Dead Motronic from the dealership?

[jzuzu]

So I need some opinions as to whether I should be on the hook for a new motronic or if the dealership screwed up my bike!?

Bike was running fine, needed new tires, and was due for all the service items for the 12,000 mile service. I rode the bike to the dealer, and dropped it off. They called me mid-day to let me know that it needed a new battery (200 bucks!) wow, so ok, they replaced that too.

Picked up the bike in the afternoon, and it died in the parking lot. It started right up again and I was able to ride it about a mile (with several violent lurches along the way) until it simply died and wouldn't start up again.

Dealer picked up bike, called me the next day. Initially I was told that they thought perhaps something in the fuel tank was amiss after changing the fuel filter. After problem shooting it for most of the day they tell me that I now need a new motronic unit. I have no idea what they cost but I'm guessing they are not cheap.

I had ridden the bike for 6,000 miles without any problems prior to this. Funny I should have a problem straight out of the gate after having this service.

So the question is, do you folks think that they perhaps screwed up the motronic issue at some point in the service work? Or am I just incredibly unlucky to have it go belly up right out of the gate?

Thanks!!!!!

It is a 2003 r1150r with about 49,000 miles on it.

[sweatmark]

Just the facts:

Bike was running fine...

I rode the bike to the dealer, and dropped it off.

They called me mid-day to let me know that it needed a new battery...

Picked up the bike in the afternoon, and it died in the parking lot. It started right up again and I was able to ride it about a mile (with several violent lurches along the way) until it simply died and wouldn't start up again.

Dealer picked up bike, called me the next day. Initially I was told that they thought perhaps something in the fuel tank was amiss after changing the fuel filter. After problem shooting it for most of the day they tell me that I now need a new motronic unit.

I had ridden the bike for 6,000 miles without any problems prior to this.

It is a 2003 r1150r with about 49,000 miles on it.

The engine control module is hermetically sealed, solid state, and does not "die" without provocation. Suggest you search here, on ADV, SportTouring, and BMW MOA oilhead sections for ANY documented instances of random Motronic failure... I will be surprised if you find anything.

[hank]

If they had the fuel tank off it's possible that the breather, overflow and pipes leading to the charcoal filter could be fitted back in the wrong places.

[jzuzu]

Thanks very much! I know, it did sound odd to me, but I am far from an expert in these things. I'll do some searching in the other forums as well.

[omg1010]

Hi,

it is almost impossible to fry the Motronic and they very rarely go south. Even if a short circuit occurred when changing the battery this would not have an impact on the Motronic. However one can never be sure where and how your Stealer has tampered with your bike ... In my opinion your stealer should get the bike back into business as it was given to them in working condition and they returned it back to you in faulty condition ...

Brgds
Oliver

[sstein]

+1 with Oliver. It is too often that there is "suddenly" a problem "found" right after having service done.

Could this problem be something as simple as forgetting to do the motronic calibration twist of the throttle prior to starting the bike?

[jzuzu]

+1 with Oliver. It is too often that there is "suddenly" a problem "found" right after having service done.

Could this problem be something as simple as forgetting to do the motronic calibration twist of the throttle prior to starting the bike?

I was thinking the same thing, but that seemed far too obvious....but then again I suppose stranger things have happened!

[hank]

Open the fuel cap and try starting the bike. Chances are the breather pipe has got pinched when the tank went back on. The lack of air going into the tank would cause fuel starvation after short time. I don't think I ever heard of a motronic unit failure in the six years that I have been using the various BMW forums. Dealers don't like to admit it when they get it wrong.

[jzuzu]

Thanks to all for your help. When it came down to it, the dealer ended up replacing not the motronic (which apparently was not the problem, and has been pointed out doesn't go bad very often) but they replaced the ignition sensor, and now all is well.

I did end up paying an additional $250 for the unit (which retails I see for just over 300) but they covered the four hours of labor to put it in....

Not a terrible deal I suppose.

[sweatmark]

Ok, that sounds more reasonable. The Ignition sensor part (Hall effect sensor, actually two Hall effect sensors mounted to a small plate, at zero and 180 degrees) does have a failure history. Some riders carry a spare.

[Airman]

Considering the cost of the Hall Effect sensor I think the dealership treated you fairly.

[omg1010]

100% agree with airman!

Brgds
Oliver

[jzuzu]

Thanks very much! I feel tons better about the whole thing....especially since I had dropped $1400 on new tires, the 12,000 mile service and a couple of other minor items just before I left the lot! It was my first time dealing with them and overall it was a decent experience. Good to know from you more experienced folks that I didn't get taken.