FPC & EWS on 08 models

[mr badger]

Can we assume these problems are less likely on 08 models with the mods made to specifications?

Planning a long trip an don't want to take spares unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Pukmeister]

I guess it depends on how far from civilisation (dealers) you intend to travel, and how confident you are in the new bike. I guess the newer models haven't been around long enough to base any decision on them?

I carry a home made fuel pump 'get you home' cable and a spare ring antenna/wallet key on longer journeys having suffered FPC failure in the back of beyond once.

Maybe you could ask a dealer for a failed FPC if they have any and make up your own cable from the wiring connector??

 

[Magwych]

I would ask my local dealer to check my ring antenna to mke sure it was the latest spec. They have been replacing them as they encounter models with the older spec parts.

I have a March '08 GSA which was upgraded.

There are hundreds of posts about the EWS issues, try "ring antenna" as a search string, then settle down with a plate of Turkey sandwiches and a bottle of port for an afternoon's read...I am sure thay somhere in there is the part number of the latest ( and so far greatest) ring peice, and the month it was released.

 

[Deleted Member I]

I would take spares so that it didn't ruin my holiday

No one on here is going to say anything that will stop your bike failing .. unless they know some sort of magic

I think people was saying that the FPC design is completely different on the 08 model bikes, hence the reshaped tank.

On the EWS .. if you had it replaced then it is supposed to have fixed the problem. Although you could see if your dealer will sell you one that they will take back if you don't use it.

I wonder if you can do one of those "class action suits" against BMW for ruined holidays?? ... probably not ..

 

[wilbjr21]

I would take spares so that it didn't ruin my holiday

No one on here is going to say anything that will stop your bike failing .. unless they know some sort of magic

I think people was saying that the FPC design is completely different on the 08 model bikes, hence the reshaped tank.

On the EWS .. if you had it replaced then it is supposed to have fixed the problem. Although you could see if your dealer will sell you one that they will take back if you don't use it.

I wonder if you can do one of those "class action suits" against BMW for ruined holidays?? ... probably not ..

The '08 adventure doesn't have a different tank. The very latest FPC is black. Chris Kelley got one recently.

Carry a spare FPC and EWS ring antenna ....... you know it makes sense. If your going outside the range of the recovery and repair service you would be silly not to. Nothing wrong in carrying spare parts.

 

[Pukmeister]

Don't forget you will need the correct sized Torx screwdriver to undo and remove a faulty FPC unit. They aren't in the standard toolkit.

I carry one of these invaluable little items:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...bit-set/path/screwdrivers-bits-hex-key-sets-2

 

[Andy B]

Fuel Pump Controller

One of our friendly BMW Motorad dealer bretheren who will remain nameless recently told me that the UK dealer network had made a very strong request to BMW UK to order a warranty upgrade on the fuel pump controller problem.

Only time will tell whether BMW takes any notice of its dealers!!

In answer to whether 08 bikes are better than any other - I'd say No! No problems at all with my prevoius two going back to 2004. Everything wrong with the 08 bike!!

 

[Wapping]

Can we assume these problems are less likely on 08 models with the mods made to specifications?

Planning a long trip an don't want to take spares unless absolutely necessary.

I think that should be, May I assume...

Well, you can assume whatever you like, assumption being the mother of all......Well, I assume you can finish the sentence.

You are going on a 'long' (whatever 'long' means) trip... but don't want to take spares, unless absolutely necessary. Have you got a list of the absolutely necessary spares or are you just trying to save a bit of space and a bit of cost on what is probably an expensive venture?

On your 'long' trip, I assume you will be forced to look to yourself for self-reliance? Yet you now want to rely on the advice of a gaggle of unknown bods (many of whom have never had either of the failures you possibly anticipate and / or don't know what oil to use and / or have not been beyond Tesco) for advice? Are you bonkers?

You decide what you need. If you think you don't that's fine. If you have any doubt, that is fine, too.

 

[Deleted Member I]

I think that should be, May I assume...

Well, you can assume whatever you like, assumption being the mother of all......Well, I assume you can finish the sentence.

You are going on a 'long' (whatever 'long' means) trip... but don't want to take spares, unless absolutely necessary. Have you got a list of the absolutely necessary spares or are you just trying to save a bit of space and a bit of cost on what is probably an expensive venture?

On your 'long' trip, I assume you will be forced to look to yourself for self-reliance? Yet you now want to rely on the advice of a gaggle of unknown bods (many of whom have never had either of the failures you possibly anticipate and / or don't know what oil to use and / or have not been beyond Tesco) for advice? Are you bonkers?

You decide what you need. If you think you don't that's fine. If you have any doubt, that is fine, too.

I have you know I have been to sainsbury's which is a mile further than the Tesco

Also I have been to the Ace Cafe!

So there

 

[Wapping]

I have you know I have been to sainsbury's which is a mile further than the Tesco

Also I have been to the Ace Cafe!

So there

Are you sure?

Best wishes for 2009, Tom.

 

[mr badger]

You decide what you need. If you think you don't that's fine. If you have any doubt, that is fine, too.

Thanks all. This about sums it up I reckon. Will be taking both with me.

Not exactly a 'round the world' but island hopping around Western Scotland and on to Shetland and possibly Norway then home. Seems well worth carrying these bits on reflection. Always have an extended toolkit anyhow so it's noit like it's going to take much more space.

BTW - I think the 08 tank is different in design - the FPC seems to be set at an angle rather than 'flat' which may help it drain better.

 

[Tim Cullis]

One of our friendly BMW Motorad dealer bretheren who will remain nameless recently told me that the UK dealer network had made a very strong request to BMW UK to order a warranty upgrade on the fuel pump controller problem.

There's a dozen or so safety defect reports on the BMW FPC currently being investigated by VOSA.

This is expected to take some time, but if VOSA can't persuade BMW to act in an honourable manner there are less desirable remedies available that can be explored to force the issue.

Tim

 

[Ralph]

Quick fix for EWS

Hi all,

As far as I can see the replacement of the EWS is a major job of removing the top yoke. What's the quick fix replacement? Can you just unplug the dodgy one and plug in the new until you get to civilization? Any pic's

 

[wilbjr21]

Hi all,

As far as I can see the replacement of the EWS is a major job of removing the top yoke. What's the quick fix replacement? Can you just unplug the dodgy one and plug in the new until you get to civilization? Any pic's

A search will find the answers you're looking for. The short answer is you plug in a new one and use your additional spare key to "talk" to the BMS-K unit via the EWS system and your normal key for the ignition functions.

 

[Ralph]

A search will find the answers you're looking for. The short answer is you plug in a new one and use your additional spare key to "talk" to the BMS-K unit via the EWS system and your normal key for the ignition functions.

Thks just found a pic of what's required