Spooked by EWS potential failure

[deilenberger]

I also had assumed the communication between the key and the bike was the metal part making contact with the key hole. Turns out it's all in the ring.

The only reason I know all this is I'm getting ready to take a long vacation trip on Friday and my dealer prompted me to take a spare one along for the ride. They also showed me how to hook it up. What does that tell you when a dealer thinks it's a good idea to take a spare ?

It means he knows about the recall on them that will show up on July 1st.. betcha a

Out riding my '07 R12R in the wilds of WV - without a care (I have a spare with me.. despite the bike now having about 16k on it.. and no failures at ALL of anything..)

 

[danalbertson]

It means he knows about the recall on them that will show up on July 1st.. betcha a

Out riding my '07 R12R in the wilds of WV - without a care (I have a spare with me.. despite the bike now having about 16k on it.. and no failures at ALL of anything..)

I am over 7,000 miles on mine now (R12R) and I am hoping I am not one of the unlucky ones.

 

[cjack]

It means he knows about the recall on them that will show up on July 1st.. betcha a

Out riding my '07 R12R in the wilds of WV - without a care (I have a spare with me.. despite the bike now having about 16k on it.. and no failures at ALL of anything..)

The campaign came out today. I think that every bike with a 463, 207, and 136 ring is affected. That takes it back to a build date of about 8/06. The recall is by VIN however. The 247 rings started in about 03/08 and are not included.
My wife's GS VIN (build 04/08) is not included and has the 247 ring.

 

[ch2ous]

HOLD ON TO YOUR TOOLS! Looks like the recall is official:

IMPORTANT Service Recall - EWS Ring
BMW Motorrad USA today announced a recall campaign on motorcycles equipped with an electronic-immobilizer ring aerial, also known as the EWS ring. In order to correct this defect, BMW Motorrad USA will replace the EWS ring on your motorcycle at no cost to you.

What is the problem?

Failures of the electronic-immobilizer ring aerial have been the subject of frequent reports, particularly with model-year 2007-2008 motorcycles.

The EWS ring recognizes your ignition key. The result of an EWS ring failure is that your motorcycle will not start. Often this failure occurs without warning.

Affected motorcycles should have this repair completed without delay.

What you need to do:

Please review the affected motorcycles list below to determine if your motorcycle is equipped with an electronic-immobilizer ring. Contact the service department at your nearest MAX BMW Motorcycles location without delay. This service can take up to two hours and will covered under your BMW warranty.

MAX BMW Motorcycles has increased service capacity to accommodate these repairs.

MAX BMW Motorcycles is prepared for the volume of motorcycles affected by this recall. As the northeast's only exclusive BMW Motorcycle dealer, we have 18 technicians and hundreds of replacement parts in-stock. We are taking appointments immediately for ride-in, while-you-wait service to correct this problem. Each of our locations have comfortable customer areas and breakfast and lunch restaurants within walking distance. We suggest you call and make your appointment as soon as possible.


Max Stratton
MAX BMW Motorcycles
I love my Dealer

 

[cjack]

IMPORTANT Service Recall - EWS Ring

Actually it is not a recall, but a Technical Campaign. This means that the dealers are authorized to replace EWS antenna rings under warranty on the vehicle VIN range without symptoms being present. Affected vehicles are listed by VIN on the service bulletin, however a BMW Vehicle History check of your particular vehicle by your dealer is to be done before the work is authorized.
I carry the new antenna ring with me, part # 61 35 7 705 247, which can be plugged in instead of a failed ring until such a time as my dealer and I have a schedule to do the work.