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Changeout of spring timing chain tensioner with hydrolic

Thom Davis

Thom Davis

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Joined
Feb 16, 2018
Messages
83
Location
Northern California
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Just got my bike (C600 2013) back from the shop where I had them changeout the spring timing chain tensioner (the one that was replaced a few years back by the recall). I had them replace the tensioner this time with the hydrolic version so that hopefully I won't have to have it done again. They charge a little less than 3 hours labor...but it took them a lot longer to do. Apparently there are some stubborn bolts that have to be removed and they had to tear it down a lot more than BMW thinks--not a job I could have done (of course, at 68, I'm not really willing to do much work on bikes). Total time that they worked on it was about 8 hours. The parts are a little more than $400 so total cost for the conversion (in CA--costs are higher here than most other places) was about $770. Worth it. Bike sounds new again, no clattering.
 
It is an update kit. Quite a few parts Housing 11318567912; Gasket 11317729597; Tensioner 11317710991; Supply line 11318567915; chain guide upper 11318567937

Couple other screws...the screw plug stripped during disassembly and had to be extracted (this has to be removed to install the hydrolic line); they removed the cylinder head and had to have a new gasket.

My bike doesn't get much use (too many other toys). I bought it in 2014 from dealer who had used it as a loaner while they worked on other bikes...had 1800 miles on it when I got it and has 6400 miles now. The original spring tensioner was replaced in 2015 during the recall. So this is the third timing chain tensioner and hopefully the last. It does make a difference in noise levels when riding as well as confidence that it won't go fubar hundreds of miles from home.
 
Or, design an engine in the first place with an actual modern, hydraulic tensioner as is used the world over, as opposed to cutting every conceivable corner in design and manufacture to make a quick buck, and then make more down the line on warranty work. BMW's business model.:(

OR, come out with a brand new machine and engine a la Honda NC 700, and when their are complaints/observations about vibration, clutch action, shift points, they IMMEDIATELY redesigned the motor, went to twin balance shafts, increased the displacement and continually worked to perfect the product.

In Spain they just disassembled a complete NC 750 down to the last nut and bolt; engine, suspension, transmission, etc. after 100,000 miles. They found NO MEASURABLE WEAR anywhere, except for brake pads/discs. NOTHING. THAT is how you engineer a product. Oh, it's MUCH less $ for a HONDA NC 750 Integra scooter than a BMW.:cool:
 
Well, yah, I considered a Honda back when I bought this one...but this is a gorgeous machine on the design...nice and heavy for going across the bridge I travel across that routinely has 30 kt crosswinds and has enough power and is quick enough to get me out of trouble when some idiot decides a motorcycle is invisible. If you want reliable transportation and that is your sine qua non...walk.
 
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