Purchasing a used car with flash. Please help.

[visionboy]

Hello all, I may be purchasing a used r8 and seller states that he has the ecu reprogrammed for increased horsepower. However he does not know the type of flash it is or anything about it, just stated that there's been no problems and it was an audi tech who 'reprogrammed it'.

My question is if I should be suspicious or concern? Is it easy to flash it back to stock? Would there be potential problems/engine failures in the future from this 'reprogrammed'? Will the dealer find out and void the warranty?

Please give your inputs. Thank you.

[LAT]

I believe that who actually created the software is very important. If it is a company you have heard of ie. ABT MTM APR STASIS then you should be more than fine as the reprogram is a bonus. If not it is easy enough for he same dealer to flash it back to stock.

Bottom line I would want to know.




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[visionboy]

I believe that who actually created the software is very important. If it is a company you have heard of ie. ABT MTM APR STASIS then you should be more than fine as the reprogram is a bonus. If not it is easy enough for he same dealer to flash it back to stock.

Bottom line I would want to know.




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Thanks for your reply. Yes, I'm very curious to know what the name of the software is too and surprised the seller doesn't know, but I'm going to try to talk to the actual tech to find out.

If I wanted to change it back to stock, can I just tell my dealer to do it for me or does it have to be the same dealer that installed it. Reason I ask is the car is out of state.

[LAT]

Any dealer can do it, the only concern may be a note on the history file that you had a custom program removed and an unfriendly dealer down the line may try to take advantage. The original dealer would be in a tough spot to do the same, as they are not technically supposed to use aftermarket products to begin with. If your local dealer is on side however you should be fine.


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[visionboy]

well see, it wasn't really done at the dealership, but by an Audi technician on the side I believe. I don't know if I should try to get it back to stock or just leave it alone =(

[NVRL8R8]

If there's no way to find out any info on it, I would definitely have it returned to stock by that same Audi tech (so that it goes undetected by any dealer). And if that can't be done, I personally, would look for another car.

[visionboy]

Thank you for your advice. I will try to talk to the tech himself and sees what he says.

[ajag]

I would strongly consider passing on this one, lots of uncertainty.


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[RS4Cab]

If there's no way to find out any info on it, I would definitely have it returned to stock by that same Audi tech (so that it goes undetected by any dealer).

I have had 2 different Audi's that needed to be reflashed back to stock and both times calls to Audi Germany needed to be made first. So I don't think it is something that can go undetected. If the car is a good deal I would consider buying and the go to a Stasis authorized Audi dealer and get ECU flashed to Stasis. Least that way you will have some protection and know your product.

[ajag]

I have had 2 different Audi's that needed to be reflashed back to stock and both times calls to Audi Germany needed to be made first. So I don't think it is something that can go undetected. If the car is a good deal I would consider buying and the go to a Stasis authorized Audi dealer and get ECU flashed to Stasis. Least that way you will have some protection and know your product.

Problem is the dealer (or stasis) can always deny coverage in the future since at some point in the car's life it had an "unknown" tune.