won't crank, display shows: EWS!

slider · 10-18-2011, 01:38 PM

went to start my 2010 last week and the bike wont crank. shows code in display: EWS! am really bummed out as i am having my shoulder replaced tomorrow so even if i got dealer to pick it up, i cant ride it home for 3 to 4 months, especially with the pothole ridden roads here. so it will sit for months. anybody know what this code is. hoping it is a fix i can do at home. i remember asking bmw salesman if the bike won't start,will they pick it up under warranty. he said yes. i will call the dealer, if you guys can't help.

AlienRunner · 10-18-2011, 02:06 PM

I believe that is the code for the drop sensor and it means the bike has been on its side. OR, the sensor has come loose from its clip and has tilted thus sending the same signal. Tune the key on and off and then back on. Should start, if not lift the gas tank and look on the right side for a small black box that should be firmly clipped in. If it is moving around that is your issue.

There are some pics of what you are looking for if you run a search on the drop sensor here in the forum.

**Karlb** · 10-18-2011, 02:24 PM

EWS is the electronic immobilizer (Key recognition)

skapan · 10-18-2011, 05:06 PM

A low battery an also result in the EWS display. Do the simple things first and try it again with a known good battery. It can also be interference with other keys on the same ring as the bike key, so you could try the other bike key to see if that works. Then the harder choice, if it's the tipover sensor, just turning it off and on again should clear it unless the sensor has moved (other side of the tank from the slick plug, under the front of the seat).
Good luck with the surgery!

slider · 10-18-2011, 05:20 PM

thanks to your input, i tried my other key and she fired up. what a relief. putting in stabil and taking my last ride, as i am having shoulder replaced at 6:00am tomorrow morning. i was worried that the untreated gas would cause problems, but now i am set. i came off a gixxer 1100 at about 115 mph in 1986. thought i got away clean, just road rash,at the time. over the years have had major arthritis, mainly do to the crash. this is my 4th replacement now, already did 2 hips and one shoulder. at least i am lighter, all the new joints are titanium. haha. ride safe(r) guys and thanks again.