Going in for warranty work

MrMcNamara

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My GS TE with 5.5k is going in for assessment for shite gearbox (almost impossible to get cleanly into / out of 3rd gear) especially when having spent time clutch in / out going through town, also sounds like a bag of spanners when hot below 2k rpm (worse when in in neutral at idle) also corrosion on engine casing to cylinder & water pump tell tale hole. love the bike to bits but cant get over these three serious quality issues - previous 3 other smooth high quality boxers with good gearboxes. any advice on handling the dealers (Williams) excuses?
 
I also love my 14 GS TE but hate the agricultural gearbox. First, second & third are a real chore to change between at low speed ie in town. Cotswold Gloucester changed the clutch which helped but it spoils what is a great bike
 
From an engineers perspective, it feels like a binding clutch poor drive dog system aint helping? I have covered over 60k on boxers, this gearbox is definitely shite! most aspects of the bike are brilliant - low revs off load it rattles its tits off - poss decompression mech fitted to the exhaust valve train? also excessive noise (hot) in neutral from the clutch / gear train. paintwork bubbling well documented though not sure at what level actioned? just hope I am not going to face the fobbing off tactics? what are others experiences ref warranty issues?
 
On my used 2013 GS TE bought privately with 550 miles , I noticed small white traces of bubbling paint on the engine and final drive. Dealer photographed it and sent to BMW. The whole shebang was replaced, Engine/gearbox, swingarm and final drive.

By that time I had done 4000 miles. Come the 2nd 600 mile service( running in again) the charge was zero. I was quite impressed that there was no quibbling at all, even though I had bought it outside the dealer network.

Must admit though, I took it on a European tour soon after and was convinced it was going to blow up because the noise from the engine when hot at idle was /is horrendous to my ears.

Now approaching 13000 miles and it still rattles but hasn't got worse and pulls like a freight train. I would like it to be quieter but heyho, that's how they are apparently.
 
Lets see what happens on Tuesday? I am used to new car warranty issues - never dealt with a new motorcycle warranty - lets see how good BMW Motorrad are at looking after customers?
 
I looked over 3 used 1200GS WC today, 2013 and 2014 - all exhibited engine paint corrosion on the joints:rolleyes:
 
JohnnyBoxer said:
I looked over 3 used 1200GS WC today, 2013 and 2014 - all exhibited engine paint corrosion on the joints:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

If you look closely, I think you'll struggle to find one without corrosion. Mine has a small amount but I know it will only get worse as it is occuring under the paint:
20150802090034-3cb57380-me.jpg


OP: mine is due for a service later this month so I will show this to Janet then. In my experience Williams have always been very good at resolving any issues that arise though. I don't have the gear changing problem that you describe. Sure, it is not the smoothest gearbox in the world, but I have got used to it and it doesn't bother me particularly. It does sound like a jar of loose bolts! - I wear ear plugs most of the time which is the solution for me ;)

Wayne
 
Got to be honest, I got rid of my GS TE 2013 and bought a 2014 same bike only factory lowered but a totally different bike especially the gearbox.
 
Best of luck with it, mine went in at the end of June because the rear brake seized on, (whilst I was riding it I might add!!) and no I don't rest my foot on the lever and yes it was properly serviced etc etc. It's a known fault with the rear caliper. Haven't seen it since and I'm properly fed up now. The dealer's in for a blasting in the morning!!
 
Ok, the bike went in to Williams today with a very full description of the scenario when the gearbox is at its worst, the receptionist was 'delighted' to tell me that there was a fresh software update that would almost certainly fix the problem??? I did suggest that its clearly a mechanical issue & that my bike does not have a quick shifter fitted. I went to pick the bike up later only to be told the gearbox was overfilled & that was most likely the fault?? I pointed out that there is no separate gearbox oil as its shared via the engine I was corrected?? eventually a mechanic was summoned to clarify that indeed the engine oil was also the gearbox oil (rather worrying to say the least) Williams have agreed to escalate the issue direct to BMW for review as they could not replicate the fault during their short test ride. in my opinion, having a bike that refuses to select gear at times is dangerous so its going back into the garage until I have a way forwards
Williams staff very helpful but worryingly lacking in knowledge on the LC engine so far - I will keep those who are interested posted as to where it goes next
 
bradders4 said:
Best of luck with it, mine went in at the end of June because the rear brake seized on, (whilst I was riding it I might add!!) and no I don't rest my foot on the lever and yes it was properly serviced etc etc. It's a known fault with the rear caliper. Haven't seen it since and I'm properly fed up now. The dealer's in for a blasting in the morning!!
Click to expand...

I would change my dealer as soon as I got my bike back, and let them know why, my dealer has always been A1 with any warranty work even when my first 1200 GSA dropped a valve and it made a total mess, it needed a new engine but it was sorted in no time
 
Result!

Just heard that BMW are going to fit a brand new engine & gearbox to sort my on-going issues so despite the BMW critics opinions both the dealer & BMW have pulled out the stops to keep a happy customer!
thanks in particular to Stuart & his team at Williams BMW
 
MrMcNamara said:
Just heard that BMW are going to fit a brand new engine & gearbox to sort my on-going issues so despite the BMW critics opinions both the dealer & BMW have pulled out the stops to keep a happy customer!
thanks in particular to Stuart & his team at Williams BMW
Click to expand...

Proper result, great news!
 
In the deaers already!

Amazed to get a request to take the bike in for the engine & gearbox replacement today as they can have a new unit available to fit on Friday. works well for me as I am away in China on business next week. looking forward to running in the new motor gearbox & the improvements of the later engine - heavier flywheel for sure, does anyone know of any other differences?
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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