R1100S final drive oil level??

[LeftCoast Peter]

I seem to be a bit confused. Has the recommended final drive oil level for a r1100s been reduced by 50cc? Or, should we be going to the bottom thread?

Thanks!

And if you have a link or picture to a service bulletin that would be great.

[flatbutt]

I have no official reference for you. I have always filled to just a hair below the bottom thread. 60k miles and no FD failures.

[markjenn]

I think it has been debunked that BMW has mysteriously lowered the capacity and that the lower level helps preserve the final drive. In any event, fill it until it reaches the threads on the hole, whatever capacity that results in.

- Mark

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by markjenn

I think it has been debunked that BMW has mysteriously lowered the capacity and that the lower level helps preserve the final drive. In any event, fill it until it reaches the threads on the hole, whatever capacity that results in.

- Mark

It has been debunked?

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

It has been debunked?

I'm not going to spend time with the search engines, but yes, that's my recollection.

- Mark

[R111S]

I rotate the rear wheel a few times after the first top off - then let it settle - usually goes down a smidgen then top it off again.

Here's the manual:

[LeftCoast Peter]

Thank you very much. To the bottom thread it is.

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by markjenn

I'm not going to spend time with the search engines, but yes, that's my recollection.

- Mark

I did spend some time with a search engine, and can find absolutely no reference to you claims.

I debunk your debunking and raise you one.

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

I did spend some time with a search engine, and can find absolutely no reference to you claims.

I debunk your debunking and raise you one.

Fair enough. But I'd think it more productive to look for something official that says BMW changed the final drive oil level rather than something that says they didn't. Pretty hard to prove a negative.

- Mark

[geothepencil]

I remember reading that BMW changed the R1200S rear drive oil fill spec downward but then that wasn't the question.

geo

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by markjenn

Fair enough. But I'd think it more productive to look for something official that says BMW changed the final drive oil level rather than something that says they didn't. Pretty hard to prove a negative.

- Mark

Scroll down to the BMW pdf that is about eight posts down:
BMWSuperBikes.com • View topic - final drive & brake fluid

The ball is in your court.

[AndrewA]

To put this in perspective, BMW recently changed the specified fill level of new style FDs from 220ml to 180ml. The affected bikes would include the R1200S, R1200R, R1200GS, K1200s...basically the new style FDs.

Older style FDs, which will include the R1100S, should still be filled as advised above.
The (alleged) reasoning behind lessening the fill level is to hopefully reduce FD rear seal failure due to quefage.

[geothepencil]

Yes, but because there are BMW empty fill and changing fill specs for the new drives and some enterprising BMW techs who think 200 is best because its in the middle, one should read the following thread to get an idea of what the current thinking is for the new ones.

FD Fluid Came Out Black at 3900 Miles. Another Dealer Screw Up? - BMW MOA

geo

[turboflyer]

The measurement will be effected by how long you let it drain as well. Bottom of the threads is as well a bit subjective as the threads run well below what the plug needs. The allowance was to my understanding to prevent seal failure from expanding oil. I change it every other oil change, sometimes every. High shear zone. I also use 90-140 in the diff. Comes out nice and red every time.