Peace of mind with SULEV?

CSN327 · 03-26-2021, 10:41 AM

Hi folks, I'm new to the forum, and I've been looking for a modern small BMW coupe as my first car. It wasn't until I saw posts here that I know BMW offers SULEV warranty in my state. I don't have clues on what would happen after 100k miles, so will it be worth looking for a SULEV model for extra peace of mind?

Also, I'd like to know if a stage I tuning would void the SULEV warranty, otherwise, it would be a nice addition to a detuned N51 engine.

Thanks!

Gray_Panther · 03-26-2021, 11:37 AM

I cant answer about the tuning. But i am bringing my 128i for the first sulev warranty repair on monday for a cylinder 5 misfire. I hope all goes smoothly with that.

There are users on here who have utilized the sulev warranty for some repairs and they were happy with the warranty as they basically got free replacements for parts and labor to repair.

My only concern is if the dealer deems that the repair is not related to sulev then they will charge you $150 just for scanning the car for diagnosing.

jdt10768 · 03-26-2021, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray_Panther

I cant answer about the tuning. But i am bringing my 128i for the first sulev warranty repair on monday for a cylinder 5 misfire. I hope all goes smoothly with that.

There are users on here who have utilized the sulev warranty for some repairs and they were happy with the warranty as they basically got free replacements for parts and labor to repair.

My only concern is if the dealer deems that the repair is not related to sulev then they will charge you $150 just for scanning the car for diagnosing.

They will probably replace all coils under warranty, and while they are there I would pay for new spark plugs. What's your current mileage?

print your warranty out and highlight the parts you're focused upon

Gray_Panther · 03-26-2021, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdt10768

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray_Panther

I cant answer about the tuning. But i am bringing my 128i for the first sulev warranty repair on monday for a cylinder 5 misfire. I hope all goes smoothly with that.

There are users on here who have utilized the sulev warranty for some repairs and they were happy with the warranty as they basically got free replacements for parts and labor to repair.

My only concern is if the dealer deems that the repair is not related to sulev then they will charge you $150 just for scanning the car for diagnosing.

They will probably replace all coils under warranty, and while they are there I would pay for new spark plugs. What's your current mileage?

print your warranty out and highlight the parts you're focused upon

Thank you!
I replaced spark plugs 10k miles ago and right now I am sitting at 64.5k.

Tuxedo · 03-28-2021, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSN327

Also, I'd like to know if a stage I tuning would void the SULEV warranty, otherwise, it would be a nice addition to a detuned N51 engine.

it could, BMW flags now any dme flash. I'm not sure if you reinstall the back up it will flag.

krhodes1 · 03-28-2021, 10:03 PM

I figure it's worth something. I pay rather more in annual tax and registration to keep mine registered in Maine so I can take advantage of it, even though my SULEV e88 is actually kept at my winter place in Maine. For 2011 they have to be registered in a SULEV state, not just be ne a SULEV car, to get the warranty.

As for the tune, I can't see bothering. It has the same power as an N52, so it's not "detuned", it just doesn't have the same gains possible since it already has the 3-stage intake, but lower compression ratio and the other sundry changes. My car is already faster than I am - if you are looking to go REALLY fast you are buying a 1-series with the wrong motor in it to start with.

Ultimately, when I was shopping for one last summer, I was looking for the very best condition car I could find. Which motor was in it was actually pretty far down my list. Just had to be bolted to a manual transmission.

I missed out on a spectacular N55 135i by literally 5 minutes. But I do feel like I probably dodged a bullet there.

fotontom · 03-29-2021, 08:15 AM

Totally agree with the opinions in this string. The SULEV is a fine car, it's just not a stormer. it does perform very well and I appreciate that. I bought my E88 because it had a good service record and was kept in great condition. I've always followed a strong preventive maintenance program with most of my cars, I plan to continue with this one (105K miles) but will hold off on certain parts until the SULEV warranty expires.

CSN327 · 03-29-2021, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krhodes1

It has the same power as an N52, so it's not "detuned", it just doesn't have the same gains possible since it already has the 3-stage intake, but lower compression ratio and the other sundry changes.

