Mileage Correction

ollie2016uk · Jun 30, 2016

Morning Guys & Gals,

Well we have completed the engine swap in the roadster, almost there with all the other bits and pieces!

Next up is getting the correct mileage on the dash, does anyone know anyone with the correct tools to do this? I don't have any ODB tools for the older models!

If anyone knows of anyone for the E36 that can do a mileage correction i'd be most appreciative.

Before anyone accuses us of clocking this car, please be aware that we have been restoring this car over the last few weeks and this included an engine swap (obviously a receipted purchase!)

Lee · Jun 30, 2016

Where abouts are you in the UK? I have a mate who does it at his unit in Camberley on the M3 motorway.

ollie2016uk · Jun 30, 2016

I'm in Norfolk mate

Brian H · Jun 30, 2016

ollie2016uk said:
Before anyone accuses us of clocking this car, please be aware that we have been restoring this car over the last few weeks and this included an engine swap (obviously a receipted purchase!)

It your call at the end of the day, usual practice is to note the engine change in the log book, the car has done the mileage as stated on the clock, it's not just about the engine!

Tfp · Jun 30, 2016

So are you correcting the mileage to that of the new engine?

That's no problem if you make that very clear when you sell the car.

But as Brian says above, not usual practice.

mrscalex · Jun 30, 2016

Is it really no problem to lower what is the car's mileage to match the engine? I would have thought that would be a no no. If it's legal I can't say I agree with that.

My brother has had his Z3 from new. It needed a new engine fitted by the dealer under warranty after 6 months. The subject of changing the mileage never cropped up. And change it to what? Zero? It makes no sense.

I think you'll also devalue the car. I wouldn't buy it if someone had done that.

billysally208 · Jun 30, 2016

It's perfectly legal to do - as long as he discloses it to any prospective buyer - Personally I would just keep all the documentation to prove the mileage of the replacement engine. Usually find if you are open and honest people will accept what you are saying. He might also have a problem explaining the mileage on the MOT's history for the car when it has a sudden drop.

Antm72 · Jun 30, 2016

I would say its not really the done thing it is something you document not change.
The new engine may have only say 60 k on it but the car and its componants will still be at actual mileage fully documented and garage stamped would be the easier way to go.
And as mentioned mot history showing a big drop in mileage would ring alarm bells to me but its your choice and it is possible i believe but not easy as its stored in more than one place clocks ecu etc .

mrscalex · Jun 30, 2016

There's also a tamper dot that appears if the mileage has been changed. By the car itself anyway. If you put a cluster with higher mileage in than the old one it will show the replacement cluster's mileage. If the replacement cluster's mileage is lower than the current cluster the replacement cluster's mileage will get wound up to the old one by the computer. Then it puts the tamper dot on. So I understand - I can't pretend I've tried it myself. Whether the tamper dot appears for a manual change and it can be erased with the right tools I don't know. I would think most things can be hacked on a Z3.

If it's legal then it's your car so go for it! But I wouldn't buy a car with amended mileage on the clock and thought it might be useful to put that alternative view across. I'd be perfectly happy to buy one with 200k miles on it and someone just showed me proof of the new engine.

I was looking for someone in Swindon yesterday to re-code a radio for me. I found someone who also specialises in mileage adjustment. In fact I then found a newspaper article when I was looking for his number that said he was doing illegal clocking for the trade at one point and got sent down for it. So apart from the fact he wasn't smart enough to avoid being caught he's definitely expert!

ollie2016uk · Jun 30, 2016

I think there is a massive difference in opinion here, we change many engines in all different cars, of course we always update the engine numbers on the log book otherwise you'll find your insurance is invalid!

Every engine we change comes from only reputable sellers with documented service history. We have never once had an issue with selling cars with re conditioned engines fitted. When selling a car people want to know how many miles the engine has done and whats been done to it.

I think we might struggle if we didn't disclose to the buyer the original engine had done 200,000+ miles but now it reads 90,000!! Hence the paperwork trail!

So if we could keep this topic on it's original course it would be appreciated!

Tfp · Jun 30, 2016

People are asking about the legality of mileage correction, I'd say that's on topic.

Let me explain.

1. It's not illegal to change the mileage on your own car whilst it's in your ownership. The offence of fraud is only committed when you come to sell the car and obtain a higher price for the car by falsifying the mileage.

2. It's not illegal to adjust the mileage as a service to others.

I used to buy at auction twice a week and often there were "mileage correction" business cards left on our vehicles in the car park.

mrscalex · Jun 30, 2016

I just can't see the logic although I accept it's not illegal based on the consensus view and I'm not so bothered I'm going to start googling it to check.

Just one question though. If it was a reconditioned or certainly brand new engine would it make any sense to zero the miles?

My point really was that the car might actually be less attractive to some potential buyers as a result and it was possible the OP hadn't thought about that - if it's a consideration of course. I'd rather be able to read the history of a car cleanly.

Antm72 · Jun 30, 2016

From the second comment from the OP in my view its more a financial thing.
The cars covered 200k and as all our cars are now getting to an age that mileage is on the up and the values vary.
If its not to make money then what is the reason for needing to correct it?
It has a history you've changed the heart not the body.....
My view....

Tfp · Jun 30, 2016

mrscalex said:
My point really was that the car might actually be less attractive to some potential buyers as a result and it was possible the OP hadn't thought about that - if it's a consideration of course. I'd rather be able to read the history of a car cleanly.

Agree.

I wouldn't buy it, and I've bought over 2000 cars in my time.

t-tony · Jun 30, 2016

I wouldn't bother to change the speedo/odometer just document what was done and at what mileage. My son bought VW van which had had a new speedo but the mileage was all documented with proof from test history, it's no different!

Tony.

ollie2016uk · Jun 30, 2016

t-tony said:
I wouldn't bother to change the speedo/odometer just document what was done and at what mileage. My son bought VW van which had had a new speedo but the mileage was all documented with proof from test history, it's no different!

Tony.

Cheers Tony, I've just never sold a car without matching engine mileage to speedo. Of course we advertise it's had a new engine. Can't really see what the issue is even the warranty companies don't have an issue with it!

Looking like it's too much trouble with Z3's anyways!

motco · Jul 1, 2016

Gentlemen, I have a 2.2i with a genuine <50k mileage but it shows 80k more than the true mileage because I had to replace the instrument cluster coding plug with an ebay special. Obviously correction is the right word for adjusting the mileage on mine back to the sub-50k. I am in the High Wycombe area and need to find someone to correct mine back to the true mileage and delete the tamper dot. Do any members know a company in that area please? Thanks.

p.s. I have MOT certificates to support my contention that the mileage is <50k

motco · Jul 4, 2016

Lee, try as I may I cannot find a PM button, so could you please give me contact details for your friend in Camberley? Thanks.

Aceman · Jul 4, 2016

@motco just click on the "quote in conversation" link under Lee's post and it will open a PM screen for you to contact him.

Lee · Jul 4, 2016

motco said:
Lee, try as I may I cannot find a PM button, so could you please give me contact details for your friend in Camberley? Thanks.

The guys name is Robbie.

http://www.valetmagic.com/

Lee

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