Another X-pipe/ECU Question after dealer software update

miamie92m3 · 12-14-2009, 07:29 PM

Ok. i know. I modded my car. I take the risks of warranty issues. Its my fault. blah blah blah. Here is my question though. Has anyone taken a cat-less x-pipe car (with obviously an ECU flash for no CEL) to a dealer to find that the dealer updated the software? I'm sure the dealer is going to question why the CEL is coming on and know right away the reason why. Any experience with this?

FStop7 · 12-14-2009, 07:45 PM

I doubt most of them would pay that close attention

Plus the forward cats are obscured by a skid plate so it's hard to see they're missing unless you're specifically looking for them.

IMO we (myself included) worry way too much about what dealers think. They don't own our cars, we own them. They're our property, and we can do whatever we want with them without their blessing or permission. If something specifically related to a mod breaks or causes something else to break, then yeah - that's not the dealer's responsibility to fix. But otherwise.. it's none of their business.

King Tut · 12-15-2009, 01:36 PM

Actually it is really easy to see the cats are removed in my opinion. No dealer should be flashing your ECU without asking you first. If you are worried just tell your SA to call you before any work other than what you brought the car in for is performed.

bogdan · 12-15-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Tut

No dealer should be flashing your ECU without asking you first.

Incorrect, it is our responsability to fix your car. You, need to let us know if you have something done to your car, software, so my techs don't have to spend a day chasing their tails...around trying to fix a problem that is not there.

For example: If you are bringing your car in for a check engine light, and don't have any cats, let the dealer know if you have software that would delete the secondary O2's.

Quote:

If you are worried just tell your SA to call you before any work other than what you brought the car in for is performed.

This is spot on! Nobody is going to call the EPA or Greenpeace for modifying your car.

Approach your service advisor with this question:

"Is this going to be an issue?"

BimmerRob08 · 12-16-2009, 01:21 PM

+1,

Allways good to hear it from the Tech's that know what their talking about.

miamie92m3 · 12-16-2009, 02:37 PM

Thanks guys. I'm sure my wife is going to give me enough crap about the car (i.e. you are polluting, etc.). Thats why we are getting her a Prius to offset the pollution from the M running catless. I'm always upfront with my service advisor. He is a good guy. Thanks for everyone's input.

12-14-2009, 07:29 PM	#1
miamie92m3 Private First Class 28 Rep 176 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	Another X-pipe/ECU Question after dealer software update Ok. i know. I modded my car. I take the risks of warranty issues. Its my fault. blah blah blah. Here is my question though. Has anyone taken a cat-less x-pipe car (with obviously an ECU flash for no CEL) to a dealer to find that the dealer updated the software? I'm sure the dealer is going to question why the CEL is coming on and know right away the reason why. Any experience with this?
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12-14-2009, 07:45 PM	#2
FStop7 I like cars 329 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	I doubt most of them would pay that close attention Plus the forward cats are obscured by a skid plate so it's hard to see they're missing unless you're specifically looking for them. IMO we (myself included) worry way too much about what dealers think. They don't own our cars, we own them. They're our property, and we can do whatever we want with them without their blessing or permission. If something specifically related to a mod breaks or causes something else to break, then yeah - that's not the dealer's responsibility to fix. But otherwise.. it's none of their business. __________________ My photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/racelap/
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12-15-2009, 01:36 PM	#3
King Tut NASA SpecE30 Racer 82 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: 2006 Honda S2000 TT3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL iTrader: (2)	Actually it is really easy to see the cats are removed in my opinion. No dealer should be flashing your ECU without asking you first. If you are worried just tell your SA to call you before any work other than what you brought the car in for is performed. __________________ King Tut 2012 BMW M3 Individual: Sold lsb.ridedomain.com 1987 BMW 325is SpecE30: spece30.ridedomain.com 2009 BMW M3 Coupe: Sold e92.ridedomain.com
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12-16-2009, 01:21 PM	#5
BimmerRob08 Major 110 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2008 M3, Space Gray Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: KIKR (ABQ), NM iTrader: (0)	+1, Allways good to hear it from the Tech's that know what their talking about.
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12-16-2009, 02:37 PM	#6
miamie92m3 Private First Class 28 Rep 176 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. I'm sure my wife is going to give me enough crap about the car (i.e. you are polluting, etc.). Thats why we are getting her a Prius to offset the pollution from the M running catless. I'm always upfront with my service advisor. He is a good guy. Thanks for everyone's input.
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