Engine Cover Corrosion

[Deleted account 210609001]

I have a 2005 1200GS. Had the engine plate replaced under warranty earlier this year. Biekis nowout of warranty. Just noticed today that the new cover plate is just beginning to bubble - less than six months later!

This just can't be acceptable, can it?

I' going to ask the dealer to replace it again as a "goodwill gesture." has anyone had any success with this approach, please?

Failing that, has anyone replaced it themselves? Is it a tricky job, or a ssimple as removing one and replacing it with the other? Any idea of the cost of the new part?

thanks,

Robin.

 

[araspitfire]

I think that when it happens to me (It'll be out of warantee by then, I don't ride in the rain much)... I'm going to strip it and get it painted with some proper paint... end of problem.

Al...

 

[The White Rabbit]

Are parts warranted for one year?

Anyway, puts paid to the bollocks I was told when I had a new one in march that they had done something different with the coatings around the bolt holes to prevent it, then.

 

[MikeP]

Failing that, has anyone replaced it themselves? Is it a tricky job, or a ssimple as removing one and replacing it with the other? Any idea of the cost of the new part?

thanks,

Robin.

It looks pretty straightforward.

It's listed in the US as $235, that usually translates as dollar for pound.

I was told that the problem was some kind of packing that was absorbent. This allowed salty water to sit under the cover and cause the corrosion, plus the inside of the cover was unpainted.

Both of these issues were supposed to have been addressed.

 

[THE DOCTOR]

Failing that, has anyone replaced it themselves? Is it a tricky job, or a ssimple as removing one and replacing it with the other? Any idea of the cost of the new part?

thanks,

Robin.

Robin, I too have an '05 GS but mine is only showing minor corrosion atm (after 12,000 miles).

Mike P, replacing the plate would be a semi-major operation as it has a gasket separating it from the main engine block & any oil leak after initial fitting would require another strip-down, clean up & new gasket & access is limited as it passes under the front suspension.

I think we all know now that the plate is a major corrosion problem & I've seen some mega-corroded examples on newer models than mine for sale on BMW dealer's own premises.

If you replaced it yourself how happy would you be if it corroded again before you sold it?

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

It is just rubbish, isn't it? When the replacement was fitted, I was told they had changed the "packing" - i.e. removed the sponge that was in there to deaden some noise. As before, the corrosion is right against the join between the cover itself and the black plastic cover (I have seen some where the corrosion seems to start around the bolts that fix the metal cover to the engine).

Since the replacement was fitted - I think it was Late Feb or March - I have not ridden at all on salty roads. I have also been careful not to direct water jets from the hose (NOT a pressure washer) at the join with the plastic cover, which was something else I was told contributed to the corrosion. It all leads me to believe that there is a basic design fault, either to do with cheap materials or inapproriate combinations of different metals. All this waffle from BMW about "we've improved the parts to eradicate the problem" seems to be juts that - waffle.

From memory, the poly belt needs replacing at 24,000 miles, so if I have to pay for it myself I think I'll see if I can wait until then and save on labour times - NOT a BMW main dealer in those circumstances - and maybe consider getting it cleaned and treated/painted rather than replaced. If BMW agree something, then I'll get it done ASAP and just wait for it to happen again.

Thanks for your replies.