C650 Cam Chain Tensioner UK

Skippy

New member
Hi, I know that there was/is a recall for the cam chain tensioner in the North America’s, but has anyone in the UK been successful in getting this done. I have had the same issue on a 2016 model with only 6500 miles on the clock. Had to have the modification done because of excessive cam chain noise at a cost of £800 but BMW do not want to know as it is not a recall in the UK even though it is an identical issue.
 

Skutorr

Active member
So, they recalled the early ones with the cheap-ass mechanical tensioner that had a spring that would snap, and replaced it with THE EXACT SAME DESIGN but with a stronger spring that wouldn't break. So then what happens? They wear out prematurely AND STILL FAIL as happened on this forum to Jaime's C650 Gt.

Way to go, BMW.
 

Ceesie76

Active member
My tensioner [2016 Sport] rattled when cold, with 2,000 miles on the clock. I had it replaced under warranty, no cost to me. Now at almist 6,000 miles and all still fine (touch wood).
 

smoke

New member
My dealer replied, my bike has a second gen tensioner installed already, so if I need hydraulic one, that will be at my own cost.
Here are the parts I'm going to order from KFM...
1 Housing 11318567912 BMW spare parts 15,40 €
1 Dichtung 11317729597 BMW spare parts 3,43 €
1 Kettenspanner 11317710991 BMW spare parts 48,12 €
1 Chain guide, top 11318567937 BMW spare parts 27,25 €
2 Isa screw with washer, M6X35-U1-8.8 07129907485 BMW spare parts 3,21 €
2 ISA-Schraube 07129909413 BMW spare parts 3,02 €
1 Supply line 11318567915 BMW spare parts 99,17 €
Hopefully will getting them in 2 weeks, and install by myself.
 

Thom Davis

Member
My dealer replied, my bike has a second gen tensioner installed already, so if I need hydraulic one, that will be at my own cost.


Hopefully will getting them in 2 weeks, and install by myself.

Good luck. The mechanic at my local shop had a "heck" of a time getting one bolt out. Heated and cooled it but never freed...I'm not sure how he finally ended up getting it out, but he did. Hope yours is easier.
 

Skutorr

Active member
Sequence of events:

1.) design cheap Tmax rival, cutting every corner possible, sticking to antiquated designs.
2.) have built in cheapest place possible and entrust oversight to another company that speaks the language (and who turns into a Rival who designs a better motor...)
3.) deal with shoddy quality control, delaying roll-out from 2012 to 2013
4.) deal with innumerable recalls and problems necessitating redesigns in most every area
5.) trot-out the newer, redesigned versions, which STILL have Q-C problems and recalls
6.) though it all, screw your loyal customers at every opportunity
7.) up the ante and introduce a cheap, asymmetrically-designed single-cylinder "400cc" alternative
8.) new scoot has abysmal sales and design is lambasted
9.) redesign scoot to a GT look, making it nicer-looking but horrifically expensive compared to every class rival

Did I cover all the bases?

At over 9,000 Euro, the "400" Gt is more that the new SYM TL500 TWIN Tmax Clone, and is insanely overpriced compared to it's 400cc Class Rivals

The European Reviewing Press is referencing the now Three-way rivalry between the Yamaha Tmax560, KYMCO AK550 and new SYM TL500. NO ONE is even mentioning the BMW C650 Sport as competition. NO ONE.

Wow.
 

Thom Davis

Member
Skutorr, we know you hate BMW scooters. You've said it over and over. You say over and over ad nauseum that it has QC problems, design issues and (probably the most accurate) a price issue and value for money. BUT, you have yet to show a bike that is prettier or has the same curb appeal. Yah, BMW stands for break my wallet. But it turns heads. Get over it. Oh, yah, I get it...folks who can't afford one tend to complain about them.
 

smoke

New member
Just finished the half job today, basically all mechanical bits are sorted. Just leave the body panels for tomorrow.
As for the hardest bolt you mentioned, I think that should probably be the lower cam sprocket cover.
I did 2 attempts, (1st use a coin and grab it with spanner and turn, 2 tapping with hammer and screw driver) both not work.
3rd attempt would be the last, that I use an adjustable pliers to grab the whole cap and it turns just fine.
cap.jpg
Will assemble the body panels tomorrow and do a test ride. Fingers crossed.
 
Last edited:

Skutorr

Active member
No, I don't hate them, in fact the C650 Sport in that last yellow color was a GREAT looking and performing bike. I just have an issue with the Q/C and Factory support. If those problems didn't exist, I would have bought one in a heartbeat.:cool:
 

Chiro

Member
No, I don't hate them, in fact the C650 Sport in that last yellow color was a GREAT looking and performing bike. I just have an issue with the Q/C and Factory support. If those problems didn't exist, I would have bought one in a heartbeat.:cool:

OOOH, I also thought you hate BMW.
 
Just finished the half job today, basically all mechanical bits are sorted. Just leave the body panels for tomorrow.
As for the hardest bolt you mentioned, I think that should probably be the lower cam sprocket cover.
I did 2 attempts, (1st use a coin and grab it with spanner and turn, 2 tapping with hammer and screw driver) both not work.
3rd attempt would be the last, that I use an adjustable pliers to grab the whole cap and it turns just fine.
View attachment 2404
Will assemble the body panels tomorrow and do a test ride. Fingers crossed.
Do you have a write up for this job that you followed? I’m contemplating doing this job myself and need guidance before I attempt to undertake it.
 
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