A colleague of mine who is thinking of chipping an A4 contacted two Denver area dealers (Prestige and MacDonalds) to determine their position on whether the presence of a chip voids the new car warranty. At Prestige, she was first informed by a salesman that the warranty is voided (a) only if the problem is traceable to the chip and then (b) only as to the affected part(s). But, the service department (run by a couple of guys whose arrogance makes George Steinbrenner look like Tweety Bird) informed her that a chip, if discovered, will void the warranty in its entirety. At MacDonald, their presumption is that the warranty won't cover "any problem with any part controlled by the ECU". The presence of a chip won't void the warranty in its entirety, only as to defects or problems with engine functions or parts controlled by the ECU. In addition, MacDonalds will evidently soon install a computer system that will permit a dealer to determine whether a performance chip has ever been installed, even if the owner has had the foresight to by a chip which can be removed to permit reinstallation of the stock chip. Maybe owners of chipped cars which are still in the warranty period will wish to avoid those two dealerships (and there are independent reasons to avoid Prestige anyway).<br>

I saved nearly 2k by avoiding Prestige on purchase, but I've had hassle free service with my 98 1.8t TAP Stage 2 car. Prestige has a history of working on modified S4's, so I figure it's a safe bet. Nobody said a word to me regarding modifications during first service, and you can't avoid the fact that I have a Scorpion exhaust hanging out the butt end of the vehicle. Members of the seemingly defunct Colorado A4 club have indicated the Audi dealer in Boulder is completely chip friendly. Too far for me to drive, however.<p>Unless you flog the car to death, it's hard to imagine you would damage something so critically it would be destroyed or in the alternative simply too expensive to repair. Just chip, drive reasonably, and be happy. Or don't modify and be happy and safe.<p>Good luck.<p>-Todd

I regularly take my Wett Chipped A4 1.8T into Stammler in Boulder and have not had any problems with service. I won't say they endorse the use of the chip but they have had no problems working on the car so far. Tom up at Stammler is outstanding, a credit to service managers anywhere.<p>As long as you drive safe and prudently and dont abuse your equipment, you shouldn't have any problems.