greenwald
New member
Well, I picked up my bike with new FD yesterday. Everything seems fine, and I would expect nothing else at this point. I did have a discussion with the service manager regarding FD failures and design, especially with regard to the bearing part number not being changed. He told me that while the part has not changed, the design has - specifically, starting with 2010 models, the bearing and seal locations were "reversed" so that the bearing is "inboard" and now has greater exposure to hypoid fluid. So, being the inquisitive type, I pulled up 2 windows with MAX BMW fiche showing 2005-2009 and 2010-2013 FD parts. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to flip back and forth between the drawing and see there is no radical re-design of the FD's in the 2 series.
Oh well, I have extended warranty on the bike, so best to just get on riding it for a few years and see how it holds up.
I (and too many others) feel your pain. My first FD failure on my R1200RT was at 49k - second one started at 75k.
Personally, I don't think BMW is entirely clueless as to the FD snafu. I suspect the 'fix' is simply way too expensive (probably, a complete re-design) to be contemplated - ergo, they will just limp along with little impotent tweaks from time to time, as long as sales figures remain robust.
I hope you get many trouble-free miles out of this repair - it's time to ride!