I was comparing to some more powerful N52s, e.g. those 330i with 258hp and 130i across the pond. The lower compression ratio is not something ideal though.

sibanez · 03-30-2021, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSN327

I was comparing to some more powerful N52s, e.g. those 330i with 258hp and 130i across the pond. The lower compression ratio is not something ideal though.

The compression ratio is only adding 5-10hp max, and that's if everything else is done right. My dealer in PA has done SULEV repairs with a tune, no questions asked.

krhodes1 · 04-01-2021, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSN327

I was comparing to some more powerful N52s, e.g. those 330i with 258hp and 130i across the pond. The lower compression ratio is not something ideal though.

Why? That version doesn't exist in 1-series here from the factory. Thus the N51 is not detuned relative to the N52 version in the same car. Might as well complain that it never got an S52 either.

The lower compression ratio is ideal for reducing NOX emissions.

03-26-2021, 10:41 AM	#1
CSN327 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 37 Posts Drives: E87 120i, E82 135i, E85 Z4 M Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	Peace of mind with SULEV? Hi folks, I'm new to the forum, and I've been looking for a modern small BMW coupe as my first car. It wasn't until I saw posts here that I know BMW offers SULEV warranty in my state. I don't have clues on what would happen after 100k miles, so will it be worth looking for a SULEV model for extra peace of mind? Also, I'd like to know if a stage I tuning would void the SULEV warranty, otherwise, it would be a nice addition to a detuned N51 engine. Thanks!
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03-26-2021, 11:37 AM	#2
Gray_Panther Brigadier General 1555 Rep 3,234 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	I cant answer about the tuning. But i am bringing my 128i for the first sulev warranty repair on monday for a cylinder 5 misfire. I hope all goes smoothly with that. There are users on here who have utilized the sulev warranty for some repairs and they were happy with the warranty as they basically got free replacements for parts and labor to repair. My only concern is if the dealer deems that the repair is not related to sulev then they will charge you $150 just for scanning the car for diagnosing. __________________ 2012 BMW 128i 6MT Deep Sea Blue Metallic
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03-28-2021, 10:03 PM	#6
krhodes1 Colonel 1436 Rep 2,526 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Wagon Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Westbrook, Maine, Port Charlotte, Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 128i [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i Touring [10.00]	I figure it's worth something. I pay rather more in annual tax and registration to keep mine registered in Maine so I can take advantage of it, even though my SULEV e88 is actually kept at my winter place in Maine. For 2011 they have to be registered in a SULEV state, not just be ne a SULEV car, to get the warranty. As for the tune, I can't see bothering. It has the same power as an N52, so it's not "detuned", it just doesn't have the same gains possible since it already has the 3-stage intake, but lower compression ratio and the other sundry changes. My car is already faster than I am - if you are looking to go REALLY fast you are buying a 1-series with the wrong motor in it to start with. Ultimately, when I was shopping for one last summer, I was looking for the very best condition car I could find. Which motor was in it was actually pretty far down my list. Just had to be bolted to a manual transmission. I missed out on a spectacular N55 135i by literally 5 minutes. But I do feel like I probably dodged a bullet there. __________________ '11 328! Touring - Tasman on Chestnut, 6spd manual, factory upside-down "i" option '11 128i Convertible - Space Gray on Savannah Beige, 6spd manual, also '14 Mercedes-Benz E350 wagon, '95 Land Rover Discovery, '74 Triumph Spitfire
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03-29-2021, 08:15 AM	#7
fotontom Second Lieutenant 178 Rep 262 Posts Drives: BMW 128i E82 M-Sport, 528i F10 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Totally agree with the opinions in this string. The SULEV is a fine car, it's just not a stormer. it does perform very well and I appreciate that. I bought my E88 because it had a good service record and was kept in great condition. I've always followed a strong preventive maintenance program with most of my cars, I plan to continue with this one (105K miles) but will hold off on certain parts until the SULEV warranty expires.
	Appreciate 0 Quote