Annual Service - Anyone?

[Rainman]

So, my service light and all the startup diagnostic reminders came on about mid-September. So yesterday, @ 7,500 miles I made it to the dealers to take care of that AND replace the air box hose under the "campaign".

So, I didn't have them change the oil and filter because I just took care of that myself. The charge was $250.

• Under 6,000 and 12,000 Mile Service, they they replaced the air filter ($43) + 1 hour of labor and shop supplies for a total of $132.99.
• Under Annual Service, they flushed the brake fluid front & back(355ml @ $4.69) + another hour of labor for a total of $94.79.

Of course there were the other "checks" that were done, but they broke the spring at the bottom of the clutch. They reset the service indicators to be due 10/21/2011 or at 12,230 miles. I have a GS-911 and could reset those myself, but thought the service indicator was based on actual rider behavior and feedback, not dates and set milage. Any clue why this was done, or are other dealers doing the same thing?

P.S. I'll be changing my own air filter after that one.

[Schoolbusbob]

The timing belt and valves need to be checked at 7k or 12k. According to BMW during the training section for the dealership mechanics in Fla. BobL.

[awelch85]

Is it necessary to change the brake fluid if it's still piss yellow at the scheduled interval?

[Mack]

Originally Posted by Schoolbusbob

The timing belt and valves need to be checked at 7k or 12k. According to BMW during the training section for the dealership mechanics in Fla. BobL.

There's a 'timing belt' in the S1000RR engine? Must'a been an interesting class they taught in Florida. You sure your BMW mechanics didn't haphazardly stumble into a Ducati engine class?

The brake fluid is usually changed every two years in BMWs. I don't have the schedule or book in front of me, but I don't see why they would do it annually - other than $$s. That 7K number seems odd too since the BMW service intervals are 6K miles or annually. Also, that 7K number sounds like a Ducati timing belt to me and that bike's engine is expensive to work on over the S if you check the labor/service numbers in MCN.

The valves are "Who knows for sure?" BMW started with 18K miles on their GTs and then bumped it up to 25K miles. I don't know if their computer tracks engine usage enough to tag the valve adjustment interval via RPMs. One dealer was insistent on checking them at 9K miles and changing the spark-plugs too for an extra $100 out on my GT which I knew was wrong and even against the grain of their book's recommendation. They wanted me to leave it overnight which also allows them to charge more and pad the book for what should have been a simple oil & filter change. Didn't happen as they had hoped for and I escaped with a fatter wallet too.


Mack

[markjenn]

Here's what the service manual says:

Mileage and Calendar Based Maintenance

+ Oil change in engine with filter - annually or every 10,000 km
+ Checking valve clearance - every 30,000 km
+ Checking valve timing - every 30,000 km
+ Replace all spark plugs - every 30,000 km
+ Replace air filter cartridge - every 10,000 km
+ Changing fluid in telescopic forks - every 30,000 km
+ Changing brake fluid, front brakes - initially after one year, then every two years
+ Changing brake fluid, rear brakes - initially after one year, then every two years

Inspections at every service

+ Reading fault memory with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
+ Visually inspect the brake pipes, brake hoses and connections
+ Checking front brake pads and brake discs for wear
+ Checking brake-fluid level, front brakes
+ Checking rear brake pads and brake disc for wear
+ Checking brake-fluid level, rear brakes
+ Check the steering-head bearing
+ Checking coolant level
+ Check the play of throttle cable
+ Checking fastener of clutch lever fitting
+ Checking clutch cable and clutch-lever play
+ Lubricating clutch mechanism
+ Checking drive chain, sprocket and pinion
+ Checking tyre pressures and tread depth
+ Checking ease of movement of side stand
+ Lubricating side stand
+ Check the lights and signaling
+ Final inspection and check of roadworthiness

- Mark

[viperclaw]

The newer K model BMWs that were first introduced with the K1200S and followed by the K1200R and GTs had the valve checks originally monitored by the ECU or in BMW speak BMSKP. How hard the bike was ridden determined the mileage at which the valves were checked. That didn't last for more than a couple of years and was changed to every 24K miles. That was also changed to every 18K miles because it corresponds more closely with the recommended change of radiator fluid. To check valves the radiator must be removed because the engine is canted so far forward the valves clearances are checked without removing the airbox. They are accessed below the frame and behind the radiator. It was pointless for the customer to have his coolant changed at 18K and then return in another 6K miles to have it done again at the valve check and spark plug change. It was all put to the 18K service.

With the S1000 the radiator doesn't need to be removed to check the valves. The tank and airbox are removed. The timing CHAIN is checked at this interval as well as well as the timing. If the timing cannot be made to be within spec with the special cam timing tool then the chain has stretched too much and needs to be replaced. Haven't seen anything with nearly enough mileage to even bother checking as of yet.

An hour to change the brake fluid seems fairly in line but maybe a little much in my opinion.
And and hour for the air filter and the rest of the service seems to be in line also.

When taking things off of the standard service "to do" list most places aren't taking much time away from the labor cost. You are mostly going to see the parts cost taking the total ticket price down.

Originally Posted by awelch85

Is it necessary to change the brake fluid if it's still piss yellow at the scheduled interval?

BMW recommends changing it after the first year and then every two. Probably way more often than necessary but that is their "recommendation". They are your brakes.

[markjenn]

I find it interesting that BMW specs no coolant changes for the S1000RR. Is it "lifetime" coolant?

And I've never seen a bike that required a valve timing check. You have to wonder if this check (and the associated special tools involved - a pin to fix the crank, a special manual tensioner that replaces the automatic one, and a fixture to see if the cams are properly timed) is at least partially motivated by the desire to have owners return to dealers for the valve checks.

- Mark

[viperclaw]

Coolant is replaced every 4 years--recommended by BMW. Or if the strength falls it should be replaced. It is changed on the K1200 and 1300s at the valve checks because the radiator is removed/drained and has to be vacuum filled.

[randomwalker]

Originally Posted by viperclaw

Coolant is replaced every 4 years--recommended by BMW. Or if the strength falls it should be replaced. It is changed on the K1200 and 1300s at the valve checks because the radiator is removed/drained and has to be vacuum filled.

Any tips or a DIY on draining the coolant?

[Darkangel]

First off, BMW service provides two things.... maintenance for those who are not technically inclined and revenue for the dealer since it is a business. You could easily do the services yourself and maintain receipts and records that shows proof that any failure wouldn't be because of the owners failure to maintain the vehicle.

Secondly, the prices aren't that bad. As a matter of fact, they aren't far off from what the Japanese brands are charging... $190+. The only difference is adding a service light that bugs you just because it's on. I don't think your precious 1krr will explode just because the service light is on. I talked to my dealer and he said if I maintained records and receipts as proof of PROPER service it would not void the warranty. But you can always ante up the cash for piece of mind. Remember, you are not only paying for the service of the vehicle, you are also paying for the labor so that you do not have to work. Sit back and have a Big Mac and fries while your bike is being taken care of. Heck I will pay sometimes just because i may not feel like doing it.