2 BMC Filters and IPD = Void Warranty

[stealthn]

I'm still steaming, my 2005 CTT was running very rough with a check engine light after a cold morning start. I took it to the dealer (warranty) to findout both MAF's were hosed, and they blame the BMC filters and RSS IPD air intake; thus warranty = void.

I was fuming, I told the guy prove to me the BMC (Porsche racing approved) filters were the cause, and he said he had seen it many times before so he didn't have to. He also stated ANY change to factory components voids the warranty so I'm hosed.

I asked if it happend again (DOA MAF's) after I put back the factory components, would he refund me the cost of all the work for these as the air filters wouldn't be the cause (I still suspect oil in the intake from the turbos); of course he said no.

I did a lot of checking before I installed the filters (and IPD) and didn't find anyone who had an issues with their dealer, or a direct relationship with failed MAF's and the filters and could not find any.

I am still so mad, but I guess it's my own fault; next time I would just swap out the filters prior to taking to dealer.

The filters are coming off an probably never going back on, but I'll keep the IPD instake, and swap it out when I need a dealer visit.

Just a cautionary tail for you guys still under warranty.

[ChkbookMechanic]

Ouch, sorry to hear about that. You can never know exactly how a dealer is going to react to modifications to the car.. even when they tell you it'll be ok, I still don't trust them.

[Plavan]

They can't void because of BMC filters. Check on rennlist.org

[stealthn]

They did so if you can point me to the link I can review I would appreciate this.

[TCallas]

First I must admit that I do sell and install the Oiled Paper/Foam/Cotton air flters (OAF) for all Porsche’s and BMW’s but please note, the hot film mass air flow sensors (HFM MAF) cannot take ANY oil contamination which can originate from the (aftermarket only) OAF's. The professional racecars that utilize the BMC or other similar OAF’s do not have HFM MAF's. It's a no-brainer to remove and recommend removing the aftermarket OAF’s on a street car before it goes to the dealer/agency for ANY warranty repairs. It is imperative that when servicing a OAF that you VERY lightly oil the paper/foam/cotton and I personally recommend only coating the inlet side of the air filter. It is also very important to let the filter sit for at least 30 minutes before installation. I have found that the BMC air filters come new with a bit much of oil.

[Plavan]

Letter from K&N CEO - Automotive Dealers Voiding a Warranty due to a K&N Replacement Filter
This should help. Or go to a different dealer

[stealthn]

Intersting article.

Two points; I am in Canada so I don't this this applies;

And this section:
This does not preclude a warrantor from expressly excluding liability for defects or damage caused by such "unauthorized" articles or service; nor does it preclude the warrantor from denying liability where the warrantor can demonstrate that the defect or damage was so caused.”

Is what happened; they said the MAF failures were a direct result of the filters, but the other issue (Vacuum leak) would be covered under warranty. They also stated the modification of any kind is in the warranty, but I guess you could argue the consumable parts (such as filters) are outside this.

I still think it was residule oil in the intake (which I found before putting in the filters) is the cause, but I can't prove it.

And yes I know the filter ususally come "over oiled" so I left them out in the sun on newspaper for a few hours before install to make sure the extra oil was cleaned off.

I will have to find a copy of the warranty to see what exactly it states, but for now I'm the dumb one for not swapping the filters over prior to taking to them.

[island911]

Sounds like you got screwed by either BMC or the Porsche dealer. --I would lean towards BMC as being the problem.

[stealthn]

I emailed them (have not heard back), I also posted to the PCA forum and the response was they recommend sticking with factory but the dealer can't void the warranty unless the oil from filters caused the MAF sensors to fail, which I guess it's up to me to dissprove.
I have the old MAF Sensors and I would love to find a place to do a test on them to see if there is any oil (either from the turbos, or filters) on them.
They both seem dry as a bone.

Another poster on the PCA forums said they have said they thought the oiled filters caused the MAF Sensor to fail but after changing many ones with factory filters they have since changed their minds.

I'm still miffed and would like to get to root cause....

[island911]

I would look at the sensor wire (or is it a plate?) for any funkiness. Corrosion/discoloration. If it's clean, then I would doubt the problem is due to the filter.