Coming from Subaru where they were pretty strict on any kind of modifications to the car voiding a warranty, I was curious how many dealerships view cars with modifications to them in an event of a warranty claim.

I had a friend that had a warranty claim for transmission bearings get denied because Subaru claimed his after market exhaust was a cause.

Granted that was back in the day when these cars are really new so no one really knew what to expect but I don't want to put mods on my car if it's going to void the warranty

 

Sounds like the Subaru dealership didn't understand the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act - if the part you've modded has nothing to do with whatever else broke, they CANNOT deny the warranty claim. One mod will not void the whole warranty. Don't accept their nonsense about after market exhaust... what does that have to do with the transmission? nothing, that's what.
That said, your ability to work with your dealer is really going to depend on the dealer. If you mention where you are, other folks may give you insight on how flexible your dealer is.

 

My dealer sells NM engineering stuff, even the power module, guess they are pretty okay with mods.

 

Ok cool. this makes me feel better.

My reference was back in the early days of when the WRX just hit the states. It was pretty touch and go in terms of mods and Subaru denying claims. I think they have lightened their stance finally

 

A dealer can be ok with mods, but if a problem arises that requires Mini NA to back it you might be SOL. Tread carefully.

 

Thank you. Its always a fine line that for sure

 

Update your info so everyone can see where you're from. Always good to be able to see what area of the country your Mini lives without having to look up other posts, or have to rely on memory.

You can always talk to your dealership about modifications, just to get an idea of how they might think about them. Might avoid unpleasant surprises at service appointments.

 

Ok, update done!