R1150 Final Drive fluid

[Maxjett]

new to me 04 R1150R going to chang the final drive fluid and I usually replace the same quantity I drain out on my GS. BMW several years back did change from I think from 220ml down to 180ml due to pressure building up in final drive and seals could be compromised. So just looking if its the same for the 1150R.

[CycleRob]

"due to pressure building up in final drive"

That is nonsense. The FD is vented thru the cap shaped black plastic component on the top of the FD. It is at the end of internal passageways that separate the oil from the slow moving air venting while preventing rain, dirt and road spray from entering. Even at the old, higher oil level, the oil level is below the two oil seals.

[Maxjett]

Theres a TSB BMW notice # US 233428 24-01 from several years back for 1200GSs' 2010 and newer 180ml in final drive. Theres no vent in the later drives like the 1150's have.
I did fill mine final drive to the recommended 250ml yesterday the exact amount I drained out also.
Measure no. Subject

US 23342824-01 Increased wear in the rear-wheel drive

Status date (mm/dd/yy) Status PQM Problem reference

4/15/09 Accepted

Date created (mm/dd/yy) Created by Organization

4/15/09 Rainer Wanninger US, MOT

Release date (mm/dd/yy) Approved by Dealer release

Allow automatic release

Vehicles affected

E series Engine Body

K25 K25/02 K25/03 K25/11 K25/12
K25/HP K26 K26/02 K27 K28
K29 K29/HP K40 K40/11 K43
K43/11 K43/HV K44 K44/31

Production period (from/to) Feedback (all cases relating to
(mm/dd/yy) Comment on production period measure up to) (mm/dd/yy)
/

Complaint

The rear-wheel drive displays premature wear in the form of leaking shaft sealing rings or an increased bearing clearance.


Cause

1. Increased temperature and high pressure lead to premature wear on the shaft sealing rings.
2. Metallic abrasion, which is constantly increasing when the vehicle is in motion, significantly shortens the lifetime of
the bearings in the rear-wheel drive.
Measure


For point 1: The gear oil capacities have changed for initial filling and when changing the oil in the rear-wheel drive.
The new capacities:
For initial filling: 200 ml
For changing oil: 180 ml
(The new RSD 05/2009 contains this modification)


For point 2: Regular oil change in rear-wheel drive:
At 600 mi.
every 12,000 mi or every 2 years
(This service interval is all ready in place)


Fault

Fault location Nature of fault Condition

Drive, Drive train, Rear drive Noise While driving


Defect

Main group

33 rear axle

Subgroup

10 Rear wheel drive

Location

00 Rear wheel drive

Defect code Defect description
3310002100 Rear wheel drive Excessive

tooth backlash
Module Area Fault code

Powertrain

CIP / DIS
System State Version
___________________________
Tech. Office report
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
Report no. Subject Link Condition
23344826 Increased wear in the rear-Approved
wheel drive
___________________________
Measure AG
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
Measure no. Subject
AG 23342824-01 Increased wear in the rear-wheel drive

© 2002-2009 BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

[Sunbeemer]

Even at the old, higher oil level, the oil level is below the two oil seals.

My final drive has weeped oil from the input shaft seal on a few occasions over the years, usually noticeable after riding the bike after not having ridden it for a few weeks. Usually it stops after that first ride, but if it continues, I change the final drive lube and it quits leaking.

I've never seen much crud attached to the magnetic drain plug, only enough to make a ~1/2" gray smudge on a paper towel, and there's only ever been about a dozen tiny shiny flakes in it (barely visible unless you shine a light on them so you can see them sparkle).

At the first sign of weeping I check that the vent on the top of the final drive hasn't gotten clogged (since we have lots of hole-loving mud-dobbers here), but it has always been clear, so I guess that most times it's because that front seal dries out from lack of use and doesn't seal until it gets lubricated, and other times I think small amounts of crud gets between it and the input shaft preventing a good seal. Either way, I've never lost a noticeable amount of oil from the final drive; it usually just leaves a stain on the underside of the boot and the paralever mounting bracket.

I use to worry about it, but now, meh!