EWS Error Message

[Wegby]

Hello all

I'd be grateful for help / advice on behalf of a friend with an 06 1200 GS.

He went to check his bike over yesterday (in advance of a trip next week to the NW200) and his bike wouldn't start off his main key and the display shows an EWS Error warning.

Doing some digging on this site and the net in general, I understand there's an antenna ring around the ignition that's the likely culprit (probably) and needs replacing, however, I haven't found any specific advice on how difficult / fiddly this might be to change, or whether there's any re-coding that's required (I understand the ring 'challenges' the key to ensure it's the right one for the bike?) that needs to be done by a dealer.

Obviously he's pooing his pants that this will curtail out trip next week (we leave on Wednesday evening), so any advice would be gratefully received.

Or I can just throw rocks at him from the cave I live in where I also park my 1150 GSA...

Thanks in advance!

 

[cookie]

no recoding, but the antenna ring is held on with security screws that need drilling out.

not heard of one of those failing for ages. must be an original.

 

[Wapping]

To get the EWS ring out requires the removal of the small security bolts. This task requires a very patient hand... several bods screw it up (see threads).

But a quick 'work around' is at hand.

Get your mate to shift his carcass down to his local BMW dealer to:

(a) Get the job done before he goes

OR

(b) To buy a new EWS ring.

With the new ring in his possession, pull the connectors away from the EWS ring on the bike, carefully. You may need to bend the plastic cover up a bit, I can't remember. If you want to avoid bending the plastic cover, from memory it is easy to remove, you just need a very small Torx socket. You can buy these in packs from somewhere like Maplins. They are a bit cheesy but will do the job.

Attach the new EWS ring to the dangling connectors.

Gaffer tape / cable tie his spare key (assuming he has one, if not revert to plan 'a' and tell him to get one, pronto) to the EWS ring.

The bike should now start and run, using his other key. Check that it does so.

Gaffer tape / cable tie the whole assembly carefully somewhere where it will not fall off or foul the controls.

Leave the whole lot alone until your return. Do not be tempted to 'improve' or remove the whole lot each time you stop. Simply check that it is all in place from time to time.

 

[Wegby]

Update...

Thanks for the help / advice. I'll pass on with recommendation he visits BMW to get it replaced either Monday or Tuesday.

He's also had a fiddle around with the spare key this morning though - managed to get it going without any errors. Could this mean there's an issue with the original key?

If BMW can't replace, we'll be taking a spare antenna ring, lots of gaffer tape, etc. etc..!


Thanks again!

 

[Wapping]

If he is having trouble starting the bike.... electrics all on, everything normal.... but NO EWS warning...... I would suspect the microswitches in the ignition barrel itself.

There is no 'work around' that I know of to circumvent the microswitches.

Mine played up / went at about 35,000 miles.

PS When he does get the ring replaced, he can ask that the security bolts are replaced by conventional Allen key bolts, which will save him (or someone) some (possible) grief in the future.

 

[Pukmeister]

The improved EWS antenna part number ends in 247, there was a batch of 2006-7 bikes that had ring antenna problems leading to the newer part being produced to resolve these issues. I suspect your mates bike has only just decided to play up. I have a spare antenna if there are none in the dealer network, drop me a PM if your needs become desperate. I keep it along with the plastic wallet key as a get you home workaround when touring (just in case).

IIRC there was a difference in the icons cast into the plastic ignition key surround of the newer ring compared to the old one which is the quickest way to spot which type is on your mates bike.

 

[JayC]

Part number (new) : 61 35 7 705 247