ECU re-mapping - can it be detected?

[crockers]

Ok I have read much from sellers of this service saying that when one takes the car in for a service it can't be detected.

BUT - I'm not sure - surely a computer code change must be detectable by a dealers STAR machine or whatever?

So - all those that know MB STAR - can an ECU remap be detected?

 

[maddog]

Ok I have read much from sellers of this service saying that when one takes the car in for a service it can't be detected.

BUT - I'm not sure - surely a computer code change must be detectable by a dealers STAR machine or whatever?

So - all those that know MB STAR - can an ECU remap be detected?

I'm sure it can if they look for it i dont think they would look for it as part of a normal service

 

[BlackC55]

It cannot be detected by Star.

 

[crockers]

Can it be detected by any other means - other than driving the car and thinking -"Hmmm something has been done to this car?"

 

[BlackC55]

That is really the only way. Some cars feel quicker than others with the same engine.

If you can wait 'till the May GTG I can do it then for you.

 

[Kompressor_Dude]

Mine had been to a main dealers for years with it's remap and was never detected in services, MOT's or repairs.

Wasnt 'till I took it to Olly's and he asked what on earth had been done that a garage had ever rumbled me

If it cant be detected by STAR then in an accident the only thing Mr Insurer can do to see how fast it goes is drive it..... which probably wont be an option :bannana:

 

[maddog]

Mine has a tuning box sat right next to the ECU , pretty hard to miss but they have never mentioned it but that doesnt mean they dont know its there


Was talking to someone about mapping my wifes VRS Skoda , the company actually use a redundant part of the ecu to apply the map so you can switch between the standard and modified maps as required. I asked if the dealer would see the map and they said , "They could find it if they were looking for it" , and i bet this would be the same for Mercedes , blow up an engine up or have an unusual failure during warranty and i bet they would look for a remap as they are very popular nowadays

 

[lil.smartie]

It cannot be detected by Star.

You CAN tell with a STAR on a Smart if you know where to look and what to look for!

Kate

 

[raymont]

I would take with a pinch of marketing salt any claims that the remap is invisible. The program and data for management systems are stored in memory. Memory can be read.

If you’re worried about warranty I'd say be aware of the possibility of issues and take your own decision based on your perception of the risk of having to dig into your own pocket to put things right. MB can only refuse to cough up on items that could be affected by the increase in power / torque. E.g. they would find it difficult to not pay for problems with the lights, door locks etc. Unfortunately the bits likely to be affected, i.e. transmission and engine, are expensive.

I would strongly recommend you get insurance cover for any remap. The consequences of having a major accident and not being insured could be financially devastating.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello


When I was on the BMW forum with my last car a lot of members had their diesal BMW's remapped by a company called DMS.

One guy with a 535d remapped had his car in for service and on collecting the car the service book had been stamped Remapped over the pages.

Now I don't know if this is a guarantee that the company offers or not. Thing is with the right toold surely it can be seen.

I know its completely different but when I had a TD4 freelander I bought a power box for it, this I would remove for the service. The insurance comapnay new I had this (I paid £50 extra) but 5 mins unplugging it no-one would know...

 

[BTB 500]

I'm sure the insurers and manufacturers can identify a remap if necessary (e.g. following a major warranty or insurance claim).

 

[A210AMG]

Thats exactly why I told my insurance company but I bet lots of people don't.

 

[rf065]

As far as I'm aware, remaps cannot be detected during normal servicing repair work mainly because no one is looking for that info.

I've been told from a trusted source (the internet forum )? that if for example, your car is looking at expensive warranty work on engine or gearbox and a remap is suspected, they have ways of proving it and landing you with the repair bill.

Will the remapper give you a written guarantee that the remap is 100% undetectable and if it detected they will foot the repair bill, I think not.

Russ

 

[BlackC55]

They cant see it as its information that its unobtaiable with the equipment a dealer has.

 

[Adam230K]

Mine had been to a main dealers for years with it's remap and was never detected in services, MOT's or repairs.

Wasnt 'till I took it to Olly's and he asked what on earth had been done that a garage had ever rumbled me

If it cant be detected by STAR then in an accident the only thing Mr Insurer can do to see how fast it goes is drive it..... which probably wont be an option :bannana:

Cant u sweet talk the same person to do mine

 

[Uberwagon]

I'm quite surprised they can't see any peak values etc, I thought it could be used for fault diagnosis?

Dave!

 

[rf065]

They cant see it as its information that its unobtaiable with the equipment a dealer has.

Hmm, can you be 100% certain? For Mercedes or all makes?

The info I found was from someone who works for Diagnostix UK who make professional diagnostic, mileage correction and chiptuning equipment. The quote was,

"And contrary to belief, we have it on good advice by people who know, that dealers and insurance Companies can tell if your car has been re-mapped,"

Russ

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I wouldn't be surprised if a dealer can't tell, but I bet someone in a lab somewhere could.

If the data can be read by a third party in order to alter it, you can bet that MB can read the data and then compare to standard maps.

 

[ringway]

I wouldn't be surprised if a dealer can't tell, but I bet someone in a lab somewhere could.

If the data can be read by a third party in order to alter it, you can bet that MB can read the data and then compare to standard maps.

Good Logic

 

[stats007]

It's easy to check - if you have the equipment to remap a vehicle then you have the ability to read the map the car is using. I doubt dealers would be concerned unless a warranty or insurance claim were pending.