I've always been a "do-it-yourself" guy and have a solid background working on cars and motorcycles. When (if) my F650GS arrives here in the USA it will be my first BMW brand bike. I understand that, like most vehicle warranties, if you have reasonable proof that required service was completed that in the event of trouble you should be "covered" even it you did the work yourself.
Since my dealer is some distance away, and I like doing the work my self anyway, I am hopeful that I can get the DVD version of the service manual at a decent price and do most of the work myself.
Has anybody had any bad experiences doing this, or have any suggestions that might help me avoid wishing I had let the dealer do all the servicing???
I have not had a chance to review the scheduled service, so ... not sure what all is involved.
Thanks,
Jim
I'm in the same boat as the closest "authorized" BMW dealer (they know the secret handshake apprently) is 1500 km away. The lack of a diagnoistic computer will be the biggest challenge.
That being said, I'll be asking Santa for some reading materials
and doing a lot of work myself
There is a service manual DVD ... I wonder if it is available in print also...
Some guys are selling DVDs covering older models on eBay pretty cheap... nothing for the twins (yet?)
I'd like a diag. reader, but I suspect that when the "warning light" goes off the bottom line from the reader will be you need expensive parts replaced and at least for the next 3 years that means head to the dealer anyway?
I don't suppose there is anything on the BMWs like on most cars where you can just short out two pins in the diag. plug and have the warning light "flash" Morse code that indicates the error number which you could then at least look up in the manual?
Jim
THere's a post by a rider in Alberta (blackie) who has a 650 concerning the dvd/cd manual
Blackie's 650 journal
and the GS/911 unit
clickty click for the GS 911 unit
and what it does for the 800GS
functionality
I'd say they'll both be on my purchase list before long. Nothing drives me nuts like the blinking light of doom on a dashboard. I know the manufactures count on that with people like me
but I can't help it.
Anybody know how much is the CD/DVD manual costs?
I've seen manuals for other BMWs on eBay for very reasonable prices, but of course the 658/800 twins are a bit new for that ...........
If it is not too much trouble can somebody post the maintenance tasks that are to be completed at the 600 mile run-in checkup and then at the 6000 mile interval service points?
Since I can't ride, I figure I can distract myself making sure my toolbox is equipted with all the proper gear ...
Thanks,
jim
how long is the warranty on new bikes offered in the U.S. ?
its 2 years here in the uk
Dealer told me that:
The warranty is 3 years/36K miles in USA and includes road-side assistance for entire 3 yrs in event of breakdown.
I specifically asked about do-it-your self maint. during the warranty period and was told that so long as I had reasonable documentation of work done that I would be fine. So I intend to keep receipt showing purchase of oil and filter and ... just to be extra anal about it will probably snap a picture of the work in progress and a date in the picutre somewhere....
Jim
Hmmmmm...............
I've got the workshop DVD, and it's great
However, the service schedule states that the first thing to do is connect to the BMW computer for diagnostics and software updates. So, essentially, you cannot service the bike to BMW specifications unless you have their computer and any bike-specific upgrades. So, while you have the legal right to service the bike and still maintain the warranty, you don't actually have the tools to do so.
Of course, the way around this is to pay your dealer for the computer part and do the rest yourself...... but is it actually worth the meagre saving you will now make? And add to that the fact that and out-of-warranty "goodwill" gestures will almost certainly not be happening.......
My bike will continue to be serviced by the dealer until the warranty is up. Having just paid £80 for the 6000 mile, I don't think it's an awful lot to invest to ensure that anything that goes wrong will be sorted
Meager savings???
Computer diagnostic/update ~1hr labor. (US$80)
6K mile service including parts & Labor ~ US$300+
24K mile service =>
~US$500+
I think paying for just the computer diagnostics/update is the absolute best way to go if you can monkey around on your on bike.
You have to buy BMW parts. You have to buy their spec of oil......if you have a engine warranty claim and produce a receipt for ElCheapo oil, they'll laugh you out of the dealers.
Essentially, you'll save yourself an average of one to two hours labour for a bike that you have to take to the dealer for diagnostics anyway..... is the hastle of servicing the bike yourself really worth saving $120 for most people? OK, if you're doing huge miles every year, fair enough, but since (and this may be different in the States) most people only do 6-9k per year, it isn't a huge amount.
Of course, this is my opinion. If you want to service your own bike, go ahead. I always have on anything that's not still in warranty.
Wiz:
Indeed you got me there on the computer update...........
I have not been able to "read the fine print" as ... here in the USA we have no freaking bikes and no freaking manuals.... (well I KNOW we have no freaking bikes and my local dealer has no freaking manuals/DVDs....)
What is BMW doing to earn their $300/$500 on the 6K/$24K service?
I think I do like the approach of having dealer do the diag. check/upgrade and keeping the rest for myself.... but I'm kinda just spouting off here as I don't know what the maint. schedule includes besides oil & filter ...
could somebody list that out for us yanks? (please ;-)
Thanks,
Jim
600m/1000Km
Reading fault memory with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
Setting service-due date and service countdown distance
Engine-oil change, with filter
Checking coolant level
Check/adjust clutch play
Checking chain tension
Checking spoke tension, adjusting if necessary
Checking tyre pressures
Checking lights and signalling equipment
Function test, engine start suppression
Final inspection and check of roadworthiness
Reading fault memory with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
Confirming BMW Service in on-board documentation
Service Instructions
Reading fault memory with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
Oil change, engine, with filter Annually or every 10,000 km
Checking valve clearance (for maintenance) every 20,000 km
Replace all spark plugs (as part of maintenance) every 40,000 km
Replace air filter cartridge (for maintenance) every 20,000 km
Oil change in telescopic front forks every 30,000 km
Checking coolant level
Check/adjust clutch play
Checking front brake pads and brake discs for wear
Checking rear brake pads and brake disc for wear
Checking brake fluid level, front and rear
Visually inspecting brake pipes, brake hoses and connections
Checking spoke tension, adjusting if necessary
Checking tyre pressures and tread depth
Checking chainset for wear and checking chain tension
Checking ease of movement of side stand
Checking steering-head bearing
Reading fault memory with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
Setting service-due date with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system (for maintenance) Annually and every 10,000 km
Setting service countdown distance with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system (for maintenance) Annually and every 10,000 km
Setting service-due date and service countdown distance with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system (for maintenance) Annually and every 10,000 km
Final inspection and check of roadworthiness
Checking battery charge state
Confirming BMW Service in on-board documentation
More detailed information as to tolerances and specs is available in the BMW Repair Manual DVD.
You cannot do most of this work to the manufacturers specified standards without the BMW diagnostic computer. If the work is not done to the manufacturers standards, you may invalidate your warranty. This information is provided for reference only, and neither I nor UKGSer will accept any liability whatsoever arising out of it's use. E&OE.
Thanks Wizard.
If you live in the middle of the Atlantic ocean (Iceland) and the next authorized dealer is either in Ireland or Canada you don't really many options
Open your own dealership?
OK, if you're doing huge miles every year, fair enough, but since (and this may be different in the States) most people only do 6-9k per year, it isn't a huge amount.
Of course, this is my opinion. If you want to service your own bike, go ahead. I always have on anything that's not still in warranty.
Good point, my mileage is usually 2-3 times what you've stated above. Regardless, BMW parts and lubricants are not required, as long as you make the effort and keep good records, servicing the motorcycle yourself will hold up in court if a claim is made.
