BMW enhances customer satisfaction with their new driveshaft maintenance strategy

[Lee]

I asked the service manager how they test. He said BMW sent them a big device. I'm not sure I got it exactly, but he said something like "we remove the rear wheel and attach a weight, then we run it [not sure if the machine or the bike], we transmit the results to BMW electronically, who then send back a green check (good) or a red X (bad)".
Mine got the red X so they replaced the driveshaft.

Here's the test.

https://youtu.be/zdBjdxZwJ98

[Grumpy Goat]

Here's the test.

Thanks Lee.

   

Watching the video from the point where he shows the test itself, I don't think that they are testing for whirling, but instead may be testing for slop in the driveshaft ...? That appears to be a speed ring that is attached in place of the wheel, and since he says that the ECU is also connected the diagnostic software, they may be comparing driveshaft rotating speeds from two different inputs at either end of the driveshaft. Of course, if there is play in the universal joint then that would contribute to a jerking load in the yoke, possibly leading to overstress. Wished I knew for sure what they were testing for ...

That said, I am not convinced that this check is a predictor of overload at the yoke which, based on the photos I have seen, is what is where the catastrophic failures tend to occur.

   
   
   

[Duccrazydave]

I would assume the large "ABS" ring sensor is just picking up a speed reference. Wonder if the quality of the drill makes a difference? Milwaukee you pass. Harbor Freight you fail. 

[Liteitup]

So, I have to go to the dealer every 12k? I don't have the warm fuzzies some of you do for dealers. That's a huge negative for me.

[Grumpy Goat]

So, I have to go to the dealer every 12k? I don't have the warm fuzzies some of you do for dealers. That's a huge negative for me.

I was thinking the same thing, which is why I wanted to know exactly what this tool is supposed to be looking for and whether me pulling the shaft out and closely examining the yoke for any signs of wear might suffice instead. My tendency is to do just that, especially on an older bike. 

BTW - speaking of older bikes ... it is now anecdotal "knowledge" (?) that dealerships no longer are interested in working on bikes older than 10 years. That suggests that the 12k interval on inspections would not be mandatory in support of the new shaft every 36k miles maintenance scheme. Another grey area ...?

[Lee]

So, I have to go to the dealer every 12k? I don't have the warm fuzzies some of you do for dealers. That's a huge negative for me.

It's part of the recommended service schedule.
The service schedule is not mandatory.

[Lee]

 it is now anecdotal "knowledge" (?) that dealerships no longer are interested in working on bikes older than 10 years.

True for some dealers but not all.

[Liteitup]

So, I have to go to the dealer every 12k? I don't have the warm fuzzies some of you do for dealers. That's a huge negative for me.

It's part of the recommended service schedule.
The service schedule is not mandatory.

I dunno, the internet leads me to believe I'll die in huge ball of fire if I don't have this done. 
Obviously not mandatory, not much in life is. I do try to follow the service schedule.

It is, for me, a PITA. Closest dealer is Ride Now, about 90 miles away. Thanks, no. I'm still waiting on parts they lost off my RS and for a return call for service on my XR. Not really, I no longer have either of those bikes. Or deal with Ride Now. Next closest is on the other side of Dallas, on I35. They handled a recall for me and it was actually a pleasant experience but I HATE riding in cities and traffic. This would be the dealer of choice if I have to.

I know, first world problems. Maybe I need to take another look at that Tuareg.

[Lee]

It is, for me, a PITA. Closest dealer is Ride Now, about 90 miles away. Thanks, no. I'm still waiting on parts they lost off my RS and for a return call for service on my XR. Not really, I no longer have either of those bikes. Or deal with Ride Now. Next closest is on the other side of Dallas, on I35. They handled a recall for me and it was actually a pleasant experience but I HATE riding in cities and traffic. This would be the dealer of choice if I have to.

I know, first world problems. Maybe I need to take another look at that Tuareg.

We're in the same boat. 350 mile round trip for me and it's in Kansas City and I don't like big cities. We gave up riding through Dallas or Ft Worth a long time ago
I do as much service as I can. I probably average going to the dealer every 2 or 3 years for jobs I don't want to do.

[Lee]

My plan is to get our bikes checked in the spring or summer. After that I would skip 12,000 mile checks and get new shafts at 36,000 and 72,000 miles.
That's if we're still riding.

[Grumpy Goat]

 it is now anecdotal "knowledge" (?) that dealerships no longer are interested in working on bikes older than 10 years.

True for some dealers but not all.

I am sure that it is a business decision that is not formally established. And I can understand the business decision not to work on these older bikes. Dealerships are not in the hobby business and this fact is often lost on enthusiasts. 

I also understand owners of these older machines who may not have the knowledge and/or experience and/or time/inclination to work on these bikes but need experienced technical support. It is a dilemma no doubt.

[Grumpy Goat]

I dunno, the internet leads me to believe I'll die in huge ball of fire if I don't have this done. 
Obviously not mandatory, not much in life is. I do try to follow the service schedule.

Hehehe ... the Internet is full of ... you know what.

I also do try and follow the service schedule for all my bikes, but use some common sense while doing so (e.g. replace spark plugs every 12k miles, etc.). As for dealerships getting the work ... they only get the 600-mile break-in service on new bikes, and then they get the work that needs special diagnostics. Also, I would bring the bike in periodically for software updates. That's it ... the rest I do myself unless it is not worth my time.

The shaft issue is different though ... it is a safety issue as I see it and I need them to be involved.