Fuel Sensor Strip: 2009 R1200RT
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The Rt guys talk about that issue almost every day...
Mine failed today. It was fine last night when I did my pre ride check. This morning when I left for the ride the warning triangle came on and the gauge eventually worked its way down to empty. I hope my service contract covers it. I will find out later this week when I call the dealer.
I took my 2010 RT in for service last Thursday and complained about the fuel gauge. They confirmed it was defective and under warranty but couldn't replace it. Apparently, BMW had recalled the stock of replacement strips because they are defective. I know that there are many complaints about these failing but was surprised / puzzled about the part recall. Has anyone else heard about this?
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Mine failed at 18000. Replaced under extended warranty. The dealer said it happens so often they keep the new ones in stock! No problems since. Have now done 30000 miles.
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3,278 Posts
The good thing about having it replace outside of the factory warranty is the shop (USA) now warranties it for two years. But seems that BMW has finally realized that their replacement part is junk also. Maybe now this issue will be addressed with proper parts. Personally, I hate it when something as in your face as the fuel gauge is faulty and driving you crazy.
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465 Posts
My bike is now on its third one at 54,000, fortunately all replaced under warranty. The latest one is having issues as it shows full when I know it's 3/4, and I have filled it up and it shows 2/3 full for a while. I would love to know of any recall.
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725 Posts
My RT has now 42500/k and the fuel strip failed in the first year. Still OK now, but alas To day is the full 3/year warranty expiration day. 
I am told the replacement is good for two years, that will expire soon as well....
Now for the good news. Replace it your self. I think the cost is 1/2 the price installed. Take the time and you will see that it does not need to be put on there computer to adjust fuel level. After a few tanks of fuel it will adjust itself. I have read this in this forum in the past.
Good luck.
I am told the replacement is good for two years, that will expire soon as well....Now for the good news. Replace it your self. I think the cost is 1/2 the price installed. Take the time and you will see that it does not need to be put on there computer to adjust fuel level. After a few tanks of fuel it will adjust itself. I have read this in this forum in the past.
Good luck.
Adding to my previous post ..... I was told that there were a significant number of fuel strip failures for a number of different model bikes and that dealers had stopped installing the replacement strips since they were very often defective. Apparently BMW has asked that in-stock replacement strips be returned. I was also told that BMW is looking for a solution but apparently there is no guesstimate of when a solution will be available and that I should rely on the trip meter instead. Has anyone heard anything about such a recall?TWheels said:
Took my 2009 1200 RT in this week for it's 3rd fuel strip. Out of warranty of course. Dealer confirmed that in stock strips had been recalled and replaced with different ones. Cost would be about $300. Service rep suggested I call BMW National to register a complaint concerning multiple fuel strip failures. I called. Used my most polite demeanor. Stated that I realized the strip was out of warranty and that they were under no obligation, but surely somebody upstairs must realize something is wrong with these strips.
Dealer, Falcone Power Sports, Indianapolis, called and said repair was covered 100%. This is the first I have heard of BMW covering a strip out of warranty. I may have had my confidence in BMW restored. :dance:
Dealer, Falcone Power Sports, Indianapolis, called and said repair was covered 100%. This is the first I have heard of BMW covering a strip out of warranty. I may have had my confidence in BMW restored. :dance:
BMW North America is 800-831-1117. They made note of my concern and stated they would need verification from a BMW dealer that the fuel strip was the problem. Also said that they would need to know the maintenance record of the bike. I do all my own work, so BMW does not have computerized records of oil changes, etc. the bike is a 2009 with 38,000 miles. I do have the GS911 aftermarket diagnostic tool, so I am able to reset the bikes computer after completing my own routine maintenance. The dealer made no mention of self service and did not ask for receipts or records of any kind concerning maintenance. I asked the dealer to also call BMW and reiterate my disappointment in continually failing fuel strips. They called me when the repair was finished and said it was covered 100%. My closest dealer is Falcone Powersports in Indianapolis. I didn't even buy the bike there. I bought it in AZ. I've found that, in general, when I treat people with respect I often receive it in return. Also give a lot of credit to the service rep who went to bat on my behalf. They were certainly under no obligation. Hope you have the same success I have had. Maybe BMW North America has had a change of heart or management. :thumb:
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I have a 2010 with about 8k miles on it and just blew through my fourth strip. This is absolute BS. You can't replace without taking the bike to the dealer, you can't bypass the stupid idiot light, and you cant install a float. Once again absolute BS. It makes me feel like being an A-hole right back to them, call a lawyer, start a suit, class action level. They fix the future but screw use that bought this junk earlier!
Frustrating, and really puts me off with BMW.
Frustrating, and really puts me off with BMW.
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543 Posts
Hi
My strip failed on my 09 RT after my first trip into the States a few years ago.
I was told that ethanol was the culprit. It corrodes the strip.
Now when traveling in the States I avoid any gas that has ethanol.
I haven't replaced the strip since the first one failed and I have traveled over 50,000 miles, mostly in the States.
Ellie
My strip failed on my 09 RT after my first trip into the States a few years ago.
I was told that ethanol was the culprit. It corrodes the strip.
Now when traveling in the States I avoid any gas that has ethanol.
I haven't replaced the strip since the first one failed and I have traveled over 50,000 miles, mostly in the States.
Ellie
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175 Posts
Ellie -missusfinz said:
I think that presumption has been pretty well debunked. There are fuel strip failures recorded across the world -- in countries where ethanol is not available at the pump. It's simply a case of having a bad part enter the production line and put into dealer parts inventories.
HTH,
I'm not sure it's a bad part entering the production line. If it was, the problem should have been fixed by now. I think it more likely that this was a flawed design. I understand that BMW is not using the strips anymore and have reverted to using floats. Wish my 2010 had a float.TheoM said:
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