CPO Warranty denied, previous owner tuned ECU
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Joined: Dec 2019
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E63s
CPO Warranty denied, previous owner tuned ECU
About 2 months ago I bought a 2018 CPO E63s from A Mercedes dealer here in town and when I took it in for it's 40,000km service last week the dealer called me later that day and told me they were going to replace the rear diff seals under warranty and I thought nothing of it.
Today I got a call saying that my car is not having any warranty work done and my VIN is now "black listed" as they found a tune on the computer, and I have to go through a special procedure everytime I am looking to make a warranty claim. I did not put this tune on the car, nor was I told of any previous tunes on the ECU. (I really hope the ECU date stamps when these changes are made, can anyone confirm that?)
Now I am extremely frustrated that I spent ~5-10% more buying a "certified" pre owned mercedes, for the "peace of mind"... I am now basically out the premium I paid on the car (relatively speaking) and every single time I have anything that might be a warranty item will be a battle to get done. Has anyone gone through anything like this and what can I do to prove that I did not put the tune on the vehicle? I imagine this is also going to destroy the resale value down the line as well.
Thanks.
Today I got a call saying that my car is not having any warranty work done and my VIN is now "black listed" as they found a tune on the computer, and I have to go through a special procedure everytime I am looking to make a warranty claim. I did not put this tune on the car, nor was I told of any previous tunes on the ECU. (I really hope the ECU date stamps when these changes are made, can anyone confirm that?)
Now I am extremely frustrated that I spent ~5-10% more buying a "certified" pre owned mercedes, for the "peace of mind"... I am now basically out the premium I paid on the car (relatively speaking) and every single time I have anything that might be a warranty item will be a battle to get done. Has anyone gone through anything like this and what can I do to prove that I did not put the tune on the vehicle? I imagine this is also going to destroy the resale value down the line as well.
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
About 2 months ago I bought a 2018 CPO E63s from A Mercedes dealer here in town and when I took it in for it's 40,000km service last week the dealer called me later that day and told me they were going to replace the rear diff seals under warranty and I thought nothing of it.
Today I got a call saying that my car is not having any warranty work done and my VIN is now "black listed" as they found a tune on the computer, and I have to go through a special procedure everytime I am looking to make a warranty claim. I did not put this tune on the car, nor was I told of any previous tunes on the ECU. (I really hope the ECU date stamps when these changes are made, can anyone confirm that?)
Now I am extremely frustrated that I spent ~5-10% more buying a "certified" pre owned mercedes, for the "peace of mind"... I am now basically out the premium I paid on the car (relatively speaking) and every single time I have anything that might be a warranty item will be a battle to get done. Has anyone gone through anything like this and what can I do to prove that I did not put the tune on the vehicle? I imagine this is also going to destroy the resale value down the line as well.
Thanks.
Today I got a call saying that my car is not having any warranty work done and my VIN is now "black listed" as they found a tune on the computer, and I have to go through a special procedure everytime I am looking to make a warranty claim. I did not put this tune on the car, nor was I told of any previous tunes on the ECU. (I really hope the ECU date stamps when these changes are made, can anyone confirm that?)
Now I am extremely frustrated that I spent ~5-10% more buying a "certified" pre owned mercedes, for the "peace of mind"... I am now basically out the premium I paid on the car (relatively speaking) and every single time I have anything that might be a warranty item will be a battle to get done. Has anyone gone through anything like this and what can I do to prove that I did not put the tune on the vehicle? I imagine this is also going to destroy the resale value down the line as well.
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Jun 2017
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Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ 2018
This is all the responsibility of the dealer who sold you the car. It is a hidden defect. Just as if he had sold you a car that had already had a major accident without telling you. They sold you a contract guaranteed car.
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2006 E55 Wagon (RIP), 2019 E63S Wagon (Sold) 2023 AMG GT634S
If checking the ECU isn't part of the CPO checklist and process, it should be. Agree on lawyer, and checking the CPO certification process. You had a reasonable expectation that the "experts" reviewed and certified the car as being clean and without any warranty issues.
