Fuel Strip Rant: I am totally frustrated with BMW. This will be my third fuel strip replacement within the past year. The dealership (Touring Sport BMW) has replaced the strip without any issues, but my problem is taking a day off from work and traveling 230 miles round trip to the dealer. Unfortunately August, Georgia does not have a dealership and the closest dealers are Atlanta GA, Greenville SC, or Charlotte NC. In the past, my other BMWs have been somewhat reliable, but this fuel strip is taking the prize for the most unreliable item and has now finished my relationship with BMW. Since 1966 I have ridden BMWs. I have owned an R27, R69S, R60/5, R90S, R100T, R850R, R1100RT, K1200RS, 2 LTs and now my R1200RT. This RT has been the most problematic of all the models.
BMW must be aware of this problem, but has chosen to ignore it and simply replace the fuel strip until the bike is out of warranty. This brings me to the point of my rant. The last time I had my fuel strip replaced I asked if the new strip was covered by a separate warranty period. The dealer replied NO and if the strip fails after my original 36/36 warranty expires, I will be responsible for replacing the strip at my own cost. The dealer further stated that once I replace the strip (at my cost) it would have the common one year warranty. Yep, I asked twice to make sure I understood the answer. So my warranty expires the last day of April 2012 and if the new strip (installed February 2012) fails after that date it will not be covered under any type of warranty and I would be responsible for a replacement cost of the strip if it fails after April 2012. Yes, that is correct.
How lucky can I be, the fuel strip failed March 21, 2012 and my warranty is good through April 2012. I am replacing my fuel strip for the fourth time next week and my plan is to use the remainder of the day to visit the local Harley Davidson Dealer and Honda Dealer. I have enjoyed my time ridding BMWs and the pleasure of owning one, but I refuse to support an organization that has such little respect for its customers.