R1200GSA 2017 WC Left cam chain tensioner

[mike wright]

Ive seen lots of different info on how to replace the R1200GSA 2017 WC Left cam chain tensioner some saying you simply unscrew and replace as the chain wont jump a tooth etc and others saying you need to set it at TDC and lock the cam etc. One even says BMW designed it so it can simply be swopped over without the need to set TDC etc

Has anyone changed one and did they simply swop it over please?

 

[Hann]

When I did my 1250 it was simply a case of undoing the old and fitting the new one.
I would think it’s highly unlikely - indeed almost impossible - for the cam chain to ‘jump a tooth’ as long as you don’t do anything stupid such as turning the engine over whilst the tensioner is removed.
And if you lean the bike over to the right (i rested the engine bars on a milk crate) virtually no oil will come out.

 

[Bigcats]

I simply swapped it when I first bought the bike.......zero issues (though did lose a little oil because I didn't do what was suggested in post#2)

 

[R800]

Why/when do you need to change the cam chain tensioner?
Just curious as I started maintaining my 2015 1200 last year and no mechanical background.
Thanks

 

[Hann]

Why/when do you need to change the cam chain tensioner?

The tensioner isn`t a service item per se more of a small design improvement by BMW to address the tendancy of the 1200/1250 engines to emit some unwanted rattle noise from the left hand cylinder at idle.
The tensioners on these bikes are part hydraulic, the new design has the same length plunger but it does not insert so far into the body as the old type (it sticks out more...) which i assume imparts a little bit of extra force on the tensioner blade to minimise this rattling when the engine speed is at idle and the oil pressure low.

The original tensioner has a 17mm body, the new one 19mm.

 

[leadfarmer]

Why/when do you need to change the cam chain tensioner?
Just curious as I started maintaining my 2015 1200 last year and no mechanical background.
Thanks

Unfortunately the new model cam chain tensioner is only compatible with the 1250, there is no alternative for the 1200

 

[Hann]

^^^^
Oh, i didn`t know that.
Do the 1200`s rattle like some of the 1250`s do?
The new tensioners definitely make the engine quieter.

 

[leadfarmer]

^^^^
Oh, i didn`t know that.
Do the 1200`s rattle like some of the 1250`s do?
The new tensioners definitely make the engine quieter.

They can do

Mine had new cams, tensioner and timing sprocket assembly under warranty, can’t remember which side

Maybe @MotoRevive can confirm but I’m fairly sure there’s only one part number for the 1200 LC tensioner

 

[mike wright]

I replaced mine and its slightly less rattle on the 1200 using the oem part. There was s very slight difference in finish and the spring felt a little stronger but i think most 1200 wc,s i heard all sound a little rattle at idle if warm

 

[R800]

Thanks for that