DIY 12k service

[hjsbmw]

To put a lid on it all, here is a summary of my completed 12k service:

-adjusted valves and rocker end play
-synched throttle cables
-changed oil and filter; also installed a magnetic drain plug
-changed air filter
-changed final drive oil and lubed splines
-bled rear brakes due to good color of old fluid; flushed front brakes due to ugly color of fluid; installed speed bleeders at the same time
-inspected brake pads and whatever else I came across, did a bit of cleaning, and did lots of getting to know the bike better

Cost for service items:
-oil and filter $50, used BMW non-synthetic 20-50 since I still had two full quarts
-air filter $12, OEM BMW
-FD oil and Honda Moly $24, used BMW super synthetic 75-90
-brake fluid $4, BMW DOT4

total $90

Optional parts and tools:
-valve gauges (2x0.15 and 2x0.30) $20
-speed bleeders $26 shipped from eBay
-magnetic drain plug $13 shipped from eBay (Hornig)

total $59

Followed the DVD manual and the BMWOA DIY online pages.
I did a bit here and there over the past three weekends. The valve adjustment was the only job that took some trial and error. It is somewhat different than on a shimmed engine or a 2 valve engine.
The bike now runs smoother and more cultivated, especially at slow speeds. Fuel mileage went from around 46mpg to 49mpg.

In essence I'd say do it if you want to get to know your machine better, enjoy this kind of work, have the right tools, and like saving a bit of money. I also feel more like it is my motorcycle now, but that's my personal thing. Until I take stuff apart it feels like a rental.
If time was premium I would have been better off going to the dealer. Then again, next time it will take less, and if something goes wrong I am the only one to blame.
The only mild thought of concern I have is "if I needed the dealer to be cooperative about another warranty case, would it be an issue?".

[deilenberger]

The only mild thought of concern I have is "if I needed the dealer to be cooperative about another warranty case, would it be an issue?".

My way of handing that issue is to buy all the parts from the dealer while under warranty. That gives a paper trail showing the service was done (or at least that parts were purchased to do it..)

Luckily, I've never had a warranty issue.. so can't say it's bullet-proof, but my dealer (now going out of business) when we discussed it - didn't have an issue with me doing it.