Flash to Stock, Send ECU to JHM?

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

I’ve been considering selling my 07 S4 recently, and trying to find out what it would take to get it back into stock configuration. Selling it stock seems to be the way to get the most value both for the car and the aftermarket parts.

This includes a FI catback, Stasis ohlins (probably won’t get much for these), and my JHM tune.

I got my tune back in 2011 when you had to send in your ECU, and I was told by JHM that there are JHM parts on my ECU and the only way to flash it back to stock is to send in my ECU and pay a 110.00 fee since there is soldering required to remove the JHM parts.

Does anyone have insight on why this is, and what these parts are? I’m a little annoyed that I have to pay 150-200 dollars (guessing on shipping) to get my ecu flashed to stock, but can understand the cost of doing business.

I guess it’s frustrating since this process is no longer required with the new flashing process, but I’m subject to it and didn’t really understand it would be required when I purchased the tune.

#2

Most people just leave the tune on the car when they sell it. You are losing money by paying to put it back to stock. Think of it as a added benefit that the buyer gets.

I totally understand taking the exhaust and coilovers off but don’t worry about the tune.

#3

I totally agree with jimmy here. I think the value that the JHM tune adds will help sell the car and any potential buyer will enjoy the car more on the test drive with it.

The exhaust will net you some money and the suspension has value but even with that you really have to consider the labor to remove them and the money they bring when you sell them… To some the exhaust and suspension might have more value to the potential buyer of the car. So before you take them off maybe look to sell the car and the break point of taking them off and selling them seperate.

While I wouldnt suggest taking the JHM tune off if you feel this is the best direction then yes you have to ship the ECU back to JHM. The good side of this is that the ECU gets put back to stock as they need to remove all the encryption hardware but they also insect the ecu and the drivers in it. this caused some issues on some ECUs a while back.

#4

Leave it on and consider that increased value of your car by a few hundred bucks :wink:

#5

You’re probably right, and the nice thing about keeping the tune is it would prevent me from having to replace the piggy pipes with a fully catted set to avoid the cel.

I’ll have to see what it drives like with the stock exhaust back on, I’m just a little worried a test-driver would find it difficult to drive.

Would you guys tell a prospective owner it’s tuned, or just let them figure it out when they drive it?

#6

I am full disclosure but there right customer would be happy!

#7

From my perspective I cant see anyone that is looking for the S4 that wouldnt think its an added bonous its got a JHM program. Take into account the added protections the JHM tune has the LA feature the increased fuel mileage and then the power. I think its a good thing. Most people looking for a S4 want a performance car so having the JHM tune I think will only help you

#8

I just left mine on the car. I found a set of stock downpipes and gutted the precats in them so it meets the minimum requirements for the tune. As others have said you will lose money trying to go back to stock. Plus, the tune/piggies is actually healthier for the car than a stock setup.

#9

Great points joe