Who else has corrosion on the swingarm?

[FatBob]

2008 GSA with corrosion on the swingarm (which has already been replaced once) around the hole where the axle is. I posted about this already here but I probably asked the wrong question. How many other people have the same corrosion?

 

[red1]

I've a post running elsewhere with the same problems on my RT.

BM's response was tough shit - look after your bike better.

 

[FatBob]

I've a post running elsewhere with the same problems on my RT.

BM's response was tough shit - look after your bike better.

I assume you mean this post.

I also have rust on some bolts and maybe some on the wheel rims around the spokes. I would prefer it wasn't there but realistically its hard to clean around the spokes and I can replace the bolts eventually. What I can't accept is a painted surface like the swingarm corroding from underneath the paint. If it was properly prepared and painted in the first place it shouldn't corrode no matter how much salt its exposed to because the surface should be sealed and there is no way for the salt and moisture to penetrate. The fact that so many bikes have corrosion in exactly the same place indicates this is a manufacturing or design fault but BMW don't want to admit it.

I got the "tough shit" response last year from one dealer when I had rust on the rear subframe and tried to get it replaced. They replaced the swingarm and wheels without fuss because of corrosion, but refused to do the frame because they had never seen that sort of damage. That in turn implies that they see plenty of corrosion on the swingarm and are not at all surprised by it.

Eventually I did get the rear subframe replaced though another dealer - the same one that is now refusing to replace the swingarm again. They had to order 3 replacement frames before they got one with decent paintwork on it. What does that tell you about BMW quality?

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Please don't take this the wrong way but quite what are you expecting to gain from finding out how many swingarms have corrosion? They certainley won't listen to the findings of an internet website.

BuMW have thrown the claim out so you aren't going to get a new one.

I have corrosion on the bottom of my 06 and I'll get round to sorting it out with smooth hammerite eventually I guess.

 

[FatBob]

Please don't take this the wrong way but quite what are you expecting to gain from finding out how many swingarms have corrosion?

Expecting - the usual eff-off from BMW.
Hoping - that I can demonstrate to BMW (or a solicitor?) that this corrosion is so commonplace that it is clearly a manufacturing fault and not lack of care by the owner.

BMW initially refused to replace my rusting rear subframe but with some persistence I got it done through a different dealer. I never found out why they could get it through and the original dealer couldn't (or wouldn't). I am hoping for the same again.

If we, the owners, just lie down and accept all the crap we get from BMW with known problems, it will never change. Viva la revolution!