Another starter relay recall

[The Stimulator]

Looks like you were right Tyzer. This is taken just now from Motorradonline.de

“At the end of July 2024, BMW Motorrad informed its trading partners in a circular: "Due to new findings, even with the installation of the improved starter relay with part number 61115B4E925, a failure of the starter relay may not be avoided if the component was mechanically damaged during installation. Such damage can occur either as part of the safety-relevant recall 0000612000 or during assembly in the factory. A damaged plastic coating of the starter relay can possibly lead to moisture ingress and subsequently to the failure of the starter relay."

“Another, surprising message in the dealer circular (July 2024): "The semiconductor starter relay will be replaced by a conventional, electromechanical starter relay. The recall 0000612000 will be terminated and replaced by the new recall 0000612100. The service information with all further information will be published in week 31/2024."

 

[The Stimulator]

The MOTORRAD editorial team is amazed at the upcoming conversion of the BMW R 1300 GS to a "Classic" relay and has checked in Munich. Here are our questions and the answers from BMW Motorrad on 07/26/2024:

Which vehicles of the type R 1300 GS (KA1) are affected this time? All, or can that be narrowed down?

BMW Motorrad will replace the semiconductor starter relay with an electromechanical relay for all R 1300 GS. This also requires a software adjustment of the motor control. However, only the vehicles with a construction date until 03/18/2024 will be treated as part of a safety-relevant recall. For the newer vehicles with an improved, protective relay holder already from the factory, this takes place as a quality measure during the next workshop stay.

How many BMW R 1300 GS does it affect in total, in Germany and worldwide?

The recall affects about 4,100 vehicles in Germany, about 25,000 worldwide. As part of the service campaign, the relay will be converted for a further 3,100 vehicles in Germany (about 18,000 worldwide).

So all BMW R 1300 GS get the new, electromechanical starter relay. Is this already available?

The relay (hardware) is available, the software will be commercially available from 08/13/2024.

Can owners of a BMW R 1300 GS affected by the recall continue to use their vehicle without restriction until the conversion with the new starter relay?

Of course, BMW Motorrad complies with its official reporting obligations on time and in full for safety-relevant recalls. The conversion of the affected vehicles will start from mid-August, vehicles already delivered can be fully useable.

Does BMW recommend any precautions until the conversion with the new starter relay? For example, disconnecting the battery because of the risk of fire?

BMW Motorrad recommends in every operating manual to avoid sensitive components (electronics, bearings, etc.) when cleaning with high-pressure cleaner. The known cases are all related to water ingress.

How many incidents and fire cases are now known - and probably reasons for the renewed recall or Service promotions?

BMW Motorrad are known worldwide 8 cases of melted or burnt semiconductor starter relays with the improved construction status. In all cases, the relay (either as part of the repair in the trade or on the belt) had been clipped into the original relay holder and damaged in the process. In no case did there be any relevant damage to the vehicle.

Will the customers be informed? When?

In the event of a recall, the customers are always contacted, for which BMW Motorrad requests the owner data from the KBA. As soon as these are available, the cover letters will be created and sent.

How long will the conversion per vehicle take in the workshop?

The conversion, including software update, takes about three quarters of an hour.

 

[Deleted account 251024001]

Wonder what they saw as the benefit of going to a solid state starter relay.

 

[Baked Bean]

 

[Deleted account 251024001]

That is the only reason I could think of!!!

 

[TaskMule]

The actual initial cost of SSRs (Solid State Relays) is generally higher than electromagnetical relays . BMW uses them for starter probably because they may be easier to integrate into the component protection system. They are considered much more reliable due to having no moving parts and contacts. Unfortunately BMW is having problems with moisture egress, which is as bad for SSRs as it is for mechanical.

 

[pbbanks]

Where do I find what the enhancement codes mean?.
I have 2 showing on the Motorrad recall checker for my 1300.
Think one may be for the panniers & guessing the other may be for this new starter relay recall??.

The codes are "Enhancement codes 0000770300, 0000770600."
Anyone know what they mean for certain?.

 

[Frankh]

Where do I find what the enhancement codes mean?.
I have 2 showing on the Motorrad recall checker for my 1300.
Think one may be for the panniers & guessing the other may be for this new starter relay recall??.

The codes are "Enhancement codes 0000770300, 0000770600."
Anyone know what they mean for certain?.

Don’t know for sure what they are but my bike has the same two codes required as an enhancement.

 

[Mad Paddy]

0000770300 is the top box recall code
0000770400 is panniers recall code

 

[pbbanks]

0000770300 is the top box recall code
0000770400 is panniers recall code

I don't have a top box so 0000770300 can't be that??.

 

[leadfarmer]

I don't have a top box so 0000770300 can't be that??.

I received both recalls by post and I don’t have any of the OEM luggage

I do have the supports and the metal rack so maybe that’s why I got them

 

[Mad Paddy]

Here you go

 

[Frankh]

Here you go

Any thoughts on 0000770600 ?

 

[TheStammeringBiker]

Does anyone have a link to the site to check for recalls? If I go to the BMW Motorrad site it just tells me to contact the retailer.

Don’t worry I found it, both the one ending in 300 and 600 for mine. I don’t have the top box so I assume that’s just a general one