[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

The manufacturer can cover his backside by stating 'for track use only'.

If's and else case. Track use could mean not suitable for public roads , else there should be a 'switchover' possible.

On a related note, I've always wondered about the legality when manufacturers change the working parameters of the ECU as a field/ service item.

Can of worms, depends on what is being changed. The can is partly opened right at the time of homologation.

Prost
Spike

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

GTO was right and it was just a business decision.

That's good news for people like you and others willing to import OEM performance kits. Still a hassle compared to local availability, but as long as it's not a homologation problem, you can have peace of mind post-install.

Another question since you had a chat with someone internal to BMW: Now that the kits have been discontinued in India, will BMW continue to provide warranty/service support for imported kits installed in Indian cars?

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

That's good news for people like you and others willing to import OEM performance kits. Still a hassle compared to local availability, but as long as it's not a homologation problem, you can have peace of mind post-install.

Another question since you had a chat with someone internal to BMW: Now that the kits have been discontinued in India, will BMW continue to provide warranty/service support for imported kits installed in Indian cars?

The kits already installed will have full service/support.

I'm going to dwelve into this topic after a month or 2 when I'm ready to buy. Will speak to them about the warranty. As far as I know since its a BMW part with a BMW part number I don't understand why the warranty should be affected even if I import. Its not like the earlier power kits were altered for Indian conditions.

[sandeep108]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

Will speak to them about the warranty. As far as I know since its a BMW part with a BMW part number I don't understand why the warranty should be affected even if I import. Its not like the earlier power kits were altered for Indian conditions.

The problem with BMW (and probably Merc/Audi as well) is that everything is locked/tied to the VIN. Even stupid things like floor mats/mud flaps are tied/linked to the VIN!!! If it is their policy not to allow imported parts to be fitted to Indian VINs, then even if you import, the dealer will not be able to update/code the new part to the car, which will result in problems. Then you will have to delve into BMW coding yourself which will again void the warranty in India. In US/Europe, etc. their consumer oriented laws don't allow them to do that.

Almost all modern high-end cars are computers on wheels running proprietary software.

Anyway as you are already into BMW coding I am sure you will manage. Hopefully in the future, I may have to take your help for that.

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by sandeep108

The problem with BMW (and probably Merc/Audi as well) is that everything is locked/tied to the VIN. Even stupid things like floor mats/mud flaps are tied/linked to the VIN!!! If it is their policy not to allow imported parts to be fitted to Indian VINs, then even if you import, the dealer will not be able to update/code the new part to the car, which will result in problems. Then you will have to delve into BMW coding yourself which will again void the warranty in India. In US/Europe, etc. their consumer oriented laws don't allow them to do that.

Almost all modern high-end cars are computers on wheels running proprietary software.

Anyway as you are already into BMW coding I am sure you will manage. Hopefully in the future, I may have to take your help for that.

That is true. But then again in a way it is good since you always get the perfect part for your car. Nowadays when cars of the same model have different parts for various variants and even the same variants with some different part manufacturers its better to have vin tied parts.

I managed very basic coding on the E90, that too not the proper way. Will put up a small instruction post today or tomorrow.

The powerkit coding definitely cannot be done by me. I'm speaking to people in Europe, and will also speak to BMW India again when I am ready to purchase.

[saju]

Interestingly today I was offered the Power Performance Kit (ecu remap + new intercooler) as an option by a dealer who is willing to import this on an individual basis. Dealer has requested discretion so I can't share details publicly.

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by saju

Interestingly today I was offered the Power Performance Kit (ecu remap + new intercooler) as an option by a dealer who is willing to import this on an individual basis. Dealer has requested discretion so I can't share details publicly.

Importing it is one thing, but what about installation? Apparently it needs some coding which is to be provided by BMW India. So how will they get that?

[saju]

Does it make sense to change from 17" to 18" wheels after getting the M-Power upgrade? Apart from the improved looks, the 18" should help with traction from the extra torque available as well as improved handling. What do the gurus recommend?

[saju]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

Importing it is one thing, but what about installation? Apparently it needs some coding which is to be provided by BMW India. So how will they get that?

I have an official quote which includes a line item for "Programming/Encoding Control Units"

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by saju

Does it make sense to change from 17" to 18" wheels after getting the M-Power upgrade? Apart from the improved looks, the 18" should help with traction from the extra torque available as well as improved handling. What do the gurus recommend?

The stock 225 section wheels will handle the power well enough. But if you do want full traction switching to 245 tyres is an option. Otherwise of course you can get 18s with 245 tyres, but the ride quality will go down a bit.

Originally Posted by saju

I have an official quote which includes a line item for "Programming/Encoding Control Units"

Wow, that is news. So what is the total charge?

[saju]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

The stock 225 section wheels will handle the power well enough. But if you do want full traction switching to 245 tyres is an option. Otherwise of course you can get 18s with 245 tyres, but the ride quality will go down a bit.

Ride quality be damned I say - I will probably upgrade to 18s after I spend sometime on the stock wheels

Wow, that is news. So what is the total charge?

Would you mind PM'ing me? I am a "newbie" can't PM you.

[Turbanator]

Ride quality be damned I say - I will probably upgrade to 18s after I spend sometime on the stock wheels

On which model do you intend to use 18 inch , 530 D has standard mixed 18 inches and ride quality is pretty much same as it used to be on my older 530 running on 17 inches . By my experience if profile is more than 40 there should not be much difference in ride quality in case of upsizing

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by saju

Ride quality be damned I say - I will probably upgrade to 18s after I spend sometime on the stock wheels

Would you mind PM'ing me? I am a "newbie" can't PM you.

Then go ahead, it'll be good.

BTW I have a feeling while your dealership is quoting you, they may not have got news from BMW about the stopping of power kits. Because I also remember, the part numbers are not selectable on their system anymore to order the power kit. Ask your dealer to confirm with the parts manager.

[saju]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

On which model do you intend to use 18 inch , ...

320d. Sorry should have been more specific in my question.

Originally Posted by akshay1234

BTW I have a feeling while your dealership is quoting you, they may not have got news from BMW about the stopping of power kits. Because I also remember, the part numbers are not selectable on their system anymore to order the power kit. Ask your dealer to confirm with the parts manager.

The dealer generated the quote from my VIN number. Says he is able to select the kit components from the procurement system. Regardless after I expressed skepticism, he has agreed to order the kit for a token payment which he will refund in full if the car is not upgraded in 6 weeks time

[araje]

Originally Posted by saju

Interestingly today I was offered the Power Performance Kit (ecu remap + new intercooler) as an option by a dealer who is willing to import this on an individual basis. Dealer has requested discretion so I can't share details publicly.

Originally Posted by akshay1234

Importing it is one thing, but what about installation? Apparently it needs some coding which is to be provided by BMW India. So how will they get that?

Oh ask me about this. I have been chewing my dealer's brains out about if they can get some components imported and installed so that it won't be called tampering.
I cross checked with dealers in mumbai as well. What they say is that if they don't have a license to do this, then that is an unauthorized change and then becomes a responsibility of the car owner and that dealer. From then on things like BSI warranty will suffer big time.