BMW R1100S Engine Identification

[barryt]

Ok guys I am back with another question. I am looking at a 2001 R1100S. It has a broken (sellers description) engine. It comes with a spare engine, but he doesn't remember if its from an S. I know the compression ratio is different between models so I had him send me the engine number (he is 3 hours away or I would go myself) He provided me with the number 112ebo2956446. I can't seem to pull this up in realoem or anywhere else. Can you guys tell what this engine was out of.

Thanks,
Barry

[barryt]

I looked at a few examples here. I guess it should read 112EB 02956446. Does that help anyone out? I just want to know if the spare engine is from an S.

[tjs]

Barry,
I have a 99 and an 04 R11S. The 04 is a customers. Both engine #s start with 112EC. The 99 is

112EC 2798 6198 The 04 is 112EC 1403 6522. tjs

[kroberts]

My 2000 is 112EC as well.

[squall_line]

My Google-fu wasn't really able to come up with anything, and Max BMW's Fiche don't have engine codes on them, either, unfortunately. The one thing to keep in mind was that the R1100S engine was fairly unique; the service manual for for the R-259 used in the RT, RS, GS, and R is the same manual for all of those models; the R1100S manual is separate.

I don't have enough knowledge or expertise to be able to advise on the differences between the models and what, if anything, it would take to make them act the same or be compatible. The compression ratios are different, for sure, but what about the transmission mating area, alternator, etc?

I'll check the engine on my '99 if I go home for lunch to pick it up (it was cold this morning, and I'm a wuss).

[metropolis2k]

My 2000 1150GS engine number starts with 112EB so perhaps it's that.

[barryt]

I was doing some reading and it seems like putting an r1150 motor into an r1100s is very difficult or am I reading it wrong? Is it a drop in replacement?

[ckcarr]

Can I ask what you are trying to do?

Are you thinking of saving a few dollars on buying a R1100S, and taking over a potential problem? Or are you looking for a challenge?

Fact is, at this point in the history of the bikes, the R1100S can be bought immaculate, low miles, all factory, or with great optional shocks, exhaust, etc.... For cheap. What was once a $16,400 motorcycle can be had - perfect, for between $3,500 - $5,000..

Personally, unless you are looking for a project, I'd spend a little time and look for a nice example of the bike. And, don't be afraid to travel..

Sounds like the engine is the wrong one, most likely a lower powered one used elsewhere. (I could be wrong on the lower powered part)

[lkchris]

Also recall that although any Oilhead engine will likely bolt right in, the engine management computer of the S is likely different from the others.

[barryt]

Just a "good deal" about 1k for a pretty pristine 01 r1100s with new tires and a damaged engine. Seller bought it at auction and doesn't know whats wrong with the motor. He just knows its busted. He then bought a spare engine from an R??????? From the engine serial starting with 112EB seems to point towards the spare motor being from an 1150. The spare motor has 6,500K on it.

[BadToTheBown]

barryt - I'm very confident you can swap the engine BUT you need to check a thing or two and as ckcarr points out, that's a good argument to get off a couple more grand unless you've done something similar before, have the time and really want to do the swap. In my case, I love MY bike and just had to do the swap (twice as it turns out) because I abuse her a bite and blew engines up. The R1150 swap in nice but you need to check that the exhaust configuration matches your engine (S/GS/R are the same, with RT/RS being different). Otherwise you're looking at a custom header to make RT/RS heads work in your bike. Also, R1150 heads may or may not bolt onto your R1150 depending on the years (they moved a dowel pin). You also need to check the heads for the number of spark plugs. Earlier bikes have single spark (1 spark plug per head) and later (2004?) have dual spark (2 spark plugs per head). I'm not telling you that you have to run an ignition wire to the second spark plug should you have one but it would seem like a waste if you didn't. If this is the case, there is a fix, let me know and I'll point you. I have a 2004 R1150R motor in my 1999 R1100S presently.

So mechanically and ignition-wise you can get it working. Just understand that the S has different compression pistons (higher) and cams (better). If it is an R1150 engine, it can be a power pickup. If you're R1100S cam/rocker assemblies are good, they will swap right onto the R1150 engine, no muss, no fuss and you can leave the cylinder heads on to do it. If you do this I, amongst others on this board, can help.

That said, you need to understand that putting an engine in these bikes is days to weeks and you have to disassemble the bike all the way down to the engine to do the swap as it appears BMW probably did it exactly this way on the assembly line but starting with the engine. It is an integral stressed member in the middle of everything your chassis mounts to. So just understand what you're in for. I remind you of ckcarr's recommendation. I'm about to do my third one and it's work but I like to modify everything I have except for my wife, she won't have it.