If you had an earlier 1200 the only way to change the oil was to swing the final drive backwards so it could be seen as all part of the same job. In my opinion BMW's fitting drain plugs will have led to increased wear of suspension bearings. At 50K mine were totally shot and in a horrible state. I only started to do the swing back method after they were replaced. I also packed the bearings to the brim with grease. They don't rotate so the grease has not been pushed out.
this is indeed the issue - on the LC bikes new servicing schedules issued to drop the bevel down and do it properly (servicing goes up 150 quid for each 12k service !!!)
new rules SHOULD COVER ALL BMW SHAFT BIKES FROM 2003 but they didn't bother to state it in the Documentation for the early stuff
12k miles drop the bevel and check
36k mile replace the shaft
SIB 33 04 23 - 2023-12-13
INFO - K5X Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change
MODEL
Model Type Code Model Description
K50 0A11, 0A61, 0J93, 0M03 R 1200 / 1250 GS
K51 0A12, 0J53, 0M13 R 1200 / 1250 GS Adventure
K52 0A13,0J63, 0L03 R 1200 / 1250 RT
K53 0A14, 0M73, 0J73 R 1200 / 1250 R
K54 0A15, 0M83, 0J83 R 1200 / 1250 RS
The affected vehicles have been marked with campaign number INFO337390 in AIR.
In order to determine if a specific motorcycle is affected by this INFO-campaign, it will be necessary to verify
the vehicle VIN in AIR (Aftersales Information Research). Based on the response of the system, either
proceed with the repair or take no further action. Please note, open campaigns or vehicle stops may not
appear in DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or sales systems until 24-72 hours after they are announced,
therefore AIR is always the recommended method for determining open campaigns and vehicle stops.
SITUATION
Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time,
maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included.
NOTICE:
1. The new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the SI 33 02 22
(SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), but is valid for all K5x models including retroactively.
In case of retroactive validity (model year 2023 and older), affected customers will be informed about the change.
This will be in the form of a direct-to-customer letter with a description of the new maintenance schedule, specific owner’s manual insert, and consumer warranty book insert.
1. For vehicles affected by SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft
Check), this service action must be performed first. All conditions described in this bulletin apply after the open Service Action has been completed.
No additional communication is required for K5x models model year 2024 and onwards. Those models have
the new maintenance schedule in their owner’s manual.
PROCEDURE
This Service Information is published for all K5X vehicles with model year 2023 and older.
Check cardan shaft with ISTA-led test method and grease splines every 12,000 miles (20.000 km).
Replacement of the cardan shaft (driveshaft) every 36,000 Miles (60.000 km) (cardan shaft (driveshaft)
mileage – has to be checked!)
Cardan shaft (driveshaft) mileage: if the vehicle already had a cardan replacement at e.g. 18,750 Miles
(30.000 km) (vehicle mileage), the maintenance-based replacement is due only at 56,250 Miles (90.000
km) (vehicle mileage) (check for previous cardan replacements: e.g. via AIR service history).
Note: Cost can be claimed on the defect code 9033009900. (The initial defect code 87331000000 in AIR
does not work as designed and will be changed to the new one with AIR release 12/23).
The replacement check and re-grease of the cardan shaft (driveshaft) is covered by warranty and is offered
to all customers that own a K5x motorcycle model year 2023 and older and unlimited miles or general
service behavior of the customer.
Note: If the cardan (driveshaft) check (test result in ISTA) shows that the shaft needs to be replaced, the
replacement can be claimed using defect code 9033009700 (NOT on SIB 33 02 22 SERVICE ACTION:
Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check).
PARTS INFORMATION
Obtain and confirm the part numbers for your specific vehicle by entering the chassis number in ETK which
takes into account specific equipment and/or options.
NOTE: Please ensure that parts are available before scheduling a service, as there are currently
limited stock.
CLAIM INFORMATION
Please submit claims via the normal claim process using the information below:
Defect code 90 33 00 97 00 Driveshaft Check and Re-grease
Labor Operation
33 73 002 Checking Cardan Shaft Refer to AIR for FRU
+ 33 73 508 Checking Cardan Shaft Refer to AIR for FRU
+ 33 73 505 Lubricate Cardan Shaft (Cannot be claimed when replacing Cardan Shaft)
Defect code 90 33 00 99 00
Driveshaft Replacement
Labor Operation
33 73 000 Replace Cardan Shaft Refer to AIR for FRU
+ 33 73 501 Replace Cardan Shaft Refer to AIR for FRU
FRUs includes all repair procedures to complete the task with allowance for necessary ancillary tasks (e.g.,
visual inspection, lubrication, cleaning parts etc.) and administrative tasks.
Labor operation code 33 73 000 or 33 73 002 is a Main labor operation. If you are using a Main labor code
for another repair, use the Plus code labor operation instead.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical inquiries Contact the BMW Technical Support Group via TSARA
Warranty inquiries Submit an IDS ticket to the Warranty Department
Parts inquiries Submit an IDS ticket to the Motorrad Parts Department
