Rear ESA Help Please

[Mr Bean]

I have a 2007 RT where the shock failed. I bought a new Wilbers unit but the preload motor refused to work. I have since fitted a brand new preload motor and been back to BMW Park Lane for them to calibrate etc. Unfortunately, it will not calibrate because the original preload motor probably caused too much of a drain on the ZFE.

Now to my question. I'd like to rig up a manual switch to alter the preload and am keen to understand what switch I need to buy. I'm assuming a reverse polarity type is needed (I understand only two wires move the ride height up/down) and that it should have a maximum current capacity so that the current is killed before straining the motor.

Am I thinking correctly and if I am are there any recommendations from the collective?

Thanks

Bean

 

[Lord Snooty]

Surely, if the Wilbers shock has been bought as a direct ESA replacement for the OEM shock then it should work. Did you buy the shock and fit it yourself or have it fitted? My first port of call would be to go back to the supplier/fitter of the Wilbers and ask them to sort it out.

 

[Mr Bean]

No, the Wilbers unit uses the orignal preload and damping stepper motor - they are swapped over.

If (as in my case) they are fubared you need to source alternative solutions to maintain the ESA facilities - for example the stepper was rotten and required replacement. The change between comfort/normal & sport is now really noticeable whereas it wasn't previously.

However, I now have a new preload motor that won't work as the original ZFE is faulty - not the Wilbers shock.

Be aware if you are thinking of changing that if your electric bits don't work a new wilbers (or any other for that matter) won't cure all of the problems.

 

[Mr Bean]

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[Lord Snooty]

Ok, I wasn't aware of that. I had a rear ESA shock problem on my K1300GT last year, the shock had lost all of its damping, I had it rebuilt by Firefox Racing and all was good but my ESA motors weren't fubared as your are.

Sorry I can't help with your switch question, electrickery is a black art to me

 

[Mr Bean]

No worries - thanks for looking.

 

[casper]

I think what you need is a double pole double throw switch.
Also known as 5wire reverse polarity control.
Commonly used on electric windows and powered car seat adjusters.
Something like this http://www.gamainc.com/site/epage/130254_941.htm

 

[paddy dougan]

switch

I think what you need is a double pole double throw switch.
Also known as 5wire reverse polarity control.
Commonly used on electric windows and powered car seat adjusters.
Something like this http://www.gamainc.com/site/epage/130254_941.htm

Casper is right on the money, good switch to use would be a screen switch of an RT/Pan etc. Use with a reversing polarity relay if it has only three connections.
Good luck,
Paddy

 

[Mr Bean]

Casper is right on the money, good switch to use would be a screen switch of an RT/Pan etc. Use with a reversing polarity relay if it has only three connections.
Good luck,
Paddy

Thanks all.

I'll have a go.