Transmission Cost R1100RS?

[martya]

Does anyone know the cost to replace a 1996 R1100RS transmission?

I assume there are various re-build and remanufacture options.

Also - I am told that BMW once gave some support to repairing pre-97 transmissions. Anyone actually receive this help?

Thanks,

Marty

[MCMXCIVRS]

I replaced the transmission in my 94 RS three years ago. At that time the factory rebuilt unit cost me around $3500 Canadian. I did the installation myself. I tried to get BMW to cover some of the cost but had no success with that. They seemed little interested in the issue stating that the bike was too old for them to have anything to do with warranty. All that despite the fact that this was the third time it ate the bearings and had only 45,000 Kms. Possibly if your dealer will take on the cause you might have more success. My dealer didn't seem to give a damn either about the situation.

The new gearbox has performed much better. I have put 47,000 Kms on it with no trouble. I still suspect that the case halves on the original were not properly aligned or had warped causing uneven bearing loads. No one else I have spoken to has experienced such repeated bearing failures. Most of the problems with the early gearboxes are related to shifting issues, which mine ironically never had. In fact I think the original box shifted a bit smoother than the new one. Go figure.

If you are needing transmission work, I'd advise going with the rebuilt unit from the factory. It has a 1 year warranty, and has all of the updated components. If you choose to just rebuild the original box, it would end up costing nearly as much I suspect by the time you install all of the updated parts (and there are several, including the case) and add in the labour. Of course you could choose to just patch it up and replace only what is really needed, but that seems to be an invitation to revisit the job later.

[AntonLargiader]

The best DIY option is to send your transmission to Tom Cutter. For around $700 for the typical repair you'll basically get a total upgrade to M97 specification, including remachined shift dogs and sealed bearings.

Here's a link to him from my website (http://www.largiader.com/slash5/rcrg.html) and my page describing the different R1100 transmissions (http://www.largiader.com/articles/oiltrans.html).

He's best-known for his work on Airhead trannies (he's rebuilt both of mine, also) and when I needed some Oilhead trannies fixed I convinced him to tool up for them also. I've put a few thousand miles on them and they shift better now than any Oilhead I've ridden.

[42831]

What are the signs of bairing failure? When these start to show up, how long tell probable failure? I have found some paper thin pieces of metel in the transmission fluid when last changed on the drain plug magnet. This also was visable 6000 miles ago at the last fluid change. Therre are no unusual sounds or strange shifting problems. My wife and I are planning a fall trip and my dealership can not get the bike in until late September after the trip to look into this.

The bike is a 1994 R1100RS with 166,000 miles on it and has a replacment transmission that was put in at around 95,000 miles.

Any input would be helpful

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/newreply.php?action=newreply&threadid=3477&#

[MCMXCIVRS]

The only sign of the bearing failures in my tranny was noise. The bearings were rough, causing a rumbling sound when riding. It was also very apparent when the bike was pushed with the engine off. Once the bearings reach this point, they are not many miles away from a catastophic failure.

[AntonLargiader]

Originally posted by Copsrs
... I have found some paper thin pieces of metel in the transmission fluid when last changed on the drain plug magnet. This also was visable 6000 miles ago at the last fluid change. Therre are no unusual sounds or strange shifting problems. My wife and I are planning a fall trip and my dealership can not get the bike in until late September after the trip to look into this.
It's tough to say "it's OK" or "It's bad" but the fact is that any solid metal bits you find came from somewhere where they used to be serving a purpose. Fines that have ground off the gear tooth faces or shift dogs are one thing, solid bits are another and I think they usually come from bearing retainers that are being chewed up. I would start by (as mentioned above) rotating the rear wheel with the bike on the centerstand, engine off, and very carefully listening for noise in the transmission. Pay special attention to noises coming from the rear face of the transmission. Maybe find a mechanic's stethoscope, and compare the sounds to those of a different bike. If you hear a difference, strongly consider taking a different bike or finding someone who has time to swap the tranny out. Used ones are available (look for one '98 or later).