K100 spark plug wires

[lnghrdcntryby]

The spark plug wires on my 85 K100 need replacing but the BMW plug wires are listed as nearly $50 per wire... this seems a bit steep for plug wires. Has anyone used anything different or have a suggestion for a cheaper alternative?

thanks,
Ben

[CustomSarge]

I'd check into the several "boneyards" for used. I've had good workings with Recycle in midstate Ohio.

I'm curious as to why the current wires need replacing. If just dried & stiff, a good cleaning in alchohol & several wipedowns in silicone liquid (not WD40) would be worth a shot. This will usually restore water repellance, unless real cracks to the core are evident.

Otherwise, depending on skill & confidence; see about wire & ends and make a set. Good Hunting <<<)))

[lnghrdcntryby]

Customsarge, thanks for the reply.

It's not really the actual wires I'm worried about so much as the caps. The insides of the caps are heavily corroded and the parts that actually attatch to the plugs are pretty much gone in a couple of the caps. After seeing how corroded these are I figured it probally wouldn't hurt replace the wire and all since they are 20+ yrs old and have almost 100K on them

I'll probally try to make a set but wasn't sure if the end that plugs into the coils was universal or specific to the Kbike

[Polarbear]

I asked this question at my BMW dealer not too lang ago and; No listed service interval for wires on KLT... I don't know about other models. My R100 usually took new wires every 7-10 years, depending on its storage. It stays in garage. Yes, the K wires were high$$$$. The twin wires(R100's) run around 25-35$ a peice.

[CustomSarge]

I'd take a wire in and compare it, or buy/try one coil end. I'm fairly sure it's a compatable size, but I haven't done it. G.H. <<<)))

[naddy100]

Customsarge, thanks for the reply.

It's not really the actual wires I'm worried about so much as the caps. The insides of the caps are heavily corroded and the parts that actually attatch to the plugs are pretty much gone in a couple of the caps. After seeing how corroded these are I figured it probally wouldn't hurt replace the wire and all since they are 20+ yrs old and have almost 100K on them

I'll probally try to make a set but wasn't sure if the end that plugs into the coils was universal or specific to the Kbike
You might try posting this to the ibmwr tech list. There's a place that will construct new wires for less than BMW charges. I don't remember the place, but the tech list might. [Sources for parts should be something that this server archives, like the list of independent repair places. A list of sources would be especially useful when the parts (like this) don't come from obvious sources like beemerboneyard and such.]

My case seems to somewhat parallel yours, in that the problem wasn't the wire, but the connections (wire to cap; cap to plug). I ended up using a BMW replacement, because I only needed a single wire, and there was less hassle to getting the BMW wire than to getting the wire constructed. You're right that you'll need to select from among caps, and the resistance should be about 5K.

Noel

[rinty]

I seem to recall that resistance type high tension wires (if that"s what K-bikes have), have a finite life and that that they eventually break down.

Rinty

[cuervo]

I have an 88 K100RS.

On a trip into the shop a couple of years ago, it wouldn't tune up properly and we noticed that the plug wires had dry-rotted and cracked.

I had the initial sticker shock as well, but after getting a look at the way these wires are constructed, it is understandable. The BMW wires are very heavy-duty and well-made.

So, I figured $200 every 15 years isn't that high of a price for what I was getting.

I don't remember specifically, but there is an issue of the cap being properly seated on the end of the plug. The mechanic could feel it when the cap was on properly.

[DcnDog]

Check with these people-

http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/main.htm

All disclaimers apply.