ABS investigation

[geoffcnc]

Hi All,
Just starting a topic of discussion, not that I have any issues (yet!!!).

BMW have a notorious reputation for failures in ABS modulators, which can reportedly cost several thousand $$ to rectify. In my readings, it is obvious that there is an issue that BMW do not seem to want to know about. See the following for example :

"The GS911 readings I obtained on a 2001 RT with faulty ABS module (Servo ABSIII type) were:
17433:Pressure in rear wheel circuit too low.
17163:Front ABS motor defective

The symptoms were fast flashing ABS light and only residual braking however strange things happen when brake applied. Sometimes the servo would start up and continue running but no ABS.

The diagnosis in this case was definitely a faulty ABS module. BMW charged $120 to verify this and $5,700 to repair (Australian Dollars)

I hope your situation is not the same but it appears to be a far too common problem and BMW show absolutely no goodwill regardless of the fact that the bike had only notched up 23,000Km from new."

Now, I am just wondering how many people have had expensive repair issues with ABS on their bikes. I certainly would not be very happy paying top dollars for BMW brand machinery then having to keep coughing ad infinitum for repairs that are due to faulty design or implementaiton in manufacture, when other bike manufacturers don't seem to be plagued with similar reliability issues.

On doing a bit of serious reading on the ABS issues, when they fail they can be catastrophic. Yet there doesn't seem to be any admission by BMW of fault.

I also wonder why such manufactured items cannot be repaired.

Any comments ???????

Geoff

[bwanainoz]

I wish I hadn't read this post - the day prior to going away a few weeks ago my 12GS developed the same symtoms as described above. Will borrow the GS911 and let you know the outcome.

[geoffcnc]

Don't go committing to spending mega-buckaroonies till you read all about it. A guy in melbourne is investigating the BMW ABS stuff at the moment. If you think about it, what mechanical failures can you have with a pump etc after a few thousand kms? If mechanical, why not fix it? There is a suspicion that it is all about the microelectronics......and ignorance at dealers/repairers means they take the simplest solution and repalce the lot.

There is word that the 1200GS ABS with the independent rear brake function is more reliable than the R1150RT with the integral ABSIII where you cannot separate the rear brakign function.

Sorry to hear you have an issue. Perhaps we can learn something here.

Geoff

[KoosWA]

Does anyone know if the f 800 gs shares the same ABS components?

Can't say I have experienced any of the symptoms.....yet - 17,000 Km's

Koos

[geoffcnc]

Noel,

Have a look at this :

"1200GS servo intermittant failures
Considering the number of mails on this thread lately I wan't to share my latest experience.
A 1200GS came to me with intermittant servo operation. GS911 showed no faults other than a fused tail light globe.
Problem turned out to be a dirty & sticky hand brake micro switch. Removed, cleaned Khalahari sand & readjusted switch.
Problem gone.
This can of course also happen with the foot brake switch."


...just for example...

Geoff

[bwanainoz]

Gday Geoff

Returned to the Big Smoke yesterday and will have a look at the bike this weekend. I cleaned the ABS sensor on the front wheel prior to going away and this did not fix the problem. Thanks for your suggestions and there are also some suggestions on possible fixes on other sites which I will try before heading off to seek professional assistance. I also need to get the Club tools and fridge down to you - are you about this weekend as it is possibly the only weekend I will have available for a while. I can load all items into my ute and bring them down to you - Jamie is keen to lend a hand so no problems loading and unloading. Cheers Noel