Filters and wrenches.

[Mick-F]

New to BMW's so forgive me a basic question.

I understand that the R1200RT has it's own specific oil filter and wrench? Are there any aftermarket filters that fit my 2007 RT? Because of warranty scares I will be buying my filters from the dealer for the duration of the warranty, but aftermarket spares are usually less money. Can anyone recommend a vendor to buy the filter wrench from?

If it EVER stops raining here in the Northeast, I will be heading up to Cape Breton Island on the 17th for a two week trip.

Thanks, Mick F.

[CDNBKR]

I bought my wrench from beemerboneyard which sells it as a package deal - filters, crush washers and wrench. Not sure you'll get it much cheaper.

[05hexhead]

+1 for Beemerboneyard.

Their Mann oil filters are exactly as OE, rumor is that Mann makes the filters for BMW.

http://www.beemerboneyard.com/11427673541mk.html

$65.95 for 4 filters, washers and wrench.

Nick

[judspin]

K&N makes a nice filter for the 1200RT, with a big hex nut molded in the end, so no filter wrench is required, just an open end wrench. If you buy a BMW filter, you can get a motorcycle filter removal tool and almost any parts house. ( I got mine at Walmart).

[csm746]

I got mine from A&S BMW, but the brand is a ILIUM (works.com) and is one that uses a 3/8" drive. As tight as the dealer put the filter on the last oil change, I needed a breaker bar????? High quality filter wrench.

I read in another thread that a Mobil1 #102 filter will fit these motors....I haven't tried it yet but will. My concern is clearing the Wunderlich crash bars with a longer filter.

[hopz]

OK, you are gonna force me to do my filter speech again... (OBTW- the search function is a wonderful thing).

The only reason to consider a special wrench is that the R1200 filter is thin (does not stick down so much) and hard to get to with a regular style wrench. I use a small (cheap) "sports car" strap wrench that fits just fine- no problem.

There are many filters that will fit. In fact if you do not care about ground clearance there are probably a whole lot of them.

the problem is this... filters are designed so that they both trap dirt yet still let the oil flow... in essence these are mutually exclusive events. And, there are many other parameters as well. The engine designer specifies what he wants the filter to do.

There are many filters available- Like was said- K&N, Purolator, and even Wal-Mart for under $3.00. If you want to save a lot of money get the Wal-Mart one.

I am not entirely certain, however, that the Wal-Mart guy got the memo on the BMW specifications regarding the parameters of the oil filter... in fact I can assume he was busy that day. Same for all the others- except the one you get at the dealer.

So, if you want to put a cheap filter in a $20,000 motor go ahead.

I buy mine at the dealer.

[Mick-F]

Thanks everyone, for all the information.
I read about a warranty claim on an RT that was denied due to the wrong oil filter being fitted. I don't use cheap oil, filters, or gasoline on any of the 2 or 4 wheel vehicles I own, "penny wise..." etc. but $35.00 for an oil filter wrench is a bit much, unless it's gold plated. As for filters, and using the right filter is good advice. After a little more research I plan on getting filters from the dealer.
This site is petty informative on the subject: http://www.synlube.com/oilfilters.htm

Nice rant HOPZ!
I previously did the search and I did not have time to read the 128 pages of oil filter postings, so.............

Mick F

[Jentine]

I use a standard oil filter strap wrench.

[karp]

While I spend the $$ for the BMW filter, I went to Autozone with a filter in hand and found one that fit for about $5. Used it several times without any issues.

[Mick-F]

Karp, you are correct sir!
I too got a filter from AutoZone for a fiver. The wrench fit the BMW oil filter I got at the dealer.

I had very good trip to Cape Breton Island, except for some really strong wind gusts coming off the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The 07 R1200RT is a keeper.
This week it goes in for the 12,000 mile service. I am having the transmission and final drive fluid changed too, the dealer said it is not part of the regular 12K, but I want it done anyway with syn.
Anyone have any other recommendations?
Thanks, Mick-F

[racer7]

While the final drive is dropped to drain it, make sure they lube the driveshaft splines.

If you start doing routine service yourself, getting the Tupperware off the engine area is a good chance to clean that area and the inside of the Tupperware.