OPCs refusing to fit non-Porsche extras

[Brian Halling]

A good friend (club member but not a forum user) recently asked the OPC who supplied his Boxster to fit an Origin b2 camera detector to his two year-old 986S. They refused, claiming that Porsche did not allow it because it required an electrical connection and therefore invalidated the warranty. I called my OPC, who successfully pushed me to fit a b2 to my new 987 last March, and they said they were unaware of any such restriction and offered to fit one for him for £511. My friend has since organised to have a b2 supplied (£272) and fitted (£85) at his home for £357.

A number of questions spring to mind:
- What is Porsche Cars GB's official policy regarding OPCs fitting non-Porsche extras?
- Why does this prevent one OPC from fitting a b2 whilst allowing another to actively market them?
- Why should a simple power connection invalidate a warranty anyway? Bose?
- Are OPCs encouraged to price themselves out of this kind of market?
- Is this a 'restriction of trade'?

Mindful of Porsche Cars GB's recent decision to prevent OPCs from fitting Trackers because they now supply a (massively expensive) device of their own, should we expect a Porsche camera locator soon? A simple extension to PCM would be nice, as most of the kit is already there. But then, the upgrade DVD would probably cost more than the full OEM monty!

 

[Black80XSA]

The issue ia more to do with Porsche not warranting work on accessories that they do not know about or tested - if there is a fault on the b2 in a few months time who is going to be liable ?

In the case of the B2 detector I think your friend would be better to find a decent hifi installer to do the job, at half the labour rate.

 

[Brian Halling]

The issue ia more to do with Porsche not warranting work on accessories that they do not know about or tested - if there is a fault on the b2 in a few months time who is going to be liable ?

When my b2 failed after six months the whole thing was replaced and refitted by the supplying OPC without any quibble. The OPC then claimed the cost from Origin.

My point is that when you have extra equipment supplied and fitted by an OPC then they should be responsible for any warranty claim. After all, if you have a faulty tyre on your new Porsche you would not expect to have to claim from Michelin/Pirelli/whoever.