So I was picking up the license plates for the wife's new Mini, and stopped by to see the SA. In discussion I mentioned installing a new aftermarket intake filter on my JCW R56 and he said I would void my warranty!!! Any thoughts on this?

 

its not quite that simple....
The saving grace for consumers is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. The act states that a dealer must prove that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before it can deny warranty coverage. (from Edmunds .com)

 

Thank you gerry. I would hate to put it to the test.

 

I am assuming it was MOTW that you stopped by. I installed a KN filter in my JCW with no problems on my last service. I mentioned it the SA there that it was installed and they never mentioned an issue. The only thing they warned me on was installing a JB+ tune as that would void out the warranty.

 

You are correct MOTW! The SA (name starts with a V, nice guy) said if you install anything and the motor gets messed up, Mini can easily claim it is related and void the warranty.

 

MINI can't deny you work because of mods. But if there is any way the failure could be connected to the mod, you should return to stock before bringing it in. I've had my HPFP replaced with the basic bolt-ons and tune and did not have a problem, but if I was going in for a blown piston I'd expect they'd try to deny it because of my mods.

 

If I remember correctly "V" is new there. The SA manager just left for the BMW side so they have had some changes. My SA there (L) has been around for a bit and has been great to deal with.

 

Be careful, Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 was written for things like air filters, oil filters, oil, basic replacement parts.
This was done to protect aftermarket suppliers.
Magnuson-Moss actually states, if a manufacturer requires you to use their product, they need to supply it for free. As when they tell you, you can only use "BMW" branded oil.
It spills over to other aftermarket parts, and the ruling has been stretched over the years.

That being said, you can install K&N filter,but if the oil from the filter damages the MAF sensor, resulting in a lean condition to your engine causing piston damage from detonation……. YOU will buy that engine, not MINI.

If you install a basic Fram oil filter, and your engine gets damaged, then Fram buys the engine.