Just cut to the chase...

[BMWRich58]

Was reading the story about the $2000.00 O-ring on the Airheads list and I don't know if it's just me or what,but either I'm gonna fall a sleep from a overly long and boring story or stay awake more confused and wonder what the heck all that writing was about.

Can't it just be said whether or not the shim goes on/in before the white "O-ring" or after.
Plain and simple that's all.......I got a life to live and roads to ride...... :brow

I'll get my coat........................ :huh

[widebmw]

Both of the GS's you list may not need the shim. If you get oil seepage without a shim add one. They go in next to the can. Shim first then the "O" ring.

[BMWRich58]

They go in next to the can. Shim first then the "O" ring.

Well,'92 GS had O-Ring installed next to filter then shim then housing/cover. Ran it that way for 15k miles. :brow
And newly aquired '95 GS had no shim "at'oll".......!!!!!.. :dunno :dunno

[lkchris]

Thinking of this part as a "shim" is the first problem

It's a "protective washer."

It is called "washer" in both the BMW parts and service books.

It's sole purpose is to protect the white o-ring from the sharp edge of the filter canister and to give it something to seal against.

Unlike a shim, it's purpose is not to provide spacing.

Later versions have edge of canister "folded over" and do not require the washer.

Other part of the story is to never use the paper gasket that comes in the oil change kits. It's for pre-'77 bikes only. It's use directly counters use of the protective washer, in that it moves the cover farther away from the white o-ring, lessening chance for good seal.

[flash412]

Both of the R80G/S's that I bought in 1981 came from the factory with the cover gasket in place. I put about 150k miles on that pair of bikes, always used the gasket and never had any problems related to its use.