The Rt guys talk about that issue almost every day...

 

Has anyone needed to replace the fuel-sensor strip? Mine malfunctioned at 10,200 miles (fortunately, still under warranty). I only use high-octane fuel (91+) and name-brand gasoloine (e.g. Chevron, Shell).

BMW has replaced the strips with floats on some models (RT and GT/L for sure) starting late 2010 production.

It is a very common problem with GS riders.

 

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?

 

No. I'm due for my 3rd strp with less than 39,000. Also a 2009. Had planned to take it in this week for a new strip. Out of warranty, so I'm looking at over $300. Like to hear anything about this new recall.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 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?

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?

 

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:

 

{snip}... 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...{snip}

Actually, I believe that's not quite right. The new fuel strip needs to be calibrated (I believe in the ZFE module) by the Dealer's computer. I believe each strip's resistance is slightly different at a given fuel level.

 

What is the BMW National phone #?

My strip failed about 2 weeks ago and have an appointment with service in 2 weeks.
My RT has 8000 miles.

Thanks!!!

 

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:

 

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.

 

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

 

[snip]...I was told that ethanol was the culprit...{snip}

Ellie -

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,

 

Ellie -

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.

 

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.

Ok, it is a flawed design that entered the production line and was put into dealers' inventories.

Tomato <> Tomato

 

Not exactly.

It is highly probable that part of the problem is inherent in the design of the bike computer and software that uses the strip as a sensor. If that hardware is a part of the problem then no decent fix is possible short of a very complex retro of all parts- not just a simple strip.

You'll note that BMW is mum on the topic but I'm sure they understand the real issue- which is why they gave up on strips and went back to a proven technology on the current model.

 

Ok, it is a flawed design that entered the production line and was put into dealers' inventories.

Tomato <> Tomato

Actually I think there may be a significant distinction. If this was simply a bad part (one that did not meet design standards) then the solution would be to simply supply non-defective parts to those who had fuel gauge problems. The problem would then disappear. If this is a design flaw, then making more of the same part to fix the problem is not going to work. There have been reports on this forum that owners have had multiple strips replaced on their bikes. (It's not just RT's but other models that use these strips). BMW's strategy of replacing the strip inventory is clearly not working. Perhaps this is why the newer bikes have floats and not strips. That is fine for the owners of newer bikes; but, what about those that have bikes with strips and apparently no solution for a defective fuel gauge. I rode more than 100 miles today before the gauge read less than full. I think this is not a good advertisement for BMW.

 

I guess I'm still wrestling with the idea that if the problem were the computer and the code that is used with the fuel strip sensor, why wouldn't the strip design (strip-computer-software) fail on ALL bikes using the technology? Surely there can't be an apreciable variance among computer hardware and the software that runs on it. Wouldn't it be more likely that the technology/design of the fuel sensor would produce more operational variance? Further, if any kind of operational variance was ascribed to the computer and its software, wouldn't other systems be affected -- not just the operating of the fuel sensing?

 

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.

The one on my 2008 model just quit working after 16k miles. I bought one off of BikeBandit two weeks ago for 150 bucks. Now I'm wondering if I should install it if it's already defective.

 

That strip is a mess. I feel very fortunate to have a 2011 with a float.

 

That strip is a mess. I feel very fortunate to have a 2011 with a float.

I have a 2011RT that just came back from the shop after a schedule to get the "fuel level sensor" replaced. They had the bike for 3 days and it wasnt done because they had no part. time for a new dealer. It was built in 8/2010. Looking at a parts fiche it lists a strip "up to 8/2010" and a float "From 8/2010".

I asked the service guy if it was a float or a strip and he said strip. He told me they had tree in stock when scheduling the appt 2 weeks earlier. His explanation for not having one in stock? "many of them are bad so they are tested prior to being installed."

Maybe I have a strip and maybe I have a float. Either way the dealer was clueless and the part failed. I will update you on Sept 22 when I have another dealer replace it.

Joel