Clocks stolen...

Just heard - BMW HQ are refusing to issue the magic number. Apparently they are worried that the programming will fek the bike up completeley. Genius. Quite how it is possible to design a system that is so fragile is beyond me. Now as new clocks cannot be supplied (no delivery date, even though been on back order since Oct 2013), I'm a bit stuck. Who'd buy a used bike in this state?

Just inform the ins company and ask them to write it off, job done
 
This bloke selling clocks on e bay. Where is he supposed to be getting them from? Are they "acquired" to order? Surely the rozzers should be taking an interest in him. If he claims they're off write offs it should be easy enough to prove.
 
TT could make a special bag to carry them in.

The TT handlebar bag looks about the right size. You could strap in on with a Pacsafe. ;)

Seriously though the TT alloy plate that fits around the clocks does look handy for power outlets and maybe a small gauge like a voltmeter

Edit

Jokes apart The issue of allegedly fekked electronics doesn't make sense and sounds like a Friday afternoon fob-off. Seriously - what happens when a BMW bike is crash repaired by BMW? Does a smashed set of clocks automatically write off the bike? I think not. Chase BMW directly to get some answers.
BTW, what do Motorworks suggest?
 
I suspect that BMW don't want to start getting involved in the slippery business of recoding clocks unless bought brand new from them. Knowledge is power, so the less people recoding used clocks the better for them.

I posted a link on another thread to a London based automotive electronic instrument panel repair company, it might be worth asking them for advice as a last resort perhaps, I'll see if I can find it....

EDIT: Here you go

www.clusterrepairsuk.co.uk

As a specialist instrument company, they should know if BMW are telling you a load of cobblers or not.
 
I spoke to a detective today from the MET who is looking into my theft and he told me 2 triumphs and an 800 GS have had their clocks stolen in the same street recently. He was heading down there to look for CCTV but I don't like his chances.

Vines told me I could get an MOT with second hand clocks but it will record the mileage on the clocks, not the ECU so there maybe HPI check issues. I guess with all the paperwork (receipt from Motorworks, police report, GS911 printout) I could probably also sell the bike but would the value drop by more than I save over new clocks (second hand £250-£300 New £650 including labour to re-program them)?

I'll probably buy new ones and try to secure better them using Teds method above.
 
I've just looked on mine and it looks like the clocks and headlight are held by two torx screws. Maybe anti tamper screws would help.


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I've just looked on mine and it looks like the clocks and headlight are held by two torx screws. Maybe anti tamper screws would help.


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Look harder. You are looking at the mount. The clocks rest on the mount and three lugs poke through rubber grommets. Only 3 circlips hold clocks onto the mount.
 
I've just looked on mine and it looks like the clocks and headlight are held by two torx screws. Maybe anti tamper screws would help.
Have a couple of anti tamper torx on mine along with the lockwire and datatag marking. Trouble is the tools for undoing them are easy to get hold of and proper anti tamper bolts need to be cut off, not practical or easy where they are. All you can do is take precautions make yours more difficult than the one next to it. Bastards aren't to bothered about being neat so would just yank the thing off if they really wanted it. Used these cut down on our bikes.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINI-Wing-Mirror-6-SECURITY-SCREWS-Stainless-steel-Pin-Tork-anti-tamper-TOOL-/121286981984?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c3d447960
Good as not torx:thumb2
 
I hadn't realised just how badly BMW goofed with this. Lock wire and a TT cover plate to hide stuff looks like a good idea.
 
I hadn't realised just how badly BMW goofed with this. Lock wire and a TT cover plate to hide stuff looks like a good idea.

the biggest goof is that a nicked clock set will work on another bike, it must be easy these days for bmw to make this not happen and require a dealer to match clock to bike else it displays nowt, as they would with keys or alarm fobs etc
 
Yes but why has OP been told by BMW the new clocks will ruin his bike without codes an all sorts of blah blah


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Right. A happy ending to the saga of BMW not being able to supply a new set of clocks. They have been on back order since October 2013, and still no delivery date available nearly 6 months later.

