BMW fuel strip issue

[chesthing]

The fuel gauge on my '05 RT always shows empty, after google searches it seems this is a very common problem with '05-'10 R and K bikes. I called the dealer and asked if he has heard of this problem and he says "oh yeah, we do a couple of those a week." I asked if he had a lot of returns and he says "yeah, you'll be back within 6 months." WTF is going on here? why hasn't BMW come up with a fix for this issue? I don't really mind using the trip for a fuel gauge, what I don't appreciate is the constant blinking fuel warning and yellow triangle.
This isn't a rant post, what I'd like to know is if anyone has any clue as to whether BMW will eventually come up with a permanent repair, or if they will continue to warrantee bad strips over and over again for what must be thousands of bikes over that 6 year span. If not, I guess I'll spend the $300 now and just plan on returning it over and over...

[sfarson]

While the fuel strip is an issue with quite a few, it isn't a fait accompli.  The dealer exaggerated a wee bit suggesting you would be back in six months.  I have yet to bring the '07 R12RT or '07 12GSADV in for a failed fuel strip.

[BobW]

Had one on my 07 replaced and it was fine after that at least until 09. They did upgrade and started going back to a float style at least on some bikes around the 09-10 MY, not sure if they would be a retro fit if the newer r's in fact use the new style gauge. If it fails again, it would be easy enough to at least compare the hard parts and how the tanks are configured, etc.

[chesthing]

From what I've read and the dealer confirmed, retrofit isn't possible - computers aren't compatible. They actually switched back to floats in '11 I believe, very hard to believe BMW went 6 years of failing strips before abandoning them. What I'd really like to understand is why they haven't figured out what is causing the failures and made a correction in the design?

[BobW]

Without starting another FD thread, that is same question asked by many folks with those failure concerns. With all BMW's great qualities, "admitting" they have a problem that may require a redesign, better spec and/or quality control and actually making the fix can be a real Achilles heel for their fans.    

It's not hard to change the strip and hopefully a new one will last you a long time.

Good luck.

[sagerat]

My '09 GSA is on its second fuel strip; first failed almost immediately and this one has last going on two years, now.  What BMW techs told me is the problem is with the fuel blends in the US.  The ethanol causes the fuel strip to lose its little mind.  Not saying that's the issue or not, just relaying what I was told.

If you really want to see BMW denial, google headlight bulbs on GS and GSA from about '8 forward.  The GSs and GSAs go through bulbs about every 10,000 miles due to how hot it gets in the housing.  I should know, I'm on bulb #3...argh.

[Jetpilot5]

My '09 GSA is on its second fuel strip; first failed almost immediately and this one has last going on two years, now.  What BMW techs told me is the problem is with the fuel blends in the US.  The ethanol causes the fuel strip to lose its little mind.  Not saying that's the issue or not, just relaying what I was told.

Ethanol is not the problem.  I ran nothing but in my 05 K1200S and never had a problem in 5 years and 50,000 miles.  One of the guys that worked at my dealer owned an 06 K1200S and had replaced 3 of them.  Quality control problem of some sort but if you get a good one it'll never give you any problems regardless of what type of fuel you run.

Of course, it could take a few tries to get a good one...............

[sagerat]

True 'dat.  One riding buddy is on fuel strip #4 in her '08 GS.