This refers to BMW's fuel system cleaner for cleaning fuel injectors, fuel system and the fuel gauge strips.
Back in the good ol' Orbital days, we did a lot of laboratory testing on fuel system cleaners. This research was targeted specifically at cleaning the carbon from the OEC injectors. This was important as the injector sprayed directly into the combustion chamber. Any carbon build-up on the injector tip affected the injector spray pattern.
At that time, all fuel system cleaners were tested scientifically under laboratory scrutiny. Categorically, the only product that performed the stated task of actually removing accumulated carbon from the injector was Techron, a Chevron product. Much to my chagrin, this product was unavailable off-the-shelf in Australia.
Until... that is, I came across this very interesting article from the BMW Operating Fluids statement.
http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E64/BMW_Operating_Fluids.pdf
This BMW Operating Fluids (February 2007) document:
- applies to the USA market;
- references automotive engines
Based on my research experience at OEC, and combined with the BMW Operating Fluids statement, it is fair to assume that the introduction of said 'BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus' (alias 'TECHRON') in Western Australia, into your BMW motorcycle would be a reasonable bet to clean the carbon accumulation from the fuel injectors to restore a rough idle and help resolve erratic fuel gauge behavior.
The recommendation is to run through a dosed tankful of fuel (or 2) prior to an oil change.
A can of the cleaner was purchased from our local sponsor, AutoClassic BMW, who recommended it for motorcycle engines.
I will run it through my bike for a week then change the oil.
My R1200 suffers from both erratic idle and erratic fuel gauge behavior. I will report back my findings in a couple of weeks.
Note: There are only a couple of other fuel system cleaners on the market that have 'PIA' as an active ingredient.
'PIA' is the component that has a proven record of removing carbon from fuel injectors.
Close inspection of the MSD Sheets, either: highlight the PIA content; or try to disguise it to hide the actual chemical composition of the cleaner.
The relevant section from the article follows. Remember this references BMW automotive engines in the USA.
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BMW recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline of minimum octane rating of AKI 91 and with alcohol content of
less then 10% by volume (or any other oxygenates with up to 2.8% of oxygen by weight). Only the exclusive usage of
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline provides the full benefit of reducing deposits formation. For more information related to
TOP TIER Gasoline refer to SI B13 02 06.
If the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is unavailable, we recommend BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus (PN 82 14 0
413 341) be added to the gas tank. For optimum cleaning and deposits control, add a 20 fl. oz. bottle every 3,000 miles
when refueling.
Regular use of BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus can help address carbon deposits related symptoms listed above.
By removing these deposits, an engine may experience restored power, performance and fuel efficiency, a smoother idle
running, lower emissions, and reduced octane requirement.
BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus uses polyether amine TECHRON® based technology developed and patented by
Chevron. BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus has proven to clean up deposits in fuel injectors, ports & intake valves
and reduces the harmful effects of combustion chamber deposits. It helps restore performance lost due to deposit buildup.
Chevron and BMW have run an extensive “no harm” tests with polyether amine technology. When used as directed, it will
not harm catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, or any other mechanical components of the engine, or fuel delivery
system.
The effectiveness of the additive depends on its presence in the gasoline in large concentrations for short periods of time.
One treatment is usually sufficient, but a second treatment (one 20 oz bottle per each, consecutive full tank of gas) may
give additional benefits. To keep your fuel intake system clean, we recommend usage at every 3000 miles.
Additionally, vehicle’s fuel sending units equipped with silver plated resistor card/contacts are especially vulnerable to
attacks by elemental sulfur and/or hydrogen sulfide found in fuels. Adding BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus
immediately upon noticing erratic fuel gauge behavior may, in many cases, restore proper performance due to the
additive’s ability to remove the harmful sulfur compounds from the sending unit’s contact surface. Additionally, BMW
Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus can help protect the fuel gauge from future malfunctioning by coating all metal surfaces
of the fuel system.
BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus.
PN 82 14 0 413 341
