I know a lot of you have already chipped your engines and most have concluded that moderate additional boost won't materially affect engine durability. However, I am still very concerned about voiding the warranty. Once the Audi TT's with the 180 hp 1.8t engine are introduced, would it be possible to have a dealer replace/exchange the ECU on a 150 hp 1.8t with the new ECU? (My impression is that the internals were not changed on the 180 hp TT engine.) It would be hard for Audi to argue that this engine modification caused any problem that crops up. Would a dealer do such an exchange? What else would be required (e.g., exhaust)? Any ideas on how much this might cost? Presumably, it would cost more than just using a third party chip, but could be worth it to avoid warranty issues.<br>

If you have a drivetrain problem after chipping (or getting a new ECU)...the dealer's first instinct will probably be to DENY any warranty claim.<p>Then it's up to YOU (and hopefully a lawyer that you employ or are related to) to PROVE that the ECU or chip did NOT cause the problem.<p>So, maybe, after you spend a minor fortune & a lot of time dealing with it, they fix it for you.<p>Seems to me that if you get an ECU from the dealer, then THEY KNOW FOR SURE YOU ARE "CHIPPED" to higher power levels. If you go aftermarket, they would have to be looking for it & wouldn't know if you didn't tell them. Follow the logic, there? Don't ask, don't tell?<p>steve

that it is up to the manufacturer to prove that an aftermarket piece caused the problem, but show us someone who has had this fight go their way...<p><br>steve

The point is that this would be an Audi part. How could they make a claim that this had damaged the engine if they are selling the exact same engine (in the TT) themselves?<br>

Even tho' its an Audi part, it wasn't on your A4 to begin with (or any A4 in the US right now).<p>So let's assume all four pistons melt down in a spectacular light show of sparks, smoke, and molten metal.<p>If they say, "Hmmmm, that was an Audi part, so we'll fix it right up!", that costs them big bux (and, because at the present time, nobody has heard of this being offered as an Audi program), whoever gave it to you answers to his boss regarding the charge to the warranty.<p>If the say, "Wow, nice pile of parts, that'll be $8000, fella," you pay, & they're golden. They got your money for the ECU & they save a warranty expense. If you fuss, the corporate types have a good cover, saying it wasn't a part for an US spec A4.<p>Unless Audi has a program for upgrading your ECU, then I'd bet even money that you'll be fighting an uphill battle to get a powertrain warranty issue covered.<p>Of course, this is all assuming you have a powertrain problem....which hopefully, won't happen in the first place.<p>steve

I've had the same question. I called some of the tuner companies, and most of them treated me like I had three heads. I wanted to buy a complete ecu, so I could keep my original one. Then, if there is ever a problem, even minor, I just swap it back. Most of them said if I supplied them with a computer...You would think they would have some sourcing better than I would. Doesn't seem like an unusual request.<br>