Ignition Coils

RideandDrive · Post by **RideandDrive** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:12 pm

I just wanted to relate to you my latest maintenance problem/solution. I have a 2004 1150R that has been in service about 2 years and 41,000 miles. Lately the bike has had a slight miss at idle and I noticed a failure in the powerband above 5,000 rpms. I replaced both of the primary ignition coils and it is like the bike got hit with steroids.

I did notice the part number on the new coils ends in 03 versus 01 for the originals. Perhaps BMW changed the design as I know others have had this problem.

Post by **dcameron** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 9:46 pm

What were the numbers of the parts that you put in for this improvement? Who were the others who had the same problems?

Post by **CycleRob** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 10:26 pm

RideandDrive,

Troubleshooting ignition problems by replacing parts can be expensive. Examining both sparkplug electrode's white porcelin for spark tracks likely would have narrowed it down to one cylinder. I just realized the 2004 model has computer coils that attach to the sparkplugs.Those should be cheap, like $25 each, but the OEM's seem to cost many times that.

Are the coils interchangeable?
Was it a warranty covered repair?

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 11:11 am

I had the exact same problem last spring at the Bash. It turned out to be a coil and I was able to do some troubleshooting to come up with that. First thing was a rougher idle and I could hear ignition noise through my headphones. Then there was a serious lack of passing power on the highway. Funny, we have the same years with approximately the same mileage when these failed. Does your bike happen to be red?

I think I paid around $80 for the OEM replacement from a dealer.

Here's my original post with troubleshooting procedures. Luckily the two-spark models can make this a little easier:
http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=6554&

RideandDrive · Post by **RideandDrive** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:36 pm

Ha...no mine is black.

The warranty did not cover the repair. I went ahead and replaced both...they are $80 a piece.

I should clarify on the part number stuff. The BMW part number off of the fiche is one thing. The number stamped on the coils is a different one and this is the number they changed from 01 to 03. If you pull the cover off you can read the number off of the coil.

And yes the same coil is used on both left and right cylinders.

Post by **CycleRob** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:42 pm

To clarify, when I asked "Are the coils interchangeable" I meant between the upper and lower plugs, or are they different types of ignition systems?

RideandDrive · Post by **RideandDrive** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:47 am

Ok...gotcha. The primary upper plugs have the coil on plug. The secondary plugs on both sides are wired to one ignition unit located in the bike.

So I guess one set is coil on plug while the other is not.