Thread Starter
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E63s
If checking the ECU isn't part of the CPO checklist and process, it should be. Agree on lawyer, and checking the CPO certification process. You had a reasonable expectation that the "experts" reviewed and certified the car as being clean and without any warranty issues.
Thank you for the input guys.
As per the Mercedes CPO booklet there are at least two mentions regarding this.
“Engine Test: From the intake to the exhaust, everything from belts and plugs to the ignition and emission systems is tested to make sure it is all up to factory standards.”
“On-Road Evaluation: An expert on-road assessment by factory-trained technicians is the final test to make sure the engine, transmission, steering, ride, handling and braking are up to factory standards. Instruments and control systems also receive the same careful scrutiny”
Then specifically on the list of items checked the ones that I believe might be related are;
"11. Perform initial short test, diagnose any current DTC's if fault code exists print ECU Log, freeze fram data and repair as SDS indicates, Attach prinout to RO"
"25. All emission control systems in place and fucntional. Read out DTC's - repair as necessary"
Long day ahead of talking to corporate and the local dealers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,726
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From: Southern California
2018 E63S AMG
If you are in Michigan try Steve Lehto. If not, he has a link on his web site to another law firm he trusts that does work in other stations.
At the very least, see his videos. He has several on CPO.
At the very least, see his videos. He has several on CPO.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
So where are all the PRO-tune guys when these threads come about ... specifically the ones that say the dealer/manufacturer can't just void a warranty if your car is tuned?
OP - I sure hope you get this resolved and they buy you a NEW ecu .. there may be a date stamp on this ecu for the tune overwrite and they'll have to send this current ecu to Germany likely to find out unless they've learned how to locally facilitate acquiring this data ... which I'm not sure why they haven't since thousands of local tuners can do it
OP - I sure hope you get this resolved and they buy you a NEW ecu .. there may be a date stamp on this ecu for the tune overwrite and they'll have to send this current ecu to Germany likely to find out unless they've learned how to locally facilitate acquiring this data ... which I'm not sure why they haven't since thousands of local tuners can do it
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2021 E63S Wagon 2019 S63 AMG Coupé 2015 S Coupé Edition 1 1970 Chevelle LS5
Damn dude. Sorry this happened to you. Hope you’ll find a sufficient and expedient solution to your newly acquired car. That blows man. Keep up the good fight.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: North CA
2021 E63S and 2025 GT63
Thank you for the input guys.
As per the Mercedes CPO booklet there are at least two mentions regarding this.
“Engine Test: From the intake to the exhaust, everything from belts and plugs to the ignition and emission systems is tested to make sure it is all up to factory standards.”
“On-Road Evaluation: An expert on-road assessment by factory-trained technicians is the final test to make sure the engine, transmission, steering, ride, handling and braking are up to factory standards. Instruments and control systems also receive the same careful scrutiny”
Then specifically on the list of items checked the ones that I believe might be related are;
"11. Perform initial short test, diagnose any current DTC's if fault code exists print ECU Log, freeze fram data and repair as SDS indicates, Attach prinout to RO"
"25. All emission control systems in place and fucntional. Read out DTC's - repair as necessary"
Long day ahead of talking to corporate and the local dealers.
As per the Mercedes CPO booklet there are at least two mentions regarding this.
“Engine Test: From the intake to the exhaust, everything from belts and plugs to the ignition and emission systems is tested to make sure it is all up to factory standards.”
“On-Road Evaluation: An expert on-road assessment by factory-trained technicians is the final test to make sure the engine, transmission, steering, ride, handling and braking are up to factory standards. Instruments and control systems also receive the same careful scrutiny”
Then specifically on the list of items checked the ones that I believe might be related are;
"11. Perform initial short test, diagnose any current DTC's if fault code exists print ECU Log, freeze fram data and repair as SDS indicates, Attach prinout to RO"
"25. All emission control systems in place and fucntional. Read out DTC's - repair as necessary"
Long day ahead of talking to corporate and the local dealers.
