Stranded GSA in Rotterdam - EWS Imobiliser problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rob Beck
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Rob Beck

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My mate is stranded in Rotterdam as his EWS has immobilised his GSA - he's calling the local bmw emergency service but does anyone know of a 'quick fix' to get the bike started again apart from using the reserve key as recommended in the riders manual? He's forgotten his reserve key! He had this with his previous K1200s and says its something of a common occurrence on BMW's generally now.

Any ideas appreciated.
 
Not much of a rant. More like a question :blast oh dear.

I agree, so I've moved it from the rant section to the 1200 section, Rob you may have more replies in here as a few have suffered this problem before :thumb2
 
No quick fix unless he has a spare ring antenna on board.

If he is on a garage forecourt he could try pushing the bike away from all the electrical gubbins. They can interfere with the signal, as can electrical pylons.

Shep
 
I know that Molenaarmotors have some ring antennas on stock (got on for my vacation). They are in IJsselstein, which is aprox 50km from Rotterdam, I don't know about the other BMW dealers in the area.

If they do not have have one on stock, I have one which I can give away - if you mate end up with Molenaar have them call me and I'll come around with it.

Casper

My mate is stranded in Rotterdam as his EWS has immobilised his GSA - he's calling the local bmw emergency service but does anyone know of a 'quick fix' to get the bike started again apart from using the reserve key as recommended in the riders manual? He's forgotten his reserve key! He had this with his previous K1200s and says its something of a common occurrence on BMW's generally now.

Any ideas appreciated.
 
Problem in ring antenna, not in key

PIRANIK

Moderators: Can we have an EWS failure smilie? :eek
 
Thanks Casper, I will let him know, thats brilliant. BMW emergency services said couldnt fix it and that he should go home. He has somehow got it going and is planning on making his way to assen for the gp and see what happens but odds are it will immobilise on him again. If he gets to Molenaar, presume they know you by the name Casper?
 
Why not go to the Rotterdam BMW dealer BREEMAN

Rotterdam Zuid:
automobielen en motorfietsen
Driemanssteeweg 70
3084 CB Rotterdam
telefoon: 010- 4854473 {*add our country number if calling from a non NL cell phone}
telefax: 010- 4863998


All dealers should have ring antenna's in stock, since it is a common failure.
 
Thanks have passed the mesaage on, bike now failed 3 times and is now on recovery vehicle, he thinks to Molenaarmotors in IJsselstein, but he will then try Breemans if no joy at Molenaars.

Your help much appreciated.
 
I understand that he is on his way to Molenaars on a recovery vehicle (how embarrasing for a GSA!) so you may get a call if BMW does not have the ring antenna.

Thanks again, you may get a call:thumb2.
 
For anyone who's not fallen asleep over this yet, Molenaars have been 'brilliant' according to my mate. They have given him FOC a ring antenna which they normally have to drill into the ignition to install. However, if you hold the ring antenna around your key when in the ignition, the bike will start, put in your pocket and then when needed next time do the same until you can get installed properly. He has been told that all bikes in Holland are being recalled due to this, the dealer has 90 to do next week!

So if going abroad particularly, take a spare ring antenna just in case and problem solved!
 
Glad to know that he got going again. Hope he'll enjoy Assen...

Breeman does not have the best reputation, which is why I did not recommend them, and when the bike is on a recovery truck any way....

Casper

For anyone who's not fallen asleep over this yet, Molenaars have been 'brilliant' according to my mate. They have given him FOC a ring antenna which they normally have to drill into the ignition to install. However, if you hold the ring antenna around your key when in the ignition, the bike will start, put in your pocket and then when needed next time do the same until you can get installed properly. He has been told that all bikes in Holland are being recalled due to this, the dealer has 90 to do next week!

So if going abroad particularly, take a spare ring antenna just in case and problem solved!
 
HI, thanks to everone who tried to help. And to Rob for phoning me with info, A good friend indeed!!
To update you. When i got th Molenaars they gave me a spare ring antenna, removed the casing and showed me how to get the bike going. The trip was not spoiled and i returned home without many more mishaps.

However for £12500 i expected a bit more reliability. Molenaars had 90 ring antennas ready to do on recall next week!!!
To add to that my rear wheel is pitting bady, my centre stand is rusting,
my panniers filled with water when it rained!

The outcome is that the bike has been part exchanged for a k1200s, the bike i used to have. granted, the ring antenna could fail on this too, but the panniers dont leak and the wheels are alloy so wont rust.

Goodbye to the gsa, round the world? my arse
 
if you hold the ring antenna around your key when in the ignition, the bike will start,

You don't just hold it, you have to unscrew 2 torx screws to reveal the wiring and then unplug the old wires(carefully there is a safety) and plug them in the spare antenna ring for that to work, other wise zipo!!!! :beerjug:
 
Seems a bit drastic to trade your bike in so soon and take a large depreciation hit especially as all the items you mention are covered by the warranty so would be fixed free of charge. After all isn't that the whole reason you get a warranty??

It seems to me that BMW are now having to churn out GS annd GSA's at such a rate of knots that quality control is suffering but I wouldn't consider selling a bike within 12 months of ownership.

Once the initial problems are rectified I've found with other new vehicles I've owned you normally get a few years of trouble free ownership.
 
Seems a bit drastic to trade your bike in so soon and take a large depreciation hit especially as all the items you mention are covered by the warranty so would be fixed free of charge. After all isn't that the whole reason you get a warranty??

It seems to me that BMW are now having to churn out GS annd GSA's at such a rate of knots that quality control is suffering but I wouldn't consider selling a bike within 12 months of ownership.

Once the initial problems are rectified I've found with other new vehicles I've owned you normally get a few years of trouble free ownership.

Thats very true Nick but he wants to go round the world for gods sake and how the hell is he going to do that with a rusty stand and a pitted rim ???? :thumb
 


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