Apologies if this has been mentioned, or you already know this… there is new cam chain tensioner. It’s differentiated by its 19mm (up from 17mm) nut and it is also slightly longer.
R1250GS Rattling noise
- Thread starter scarab1987
- Start date
I fitted mine not long after purchase to LH cylinder, didn't make a world of difference but may have helped a little.
scarab1987
Registered user
Everybody in this conversation knows about new tensioner but this is a completely different issue. Please read previous posts at this conversation.
That’s why I apologised before I started. I have read it, but it was some time ago that the thread started and with my tiny brain I’ve clearly forgotten
scarab1987
Registered user
Any update?
GelandeStress
Registered user
BMW have fully dissasembled the engine and are currently ‘rebuilding it’ whatever that means.
BMW UK told me they contacted BMW Germany for advice, as they didn’t know how to fix the rattle noise. It has been in their workshop for 7 weeks and they STILL can’t fix it. Luckily I’m under warranty, but this is ridiculous.
I asked them to just please put a new engine, but they want to spend 40+ hrs taking the engine apart…
I’m really hoping to have an answer from BMW, so I can share it with you.
scarab1987
Registered user
I don't want to be pessimist for you but I have made my diagnosis at this issue as an engineer. The noise comes from shiftcam when moves right and left. So it is a characteristic. It could be eliminated only with a new software that eliminates the unecessary movements of shiftcam.
GelandeStress
Registered user
But why do only a few bikes do it? BMW gave me a 1250GS as a courtesy and it doesn’t rattle.
GelandeStress
Registered user
And also, why don’t BMW understand the cause to the rattle noise? They could have told me a long time ago!
scarab1987
Registered user
Believe me, I have never met any tech here in Greece so expertised at fault finding. I think that in all countries are almost same. They speak somehow with Bmw Motorrad techs and they send feedback, but if you don't explain them the real issue they cannot help further. For sure there is someone in the factory that can understand the problem, but who knows if want to do it or if the issue arrived at his ears.
GelandeStress
Registered user
I will update you, hopefully soon. Maybe there is a fix, maybe BMW wasted my time - only time will tell
scarab1987
Registered user
How many kms has this bike? Maybe need more kms to start rattling.
Shiftcam only operates when over 5,000rpm.
Why do most owners of this strange noise report that it can only be heard when the engine speed is well under that figure, typically 3 - 4,000rpm and that the noise is sensitive to throttle opening/engine load?
GelandeStress
Registered user
Mine started at 7000miles. This 2023 GS has 5000 miles, however, it does not allow pillion or panniers, so maybe the heavy payload damaged the motor more?
GelandeStress
Registered user
This is a good point. Especially since my rattle happens at 4000RPM/70mph on the motorway…
scarab1987
Registered user
Nope it is not like this. Shiftcam operates when the software understands that need more torque. You can energize it at the center stand even if you play with throttle for around 2500-3500 rpm. Try it.
But for is energized when you are above 5000 rpm.
GelandeStress
Registered user
I don’t want to be in a situation where the shiftcam breaks (if that’s the problem) just like how the driveshaft recall was due to a few riders getting seriously injured after it snapped on the motorway.
scarab1987
Registered user
There is not any way that shiftcam will break. Don't worry.
scarab1987
Registered user
No it is not about damage. It is about nornal wear of surfaces. Everything will settle after 5000 miles and also tjis engine will start be noisy.
GelandeStress
Registered user
If the shiftcam is rattling quickly, then is the engine firing going to be going from low-high setting instead of sticking to either low or high cams? Or is the shiftcam only rattling 10% side-to-side?
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