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12,000 mile maintenance - DIY or Don't go there?!
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:18 pm
by wsmac1150r
I recently purchased an '02 R that's coming due for a 12k tune-up. What is on the schedule to be done?
I usually do all of my maintenance on our vehicles so I am curious if this is something I can handle. It has ABS, so I was planning to let the dealer bleed the brakes.
I guess I was thinking there are some things I could do myself - not only to save $ but for the experience and knowledge that it was done right...
If I was taking a poll, do most of you let the shops take care of it or DIY?
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:26 pm
by Boxer
Most of the maintenance on the non-ABS is very easy to learn and do. Unless you can get a competent wrench type person to walk you through the ABS bleed, etc. I'd let the shop do that. Otherwise, this is a very easy bike to work on...or at least it has been for me. You sound familiar with tools and common procedures so it should be a breeze.
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:50 pm
by ErikU
I am a fairly new wrench and did my 12k major stuff with no problems. There are lots of great resouces online that I'm sure others will point you toward.
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:13 pm
by Wass
wsmac -
The 12K is a big one; all the fluids in the entire bike get drained and renewed. Then there is the throttle body sync and valve lash adjustment. In my case, I wanted to keep my service book with all the proper dealer stamps at the proper times, to keep my warranty happy and to maintain as much resale value as possible, so I had my dealer do it. Cost was 350 bux, and that included new rear brake pads (which are pretty cheap anyway).
Now that my warranty is out I'll end up doing more of my own maintenance, but I am a little leery of the trottle body and valve adjustment by just reading how to do it. I need to see how its done and have it explained to me. Once I'm over that hump I'll be more comfortable with it.
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:48 pm
by Lion_Lady
Join your local BMW club...
Many hold tech days... where those so inclined show up at the host's garage to do various maintenance stuff under the watchful eyes of those both more and less experienced than they.
It actually fun.
I did the 12K on my Rockster at a Tech day... had the dealer do the ABS stuff.
In FACT, if you're near to the DC/metro area, we've got one happening Oct 7. Check out the Tech heading at
http://www.bmwbmw.org in the forums.
P[/url]
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:12 pm
by boxermania
I have always spoused nd believe in the philosophy that the mors that you know and care for your bike will not only make for a better riding experience, it might also save your butt at a ime of need.....like in the middle of nowhere.
No, I'm not advocating that everyone knows every nut and bolt io their mount, just develop working relationship and take it as far as you feel comfortable.
When I first came to this board there where only a handfull of people that did more than oil/filter change.....I can say with reasonable assuredness that the majority of the those that where strangers to their bikes then, have become intimately familiar with their mounts and do the majority of the maintenance.
That boys and girls makes me a truly Happy Camper.
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:15 pm
by taosports
I do all my routine service maintenance myself, except for the ABS bleed. It's very easy to do with just a few basic tools, the most expensive being the torque wrenches.
Keep in mind that as a teenager, and through my adult years, I never worked on cars - not even my own oil changes. So if I can do it, anybody can.
The valve adjustments along with mounting my own tires intimidated me...that is until I did both. Now it's all a piece of cake.
Do it yourself if you've got the time. You'll save money, get to know your bike and you'll do a better job than many of the shop mechanics out there.
Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:15 pm
by Anger
Well, I bit the bullet and paid the dealer to do the 12K. I wanted to but that wasn't realistic as I'm right in the middle of a kitchen remodel project. I wasn't pleased with several things about the bike going into the 12k but now it feels like a new bike. The surging diminished VERY noticeably. The new Pirelli Diablo tires that I bought with tips from this website make the bike corner like it's being pushed over by itself ( a nice feeling). VERY pleased with the dealer service but the price was OUCH. I'd definately do it myself if I had more time.
Bill