Motor trader has sold me a mapped car - what are my rights? | Ask Honest John

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Motor trader has sold me a mapped car - what are my rights?

I part-exchanged my car two months ago for a 2019 BMW M140i from a trader. Within weeks of owning the car, I discovered it had been engine mapped.

The trader acknowledged my complaint but said he needed to contact the previous owner to find out what type of mapping had been applied. Since then the trader has been ignoring my calls and emails.

My local BMW dealer has offered to return the engine to factory settings. However, I will have to pay for this to be done and the BMW dealer says they cannot be held liable if the remapping and programming cause any issues (as the mapping software is non-BMW).

Can you advise me of my rights (if any) as I feel that I have bought a car which is virtually impossible to insure unless I get the main BMW re-map done. And I do not see why I should be liable for the cost or indeed if any issues are uncovered when the undertake the work.

Your views would be much appreciated.

Asked on 6 June 2022 by jimsg

Answered by Dan Powell

It reads like the dealer is trying their very best to dodge their legal responsibilities.

Engine mapping is a clear vehicle modification and it should have been declared to you at the time of sale. If the dealer is refusing to cooperate then I would advise that you return the car and ask for a full refund.

Engine mapping isn't uncommon, but it must be declared to your insurer as a modification - and it'll result in higher premium costs for the life of the car. You may also need to upgrade the vehicle's brakes, steering and suspension to accommodate the extra power/torque the modification has provided.

Assuming that the dealer failed to make you aware of the engine mapping at the time of sale, I think you have strong grounds to demand a refund under the 2015 Consumer Rights Act: www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-cons.../

Tags: rejecting a car remapping engine remap

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