2008 model service schedule for BMW bikes

[Paul Mihalka]

New service policy and reminders in the instrument display: First service as usual around 600 miles, official recommendation between 310 and 750 miles. After the first service, once a year. For "high mileage" riders: Valve adjustment has to be checked/adjusted for R and G series every 6.000 miles, K1200LT and F800 bikes every 12.000 miles, new series K bikes every 18.000. The bulletin does not say anything about oil changes. I would not suggest to wait to 18.000 miles for a oil change. At the first service the bike's instrument is set up with next service date and next mileage requierement. This is done with the dealer's GT1 data processor. When the bike gets close to the required service the critical date or mileage will show up in the bike's instrument display (except K1200LT, G series, HP2 bikes) for 5 seconds after each start-up. While running the word "service" is displayed. Obviously this can be reset only by the dealer, until somebody comes up with a gimmick . If you do your own servicing, like valve adjustments on a R bike, you'll have to live with the word "service" in your instrument. It could be worse.

[Mr_Ed]

Hmmmmnnnn.... For those of us with 2005 through 2007 bikes I wonder if we're likely to see this new "service" feature loaded during our next service. Personally I'd rather not see the reminder if I'm unable to reset it myself.

[Paul Mihalka]

I don't think it will go back onto the '05-'07 bikes, even if you wanted it.

[notacop]

Every time I see a post about the newer computer managed bikes I like the r1100 mo-betta. Seems every rewrite of software at work just makes for more stranger problems than what we had. more than likely the same with new bikes.

The speedo tells you when service is necessary and just as ignorable as a service reminder on the read out.

I don't think the plan is to make bikes for the avid rider any more as to make a golden egg for the manufacturer.

[Stan Walker]

Every time I see a post about the newer computer managed bikes I like the r1100 mo-betta.

 

+1,

 

no make that ++1 as I even like the r1150RT's mo-betta too!!!

 

Stan

[smiller]

Every time I see a post about the newer computer managed bikes I like the r1100 mo-betta. Seems every rewrite of software at work just makes for more stranger problems than what we had.

Yep. Technology isn't necessarily an enemy but its desirability depends largely on how it's applied. Right now we are only having to deal with niggles such as uneraseable (by the owner) service indications, but since owner self-service doesn't seem to be even a distant consideration by BMW I think it's only a matter of time before it becomes more and more difficult for an owner to be able to perform all their own maintenance. The moment that owner maintenace becomes impossible/impractical my interest in any and all new-model BMWs (or any other brand with the same philosophy) ends.

[tgrrdr]

At the first service the bike's instrument is set up with next service date and next mileage requierement. This is done with the dealer's GT1 data processor.

 

Are there any bikes that automaticaly calculate when you need service based on how you ride? Supposedly my 2000 Chevy P/U calculates oil change intervals based on "engine revolutions and engine operating temperature".

 

Seems like this would be more useful than a system based only on months/miles since last service.

[Paul Mihalka]

By what I read, on the BMW bikes the service notice is based only on time or mileage. What I find good is that now officially the service interval on most bikes is 12.000 or 18.000 miles. On the R bikes valve adjustment and oil change is a real easy job to do it yourself. Only you'll have to live with the instrument saying "service" somewhere in a corner.

Let's keep in mind that us participating in a discussion board are a enthusiastic minority, with many servicing ourselves, quite often on older bikes. For the majority of buyers having a simple service schedule of one year is a plus.

[flobti]

What, if anything, is different about the 08 that it requires less frequent service than the 05-07?

[Paul Mihalka]

What, if anything, is different about the 08 that it requires less frequent service than the 05-07?

Nothing. They just updated the system to reality. Service every 6000 miles was not really necessary for a long time.