EWS Immobilizer antenna threadfest

[PRW]

Originally Posted by advD

not sure... they said the older ones didn't seem to have as many reported probelms.

The -136 is newer than the -207, but immediately preceded the latest -247. I had a failure with my -136 and was wondering if the -136 failures were attributable to the same issues you cited with the -207. It really is moot at this point, but I was just curious.

[advD]

Wish I knew about the #136, but, mine had the #207. Sorry.

[Litre]

Called to schedule my antenna ring install. They are doing the antenna ring, an LED brake light recall (they apparently replace the whole brake light), and a software update.

[advD]

Don't think you will be disapointed. Just make sure they have the steering head locknut on hand... the dealer stripped mine out because it had a 5mm hex on the bolt and a 19mm nut that needs to be torqued to 90+ ft lbs... apparently an $80 item that they didn't have in stock and it took several days to get.

They have to remove it in order to perform the EWS exchange.

The dealer did provide a loaner bike though and the service response was very good.

[cjack]

The 207 failed on our '08 K12S today. Abt 2K miles. 5 minutes to plug in a 247 and 45 minutes to figure how to make it look neat until it gets to the dealer.

[Wallowa]

Originally Posted by advD

Don't think you will be disapointed. Just make sure they have the steering head locknut on hand... the dealer stripped mine out because it had a 5mm hex on the bolt and a 19mm nut that needs to be torqued to 90+ ft lbs... apparently an $80 item that they didn't have in stock and it took several days to get.

They have to remove it in order to perform the EWS exchange.

The dealer did provide a loaner bike though and the service response was very good.

Some BMW models do not have to have the steering heads removed to replace the antenna...does anyone know which models do not need the steering head removed?

Thanks..

Ps..Cjack..sorry it bit you! Glad you were prepared.

[PRW]

Originally Posted by cjack

The 207 failed on our '08 K12S today. Abt 2K miles. 5 minutes to plug in a 247 and 45 minutes to figure how to make it look neat until it gets to the dealer.

Bummer Jack, but it's good you had a spare.

[Gunslinger1]

Is the software update something Recent?.........and how recent? I just had my bike in the shop for EWS 2 weeks ago. How recent in the LED Brakelight recall?

Thanks,
Tim

[Litre]

Unsure about the brake light recall, he just mentioned that it had to be done. As far as the software update, my bike hasn't had one and the gas gauge is erratic. I've asked them to update it.

[dometop]

Originally Posted by The Breeze

Is the software update something Recent?.........and how recent? I just had my bike in the shop for EWS 2 weeks ago. How recent in the LED Brakelight recall?

Thanks,
Tim

I just had the EWS update performed yesterday on my 2007 GSA adventure. They also performed a softwear update. The two recall numbers listed on the work order are: 0013160000 and 0065100000. The work order does not specify which recall is for the EWS so your quess is as good as mine. RO#20760 was also listed on the work order and I believe that number related to the softwware update. I asked what the software update related to and I was told it resolved a "spark knock" issue which was occuring on some bikes. The mechanic told me BMW allows only a half hour for the antennae ring swap and it took him three times that long to do the work. The triple clamp needs to be removed to allow the mechanic the space necessary to drill out the security torque bolts.
I asked him to replace the security bolts with standard bolts which he did with #6 allen bolts.

[advD]

It took them several hours to do mine (I think they're alloted 42 minutes from BMW) + 4 days to get the locknut that they stripped out when they took the steering head apart.

Not sure which bikes wouldn't need to have the steering head taken apart, but it was probably a good idea to change the hardware to something that would be easier to deal with.

[Wallowa]

[quote=DaneelOlivaw]

Originally Posted by Wallowa

Some BMW models do not have to have the steering heads removed to replace the antenna...does anyone know which models do not need the steering head removed?
/quote]

I believe your question is answered in the bulletins I sent you.

Yes...interesting BMW only "suggests" a procedure on removal and replacement....such as not removing 'triple clamp/head' but using a flexible drill extension...or "Dremel" as an option...to remove security bolts...

If you are interested..when you take you bike in for the new antenna..ask to see the "Service Information Bulletin" for EWS ring antenna replacement...not a "TSB" but a "SIM"...whatever the hell the difference is!

BMW is so damn covert and obfuscating that they should be in the spy business...you know.."For Your Eyes Only".

[L Rider]

Had mine done today (07 GSA). I am in Canada.

The tech told me he was allowed 30 minutes........but it took 90 minutes.

He also told me the first kit he used wasn't right (I didn't ask why), and that the needed a second kit for my bike.

I didn't do the software upgrade.

Cheers..........Rod

[Wallowa]

Originally Posted by L Rider

Had mine done today (07 GSA). I am in Canada.

The tech told me he was allowed 30 minutes........but it took 90 minutes.

He also told me the first kit he used wasn't right (I didn't ask why), and that the needed a second kit for my bike.

I didn't do the software upgrade.

Cheers..........Rod

Since we have the same bike..why no software upgrade?

Thanks..

[PackRat]

Originally Posted by dometop

.....The triple clamp needs to be removed to allow the mechanic the space necessary to drill out the security torque bolts.
I asked him to replace the security bolts with standard bolts which he did with #6 allen bolts.

I had a friend go through this on the way to Alaska and I suggested putting normal bolts in so he could install a spare antenna ring "in the field". He lost a week waiting for this service.

I don't understand BMW's thinking on this system - its rare that a bike gets stolen with a key - 4 guys with a van and less than 3 minutes is all it takes. However - the way we load our GSs, we'd get sued for hurting the 4 thieves' backs!!!

Also, you know an IT guy programmed that feature into the computer, then an IT guy could program it out!


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