I have been considering getting an FVD (not interested in any other brand or comments on FVD. I 100% either doing FVD or not doing it at all) tune to my 2012 CPO. I have 7,6XX miles on it. I ask the dealer who will do the tune for me about the CPO and they answer, but they hesitate when I ask about coverage and trading the car in later. They said most things will be covered, but if you get check engine lights (over and over) or the DME goes bad, it probably won't be covered. I only hope to hear from others who had a CPO car and did a tune of their experiences. First, did the tune cause problems with the car (i.e., check engine lights, DME failure, etc.). Second, if you in fact traded the car in later, did you get hammered because you tuned it? Thank you.

 

Well most of them can revert back to stock that only a guy looking for it is going to find. Then they have to actually prove it caused the issue. Not just a blanket YUP it caused it. So that should help on the taking it in and hammered for value.
I havent heard anything like CEL, ECU burns on the FVD software. Its very good and safe.

Oh and be prepared for the Forum ***** to tell you to do a search so you can try and read a thread from 2010 that post #769 answers your questions.

 

I have about 5,000 miles on my FVD tune (about 3,000 miles on Lvl 1 and 2,000 miles on Lvl 2 "+boost/+torque") with no CEL or DME issues. The car has been to my local dealer twice for service with no issues. The first time I switched back to the stock map before dropping off the car and the second time I left the FVD tuned file on, no issues. That said, service techs only really look long/hard for signs of a tune if there is a major warranty issue/claim and in those instances the tune is almost always detectable. To the earlier point, Porsche would have to prove that the claim was directly related to the tune to void claims, but either way, expect a protracted resolution process, if you are ever in that situation.

On whether the tune causes any problems with the car, I can only speak to my FVD experience and say none! This was one of my major concerns prior to going down the ECU tuning rabbit hole and FVD is as safe and reliable as they come (I spoke to their engineers in Germany briefly to better understand what they do and why). Good easy going guys. Full disclosure, when I upgraded to FVD's Lvl 2 tune, I did have recurring CELs for a while but it was due to the hardware (3.0 Bar boost pressure sensor issue) not the tune. Once the shop identified and rectified the sensor issue, it's been 2,000 happy miles of CEL-free motoring (which includes a dragstrip event). FYI, at my 10,000 mile service, the Porsche dealer techs did not recommend any additional service due to excessive wear & tear, so I presume the tune isn't ravaging my engine parts, although time will tell. Personally, I expect to replace certain parts such as plugs and coils sooner than the Porsche recommended service/replacement guideline but again only time will tell.

On your question of trade-in, I really don't know but I suspect it is dealer specific. If I remember correctly you got your car at Towns in Englewood? The CPO sales mgr (Doug Avella) is a real Porsche car guy and is really cool about mods on Porsches so I don't expect him to hammer you (beyond the normal hammering ANY dealer would try to shaft you on a trade-in...LOL). if in doubt ask Doug, he should be fairly candid.

I see you already have an exhaust (I think Doug tried to sell me that exhaust...LOL) and a plenum, a tune would be a great compliment. I have nothing but great things to say about FVD both as a company (sales, support and client service) and their product (performance, reliability, safety, and ease of use). Best of luck with your decision.

 

Doug was my salesperson, but I didn't do any of the performance mods to this car. I bought it as a CPO with 3,100 miles on it and it had the IPD Plenum, GMG muffler and BMC air filter. When I asked everyone at the dealer, they all said I'm probably ok with FVD and the CPO including Doug. Doug did hesitate before answering and he did say as long as you aren't beating it up since they do a rev report or something. Doug mentioned the CELs and that it would only be an issue if you are coming back over and over for the same CEL it may be an issue. Also, the parts manager Andrew said the part about "if the DME goes or something, it may be hard to cover". This is why I want them to do the tune and I want to trade it in with them since I believe this will help me. Thanks for the information. Your type of response is exactly what I want to read.

 

I agree w/ Andrew, "abuse" of a car (a horrible DME report scan) will likely factor more into lower trade-in value than the mere existence of a tune (remember you will most likely revert back to the stock ECU file when trading-in the car anyway). That said, with a PDK car I suspect its really hard to get the dreaded stage 4 and above over-revs as the PDK shifts so intuitively! That's more a 6MT problem/issue!

You won't have recurring CEL with FVD! With their Lvl 1 tune, it was as simple as download stock ECU file, send to FVD Germany (specify the current mods on your car), receive FVD tuned file next day, upload tuned file to vehicle, drive and enjoy! By all means wait for others to chime in but you should be OK with FVD.

 

Thank you again. I do have a manual trans though.

 

I had a similar issue. Tune was from TPC. Constant CEL's. Ended up replacing the DME, but relfashing it back to stock was probably an option as well. I know you said FVD, many tuners give a device which allows tune switches, including back to stock.



YMMV.

 

Oops, didn't realize yours was a manual. In that case, endeavor to shift timely