1200 FD oil change with pics!

[cookie]

My RepRom says 250cc for initial fill and 220cc for oil change.

I changed the oil at the weekend and used the old amounts. It hasn't leaked in the last 3 years. Do I look bovered ?

I can't see how reducing the oil and therfore increasing the amount of air (which expands a lot) can help much with this "internal pressure" problem.

Paul

i just rang the service department at CWs, and the correct amount for a change is indeed 180ml

 

[(RIP) maverick]

i just rang the service department at CWs, and the correct amount for a change is indeed 180ml

So I will be sticking 200 in there for good measure

 

[Paul90]

i just rang the service department at CWs, and the correct amount for a change is indeed 180ml

But did you ask them why it's gone down ?
When I thought about the air / oil in a non vented FD I couldn't really understand their logic.

Added to the fact that this recommendation has come from the same engineers that claimed the FD oil never needed changing, gave us that stunning rear light design and seemed to struggle big time in fixing the FPC and EWS issues, I decided to stick with the same level that had worked without any problems on my bike over the last 3 years.

I kind of wonder if it's not to just make the FD oil change a little easier for the dealers. Looking on advrider it seems many of the dealers were just filling the FD through the drian plug anyway.

Paul

 

[cookie]

But did you ask them why it's gone down ?
When I thought about the air / oil in a non vented FD I couldn't really understand their logic.

Added to the fact that this recommendation has come from the same engineers that claimed the FD oil never needed changing, gave us that stunning rear light design and seemed to struggle big time in fixing the FPC and EWS issues, I decided to stick with the same level that had worked without any problems on my bike over the last 3 years.

I kind of wonder if it's not to just make the FD oil change a little easier for the dealers. Looking on advrider it seems many of the dealers were just filling the FD through the drian plug anyway.

Paul

yeeeees, but it is also coming from the manufacturer, who must have a lot of data about failed units and be pretty fed up paying out for warranty claims

I kind of wonder if it's not to just make the FD oil change a little easier for the dealers.

that is certainly possible. is it coincidence that the new level is now right at the bottom of the fill/drain hole as in any other bevel drive i've ever seen?

 

[Bear]

My new FD (2006 model bike) has a drain plug at its lowest point, which is where it should be for quick and easy changes. It seems that BMW now specify an oil change at 600 miles then every 12000. Perhaps this sudden grasp of reality will mean that future FDs will last for a reasonable mileage. As an aside, thanks to Southport Superbikes for explaining to BMW why their goodwill gesture was appropriate.

 

[Demongroover]

Moderator, this should be STICKY'd.

Well done, good write up!

 

[WindyChuffer]

This is a great write up.

Now I presume that replacing the gaitor is relatively straight forward with the final drive "open". How is the gaitor held in place? Push fit over a lip or held in place with some clips of some sort?

Thx.

 

[cookie]

This is a great write up.

Now I presume that replacing the gaitor is relatively straight forward with the final drive "open". How is the gaitor held in place? Push fit over a lip or held in place with some clips of some sort?

Thx.

gaiter has a flat edge that is pressed up against the swing arm casting and sealed with grease. lip + grease on the other. no clips.

 

[Dave78]

I know this is an old thread, but looking at changing the oil in my fd. Looking at BMW recommended oils it states castrol saf xo which I understand is a 75w90 oil. The OP states they used 75/140, what if any benefit would this give, as I'm more inclined to stick with what BMW recommended. Just wondering why the difference.

And yeah I know it's another oil question.. Sorry

 

[diver1]

The FD oil is now called Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75w-90 (formally SAF XO 75w-90)

Hope this helps,
Regards,
John

 

[Steptoe]

The FD oil is now called Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75w-90 (formally SAF XO 75w-90)

Or use Fuchs TITAN SINTOPOID SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

 

[Wilburt]

Or use Fuchs TITAN SINTOPOID SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

I went with Steptoe's advice for the final drive oil (From Opie Oils) and used some AS60 moly assembly paste from ebay at £7 +p&p (Item number: 130683234554). Simple job to do, oil was pretty black but next to no shavings on the sensor.

Thanks for the post & pics, very useful

 

[FENNER]

Or use Fuchs TITAN SINTOPOID SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Apologies if it's a dumb question (it won't be the first and probably not the last !) but am I right in assuming this oil is ok for the f/d and the gearbox ?

Tony

 

[fizzer]

yes mate same stuff,about 200/220ml in final drive,and the gearbox is a filler level plug on the side,so when you refill and it starts coming back out thats your level.

 

[FENNER]

yes mate same stuff,about 200/220ml in final drive,and the gearbox is a filler level plug on the side,so when you refill and it starts coming back out thats your level.

Cheers for that, thought that would be the answer but I always convince myself that "it couldn't be that simple"

Tony

 

[nirvine8]

First time on a forum so I'm not sure if this is the correct place to ask, will any age of FD fit my 05 GS.
If not not how do I identify the correct one to buy off e-bay etc since I think £1075 is a bit steep from BMW, or does anyone know where to get it overhauled for a reasonable cost.


Thanks

Neil

 

[Sgt Bilco]

There are a couple of folk on the site who can overhaul your FD but I have used Steve at Scriminger engineering who is excellent and around £400.

If you need to buy a replacement, try James Sherlock or Motorworks who will sell overhauled FD's for between £400 and £500 which are much better than the OEM ones

 

[nirvine8]

Thanks Sgt Bilco I'll give those a try.

Neil

 

[Alan R]

There are a couple of folk on the site who can overhaul your FD but I have used Steve at Scriminger engineering who is excellent and around £400

If you need to buy a replacement, try James Sherlock or Motorworks who will sell overhauled FD's for between £400 and £500 which are much better than the OEM ones

Sgt, you've made this point before - I'm curious as to the difference/betterment over OEM kit. What do you mean exactly?
Alan R

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Sgt, you've made this point before - I'm curious as to the difference/betterment over OEM kit. What do you mean exactly?
Alan R

My personal opinion is someone like Steve Scriminger will take a lot more care during the rebuild than a monkey in a factory somewhere. It's also less than half the price of a new one