Youtubers, PCP and mods
Discussion
Ok,
I'll be the first to admit this is a dumb question but I'm going to ask (and no this isn't me PCP bashing, far from it). So Youtuber X hasd an M2C, he plugs the dealer he got from (fair enough) and also gets some choice BMW's as short term loans. Youtuber X has a following and has access to the BMW press fleet (nice!).
What I don't understand is "his" M2C is on PCP, he's done a fair few mods to it not least Remus Exhaust (had to cut the original one) eventuri Air box and some other bits (pedals, steering wheel etc). And no this isn't a dig at youtuber X
But what does that do to the warranty? I also have an M2C and wouldn't mind some of those nice mods (Airbox and exhaust for example) but wouldn't dream of invalidating my warranty on my car.
Just curious.
Cheers T1b
I'll be the first to admit this is a dumb question but I'm going to ask (and no this isn't me PCP bashing, far from it). So Youtuber X hasd an M2C, he plugs the dealer he got from (fair enough) and also gets some choice BMW's as short term loans. Youtuber X has a following and has access to the BMW press fleet (nice!).
What I don't understand is "his" M2C is on PCP, he's done a fair few mods to it not least Remus Exhaust (had to cut the original one) eventuri Air box and some other bits (pedals, steering wheel etc). And no this isn't a dig at youtuber X
But what does that do to the warranty? I also have an M2C and wouldn't mind some of those nice mods (Airbox and exhaust for example) but wouldn't dream of invalidating my warranty on my car.
Just curious.
Cheers T1b
This is what can happen when you modify a PCP car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv4yiczkpO0&t=...
Joe Achilies obviously has a "special" relationship with Berry BMW, so I'm sure that any warranty work carried out will be hassle free, so long as the cause isn't due to the modification/s - Of course the same applies to me and you, but arguing the toss with them will be much harder for us mere mortals I imagine.
OK, so the finance can be withdrawn. I was more interested in how it affects the warranty? To be honest I wouldn't dream of affecting my warranty as I previously had a M car and wish I'd extended the warranty (9k over 10 years additional spend) but also my car isn't on PCP / finance.
So does an airbox / exhaust xyz mod invalidate the warranty?
Ah just saw the above post!
So does an airbox / exhaust xyz mod invalidate the warranty?
Ah just saw the above post!
Generally if you can reverse it before its handed back its fine (obviously tell your insurers) and i'd stay away from remapping as the dealers can detect bit count changes even if its reverted to standard (although in practice Im not sure they look as a matter of course).
The worst thing to do is go on FB etc and boast about it. Insurers and Finance Companies can search your profiles as easily as anyone else. A digital record is permanent.
The worst thing to do is go on FB etc and boast about it. Insurers and Finance Companies can search your profiles as easily as anyone else. A digital record is permanent.
T1berious said:
So does an airbox / exhaust xyz mod invalidate the warranty?
If it's related to the part that's failed.Say you change the airbox, and the drivers door lock stops working. The lock should still be under warranty. But if some sensor in the air intake stops working...you're probably on your own. They could I guess claim it produces more power than stock and the whole engine and drive train would be out of the warranty.
It's more a case by case basis than an all in/out situation.
I think the nature of Joe Achilles' affiliation with Berry BMW means they could have any kind of agreement going on behind the scenes that the general public won't be able to access.
trldeals seems to work by his own rules anyway. Weren't they also doing finance packages for Motech-modified M140is?
It is a shame that Joe talks about how he finances his M2C as if it's a standard PCP agreement and then freely modifies significant parts of the car. I like him and his videos but there's something not totally transparent there (I don't believe he is trying to be deliberately misleading either to be fair). If you modify a car (and especially if it's in the public eye as you can't hide the mods later) the warranty is void and future value goes down and that's why you aren't supposed to modify cars you don't actually own.
trldeals seems to work by his own rules anyway. Weren't they also doing finance packages for Motech-modified M140is?
It is a shame that Joe talks about how he finances his M2C as if it's a standard PCP agreement and then freely modifies significant parts of the car. I like him and his videos but there's something not totally transparent there (I don't believe he is trying to be deliberately misleading either to be fair). If you modify a car (and especially if it's in the public eye as you can't hide the mods later) the warranty is void and future value goes down and that's why you aren't supposed to modify cars you don't actually own.
I've pulled the below from BMW Finance Services' document that could apply IF he have secured funding via them:
4.
(d) not alter the Vehicle in any way without first obtaining our prior written consent, and if we consent you must restore the Vehicle to its original condition (at your cost) before returning the Vehicle to us;
(f) allow us to inspect the Vehicle at all reasonable times and if we ask you, you must tell us where the Vehicle is;
(j) not use or permit the Vehicle to be used for hire, professional driving instruction or other financial reward (except you may use the Vehicle for driving instruction if you inform us before starting this use), or for motorsports;
(d) he could have permission
(j) he could have informed BMWFS that he's using the vehicle for financial reward through YouTube
Ultimately it's all speculation as you don't know anymore than what's in the public domain.
Warranty wise, I'd imagine if you have a good (financial) relationship with any BMW franchised dealership, they would be lenient modification wise so long as BMW reimburse them for the warranty work. I'm sure the relationship could sour should that person submit a big claim and BMW investigate thoroughly, finding a modification to be a cause.
4.
(d) not alter the Vehicle in any way without first obtaining our prior written consent, and if we consent you must restore the Vehicle to its original condition (at your cost) before returning the Vehicle to us;
(f) allow us to inspect the Vehicle at all reasonable times and if we ask you, you must tell us where the Vehicle is;
(j) not use or permit the Vehicle to be used for hire, professional driving instruction or other financial reward (except you may use the Vehicle for driving instruction if you inform us before starting this use), or for motorsports;
(d) he could have permission
(j) he could have informed BMWFS that he's using the vehicle for financial reward through YouTube
Ultimately it's all speculation as you don't know anymore than what's in the public domain.
Warranty wise, I'd imagine if you have a good (financial) relationship with any BMW franchised dealership, they would be lenient modification wise so long as BMW reimburse them for the warranty work. I'm sure the relationship could sour should that person submit a big claim and BMW investigate thoroughly, finding a modification to be a cause.
I know of someone who had a fairly heavily modified car on PCP & the supplying dealer serviced it without any issue whilst it remained in its “improved” form. The car in question was returned to standard before the end of the agreement (& handed returned via the supplying dealer) & whilst there was some warranty work done, it was on parts of the car that hadn’t fortunately been “fiddled with” though I’d like to know how you’d hide a previous “remap”. I wouldn’t want to take the risk - it’s a bit like taking your new car on a track day & someone posting a pic of it online showing the number plate as the manufacturer will understandably use it to refuse warranty claims given it’s previous track use (even if it were say an “M” car) as it’s all in the small print.
The people I feel sorry for is the second owner that gets these “returned to standard” cars under BMW Finance.
If the original owner gets the car remapped and then returns the car having returned the car to stock and then the subsequent owner, having bought as “BMW Approved Used” experiences an engine related issue only for Munich to unearth that the car was previously remapped and deny a warranty claim. I’ve read at least one account on another forum where this has occurred.
If the original owner gets the car remapped and then returns the car having returned the car to stock and then the subsequent owner, having bought as “BMW Approved Used” experiences an engine related issue only for Munich to unearth that the car was previously remapped and deny a warranty claim. I’ve read at least one account on another forum where this has occurred.
Brainpox said:
I think the nature of Joe Achilles' affiliation with Berry BMW means they could have any kind of agreement going on behind the scenes that the general public won't be able to access.
trldeals seems to work by his own rules anyway. Weren't they also doing finance packages for Motech-modified M140is?
It is a shame that Joe talks about how he finances his M2C as if it's a standard PCP agreement and then freely modifies significant parts of the car. I like him and his videos but there's something not totally transparent there (I don't believe he is trying to be deliberately misleading either to be fair). If you modify a car (and especially if it's in the public eye as you can't hide the mods later) the warranty is void and future value goes down and that's why you aren't supposed to modify cars you don't actually own.
What was staggering was that after Joe Achilles swapped up to his M2, Berry put his old, previously extensively modified M140i onto their forecourt as an AUC car. trldeals seems to work by his own rules anyway. Weren't they also doing finance packages for Motech-modified M140is?
It is a shame that Joe talks about how he finances his M2C as if it's a standard PCP agreement and then freely modifies significant parts of the car. I like him and his videos but there's something not totally transparent there (I don't believe he is trying to be deliberately misleading either to be fair). If you modify a car (and especially if it's in the public eye as you can't hide the mods later) the warranty is void and future value goes down and that's why you aren't supposed to modify cars you don't actually own.
rebel.ranter said:
The people I feel sorry for is the second owner that gets these “returned to standard” cars under BMW Finance.
If the original owner gets the car remapped and then returns the car having returned the car to stock and then the subsequent owner, having bought as “BMW Approved Used” experiences an engine related issue only for Munich to unearth that the car was previously remapped and deny a warranty claim. I’ve read at least one account on another forum where this has occurred.
Yep. It's definitely been known to happen.If the original owner gets the car remapped and then returns the car having returned the car to stock and then the subsequent owner, having bought as “BMW Approved Used” experiences an engine related issue only for Munich to unearth that the car was previously remapped and deny a warranty claim. I’ve read at least one account on another forum where this has occurred.
A big engine/drivetrain warranty claim would get BMW interested and they absolutely do check out the ECU before approving the work.
I think it's pretty dishonest of people to map cars, return them to standard and not declare it.
PorkInsider said:
rebel.ranter said:
The people I feel sorry for is the second owner that gets these “returned to standard” cars under BMW Finance.
If the original owner gets the car remapped and then returns the car having returned the car to stock and then the subsequent owner, having bought as “BMW Approved Used” experiences an engine related issue only for Munich to unearth that the car was previously remapped and deny a warranty claim. I’ve read at least one account on another forum where this has occurred.
Yep. It's definitely been known to happen.If the original owner gets the car remapped and then returns the car having returned the car to stock and then the subsequent owner, having bought as “BMW Approved Used” experiences an engine related issue only for Munich to unearth that the car was previously remapped and deny a warranty claim. I’ve read at least one account on another forum where this has occurred.
A big engine/drivetrain warranty claim would get BMW interested and they absolutely do check out the ECU before approving the work.
I think it's pretty dishonest of people to map cars, return them to standard and not declare it.
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