Do I need to register my performance upgrade with TÜV?

Yes. A performance upgrade must be officially registered because installing an additional control unit is considered a vehicle modification. Without registration via a parts certificate (Teilegutachten) or an individual inspection, the vehicle’s operating permit becomes void and insurance coverage may be lost. If a parts certificate is already available, registration is usually quick and straightforward based on proper installation.

Do I need to inform my insurance company about the tuning?

Yes, please inform your insurance provider about the change in your vehicle’s performance.

What about my vehicle warranty?

A performance upgrade may cause warranty claims with the seller and manufacturer warranty claims to become void.

Does the performance upgrade affect vehicle tax?

Generally, no—because vehicle tax is based on engine displacement and emissions class, and these typically remain unchanged with DTE performance upgrades on standard engines. However, we’ll be happy to provide more detailed information for your specific vehicle.

Can the performance upgrade be detected after removal?

No. After removal, the vehicle is back to its original condition and the performance upgrade cannot be detected. Power Control does not disable any protective functions and only adjusts parameters within the normal operating range, so no error messages are stored.

Where is the performance upgrade connected?

The performance upgrade is connected directly to the central sensors of the engine management system, such as injection, boost pressure sensor, common-rail pressure sensor (diesel engines), intake manifold pressure sensor (gasoline engines), and also to the camshaft connections. This allows incoming signals to be captured, optimized, and dynamically forwarded to the ECU.

Can it happen that my car smokes or produces soot?

No. Power Control comprehensively adjusts the fuel-air mixture by regulating both injection quantity and the amount of air. This keeps the mixture balanced across the entire RPM range—without producing soot or smoke. Compliance with emissions limits is also confirmed by our parts certificates.

Can the performance upgrade be temporarily deactivated?

Yes. Using the keypad, Power Control can be switched off and on again whenever needed.

Do the engine protection functions remain intact?

Yes. The engine protection functions remain intact, and the vehicle remains fully diagnosable.

Is it possible to transfer the performance upgrade to a new vehicle?

Yes, transferring it to a new vehicle is generally possible. The existing performance upgrade is reprogrammed accordingly. This can be done either by sending it to DTE Systems or in person by appointment together with the new vehicle. A new wiring harness may be required.

In Germany, reprogramming is usually free of charge, provided the PowerControl is compatible with the new vehicle. With PowerControl X, it’s even possible to adapt between different systems—for example, when switching from diesel to gasoline.

My car has an automatic transmission—does the performance upgrade still work?

Yes. Power Control is also suitable for vehicles with automatic transmissions, dual-clutch transmissions (e.g., DSG), or semi-automatic transmissions (e.g., Tiptronic).

What is the keypad with program buttons used for?

Every DTE performance upgrade offers three individually adjustable driving programs*: Sport, Dynamic, and Efficiency. Using the keypad, the driver can select the desired program with the push of a button.

*Not available in combination with a parts certificate (Teilegutachten).

Does the Power Control X app save my last settings?

Yes. The selected program option and all fine-tuning settings remain saved even after switching off and will automatically be available again on your next drive.

Do I need a permanent connection to my phone to use app-based tuning?

No. The performance upgrade works without a постоян verbinding with your smartphone. A connection is only needed if you want to change the driving program.