APR chip and VW dealer issues

[kryten2001]

Independent Euro specialists will always give you great personal service - all of our APR & Oettinger dealers (all 11 of them) http://www.goapr.com.au/dealer/index.html have great business's & good, loyal customer bases - most of them own / drive / modify a range of VAG cars themselves.

I'd agree that the sales people and the lead mechs are genuine VW lovers and most have been in it for years. I can't say I feel the same way for the people who actually work on the cars though. I'm not sure how it is over in the east, but our local VW dealer is a monster-mass-market servicer and most people who work on the cars flip between Mitsu, Hyundai and VW. kids basically.

The independant here though is great. It's got a brilliant 'old school' workshop feel about it and the service is impeccable. Totally trust them to strip down my car, if necessary.

But yeah warranty work is something a bit different again. My local VW dealer frowned as soon as I mentioned mods, so I don't expect to be loved if I need to go back for anything.

About the only thing that's not been screwed with is the electrics and (so far) the gearbox... So far...

[Guy_H]

I have also met some independents who are definitely not enthusiasts too - to some of them, its a wage, a job, income (does not mean that they are at all bad at what they do!) - I suppose working 60 hours a week with cars saps some of their enthusiasm!

Seen a lot of independents come & go in the past 25 years (yes I'm that old )

Tim - you are obviously an enthusiast - what is your full time profession? (genuine question)

[Tim]

I have also met some independents who are definitely not enthusiasts too - to some of them, its a wage, a job, income (does not mean that they are at all bad at what they do!) - I suppose working 60 hours a week with cars saps some of their enthusiasm!

Seen a lot of independents come & go in the past 25 years (yes I'm that old )

Tim - you are obviously an enthusiast - what is your full time profession? (genuine question)

no need to single me out for making a generalisation!
All i said was I prefer dealing with independant workshops as theyre generally more enthusiastic!

We are getting off topic now and im not sure why you are curious? But since you asked. I am self employed and I have my hand in several ventures.

Predominantly in the past 15 years I have made a living in the IT industry culminating in the running of my own retail computer store catering to both the home and small business.

Recently I have closed the shopfront as I found it was holding me back and taking up too much of my time. I still continuing to operate but now I have the luxury of being able to pick and choose which of my old clients I wish to continue to deal with. Scored a nice job today which will be worth about 20 - 30k.

Obviously everyone here knows that I have been running Dub Addiction as well for the last 12 months. That was more a response to the local market wanting easy access to product at respectable prices. Its only a small business yes but the response so far has been beyond my expectations and will continue to grow hopefully to something that will command some respect.

My vice is the share market. I love to have a flutter! If youre smart there is good money to be made at the minute.

I like long walks on moonlit beaches, holding hands, working on my cars and a nice glass of red wine.

If you are after any further info. Perhaps shoot me an email to tim@dubaddiction.com.au and id be happy to forward you a copy of my CV. Are you going to offer me a job?


If im not mistaken this thread was about ECU flashes and dealer concerns. hows about we get back on topic.

[Guy_H]

Thanks Tim!

[Guy_H]

OK lets start quietly...I really don't want to start a one chip is better than another chip discussion (see I said discussion not fight or argument...quietly) that I will decide by myself...maybe..ok I'm trying...really I am.

Question: has anyone who has an APR chip with the cruise control stalk changing system had any issues with their VW dealer during servicing or warranty discussion (see, discussion used again)

I haven't made my mind up but would be interested to hear anyone and everyone's stories.

Cheers

Back on topic - BadTigerBreath - have a chat with European Autotech - they work with 3 or 4 VW dealerships if you were ever to have a problem - they are there to help you & can assist with diagnostics if required - as well as telephone support you can call our 1300 number to see if we can assist.

As far as dealer diagnostics go - as several mentioned, the dealership is not looking for mods - they are there to do a job & turn the car around. As far as detectability goes:

Switching - in stock mode its 100% stock - period!

IF a VW tech knew & suspected switching was installed, they could attempt to switch it (in a couple of thousand switchable cars - have never actually heard of a dealer doing this) - then:

Security lockout - you have to enter a PIN number firstly (you choose the PIN) so the chances are next to zero.

The flash counter remains where it was last set by the VW dealer, so no signs there - also, no fault codes thrown through ECU's when switching either - no sign there.

Good questions & good discussion - let me know if you need any more help!

[Tim]

Thanks Tim!

If that was an attempt to make your opinion more valid than mine good work. Im merely trying to be a true enthusiast and take part in the discussion. Ive in no way critisized your product. Why do I feel as though ive been taunted? I think ive conducted myself quite well up until this point.

Switching - in stock mode its 100% stock - period!

Thats not true. Unless "it" does not refer to the ECU.

[TDIESEL]

I like long walks on moonlit beaches, holding hands, working on my cars and a nice glass of red wine.

If you are after any further info. Perhaps shoot me an email to tim@dubaddiction.com.au and id be happy to forward you a copy of my CV. Are you going to offer me a job?

GOLD

[BadTigerBreath]

Thanks everyone for their help and comments, Guy H and Tim etc much appreciated

plus everyone even played nice

cheers guys, all I need to do is decide now....but back to cars and enthusiasts, I can't wait to have 200+kw putting my license in danger

[Guy_H]

If that was an attempt to make your opinion more valid than mine good work. Im merely trying to be a true enthusiast and take part in the discussion. Ive in no way critisized your product. Why do I feel as though ive been taunted? I think ive conducted myself quite well up until this point.



Thats not true. Unless "it" does not refer to the ECU.

Tim, It was not & sorry if it came across that way - so no - you have not been "taunted" in any way.

And yes it is true sorry & I mean "it" but thats not on topic either.