Siebenrock vs BMW (Neutral Switch)

[88bmwjeff]

I need to replace the neutral switch--you know the one that has a tendency to leak transmission fluid. I've read some recommendations to cover the end of the switche with epoxy (e.g. JBWeld) or silicon. Ted Porter sells Siebenrock's replacement switch that is supposed to not leak. Has anyone tried Siebenrock's switch. Given what I've read about Siebenrock, I'd assume that it would be a good product.

http://www.beemershop.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=6131097

 

[20774]

Jeff -

Saw your post on another forum. I went to the Airhead list archives and searched for this switch. I look for what Tom Cutter says. He says that he's had spotty results from both Motobins and Sienbenrock. He mentioned he bought 6 of the Siebenrock kind...although it might be the same as Motobins in terms of who makes it. Two didn't conduct electricity. Two had threads too long to allow them to work. A fifth leaked. That's good enough for me...5 out of 6 is pretty bad.

I did my clutch in 2011 and bought an OEM neutral switch. I didn't cover it with anything...just installed it. I haven't had any problems with it. Possibly part of the issue is overtorquing it and distorting the case.

 

[beemerphile]

Buy the switch from Tom and ask him to seal it before he ships it. He provides sealed OEM switches with the transmissions that he builds, and if I remember, the switches he sells are already sealed as well, but it wouldn't hurt to call and ask. I don't know what he uses, but it is red in color.

 

[brook.reams]

Buy the switch from Tom and ask him to seal it before he ships it. He provides sealed OEM switches with the transmissions that he builds, and if I remember, the switches he sells are already sealed as well, but it wouldn't hurt to call and ask. I don't know what he uses, but it is red in color.

AT http://rubberchickenracinggarage.com/

215-321-7944 shop
215-206-9787 cell

Best.
Brook Reams.

 

[happy wanderer]

Amazing that Tom got 5 bad switches in a batch of six. I and three other guys I know in BC have all used Motobins neutral swtiches to replace the leakers that BMW was providing and not one of them has leaked over two years now. He must have got a bad run or something.

Siedenbrock does not make everything they sell so they are not a "Brand" per se. They put their name on things other people make for the most part so if you want to pay more for the name that's fine but it does not guarantee a better product. Much like a Bosch part with a BMW logo on it really.

Tom has recommended the green wicking type threadlocker for sealing brand new switches and apparently it works pretty well. This would be good insurance against another leak I bet.

 

[04r1150rs]

don't use the OEM as purchased or seal. I purchased an aftermarket brass one and it hasn't leaked for like 3 years. The OEM ones (3) lasted less than a year.