will know it’s been mapped which will invalidate your warranty. Go and look on Pistonheads there’s numerous examples on why u shouldn’t remap a car that is leased or new under warranty like the guy who mapped his diesel Audi and blew the gearbox and clutch to bits. Audi still found out he had it mapped in the past even though it was removed it was still logged on the car’s system and refused to cover his repair which were something ridiculous like 6k lol.
You should have bought a faster car if u wanted more performance
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Yeah I've read a few people saying that it'll get flagged and it'll void the warranty, a few Remapping companies have said it's easily removed before taking it in for a service etc. I'l most likely just leave it as it is as it'll just be my luck that something goes wrong!
 
kingshaun2k said:
Yeah I've read a few people saying that it'll get flagged and it'll void the warranty, a few Remapping companies have said it's easily removed before taking it in for a service etc. I'l most likely just leave it as it is as it'll just be my luck that something goes wrong!
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It’s not worth the risk mate. They will be able to tell I assure you and it will void your warranty meaning you will get hit with the repair bills which will be thousands for clutches or gearbox issues.
The remapping companies will say that because they want business but on newer cars it’s all logged on the ecu etc
 
kingshaun2k said:
Yeah I've read a few people saying that it'll get flagged and it'll void the warranty, a few Remapping companies have said it's easily removed before taking it in for a service etc. I'l most likely just leave it as it is as it'll just be my luck that something goes wrong!
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On most, if not all, modern ECUs - definitely BMW ECUs... there is a flash counter that can't be overwritten... so part of the readout shows how many times the ECU has been flashed. I think it might show when too.

Of course it's possible that BMW could flash the ECU... but if that can't be proven by a service or warranty work schedule... then it'll result in void warranty.

One cheeky way you *might* be able to get around it is to get it remapped the same day it is serviced and then flash it back the same day it has its last service.

Then at least you could "evidence" that it was in their care when it was flashed... maybe.
 
From their point of view I can see why they would invalidate the warranty. You are modifying it and pushing the engine and drivetrain beyond what they are intended to cope with. If you dont mind having to pay for any and all repairs they can associate to the remap then go ahead, I wouldn't bother unless I owned the car.
 
I wouldn't. It's possible to get revert to original map if you need to use the warranty for anything but it might be detected by BMWs systems in the repair centre
 
crinkleshoes said:
The only option you can hide would be one of those chips that just plays with the boost and some sensors... but those have other issues associated with them.
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Last time I looked at tuning boxes for my M135i, I'm pretty sure the consensus was that they're detectable/logged to. Sure they don't trip the flashed counter, but don't they possibly raise a tamper flag, not the mention produce a LOT of data suggesting the engine is running out of spec (with the way everything get's measure in the engine, then surely it would notice that the power/torque/emissions would be over a set limit, and that alone would suggest a map/tuning-box)?

I think it's been raised a few times on BabyBMW forum - given the way more and more people seem to be happy to tune or piggy-back ecu their pcp'd cars, then what happens with the approved used car market and any potential warranty. Even if the piggy-back is removed, if there's a tamper flag, then someone potentially has a ruined warranty on their nice approved used car. Surely it won't be long before they're scanning ECUs on car return at the end of the pcp, as part of the other checks.
 
Why would you spend hundreds of pounds modifying a car you’re basically renting?

It’s like paying to steam clean the carpets in a hotel room..
 
A white BMW on finance that you're looking to tinker with- everything that's wrong with motoring in 2018 :p

Make sure you never clean it or lift the bonnet ;)
 
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