Rough Idle

[German]

2005, 8K, once it warms up, idle start to be rough, irregular. Worse when is hot. At BMW dealer mentioned that it was some king a drain at ignition coil plug. They put some sealant, the problem persist


I need help, to decide to do next.

 

[German]

Attached the image of repair at BMW dealer

 

[ktmmark]

BMW'S fancey computer link up should give them a lead poss idler control valve just take it back & say its still not right & try to get a loan bike why its in

 

[ampthill]

I think it may be a case of 'they all do that , Sir.'

My GS also does not idle so smoothly once warmed up - and it only had its 6000m service this week. It has been like this since new and have accepted it as part of the bike characteristics.

By the way if I recall correctly the 1200ST I took out whilst my GS was in for service did the same thing.

 

[Nye]

ha!
Had the some problem, and bike went back to dealer six times (see separate thread). when it finally died the dealer had it for four weeks waiting (they say) for the part - a controller. Now I've got the bike back it has never run smoother! I can dig out more details if it helps.

 

[German]

Great, thanks

yes it may help, if you can pls send me more info so I can strike back. I'll be very dissapointed if they don't give me a good response and solution.

If it's better for you youcan contact me direct at [email protected]

 

[sjwb]

This IS a known problem to BMW - and one supposes their dealers. There is a software update due (the first one has a glitch) which will attend to the very touchy, open to closed and closed to open throttle operation. I had the first version of the download which along with an adjustment of the base idle made the bike much more acceptable. Sadly a condition then exists whereby the ECM detects (or believes that it detects) a fault and imposes a 'default' idle setting which is elevated and rough. This can be re-set by an ignition on off cycle.
I am in contact with my dealer over this and we are awaiting the new download.
Incidentaly the cause of poor idle will be evident when you check the balance (sync) at idle and discover up to 2" (50mm) mercury difference left to right.
Do not accept that a rough idle is a feature of the engine - it is not; push your dealer to fix it.
The rider to this of course is how finicky or sensitive you may be!

 

[Nye]

German
I had a rough idle problem with my bike since I got it. So that's 11 months, 12k miles ago. At each service (Mill) I was told it was a "feature" and that it would be cured when they "upgraded the software" on the bike. After each service the fault was still there. I wasn't happy with the response...then the bike finally failed (again) and was recovered back to the dealer. I opted for a different dealer (Motorrad Central) this time. They checked the bike and said the fault was a “failure of the BMSK controller”. When they went to balance the bike they found the “throttle body butterfly” was also faulty and they had to order a new one. I was also told by this dealer that the idling problems – for the last 12k miles and 3 services – were also probably caused by this fault. I've had the repaired bike back for 3 weeks now, and covered 2k miles. I have to say there is now NO idle problem and it is running sweeter than it ever has.

These are complex beasties...so whilst the symptoms may be the same as your bike, it doesn't mean the cause is the same. But at least it is something you could suggest they look at. The bottom line is German, my bike now does NOT have an idle problem, so neither should yours.

 

[German]

Good !!! thanks

Nye, thanks, definatelly I'll be back to the dealer and let them know they have to fix it..hope they can read english though.

Unfortunatelly, I cannot switch to another dealer, there's only one in the whole country.

 

[German]

I got it FIX

Finally I got it fix, under warranty, no charge. My 1200 GS, now with 7 K miles, is now running smoothly. They told me they replace two defective ignition coils (there are four, on top of each spark plug) and they do an upgrade of software and the problem is fix.

I'll be in London next week, I'll like to visit a place were BMW motorcycle owners get together. Any suggestion ?