[TazioNYC]

Beginning with CIP 29.02.00 BMW introduced code to capture "any alteration to TMAP sensor signal by 'plugged-in-box' is detected by DMA fault 2D18 - manipulation protection, air mass signal plausability"

This was in response to the dealers seeing a high level of reported drivability issues caused by aftermarket "Engine Tuning" kits. These complaints include:

* Excessive muffler noise/incorrect flap operation
* Backfiring into intake manifold
* Increased fuel/oil consumption
* "Service Engine Soon" illuminated
* Excessive battery draw
* Readiness codes not set
* Noise from turbocharger area


SI B 12 10 08
Engine Electrical SystemsApril 2008
Technical Service

SUBJECT
N54 – Aftermarket "Engine Performance Tuning" Kits


MODEL
E60, E61 with N54 engine

E90, E92, E93 with N54 engine

E82, E88 with N54 engine

E71 with N54 engine


SITUATION
Various aftermarket "N54 – Engine Performance Tuning" kits are being aggressively advertised to BMW owners.

Depending on the manufacturer, these modifications may consist of a "turbo-tuner control module" (piggyback box) plugged directly into the TMAP sensor / DME connector, waste-gates vacuum plumbing alterations, or the DME "performance" software programming.

In general, each aftermarket tuner claims a significant increase in engine power and torque of up to 40% over the stock N54 engine specifications (which are, respectively, 300 hp and 400 Nm).

These alleged performance gains are achieved by an increase of the turbochargers boost in a wide range of engine speeds, in some cases exceeding the maximum designed turbo pressure of 8.8 psi by 50%.

INFORMATION
None of the aftermarket "N54 Engine Performance Tuning" kits has been evaluated, tested, approved or endorsed by the BMW Development or Service Departments.

Any alterations to the originally designed and installed turbochargers control system or to the DME software may increase a vehicle's emission levels and may compromise its OBD II compliance.

Moreover, to the best of BMW NA knowledge, none of the aftermarket "N54 Performance" kits have been certified (homologated) by the appropriate federal and state authorities (EPA/CARB) to meet street-legal emission requirements. BMW vehicles equipped with such "performance enhancement devices" without these certifications are not in compliance with EPA/CARB emission anti-tampering laws.

Excessive turbocharger boost increases engine temperatures resulting in pressures and forces which may damage engine internal components and or may cause premature turbochargers failure.

Due to increased engine output and the altered emissions characteristics, severe damage may be inflicted on emission control components, such as oxygen sensors and catalytic converters.

Excessive engine loads, above the designed levels, may also compromise long term reliability and longevity of other drivetrain components, such as: clutch transmission, transfer case, differentials, etc.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Modification of the vehicle or installation of any non-approved performance accessories or components attached to the vehicle which alters the original engineering and/or operating specifications or which results in damage to the other original components voids the warranty coverage on the affected original Drivetrain and Emission Control components.

In general terms, the BMW warranty on Drivetrain and Emission Control components is void due to a modification where the modification, alteration or installation of a non-approved aftermarket part was responsible for the failure.

Please make sure to inform BMW customers considering purchase of an aftermarket "N54 Engine Performance" kit of the above legal and technical implications.

[satinghostrider]

Welcome to the past.

[TazioNYC]

I'd just never seen this particular note...sorry for repost.

[tryangles]

Correct me if I am wrong but it seems like this specifically looks for the SSTT does it not?

[kptaylor]

No, it clears up the question of a wholesale voiding of the warranty. It specifically says,

"In general terms, the BMW warranty on Drivetrain and Emission Control components is void due to a modification where the modification, alteration or installation of a non-approved aftermarket part was responsible for the failure."

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Old news. And yes, its a direct shot at BOTH piggybacks and the SSTT.

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by AutoCouture

Old news. And yes, its a direct shot at BOTH piggybacks and the SSTT.

In the roundtable presentation, in the picture they describe as a TMAP tune, it is a picture of the AA Xede not the SSTT....not that it matters electrically, a TMAP tune is a TMAP tune.

[dmboone25]

I really want to get one of these tunes....sigh....but with this kind of climate from BMW, I am not sure any of them are safe for the warranty....

[5soko]

the SSTT is already invisible to BMW. if it was throwing any type of code Jeff from Eurobahn and the guys from Split second would be the ones to notice it, esp after there testing, and with v81-29.2
everything else is old news.

[Duke]

damn bmw and their need to cover their asses haha

[MFL101]

Jeff assured all SSTT owners that the SSTT is safe and does not throw any codes...