And make sure you are taking to GM and not service, or sales manager...
I got this advice while back and worked perfectly.
Good luck!
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’27 AMG SL55(ordered), ‘23 EQS 580 SUV, ‘19 AMG E53 Cpe, ‘48 Willys Jeepster
My understanding of mods being used to reject warranty claims is that the part in question had to be directly affected by the mod. I fail to see how an engine tune can directly affect rear drive seals.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Southern California
2018 E63S AMG
Maybe rear seats, unless they could claim the extra compression of acceleration caused increased wear or something.
The driveline is directly connected to the tuned engine and therefore they could make the claim that increased output caused excessive strain, wear, etc.
BS in all likelihood, but you could understand how such a claim could be made.
The driveline is directly connected to the tuned engine and therefore they could make the claim that increased output caused excessive strain, wear, etc.
BS in all likelihood, but you could understand how such a claim could be made.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
It's the dealership that sold it to him that had it flagged! They are clearly not going to admit anything. That's why I suggest legal action. The only acceptable outcome is to have the dealership buy the car back. MB corporate will not unflag the car. It's out of the dealer's hands. MB doesn't care who modded it or when; the car was modded so it's flagged. Warranty service will always be a pain. That can't be rescinded. Resale value is affected. That can't be changed. The dealer needs to be forced to buy the car back now.
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E63s
I belive that the dealer I purchased it from should be covering any and all of my legitimate warranty claims.
I also know that this will severly impact the resale value of the vehicle, so that will be another longer term discussion I need to have with them.
It's the dealership that sold it to him that had it flagged! They are clearly not going to admit anything. That's why I suggest legal action. The only acceptable outcome is to have the dealership buy the car back. MB corporate will not unflag the car. It's out of the dealer's hands. MB doesn't care who modded it or when; the car was modded so it's flagged. Warranty service will always be a pain. That can't be rescinded. Resale value is affected. That can't be changed. The dealer needs to be forced to buy the car back now.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
E63s
It's the dealership that sold it to him that had it flagged! They are clearly not going to admit anything. That's why I suggest legal action. The only acceptable outcome is to have the dealership buy the car back. MB corporate will not unflag the car. It's out of the dealer's hands. MB doesn't care who modded it or when; the car was modded so it's flagged. Warranty service will always be a pain. That can't be rescinded. Resale value is affected. That can't be changed. The dealer needs to be forced to buy the car back now.
Maybe rear seats, unless they could claim the extra compression of acceleration caused increased wear or something.
The driveline is directly connected to the tuned engine and therefore they could make the claim that increased output caused excessive strain, wear, etc.
BS in all likelihood, but you could understand how such a claim could be made.
The driveline is directly connected to the tuned engine and therefore they could make the claim that increased output caused excessive strain, wear, etc.
BS in all likelihood, but you could understand how such a claim could be made.
I belive that the dealer I purchased it from should be covering any and all of my legitimate warranty claims.
I also know that this will severly impact the resale value of the vehicle, so that will be another longer term discussion I need to have with them.
More conversatoins to come.
thanks everyone for the advice
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Socal and Norcal
MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
Once the vehicle is flagged, MBusa puts a status 8 on the car. Ask your dealer provide you with your VMI ( keep that VMI for your record ) that will show the history of the said vehicle.
From the VMI, it will show when the status 8 was placed, from there, you can meet with the GM of the dealer you purchased it from which will show that you purchased the vehicle “ after “ the status 8 was placed on your CPO E63.
No lawyer is needed. Point this out to the dealer and they can either ask MBusa remove the status 8 or contact MBusa directly and provide proof for the above and they can do it directly.
The dealer will need to flash the ECU to factory specs., before the status 8 can be removed.
