Dynamic ESA...more Random ESA

[dexmo]

Hi

Own a 2016 GSA TE, 13,000 miles
Cossetted and loved - like most GSs.

Anyway about 6 weeks ago ESA fault light came on and stayed on.
Stopped and turned off the ignition for about 2 minutes, turned back on and all was fine.
Did that for a week, until light stayed on regardless.

Took it back to the dealer as still under warranty.
Almost a month later still with the dealer, they are talking to BMW UK, who are talking to BMW Germany etc.
Dealer replaced the ESA unit and sensor - problem still came back.
Apparently the error codes don't tell them any more detail.

Dealer has been great and I can report I have now test ridden/borrowed most of the BMW range, still prefer GSA.
(BTW... the gearbox, engine and quickshifter much improved on the new GS and GSA.)

Anyway, has anyone else come across this issue?

As the bike is still practically new concerned it may just be a lemon - which I don't want to be stuck with when the warranty expires. Particularly as the ESA unit costs £1,000+ to replace.

At the same time the dealer is dangling a 2018 GSA before my eyes...etc.
Offering me £1,000 equity on my bike to go towards a deposit, plus discount on new price, but still need to stump up another 3k for the deposit.

I can't justify going for a new bike when the present one has just been run-in.

But, 3k is three failed ESA units.

The ultimate irony? - think the bike handles much better when the system fails and defaults to the hard suspension setting. I can now see why people have so much love for Ohlins units

Can't be without a GS, love it, sold my boring car and went back to bikes.

Wise advice required on all fronts.

P

 

[Dennis the Menace]

See my post in the RT section on ESA

 

[Dave J]

Hmm. I would push the dealer really hard and go for the 2018 with the fancy dash and some of the bells and whistles thrown in.

 

[dexmo]

Ok, so bike fixed, working perfectly.
Issue in the end was just a faulty connector, but they replaced the ESA unit and sensor.
Hate to think of the cost if not under warranty.

Forget how capable the bike is....150 miles today in 4-6 degrees C....lovely.

 

[Daxaar]

Ok, so bike fixed, working perfectly.
Issue in the end was just a faulty connector, but they replaced the ESA unit and sensor.
Hate to think of the cost if not under warranty.

Glad you got it sorted.

The dealers inability to diagnose a faulty connector is a little worrying. I know warranty work tends to just go down the path of least resistance from the off, but I wonder how many poor sods outside of warranty have been fleeced for a full ESA replacement when it might have just been a faulty connector.

 

[J biker]

Its a huge issue now with all modern bikes/cars. 'Technicians' look at fault codes 1st and they were only ever meant to be an indicator of the issue. The number of real mechanics in workshops is dwindling.

 

[J biker]

Forget how capable the bike is....150 miles today in 4-6 degrees C....lovely.

Yes, nice 300 miler last weekend in similar conditions. Not another bike I would have enjoyed it as much on in the conditions.

 

[Blackal]

Glad you got it sorted.

The dealers inability to diagnose a faulty connector is a little worrying. I know warranty work tends to just go down the path of least resistance from the off, but I wonder how many poor sods outside of warranty have been fleeced for a full ESA replacement when it might have just been a faulty connector.

Could have been intermittent in nature - and if not in accessible wiring - a difficult one.