Final Drive Oil Capacity

[stu1969]

Hello
The Haynes manual (which covers 04-09), states the capacity to be 220ml. I have recently been told that BMW now recommend 180ml.
Can anybody confirm this and what the reason be for the change?
Stu

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I've heard this too ...... probably BMW's answer to preventing the seal from leaking

 

[stu1969]

They can't leak if there is not enough oil in them!!

 

[popeyethesailor]

I've heard this too ...... probably BMW's answer to preventing the seal from leaking

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The reduced the level to 180ml a few years ago. I think it was something to do with the pressure causing the outer seal to leak on some bikes. I put in 200ml when I change

 

[Peter]

FD oil volume

I was told, a couple of years ago, by the BMW bike tech at John Clarks Aberdeen that the Final Drive oil volume had been reduced by BMW to 180ml from 220ml on my 2007 1200GS. The volume was reduced to help the large seal from leaking. Before the reduction in volume my seal leaked only a "mist" of oil. With the lower volume, never had a trace. I replace the FD oil regularly myself using a large volume syringe and a thin tube. Hope this helps.

 

[Farcall]

Back in 2009, on my '08 GSA, I refilled the FD with 220ml as per Haynes. Approx 4000km later the large seal let go, ending my 4-week ride mid-way. Dealer later told me 180ml is the new recommended refill quantity.

He also told me 200ml or 220ml (I can't remember which) is the the quantity they use from 'dry' (I suppose he meant after rebuild or fitting a new FD).

 

[Ravenbyrne]

been filing with 180ml for the last couple of years

 

[Bendy toy]

Seriously overfilling (like 500ml) may well cause the oil to churn and overheat, but IMO 180, 200 or 220ml should not make a huge difference.

Mine has at least 200ml measured (optimistically) via the bottle side gauge so with the layer of oil already inside it probably has 220ml. There have been no signs of seal failure in 2000 miles. There are slight signs of main wheel bearing wear so some repair work is coming up.

The seal "might" be put under some stress but excess oil should not cause physical damage even if some excess leaks out.

It's a balance of risks. Patzx12 thread on FD bearing failure showed a poorly looking pinion nose bearing. Cause of all that wear is unknown but lack of oil is a likely. I prefer to be sure than all bearings get a full share of oil and will take the risk of a (much) cheaper seal failing. To date, my main seal has been ok.

From -
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166875

 

[Boxerboy55]

I plan on refilling mine with the same amount that drains out. Probably measured in a plastic cup.
Maybe 180. Maybe 220. I'm sure it will be fine ever after.

 

[BD]

I think the reason for the reduced amount of oil was as so many seals were going some one at Bm reckoned the increase in oil was causing too much preasure build up in the Fd, as theoil warmed up so a smaller amount left a larger "air gap" to take up the expantion as the oil got warm, all owing to the fact that the "berks" never put in any kind of vent(IE-diffs on other vehicals), so it then led to the later models having the vent valve, oh by the way mine`s had 180ml ever since serviced in the states by an independent who never trusted what Bmer said anyway(probably why he was asked to leave)(good old valdie from valdi motos, L.A.)

 

[fizzer]

asked him to leave,thats rather polite,we have a more direct approach like YOUR SACKED.

 

[adventuredon]

180 ml

 

[welder8uk]

.i put 220ml in mine last time I did it and it starting weeping out the seal when I did some long runs, it's stopped now tho.

Next time I'm putting 180 in.

 

[takko-rann]

180 ml according to BMW dealer since 2008. Reason: to avoid churned oil.

Br

Dirk

 

[solidstate100]

I'm not going to put any in. What's the point, it's going to fail anyway.

 

[big pete]

Just changed mine.After draining overnight 200cc.2010 adv with breather. Bike always serviced by allan Jefferies.No problem with A Jefferies just trying to save a few £ by doing my own service.Will obviously be putting 200cc back in .