Dension 500 MP3 and Porsche official warranty
Discussion
The car's gone in for its pre-warrany renewal checks. I've been told it's in mint condition save for the items below that need to be resolved before they'll warranty extend.
(1) I have a dension 500 MP3 adapter on the car. I had this installed some time ago, after being told that it wouldn't affect my warrant renewal on the 997 GT3. Stupidly, I didn't think to check with the OPC as I was pressed for time. I am now being told by the OPC (West London) that they need to remove it because it is not a Porsche approved part.
(2) They have also said that the tyres need replacing because they are "under 3mm". I suspect they are just under and given the car is hardly being used between now and next summer, I am looking to push that cost to next year. Given the legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm (which I wouldn't propose getting to before anyone suggests that!) can I request them to just put the warranty on and leave the tyres for when the car comes out of storage? I suspect they're going to play hardball.
(3) They've even tried to suggest that the lighter needs to be replaced (they think it's missing when it's in the glove box) at the cost of a grand £15. How on earth does that affect a warranty in the least?
I'm getting the general feeling that I am being hit for costs I don't quite need to expend at this point. I am getting the feeling that this warranty is simply an excuse to rack up some costs...
I'd be very grateful for some guidance.
Am I better taking their position to another OPC and seeing if they'll be more sensible? Any personal recommendations?
If I'm pissing up the wrong treee, and this is just par for the course and there is nothing I can do about it, please do let me know! I'll just have to bite the bullet.
(1) I have a dension 500 MP3 adapter on the car. I had this installed some time ago, after being told that it wouldn't affect my warrant renewal on the 997 GT3. Stupidly, I didn't think to check with the OPC as I was pressed for time. I am now being told by the OPC (West London) that they need to remove it because it is not a Porsche approved part.
(2) They have also said that the tyres need replacing because they are "under 3mm". I suspect they are just under and given the car is hardly being used between now and next summer, I am looking to push that cost to next year. Given the legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm (which I wouldn't propose getting to before anyone suggests that!) can I request them to just put the warranty on and leave the tyres for when the car comes out of storage? I suspect they're going to play hardball.
(3) They've even tried to suggest that the lighter needs to be replaced (they think it's missing when it's in the glove box) at the cost of a grand £15. How on earth does that affect a warranty in the least?
I'm getting the general feeling that I am being hit for costs I don't quite need to expend at this point. I am getting the feeling that this warranty is simply an excuse to rack up some costs...
I'd be very grateful for some guidance.
Am I better taking their position to another OPC and seeing if they'll be more sensible? Any personal recommendations?
If I'm pissing up the wrong treee, and this is just par for the course and there is nothing I can do about it, please do let me know! I'll just have to bite the bullet.
Edited by AdvocatusD on Monday 3rd September 20:48
How would they know that you've got the Dension fitted?
I've just fitted one in my E60. I was warned that it would show up on the BMW diagnostics, so I fitted the aux input adaptor that came with it. There's a service switch on the adaptor. Flip the switch, and the CD changer is re-activated, and the Dension is bypassed. No longer seen by the diagnostics.
I've just fitted one in my E60. I was warned that it would show up on the BMW diagnostics, so I fitted the aux input adaptor that came with it. There's a service switch on the adaptor. Flip the switch, and the CD changer is re-activated, and the Dension is bypassed. No longer seen by the diagnostics.
Thank you all.
Suggestions for contacts within the OPC gratefully accepted. The Dension is supposed to have a deactivate switch, which I have turned on (or off, whatever the correct turn of phrase is), but they seem to have found it anyway. I suspect it was badly installed because I used carcommuncations.co.uk who were utterly rubbish in every department.
I'm going to write to the OPC today, so please do keep the suggestions coming. I'll try to incorporate all the relevant ones.
Suggestions for contacts within the OPC gratefully accepted. The Dension is supposed to have a deactivate switch, which I have turned on (or off, whatever the correct turn of phrase is), but they seem to have found it anyway. I suspect it was badly installed because I used carcommuncations.co.uk who were utterly rubbish in every department.
I'm going to write to the OPC today, so please do keep the suggestions coming. I'll try to incorporate all the relevant ones.
clockworks said:
How would they know that you've got the Dension fitted?
I've just fitted one in my E60. I was warned that it would show up on the BMW diagnostics, so I fitted the aux input adaptor that came with it. There's a service switch on the adaptor. Flip the switch, and the CD changer is re-activated, and the Dension is bypassed. No longer seen by the diagnostics.
I guess it depends where it is intalled. Mine is in the front boot and would be easy to see even if it was deactivated. Even if it was up behind the dash, I am sure they could find it if they wanted to.I've just fitted one in my E60. I was warned that it would show up on the BMW diagnostics, so I fitted the aux input adaptor that came with it. There's a service switch on the adaptor. Flip the switch, and the CD changer is re-activated, and the Dension is bypassed. No longer seen by the diagnostics.
It's my understanding that their rules on iPod kits are pretty much set in stone.
That's why I've been listening to the same six CDs for the last year.
Ironically, I don't think the stereo is covered under the warranty so it wouldn't make any difference to them if an aftermarket kit fried your wireless.
I fail to see how the 3mm tyre rule can be anything other than a money making exercise, you could always offset the cost of new tyres by flogging the old set or squeeze in a trackday to use them up.
It's annoying, but the Warranty offers such piece of mind...
That's why I've been listening to the same six CDs for the last year.
Ironically, I don't think the stereo is covered under the warranty so it wouldn't make any difference to them if an aftermarket kit fried your wireless.
I fail to see how the 3mm tyre rule can be anything other than a money making exercise, you could always offset the cost of new tyres by flogging the old set or squeeze in a trackday to use them up.
It's annoying, but the Warranty offers such piece of mind...
but by the time you add the cost of early replaced tyres, overpriced servicing, the insurance contract itself, plus overpriced spares such as the batter (that is NOT covered by the guarantee) - you are looking at upwards of £2k per year. After 3 years you can rebuild the engine out of the money you have saved.
SonnyM said:
Call Service Manager Steven at Mid Sussex he will happily clarify these points for you I am sure.
This is the reason I don't use London OPCs.
I have had a very helpful conversation with your referral. Thank you for this. London OPC a real disgrace in this case, will be taking my business to Sussex for the forseeable future.This is the reason I don't use London OPCs.
AdvocatusD said:
SonnyM said:
Call Service Manager Steven at Mid Sussex he will happily clarify these points for you I am sure.
This is the reason I don't use London OPCs.
I have had a very helpful conversation with your referral. Thank you for this. London OPC a real disgrace in this case, will be taking my business to Sussex for the forseeable future.This is the reason I don't use London OPCs.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff