Why do BMWs' cost so much to run?? - Page 9

PaulGinAZ · 01-15-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Smallberries

Tyler at ModuleMasters.

I have worked closely with the ModuleMasters folks on several complex projects that included cluster failures on Audi TT's as well as other electronic ABS dealings and I cann tell you personally that they are a great organization.

JimVonBaden · 01-15-2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB

Tick tock, tick tock... sooner or later, the servos will crap out.

It was a solution looking for a problem!! For a noob considering a GS, I'd say get one without servos to avoid a nasty surprise later. If it was such a good idea, bmw would have kept using them.. power assisted brakes on a car proved to be a good idea.. on a bike? nope.

I'm not saying it was a good idea, but the reports of failure have so far been very small comparred to the fear mongering. Sure, buying one without might be preferrable, maybe, but not for the price difference of the two bikes, and the fact that these are now rebuildable cheaply.

Besides, most who own the servo-assist actually like it. I know I do.

Jim

JimVonBaden · 01-15-2013, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSgeorge

GB...Are you saying: Anybody that has a 05 06 1200 gs,has a piece of crap?

It's Technology(They are always moving forward),Just like they moved on with a new water cooled engine. Who knows,maybe they are working on a whole new power brake design?

The only real issue with the Servo-assist is that if the servo stops working, the brakes require a lot more effort than non-servo-assist bikes to stop. The brakes still work, but it could catch you off guard. That said, it is pretty rare. Furthermore, the non-servo-assist bikes also contain a servo, just not to assist in applying the brakes.

Jim

Mr. Canoehead · 01-15-2013, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Smallberries

I had planned on doing the bleed every two years anyway, but will change per his recommendation. It isn't a difficult job once you buy the special funnel from beemerboneyard.

The complete procedure requires a lot of different bleed points, so add a set of speedbleeders so that you can easily access all those damn bleed screws easily. With the funnel and speedbleeders, it is an easy job.

BTW, my 2005 GSA has been completely reliable; it hasn't been back to the dealer since the 1000km service.

mandon · 01-15-2013, 01:21 PM

speaking of abs modules(mines a servo)...it got fecked last october...have to be ordered from germany...and it cost me $3000++ for the unit and labor.....and lately during my xmas vacation the starter went awry, two of the magnets got loose....cost to the repair 10 bottles of beer at approx..$1.5 per bottle and $2 for the glue...

JimVonBaden · 01-15-2013, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandon

speaking of abs modules(mines a servo)...it got fecked last october...have to be ordered from germany...and it cost me $3000++ for the unit and labor.....and lately during my xmas vacation the starter went awry, two of the magnets got loose....cost to the repair 10 bottles of beer at approx..$1.5 per bottle and $2 for the glue...

Screwed you were!

By the way,for the servo-ABS there are only 5 bleed points that need to be bled, three on the wheels and two on the ABS unit.

Notice:
There was a change in the need to bleed all the ABS controller fitting in a couple of BMW service bulletins.

Specifically in Bulletin # 34 002 06 (019) dated Apr 2006 Maintenance:

For maintenance work, the brake fluid replacement in the control circuits is now only to be carried out via the control circuit bleeding ports (see arrows in pictures). It is no longer required to replace the fluid via the bleeding ports of the metering cylinder and of the Integral circuit during routine brake fluid replacement.

Jim

* SHAG * · 01-15-2013, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IJM

On the '05 I thought that was the switch for the Hazzards.

And it also stays lit when your accessory socket is hot or have the can-bus charger hooked up properly.

OBX-RIDER · 01-17-2013, 07:42 AM

OK ... as a non BMW guy ... who has ridden motorcycles for 40 years and puttered about doing light maintenance on them.... most of the R1200 GS problems look solveable to me. It appears the right approach is to get the right tools ... do a bit of reading and research ... and put in some one on one time up close and personal with your bike.

While I haven't had a BMW before ... I did fly a German helicopter for nearly 25 years.... and it definitely had some quirks that sound similar to what I'm reading. Two thoughts from that experience. I once asked a German engineer why they didn;t do the fuel/oil intercooler/heater simple like an American manufacturer. His answer was "Vhy do it simple...vhen you can do it complex and vhunderfuhl...!"
( Because it's expensive as hell when it breaks...)

And when the kraut helicopter had a problem that the krauts couldn't engineer out ... they would first deny the problem existed ... and finally when the evidence was overwhelming they would insist the problem was a "feature...:"..

But... that helicopter was wonderfully tough and a joy to fly for a pilot that likes to explore the edges...and when properly maintained we had over 90% availability.

So I made an offer...and have gotten an acceptance on the '05...and just need to work out logistics...

...

JimVonBaden · 01-17-2013, 08:33 AM

Congrats!

You have the right attitude for a BMW owner!

Jim

Mr. Canoehead · 01-17-2013, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBX-RIDER

While I haven't had a BMW before ... I did fly a German helicopter for nearly 25 years.... and it definitely had some quirks that sound similar to what I'm reading. Two thoughts from that experience. I once asked a German engineer why they didn;t do the fuel/oil intercooler/heater simple like an American manufacturer. His answer was "Vhy do it simple...vhen you can do it complex and vhunderfuhl...!"
( Because it's expensive as hell when it breaks...)

And when the kraut helicopter had a problem that the krauts couldn't engineer out ... they would first deny the problem existed ... and finally when the evidence was overwhelming they would insist the problem was a "feature...:"..

BMW makes helicopters? I thought they got out of the aerospace market after this baby:

If you understand those helicopters, you understand BMW motorcycles.

eatpasta · 01-17-2013, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domromer

Ok not a troll or anything. I've had a vstrom for a few years, and every other little dual sport there is. I've wanted an 1150gs forever. Every time I talk to anyone on the vstrom forum they talk about how the BMWs cost so much to maintain and how things are always breaking.

well you can do an oil change yourself for $30 or you can go to the dealer and pay them $400.

The maintenance is simple - im not much of a wrench but I do all my own stuff. The bike is very simple to work on and actually quite rewarding.

In over 50K on my bike I have yet to have an actual problem - minus run-ins with farm equipment

OBX-RIDER · 01-17-2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Canoehead

BMW makes helicopters? I thought they got out of the aerospace market after this baby:

If you understand those helicopters, you understand BMW motorcycles.

An FW 190-A4 I believe...and the markings indicate the Eastern front. I would dearly love to fly one of those. I did once get to fly a P-40 and I checked out in the yellow peril, a Stearman. But the 2 aircraft I would give a small fortune to fly would be a Supermarine Spitfire or a FW 190...

This is my aircraft...

a BK117 A-4 upgraded to B-2. I liked flying Blackhawks but the BK was even more manueverable with a rigid rotorhead...

OBX-RIDER · 01-23-2013, 02:40 PM

Unlike the fellow who started this thread I'm bringing one home...

John Smallberries · 01-23-2013, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBX-RIDER

Unlike the fellow who started this thread I'm bringing one home...

Congrats!! What year (looks like an '05-'07), how many miles? more pics!

Tex76 · 01-23-2013, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBX-RIDER

Unlike the fellow who started this thread I'm bringing one home...

I'm with you!! Been on the hunt for a little over a month and snagged this '07 GSA with only 1300 miles!! This must be what love feels like..

01-17-2013, 07:42 AM	#128
OBX-RIDER Studly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: OBX, NC -11 corners in 318 miles Oddometer: 941	OK ... as a non BMW guy ... who has ridden motorcycles for 40 years and puttered about doing light maintenance on them.... most of the R1200 GS problems look solveable to me. It appears the right approach is to get the right tools ... do a bit of reading and research ... and put in some one on one time up close and personal with your bike. While I haven't had a BMW before ... I did fly a German helicopter for nearly 25 years.... and it definitely had some quirks that sound similar to what I'm reading. Two thoughts from that experience. I once asked a German engineer why they didn;t do the fuel/oil intercooler/heater simple like an American manufacturer. His answer was "Vhy do it simple...vhen you can do it complex and vhunderfuhl...!" ( Because it's expensive as hell when it breaks...) And when the kraut helicopter had a problem that the krauts couldn't engineer out ... they would first deny the problem existed ... and finally when the evidence was overwhelming they would insist the problem was a "feature...:".. But... that helicopter was wonderfully tough and a joy to fly for a pilot that likes to explore the edges...and when properly maintained we had over 90% availability. So I made an offer...and have gotten an acceptance on the '05...and just need to work out logistics...... __________________ The primary cause of suffering is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Ekhart Tolle

01-17-2013, 08:33 AM	#129
JimVonBaden "Cool" Aid! Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Alexandria, VA Oddometer: 41,488	Congrats! You have the right attitude for a BMW owner! Jim __________________ Click here for BMW Maintenance and Repair DVDs and Corrections. "Combo-Order Discounts!"

01-23-2013, 02:40 PM	#133
OBX-RIDER Studly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: OBX, NC -11 corners in 318 miles Oddometer: 941	Unlike the fellow who started this thread I'm bringing one home... __________________ The primary cause of suffering is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Ekhart Tolle

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: .
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-15-2013, 01:21 PM	#125
mandon Adventurer Joined: Jul 2007 Oddometer: 90	speaking of abs modules(mines a servo)...it got fecked last october...have to be ordered from germany...and it cost me $3000++ for the unit and labor.....and lately during my xmas vacation the starter went awry, two of the magnets got loose....cost to the repair 10 bottles of beer at approx..$1.5 per bottle and $2 for the glue...