ews antenna ring extension cable - merged threads

[mbocean]

I just watched a video on trouble shooting the infamous ews failure. In the video it recommends purchasing a spare atenna ring along with a cable to attached to the connection under your handle bars. Does anyone know the proper name of this cable?

[revkev]

2008 1200GS...5,000 miles, now EWS problems yet. Question...couldn't a person ask the BMW dealer to install the newer update of the ring and pay for it himself. Given the fact that the part is about $80 and a simple fix for a mechanic why not have it done even though one would have to pay himself.

Not suggesting it for others but for myself as a preemptive move to avoid a day long delay somewhere in the middle of no where. Or, is there not much of a guarantee even with the new part?

Seems like a cheap $100 spent even though, in a perfect world, one would want the company who made the faulty part to replace it.

[deilenberger]

2008 1200GS...5,000 miles, now EWS problems yet. Question...couldn't a person ask the BMW dealer to install the newer update of the ring and pay for it himself. Given the fact that the part is about $80 and a simple fix for a mechanic why not have it done even though one would have to pay himself.The latest price for the ring antenna is $36.67 - that's the newest PN and the latest price. Some dealers have not adjusted their pricing. Others have (I should have one in my hands tomorrow from MaxBMW.)
Not suggesting it for others but for myself as a preemptive move to avoid a day long delay somewhere in the middle of no where. Or, is there not much of a guarantee even with the new part?

Seems like a cheap $100 spent even though, in a perfect world, one would want the company who made the faulty part to replace it.I think you certainly could do this - and then keep the old one as a spare.

I'm just gonna carry the new antenna with me when I go on longer trips, especially if there is more than one '07, '08 hexhead on the ride with me (my birthday ride to WV later in the month comes to mind.. prolly be 4 bikes with antenna problem possibilities on the ride.)

That said - if your bike has some miles on it - the chance of failure actually drops. Most reported failures are at less than 1,000 miles. Not to say there aren't failures after that - but most I've seen are at low miles. I have as of today 14,000+ miles on my '07. I feel comfortable carrying the antenna ring if I'm going on a long ride, and believe I could jury-rig it so it would work to start the bike if I had a problem. Luckily on my ride - all the other bikes will be GS's, which look much easier to get to the connector than my R1200R.

[drmajor]

My EWS went out last week. Of course today it decided to start anyway...! Go figure.

Anyway, some have mentioned buying a spare Ring and an extension cable.

Part number on the cable???

[cjack]

My EWS went out last week. Of course today it decided to start anyway...! Go figure.

Anyway, some have mentioned buying a spare Ring and an extension cable.

Part number on the cable???

83 30 0 402 327

If your display showed a small EWS it may have not been an antenna ring issue. When the computer fails to boot properly (just do it again with key off-key on) you can get an EWS showing and it's not the ring. This happens sometimes if the battery is low or disconnected.

[drmajor]

I get a big EWS- It would not start after many tried, but then today when I was in garage, it started.

Someone suggested that he took one apart and found a cold solder joint. Heat would make this act up.

My dealer does not have the new ring and doen't know when he will/can get to me. not the best dealer!!! Next Dealer is 4 hours and in 95+ heat, that's a painful trip- if the bike will start...

So, when I get it fixed, I might carry a spare, although it seems the 427 part fixes it.

I hope to get the dealer to NOT put security bolts back in.

[crgrbrts]

I've been told that dealers, under warranty provisions, are required by BMW to install the security bolts (I asked for user-serviceable parts, too). Of course, you can always drill them out yourself and replace with Torx or hex head fasteners.

You might be able to get a replacement antenna ring more quickly by ordering online from Max BMW or whomever.

[drmajor]

Is the #427 ring all I need to fix this EWS failure??

Drill out the old one, unplug and plug the new one in?

[deilenberger]

Is the #427 ring all I need to fix this EWS failure??

Drill out the old one, unplug and plug the new one in?It's actually PN: 61 35 7 705 247 - not "427" - and it's $36.67 from MaxBMW.

The basic answer is - Yes, usually. And yes.

Might I refer you to this thread which covers it in a lot more depth: http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21910

[geralds34]

I just watched a video on trouble shooting the infamous ews failure. In the video it recommends purchasing a spare atenna ring along with a cable to attached to the connection under your handle bars. Does anyone know the proper name of this cable?

Where did you see the video - can you share?

[tomm51]

Mine went out today.I just started a new post.I will carry a spare.I go places that don't have cell phone service.I would rather have a regular key.

[deilenberger]

Mine went out today.I just started a new post.I will carry a spare.I go places that don't have cell phone service.I would rather have a regular key.Tom - I'll be merging that posting into the existing thread. I believe it is more effective if we keep all the reports of EWS problems in one on-going thread.