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NHTSA opens inquiry on BMW final drive failures

I do, but its a 1st. gen. and like it enough to step up to something newer and lighter but I wouldn't if this problem is persistent ....
 
There has never been a recorded failure when operator was wearing a sombrero. This should help.
 
spdt509 said:
k, I'll give it a try. on topic; I've only seen FD failure on R models, anyone come across evidence of it happening to K models?
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Despite wut NHTSA or BMW may say, FD failures iz moe prevalent on R models; which always seemed weird to me since the K's 'r more powerfully and heavier. :dunno
 
Banjoboy said:
Despite wut NHTSA or BMW may say, FD failures iz moe prevalent on R models; which always seemed weird to me since the K's 'r more powerfully and heavier. :dunno
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Based on what? The Ironbutt rally failures? Threads on ADV? I suspect (but do not have the data to verify) that you're hearing from populations where the K bikes are under represented :nerd
 
Jakemate said:
Isn't this why Motoproponent got rid of his Bimmer?
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I don't know the details about bearing preload and what not, all I know is after 30,000 miles it only took 6 weeks and an aggregate <200 miles for me to find my R1200GS sitting with the rear tire in a puddle of gear oil resulting in three tow truck trips to the dealership.

Blame whatever you want from crappy design, to shoddy dealership mechanics, the end result was me developing an extreme dislike for owning BMW. And some how I found that I wasn't even close to having an anomolous experience.

While my second bite at the BMW ownership apple wasn't nearly as bitter, it definitely wore the tint of my rose color glasses and my second BMW showed me how good BMW was at denying warranty claims.

I'll never own another. And when people tell me how much different their experience was than mine I can't help but think they are lucky, or more tolerant and enjoying the Kool Ade.
 
Uhmeebuh lemon lawed his GS for final drive issues, also. (I think)
 
Well I just did a little more looking around and found this...

There's a *very* extensive article in the September 2008 Motorcycle Consumer News magazine on the final drive failures.

Limited summary:

- BMW uses two different final drive systems: the older Paralever design, which is still used on the K1200LT, and the 2nd-generation "EVO" Paralever, introduced in 2004 and, used on most current bikes. EVO design is easily identified by the 50mm hole in the rear axle.
- From 1980 to 2000, BMW final drive failures were rare
- Starting in 2001 an increasing number of final drive failures started appearing on K1200LT and R1150GS models
- Most of those were on 1st generation Paralever bikes, although some were on EVO Paralever bikes.
- Of 38 Paralever-equipped BMWs in the 2007 Iron Butt Rally, 14 were R1200 EVO models. Of these four didn't finish due to final drive failure -- a 29% failure rate.
- In Sept 2006 BMW revised the service recommendation for final drives to include final drive oil change at the 600-mi service (previously was considered lifetime lubricated).
- In 2007 BMW increased the size of the pinion gear needle bearing on EVO Paralevers, and added a magnetic drain plug.
- BMW didn't publicize but extended the final drive warranty to five years on bikes sold after January 2007
- Owners can check final drive status by putting bike on center stand, grabbing back wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and rocking back and forth. Repeat at 3 and 9 o'clock positions. On EVO bikes up to 1 mm of play measured at the wheel rim is considered normal. More is abnormal and might indicate an impending problem
- A better inspection inspection method is draining final drive oil and inspecting magnetic plug for metallic particles. If any uncertainty, the final drive must be removed and gears/bearings inspected and gear lash measured
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motoproponent said:
Uhmeebuh lemon lawed his GS for final drive issues, also. (I think)
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If I remember correctly, Uhmeebuh had (repeated) clutch issues on his bmw, I don't remember hearing about final drive problems
 
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