Adjustable performance levels via VAGCOM - Legal implications?

Hello,

AFAIK, there are still no standard parts approvals (in Germany) for chips that can be switched during driving, because the MSG hardware needs to be fundamentally changed for this. The MSG has to read in the other parameter maps every time it's switched, which can lead to problems while driving.

What about MSG files (like the ones offered by Rainer), where different performance levels are written using different encodings?
For example, one coding with a tuning with a test report, another coding with the standard power output, and the driver can choose between tuning and standard via VAGCOM?

This only utilizes the existing (software) capabilities of the MSG.
A recoding via VAGCOM only becomes effective after turning the ignition off and on again (booting), and is therefore, in my opinion, not critical for vehicle operation.

Does the TÜV (German technical inspection agency) also complain about such things? If so, what is the reason?

Hi Ulf,

I already know the examiners' reasoning, even without asking them.
"That's not a problem."

I only remember the 12-page expert report for "normal" winter tires on the Renault Megane, and my question of whether the dti report also applied to the dci model. The examiner didn't even understand the crucial sentence (linguistically) ...
(on the other hand, it's ridiculous that a report is needed for a warranty claim, THANK YOU Renault ).

They usually don't care about a real justification.

It could also be the case that the car is registered using the standard dataset, and that recoding it to the "extended" version constitutes an "unacceptable" modification.
That would be the most complex version.

It's likely that even soldering sockets onto the EPROMs is prohibited, and then it doesn't matter what's written on them.

m;

Hello!

While I can't give you a specific answer, perhaps I can still offer something helpful...

So, operating a vehicle with modifications to the EDC (Electronic Diesel Control) system is already prohibited in public areas, solely for emissions-related reasons. As far as that goes, it should be clear.

However, this could be interpreted to mean that a tuning software version, which is stored in the vehicle's control unit (ECU) but is currently inactive, does not invalidate the operating license. That would be like having a tuning module without a certification (and therefore not road-legal) lying around on the passenger seat or in the glove compartment, which isn't prohibited.

Logically, nothing else on the engine should be modified (e.g., a larger turbocharger, different injectors, an intercooler, etc.), as this would change/could change the exhaust emissions.

I don't know if my considerations are correct, but they would be logical, at least .

Best regards, Nebelwerfer.

dieselmartin wrote:

It's probably already forbidden to solder sockets for the EPROMs, and then it doesn't matter what's written on them.

Hi Martin,

"I don't think that necessarily has to be the case - after all, there were already expert opinions on chip tuning from before the OBD flashing era, and in those cases, soldering was definitely required."

Quote:

So: operating a vehicle when the EDC system has been tampered with is already prohibited in public traffic areas, solely for emissions-related reasons. As far as that goes, it should be clear. However, this could be interpreted to mean that a tuning software version, which is stored in the vehicle's control unit (ECU) but is currently inactive, does not invalidate the operating license. That would be like having a tuning box without a certification (and therefore not road legal) lying around on the passenger seat or in the glove compartment, which is not prohibited.

Well, I'm afraid that even the deliberately prepared option to switch to an unregistered tuning will cause the vehicle approval (Fzg-BE) to expire.

I was actually referring to a tuning/engine optimization that comes with a certification, allowing the customer to switch between the tuned and stock settings using a VAGCOM device.
In the original post, I have just highlighted it by underlining it.

Well, I'm afraid that even the deliberately prepared option to switch to an unregistered tuning configuration will cause the vehicle approval (Fzg-BE) to expire.

'However, that would mean that all the old VW turbochargers wouldn't have a valid approval either. After all, even a wastegate can be adjusted in just over a minute, and the boost enrichment system isn't sealed on any VW.' So, the possibility already exists from the manufacturer's side...

Oops, I missed the "with expert opinion" part.

Then I don't know how that's handled.

m;

It's an old topic, but unfortunately, there's still no answer.

Too bad, I'm also interested.

What do the manufacturers of a switchable box with a certification say about it? Legal, illegal?
What if, as Ulf wrote, chip tuning had a certification and this certification was registered?
Can I drive in 'reduced power' mode?

Or is it generally true that the power output listed in the vehicle registration document may not deviate by more than 8%?

Up and down.

Best regards, Jochen.

ulf wrote:

I was actually referring to a tuning/engine optimization that comes with a certification, allowing the customer to switch between the tuned and stock settings using a VAGCOM device.

I contacted my TÜV representative about this very issue, and the response was:

The law states that only the term "engine power" exists, and not the term "optional engine power." Furthermore, it is assumed that the vehicle can only produce optimal exhaust emissions when it is in perfect operating condition .

It seems to be working somehow, see here:


I can imagine that only the maximum power output is registered, and the car is insured based on that. If the power is limited (for whatever reason), it doesn't really matter to anyone, because the risk of an accident doesn't increase, but actually decreases.http://www.oettinger.de/navi.php?sel_modell=100{MARKER}

R00KIE wrote:

However, it seems to be working, see here: [url][/url]

There's nothing about TÜV mentioned there, or did I perhaps overlook it? :roll:http://www.oettinger.de/navi.php?sel_modell=100{MARKER}

On the main page, it states: All prices listed include TÜV inspection, installation, and a 2-year warranty.

Hello,

Okay, here's what I've found out so far:
The company ******** is offering me a switchable tuning option for my ASV, which allows me to switch between the standard settings and the tuned settings using a switch.

According to ********, the tuning modifications will be registered with the authorities based on an expert's report. The vehicle can be driven normally, as this is a minor modification that still meets the basic requirements for the TÜV (German technical inspection).

Therefore, an OBD-tuned system that can be switched using VAG-Com can be legally driven as long as the maximum power output is registered. All other settings must have a TÜV-approved reduced power output (e.g., stock settings or an ECO optimization with TÜV approval).

By the way, the power switching function is even included as standard equipment, making it completely legal.
The BMW M5 and M6 allow you to activate maximum performance with the push of a button. (There are likely more models with this feature now.)

Best regards, Jochen.