Aftermarket Stereo Invalidates Warranty for Dash Board(??)

[Gavin1]

Folks,
I dropped my MCS back to the dealer to sort out some rattles and squeaks. All of the squeaks were sorted except for a squeak on the top of the dash on the drivers side. When I asked why not, "You have an aftermarket stereo fitted". I asked how that affects the warranty on the car. "How do we know it was fitted by a trained tech?" I pointed out that the squeak is approx 18 to 24 inches from the radio and that it is not required to remove the entire dash to install a radio. "BMW will not pay us for warranty work when aftermarket equipment is involved". I asked further about how a radio affects this warranty, he just repeated the same line.
Is there any truth to their argument?
Anyone with this sort of problem?

Regards
Gavin

[Irlmin]

I think the service manager you met was having a bad day , and you were his target for revenge , what type of Hu did you fit ? as if it's a Sony they are 'approved ' aftermarket units available from MINI , he was only covering up for his failure to sort all the rattles , if necessary go to another dealer and remind your ' friend ' who refused to fix your car you will be ' talking ' to MINI ie . it might not make any difference to your rattles BUT you will get it off your chest .

[AidenL]

What dealer was that?

I agree with Gerard by the way............

If the dealer values your business, he should fix the rattle as a goodwill gesture anyway, as hey were fixing other problems, seems petty to not do one rattle alone..........

[Gavin1]

Thanks for the replies.
It was Joe Duffy Motors.
Some "directive from BMW" was another phrase he used.
I fitted an Alpine headunit, great sound and the colour can be made to fit the dash.
Possibly a bad day but it was the only face time that I got with Joe Duffy Motors in the last month and leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Regards and thanks for your comments

[ButtonIt]

Absolute Bull Cack

The dealer I use has no problems with my aftermarket HU (Blaupunkt). And there's a thread on here somewhere that states that unless the "modification" is the direct cause of the fault, then it will be repaired under warranty. I'll go digging for you

[ButtonIt]

Here you go http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...y+modification

[Fabio]

What's the name of the person you were dealing with???

[Gavin1]

Thanks for responses.
I was dealsing with Brendan (did not get his second name) in the service department. Could just be a case of a bad day. However he was able to tell me what stereo I had fitted so I think that the mechanics could have said something as well.
I`ll see how it pans out.
Can the diagnostic pick up an aftermarket stereo?
Is there any legal advise out there?
Gavin

[ButtonIt]

The diagnostic does pick up on aftermarket stereos, I've seen the error messages it throws on the Tech's screen. Basically it thinks the stock HU is missing or faulty.

That's no big deal as it doesn't affect any of the operability of the car. ie. it won't shutdown the engine if the HU is missing, but it will if there's a problem with the throttle body etc.

Like I said in my previous post, they should not take into accont the change in HU as it's not a direct cause of the fault.

[Irlmin]

It sometimes surprises me that people treat customers like this , does this guy not realise the buying public are keeping him in a job . all it takes is a little goodwill and flexibility , everyone knows the fitments of an after market HU will not cause a rattle on the other side of the dash or indeed any other malfunction as with the introduction of correct after market harnesses and fitting kits this is now idiot proof ' . he was also being un-professional as if your unit was fitted by a trained audio technician he was casting doubt on this guys work .this is a deffinite ' don't do ' in any profession . I think a 'chat ' to the dealer principal outlining the attitude of his service advisor and your disappointment at his un-flexibility in what was a simple issue might work , also have a word with the sales guy you bought the car from and explain the 'damage ' to customer relations the service advisor has done and what will happen when you come to change your car and recommend others . don't mention legal action as this will loose you all potential 'goodwill ' and flexibility and the ' barriers ' will come up and the only one to win will be the solicitors .
Gerard