Good luck and don’t worry about it. Enjoy the time you have it with the tune.
From the VMI, it will show when the status 8 was placed, from there, you can meet with the GM of the dealer you purchased it from which will show that you purchased the vehicle “ after “ the status 8 was placed on your CPO E63.
No lawyer is needed. Point this out to the dealer and they can either ask MBusa remove the status 8 or contact MBusa directly and provide proof for the above and they can do it directly.
The dealer will need to flash the ECU to factory specs., before the status 8 can be removed.
Good luck and don’t worry about it. Enjoy the time you have it with the tune.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 271
From: North CA
2021 E63S and 2025 GT63
Once the vehicle is flagged, MBusa puts a status 8 on the car. Ask your dealer provide you with your VMI ( keep that VMI for your record ) that will show the history of the said vehicle.
From the VMI, it will show when the status 8 was placed, from there, you can meet with the GM of the dealer you purchased it from which will show that you purchased the vehicle “ after “ the status 8 was placed on your CPO E63.
No lawyer is needed. Point this out to the dealer and they can either ask MBusa remove the status 8 or contact MBusa directly and provide proof for the above and they can do it directly.
The dealer will need to flash the ECU to factory specs., before the status 8 can be removed.
Good luck and don’t worry about it. Enjoy the time you have it with the tune.
From the VMI, it will show when the status 8 was placed, from there, you can meet with the GM of the dealer you purchased it from which will show that you purchased the vehicle “ after “ the status 8 was placed on your CPO E63.
No lawyer is needed. Point this out to the dealer and they can either ask MBusa remove the status 8 or contact MBusa directly and provide proof for the above and they can do it directly.
The dealer will need to flash the ECU to factory specs., before the status 8 can be removed.
Good luck and don’t worry about it. Enjoy the time you have it with the tune.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Once the vehicle is flagged, MBusa puts a status 8 on the car. Ask your dealer provide you with your VMI ( keep that VMI for your record ) that will show the history of the said vehicle.
From the VMI, it will show when the status 8 was placed, from there, you can meet with the GM of the dealer you purchased it from which will show that you purchased the vehicle “ after “ the status 8 was placed on your CPO E63.
No lawyer is needed. Point this out to the dealer and they can either ask MBusa remove the status 8 or contact MBusa directly and provide proof for the above and they can do it directly.
The dealer will need to flash the ECU to factory specs., before the status 8 can be removed.
Good luck and don’t worry about it. Enjoy the time you have it with the tune.
From the VMI, it will show when the status 8 was placed, from there, you can meet with the GM of the dealer you purchased it from which will show that you purchased the vehicle “ after “ the status 8 was placed on your CPO E63.
No lawyer is needed. Point this out to the dealer and they can either ask MBusa remove the status 8 or contact MBusa directly and provide proof for the above and they can do it directly.
The dealer will need to flash the ECU to factory specs., before the status 8 can be removed.
Good luck and don’t worry about it. Enjoy the time you have it with the tune.
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 233
From: Socal and Norcal
MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
It sounds like the status 8 was just put on the car because the mod was first spotted during the recent service. That's the whole problem. Status 8 during the new owner's time even thought the mod was prior to the resale. I don't think MB would have reason to remove it either. As far as they're concerned, the warranty conditions were violated.
Again OP should get the VMI to see when the status 8 was registered and if it’s before the CPO purchased, then dealer/MBusa will rectify it.
If the status 8 was registered after CPO purchased and OP is sure it was not tuned during his 2-3 months ownership, contact MBusa and explain the situation, dealer can do a scan to see when the first boost, HP and TQ was increased outside of the factory specs. and work with the dealer and MBusa to fight this.
Good luck.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
The ecu needs to be read to see when it was overwritten.
this is of course in the scenario where the OP doesn't get anywhere with the original dealership.
This very well may require a lawyer
this is of course in the scenario where the OP doesn't get anywhere with the original dealership.
This very well may require a lawyer
