BMS Removal?

[PhilT3]

Who removes their BMS before taking in to be serviced?

How long does it take you to remove?

Who leaves it in? If so, has the dealer ever said anything about it?

Considering adding the BMS, but the M is my daily and not super interested in getting too 'involved' with having to spend time working on it just to take it in for service.

[boots]

I leave mine in. No problems.

[znammzM6]

I also leave my, dealer didn't say anything. I'm in in WA.

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by boots

I leave mine in. No problems.

Nice...

I wonder what the dealer would do if they found it...? Would they void your warranty no questions asked?

[David 12]

When I had a JB3 in my 335i, standard operating procedure was to remove the tune prior to any service. If the tune is discovered, the dealer can easily flag your car and while everything may seem fine, your warranty on a potentially related item such as an engine or turbocharger would be lost or voided if there was damage. Mind you, this is also very dealer specific as some are more tune friendly than others, although BMWNA may get involved and have the final say. The problem was made worse by some dealers voiding almost any part of the car because of the tune, which is supposedly illegal under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

When we approached the our local service advisor, he said in no uncertain terms that a piggyback or flash tuner will void the warranty on anything related to the tune.

I think most people that leave their tune in realize this and have no problem potentially paying for a new engine, turbo, etc. if there is an issue.

That said, other folks feel that it is safer to remove the tune and avoid having your car flagged by BMW.

It may be worth asking the local dealer or owners of tuned BMW's in your area before you tune your M5.

Dave

[akh23456]

Phil what dealership do you use jun the philly area? I have used Mt. Laurel Bmw and they are very mod friendly. I have left my JB plugged in and my SA doesn't say anything. If you use Mt laurel go to James D. the best guy in service and he will take care of you.

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by akh23456

Phil what dealership do you use jun the philly area? I have used Mt. Laurel Bmw and they are very mod friendly. I have left my JB plugged in and my SA doesn't say anything. If you use Mt laurel go to James D. the best guy in service and he will take care of you.

Thanks! I actually go to BMW of Devon as they are close to home and have proven to be a good service shop.

I'm going to see about talking to one of their SA's about how 'mod-friendly' they are.

[M5Rlz]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

I'm going to see about talking to one of their SA's about how 'mod-friendly' they are.

I'd ask indirectly lol

Always left mine on even when I had a puma case and BMW engineer inspecting my m5 brakes.

That said still safest to take it off, but for simple mindless maintenance tasks they'll be doing its probably fine.

[boots]

Originally Posted by PhilT3

Nice...

I wonder what the dealer would do if they found it...? Would they void your warranty no questions asked?

My SA and M tech both know its in as well as the can tool

[EuroKar]

No dealership can void your warranty because of BMS or any type of aftermarket product.
They can only void your warranty if you have a component failure and the root cause is due to the aftermarket product.
There is a law backing this up. Don't let the dealerships scare you.

[M5TXGuy]

Originally Posted by EuroKar

No dealership can void your warranty because of BMS or any type of aftermarket product.
They can only void your warranty if you have a component failure and the root cause is due to the aftermarket product.
There is a law backing this up. Don't let the dealerships scare you.

I leave mine installed as well. SA knows and there is no issue.

[DrewM5]

Originally Posted by EuroKar

No dealership can void your warranty because of BMS or any type of aftermarket product.
They can only void your warranty if you have a component failure and the root cause is due to the aftermarket product.
There is a law backing this up. Don't let the dealerships scare you.

This is true and under that law the manufacturer (dealer) has to prove that the modification caused the failure. But don't believe for a minute that many dealerships will not use this to deny coverage and make your life miserable while you try to enforce your rights. There is what is "legal" and then there is real life practicality.

[shahano]

Couldn't it be traced that your car was modded even if you remove it? I think that the computer would save that information? Anyone know about this?
Also how much time does it take to take in on and off?
Seriously considering it but need more information

[skioutwest]

Phil:

I use BMW of Devon as well. I never really asked them but, generally, I find them to be a-holes so I am not going to chance it. I personally don't think it is worth having the dealer flag your car. Tunes are generally pretty simple to remove, and hopefully you only have to go to the dealer 1-2 times a year....no biggie.

I will warn you, that you have to be careful to an extent when removing it. I only have experience with a Procede tune, but the wiring and plugs were not very durable, and I had to replace the entire harness twice. I don't have experience with BMS yet, but will in about a week....

-Mark

[PhilT3]

Originally Posted by skioutwest

Phil:

I use BMW of Devon as well. I never really asked them but, generally, I find them to be a-holes so I am not going to chance it. I personally don't think it is worth having the dealer flag your car. Tunes are generally pretty simple to remove, and hopefully you only have to go to the dealer 1-2 times a year....no biggie.

I will warn you, that you have to be careful to an extent when removing it. I only have experience with a Procede tune, but the wiring and plugs were not very durable, and I had to replace the entire harness twice. I don't have experience with BMS yet, but will in about a week....

-Mark

Thanks bud. We'll talk about this next weekend when we get together.

[vcnyc_]

Only remove it if some major happens with the car something like transmission or engine problems because they'll blame the tune on those things, if it is for regular service like oil change or brakes it shouldn't be a problem

[David 12]

Originally Posted by VisarPapraniku

Only remove it if some major happens with the car something like transmission or engine problems because they'll blame the tune on those things, if it is for regular service like oil change or brakes it shouldn't be a problem

I will just say be careful and make sure you have a solid relationship with your SA. If they know you have the tune, taking it out won't do you any good if your car is flagged.

Your advice would not apply to my local BMW dealer.

Dave