A deal has been done on a new GSA with my bike going in as PX. After escalation with BMW HQ on my part, a suitable contribution from the Safe at BMW HQ has been secured. Pick it up next week

Not going to reveal what the contribution is in public but lets just say, I'm OK with it. Just goes to show, you need to jump up and down on HQ a bit, turn the screws, threaten to cancel order for new bike, throw toys out of the pram etc. You eventually get there. Happy days. But an irritating position to have to dig myself out of.
 
Yes, good to hear it worked out well for you Windy. I guess BMW will now be reprogramming some clocks off a damaged bike to put on your trade-in.

I decided not to pay them £650 and will look for a set from a breaker and simply ignore the flashing mileage. I can always prove the true mileage via a printout from the ECU if necessary.

So I guess the first mod to your new GSA will be some razor blades glued under the clocks? Or have they finally realised that having such an expensive part held on by a couple of flimsy clips is a design fault and fixed it on the new GSA?
 
Yes, good to hear it worked out well for you Windy. I guess BMW will now be reprogramming some clocks off a damaged bike to put on your trade-in.

I decided not to pay them £650 and will look for a set from a breaker and simply ignore the flashing mileage. I can always prove the true mileage via a printout from the ECU if necessary.

So I guess the first mod to your new GSA will be some razor blades glued under the clocks? Or have they finally realised that having such an expensive part held on by a couple of flimsy clips is a design fault and fixed it on the new GSA?

No idea whats happening to my PX bike. One thing for sure, it won't be sold as an approved used BMW. Wouldn't be surprised if it gets disposed of in the trade and hands are washed etc.

Clocks on Watercooled GS are just as easy to nick; has already happened to a mate of mine. Will be gluing razorblades to underside of clocks on new bike and finding a way to secure them as well. BMW need to up their game in this area for sure; interesting to see how model year 2015 pans out in this regard.

Sounds like you have a plan, flashing odo is no problem. However I thought you had some on order from Motorworks?
 
Has anyone tried the Touratech (or even home made) cover plates as a way to make theft harder?

To rephrase - Apart from carrying some farkles would they actually do anything useful? I don't want to spend cash to find there is no effect on security.
 
Sounds like you have a plan, flashing odo is no problem. However I thought you had some on order from Motorworks?

I managed to get a set from a breaker in Bolton for only £125 (eBay) and although they are not in top condition I plugged them in last night and they work fine. No flashing milage and all info/gear indicator/warning lights etc are working. Mileage is 20k higher than my bike but I figure this will only be an issue when I sell the bike.

I've not got the clips so I rode to work with them just pushed into the rubber grommits and they did not move at all. When I parked up I simply pulled them off, removed the plug and put them into my top box. It took 20 seconds so could be a workable solution although I'm not sure if the clip is designed to be removed and replaced 5 times a week, plus the clock will need resetting each day.

I plan to get some clips which are flat (so they cannot be easily removed with pliers) and drill small holes in the 3 securing posts to add lock wire similar to Ted has done.
 
The MOT mileage figures should support your case for a lower actual mileage.

Time clock - Clip a 2p Aldi/Lidl cycle clock on the handlebar. ;)

Rubbers - BMW probably sell spares.

Biggest risk is dropping the clocks on the way into the office. :(
 
I managed to get a set from a breaker in Bolton for only £125 (eBay) and although they are not in top condition I plugged them in last night and they work fine. No flashing milage and all info/gear indicator/warning lights etc are working. Mileage is 20k higher than my bike but I figure this will only be an issue when I sell the bike.

I've not got the clips so I rode to work with them just pushed into the rubber grommits and they did not move at all. When I parked up I simply pulled them off, removed the plug and put them into my top box. It took 20 seconds so could be a workable solution although I'm not sure if the clip is designed to be removed and replaced 5 times a week, plus the clock will need resetting each day.

I plan to get some clips which are flat (so they cannot be easily removed with pliers) and drill small holes in the 3 securing posts to add lock wire similar to Ted has done.

Nice one Kiwi Mike. Nice price and cool re no Odo flashing.

If and when you do go for an MOT I found out that clocks are not required for a pass. If they are not present, MOT Tester will enter Mileage Not Available into the MOT computer.

Be careful with clocks just resting in the grommets as mine fell out!!
 


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