These GS911 thingy's - good idea or expensive bling?

[Slowdown]

These GS911 thingy's aren't cheap - ~£250 for the bluetooth one.

I doubt I'll ever leave the safety of the UK, let alone Europe on the bike so should the bike ever break down I'll only be a couple of hours max away from a recovery truck. While I'm planning on servicing the bike myself I can't see why you'd actually need the GS911 to do a service? It doesn't even make tea. JimvonBadens servicing notes (I've not got his DVD) don't even mention it, AFAICT. The common faults seem to be evident without needing it (EWS, fuel pump) so I'm having trouble convincing the Mrs that it's 'essential'

So for the domestic user is it really an essential item or is it another bit of bling to brag about at Loomies/Ace/Box/Squires etc?

 

[rob mac]

I've got one, only does basic code reads and clears, can't reset service lights, programme any function or option (on the 1200GSA) but future downloads will have more and, I believe, are free. I'm in this business and buy software for vehicles all the time including dealer tools so I know how limited it is but I also know how limited I'd be if my bike did develop a fault and I had to rely on a dealer to tell me. See if you can get 4 of you to invest in one then it's not such a big hit and less than just one trip to BMW for the answer. Forget the bluetooth, more money for more hassle IMHO.

 

[wilbjr21]

These GS911 thingy's aren't cheap - ~£250 for the bluetooth one.

I doubt I'll ever leave the safety of the UK, let alone Europe on the bike so should the bike ever break down I'll only be a couple of hours max away from a recovery truck. While I'm planning on servicing the bike myself I can't see why you'd actually need the GS911 to do a service? It doesn't even make tea. JimvonBadens servicing notes (I've not got his DVD) don't even mention it, AFAICT. The common faults seem to be evident without needing it (EWS, fuel pump) so I'm having trouble convincing the Mrs that it's 'essential'

So for the domestic user is it really an essential item or is it another bit of bling to brag about at Loomies/Ace/Box/Squires etc?

I've got one and used it on a number of occasions - but you seem to have talked yourself out of one.

 

[Slowdown]

I've got one and used it on a number of occasions - but you seem to have talked yourself out of one.

Firmly on the fence. I can sort of justify buying it by doing the 24k service myself as I'll save quite a bit from what a dealer will charge.

But I could save more by just not having it.

If I was regularly in the boonies I wouldn't hesitate but in the UK, I'm just not sure.

The credit crunch is a bummer, that's for sure!

 

[bustupbiker]

**can't reset service lights, programme any function or option**
That is correct for the moment, keep an eye on the Hex site as new things
are about to happen

 

[twofat]

IMHO, the tool itself is great and does what it claims to do. The limitation is that, unless you are familiar with automotive electronics and are competent to diagnose and do the repairs, then the tool can only tell you what is wrong. Not much help if you are miles from anywhere. Roadside assistance is the way to go.