2008/2009 R1200RT Service Warning Light

[gulfcoastbeemer]

I have been told that the "newer" (2008/2009) R1200RT has an idiot light that comes on when the bike needs to be serviced.

AND, this idiot light CAN ONLY BE RESET/TURNED-OFF by the servicing BMW Dealer.

IS THIS REALLY TRUE?

What if you do your own service? Is there a provision for someone other than a BMW dealer to reset the warning light. Exactly what light are we talking about?

Also, I understand these newer bikes have their BMW dealer service history stored on-board the bike in digital form. Is this true?

What if you bike is serviced by someone other than a BMW Dealer? Is there a provision for others to update this record?

What are the legal ramification of this form of BMW-only maintenance?

I value proper maintenance; and, it's because I value proper maintenance that I perform every bit of maintenance I possible can myself (fluid/filter changes, TB-sync, valve adjustment). The only maintenance areas I look to my dealer to perform: ABS brakes, hydraulic clutch, warranty issues and computer updates -- all of which seems to aggravate them to no end.

[deilenberger]

I have been told that the "newer" (2008/2009) R1200RT has an idiot light that comes on when the bike needs to be serviced.

AND, this idiot light CAN ONLY BE RESET/TURNED-OFF by the servicing BMW Dealer.

IS THIS REALLY TRUE?

What if you do your own service? Is there a provision for someone other than a BMW dealer to reset the warning light. Exactly what light are we talking about?

There is no provision anyone knows of to turn off the light using anything on the bike (ie - mystery button pushes) - but AFAIK the GS-911 people are working on making their tool capable of turning off the light.

Also, I understand these newer bikes have their BMW dealer service history stored on-board the bike in digital form. Is this true?
Haven't heard this - but it wouldn't surprise me since the capability has existed on cars for years now (actually - stored in the car and then transferred to the key which is read by the dealer when the car goes in for service.) Dunno if it's true - no reports I've heard have mentioned it.
What if you bike is serviced by someone other than a BMW Dealer? Is there a provision for others to update this record?
Depends on the tools the someone else has. If they have a GT1 - sure - they could probably do it IF this actually exists.
What are the legal ramification of this form of BMW-only maintenance?
WHY would there be legal ramifications? 'splain'Rucy..
I value proper maintenance; and, it's because I value proper maintenance that I perform every bit of maintenance I possible can myself (fluid/filter changes, TB-sync, valve adjustment). The only maintenance areas I look to my dealer to perform: ABS brakes, hydraulic clutch, warranty issues and computer updates -- all of which seems to aggravate them to no end.
Just keep accurate records and receipts for the service you perform yourself. I buy all my supplies/parts from the dealer while the bike is under warranty. Be lots easier to prove oil changes were done with BMW specification oil if I have receipts for buying BMW oil and filters from the dealer at some intervals.. Not that it's a requirement of the warranty - it just keeps life simple.

FWIW - BMW cars are now much advanced beyond anything on the bikes. They "call home" (BMW-AG/NA) when they need service, or something breaks - and there is a service link system that will alert the local dealer who should have someone contact the owner to schedule a service appointment. BMW looks at this as a plus for the customers.. (and I won't comment if it is or not..)