R1200RT ESA preload problem..

[oldslowguy]

I think I'm at a point where I'll just be venting... Bought this pristine 05' with only 2k miles on it last August. Love it and have put an additional 6k miles on. Always had a problem with the height of the seat (I'm short), and never really gave the ESA a second thought, given that it appeard to be working (from all indications on the dash..), and the comfort settings do work. I bought new Hyperpro springs to lower it almost an inch, and having read up on as much as I could (re: the process to disassemble the Shock/ESA/Spring), started the install over this past weekend.
I had the settings at comfort and prelaod at 'one helmet' figuring the spring will be in its softest/lowest position, and easiest to remve the spring.. Then I saw a post showing what the shock/ESA should look like at the various preload settings, and now noticed that mine was still set at around 10 mil (indicating the 'double helmet' preload setting). Got me thinking.... I wanted to see, if in fact, the prelaod was even functioning properly, and after going through the 3 settings, noticed 'no change' in preload. That distance never changed from the 10 mil.., and I'm guessing is part of the reason the seat was always high for me. I don't think it was ever working... Arrrg. I think its been frozen in the 'double helmet' settings since I got it (even though the dash showed otherwise..). I guess this is ok, as I do ride two up with the wife (sometimes)... Anyway, wondering if I should even bother taking into BMW to see if any software updates will resolve this problem, or look to Hyperpro to purchase an upgrade shock to add the springs (already purchased)... I'm certainly not going to purchase a replacement BMW ESA shock. Wish I reviewed the issues with ESA prior to purchasing this bike.. Bummer

 

[Alfred02]

Take it to the dealer.
Mine is the same year and I had the exact same issue. The ESA never worked on preload since the day purchased of them, but never had an ESA bike before and I thought it did, until I looked into it a bit more.
I noticed on my GS-911, that it appeared the bike never ever had any kind of software upgrade.
As it was still under a 3 months dealer warranty (just), I took it back.
I left the bike with them for 3 days so they had a good chance to diagnose the problem and come up with a solution.
The end-result was that they spend 2 hours upgrading all the software/firmware, which fixed the problem.

 

[oldslowguy]

Thanks Alfred02. Good to know - this is kinda what I was hoping to hear.. Others on the forum have had both the shock replaced ($2k??) plus another device ($$), and I'm not going down that road. If it can be fixed with a software update, then fantastic. My only worry is that the tech fiddles with the software/ESA, resets it but then it gets stuck in a low position.. But will find out! Thanks. BRad

 

[patiodadio]

.

 

[bdimon]

The end-result was that they spend 2 hours upgrading all the software/firmware, which fixed the problem.

That explains the use of three switches for the turn signals. Left - Right - Cancel must be the German version of Control - Alt - Delete.

 

[Alfred02]

That explains the use of three switches for the turn signals. Left - Right - Cancel must be the German version of Control - Alt - Delete.

I actually "love" the left/right paddles on the BMW's and am not looking forward to when the new WC Boxer comes out which will most likely have the "standard".
But then again...I am originally from the Vaterland.

 

[oldslowguy]

ESA Preload update

Had the bike in to the dealer twice now. The first time(a week ago) I had suggested they do the software/firmware update to maybe(?) resolve the ESA preload problem. The tech had the bike for an hour, ran diagnostics, found nothing wrong, BUT was able to get the preload working (and I witnessed it working). Went home, tried to toggle between the preload settings (working on the dash), but no longer lowering the bike and once again, stuck in the harder prelaod setting - figures... Took the bike back, and just told the tech to perform the update, he did, and now everything is working... I did want to confirm with the tech that the update version was different than what was on the bike and it was. He had mentioned that the newer version did not indicate what specifically, this new release was resolving, but ha', its working!

Now I'll keep my fingers crossed, test over the next several weeks, then decide if I'll continue on with the original project, which was to swap out the stock ESA shock springs (I have the Hyperpro lower springs), and get it lowered..

 

[lkraus]

Please let us know in a few weeks if this problem is still fixed. My '06 RT developed the same symptoms last August. ESA worked fine when I bought it in June. Preload stuck at two helmets after taking my wife on a ride, damping changes still seem to work OK. GS911 shows ESA sensor fault present and original factory software. I can change the preload by briefly jumpering the battery to the preload motor leads, but it is a hassle to get to the connector. If a software update will fix it, I'll get it done. If not, I'll rig up a polarity reversing 3 position switch and call it good.

 

[oldslowguy]

ESA preload problem

..I had to wonder how the tech reset during my first visit (said he did nothing outside of a diagnostic check), but I think you are onto something with applying 12 v to the preload motor on the ESA unit. Maybe disconnecting/reconnecting battery leads? At any rate, BMW only charged me $49 for the software load...

 

[HJUSTER1]

Then I saw a post showing what the shock/ESA should look like at the various preload settings, and now noticed that mine was still set at around 10 mil (indicating the 'double helmet' preload setting).

Can you point me to the post that shows what the shock should look like.

 

[BMW Triumphant]

Can you point me to the post that shows what the shock should look like.

Yes, I only ride one up but see little difference in the Normal - Sport - Comfort settings.

How should I test for proper operation?

 

[Alfred02]

Yes, I only ride one up but see little difference in the Normal - Sport - Comfort settings.

How should I test for proper operation?

Find a piece of sealed road with lots of patches, then change settings on the fly for "comfort/normal/sport". You might have to run the same stretch multiple times.

 

[gene36542]

Has anyone tried using a GS911 tool to delete the error codes and see if the bike results itself thereafter?

 

[Alfred02]

Has anyone tried using a GS911 tool to delete the error codes and see if the bike results itself thereafter?

The GS911 does NOTmodify the software/firmware. All you are doing is clearing the memory where faults are stored, which has nothing to do with software/firmware changes/upgrades.
All the memory clearing gives you, is the ability to hopefully trace down the fault/repair it and after clearing, see if the fault is now fixed or still present.

So NO
Just a BMW dealer/repair shop that has the BMW computer can do software/firmware changes.

And yes, my ESA is still working. I now check it every time I get on the bike.


Sorry guys, I had to update the post belated as I just noticed a major mistake.
The part in bolt is the correction.

 

[oldslowguy]

Preload issue

..another interesting observation. The 'air' temperature gauge was never accurate and always showed about 10 - 15 degrees warmer than it really was. I thought the location of the sensor (under the rear fender) might not have been a good place for the sensor (in the first place), and that maybe engine or exhaust heat was causing this mis-read. Anyway, after the software update, the 'air' temp indication seems to be much more accurate.. On the newer R1200RT's, this temp sensor was mounted along the inside right fairing panel - I'm guessing a better location where clean air is hitting it...