Chain tensioner final drive

[Ray]

I am so pissed off right now I dropped my scooter off for regular maintenance and at with 1000 miles on the bike they told me my chain tensioner is out of spec and that I am responsible for buying a new one. I thought this would be covered under warranty but they said it is a wear item so as a result I am responsible to pay for it. I don't see how anything can be out of spec with a mere 1000 miles on the machine.
Not very happy with the BMW warranty situation right now

 

[davidh]

That's definitely not right. I can't imagine how the tensioner is a "wear item," particularly at 1,000 miles. It's normal for the chain to need adjustment during the initial (600 mile) service but if it can't be adjusted due to a bad tensioner, BMW needs to replace it. Period.

 

[ItsPhilD]

Maybe the dealer thinks you have lots of extra money and you won't mind giving them some you won't miss. So they get you to pay, get BMW to pay under warranty and do the double dip two step.

I'd ask them one time politely, "Are you sure this isn't covered under my warranty?" And if you get the same response work you way up the ladder, Service Manager then General Manager then owner. If you get any pushback at all then leave them for good and find another dealer if you have that option. If not contact BMW customer service directly.

BMW has lost several scooter engine in the US and elsewhere due to a bad cam chain tensioner so it being out of spec doesn't surprise me on little bit.

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[Skutorr]

BMW routinely replaces the tensioner under warrantee in Europe at the first sign of noise, etc. It's KNOWN to be an acknowledged defective part that they gladly proactively replace, rather than an entire engine, as they don't HAVE the parts in stock to repair a broken engine. Anywhere.

Apparently, since they HAVE competition in Europe (Tmax 530, Aprilia SRV 850, Honda Integra) they actually CARE about making European customers happy. Here, they are the "only game in town" and ACT like it...

 

[Doraemon]

I thought a few others here in the US had the same issue and was covered. I think its more the dealership not the warranty thats the problem. We have already heard about some other dealerships that are not what Iwould consider decent.

 

[Ray]

BMW routinely replaces the tensioner under warrantee in Europe at the first sign of noise, etc. It's KNOWN to be an acknowledged defective part that they gladly proactively replace, rather than an entire engine, as they don't HAVE the parts in stock to repair a broken engine. Anywhere.

Apparently, since they HAVE competition in Europe (Tmax 530, Aprilia SRV 850, Honda Integra) they actually CARE about making European customers happy. Here, they are the "only game in town" and ACT like it...

I didn't think I could be the only one
I think a call to BMW is in order
I traded a triumph Rocket III for my scooter I was so pissed yesterday I even regretted not buying as HD but today still glad I am pushing around less weight at 64
MYbe I will get some satisfaction

 

[Ray]

Very productive call to BMW customer service
We shall see what transpires

 

[JaimeC]

Just a point: You can't ALWAYS blame BMWNA if one of their dealers is a "little" on the shady side. In fact, the best thing you can do is kick over the rock and expose them to the sun...

 

[Ray]

Just a point: You can't ALWAYS blame BMWNA if one of their dealers is a "little" on the shady side. In fact, the best thing you can do is kick over the rock and expose them to the sun...

Point taken
Wagner is supposed to be a very reputable dealer
Like the service tech said this is a new item for them, first year on the showroom floor so maybe there is a learning curve for them too
Like I told the CSR at BMW NE I am just trying to be proactive

 

[Edumakated]

Point taken
Wagner is supposed to be a very reputable dealer
Like the service tech said this is a new item for them, first year on the showroom floor so maybe there is a learning curve for them too
Like I told the CSR at BMW NE I am just trying to be proactive

I'd bet the dealer just isn't informed on the various issues affecting the bike. I know I probably have higher expectations than reality, but I'd be surprised if dealers are as knowledgeable about the issues as the typical reader who follows this and other message boards. I can't tell you how many times I've had to bring in stuff I found online to dealers/mechanics for cars and other hobbies of mine where the supposed experts aren't actually informed of current issues or developments for a particular product.

 

[Ray]

I am so pissed off right now I dropped my scooter off for regular maintenance and at with 1000 miles on the bike they told me my chain tensioner is out of spec and that I am responsible for buying a new one. I thought this would be covered under warranty but they said it is a wear item so as a result I am responsible to pay for it. I don't see how anything can be out of spec with a mere 1000 miles on the machine.
Not very happy with the BMW warranty situation right now

Well good news BMW stepped up and covered repair 100% as well as one other that was in the shop for same problem.

Now lets ride

 

[Ray]

Got a call from Service at Wagner after filling out the customer survey that BMW sent me
Seems my less than positive review of my first service raised a few eyebrows
Now they take it seriously

 

[Oldscoot]

I'd bet the dealer just isn't informed on the various issues affecting the bike. I know I probably have higher expectations than reality, but I'd be surprised if dealers are as knowledgeable about the issues as the typical reader who follows this and other message boards. I can't tell you how many times I've had to bring in stuff I found online to dealers/mechanics for cars and other hobbies of mine where the supposed experts aren't actually informed of current issues or developments for a particular product.

I bought a 2010 Vespa 300 GTS. After much pressure Piaggio ordered a recall for the fuel pumps. My dealer was clueless and ultimately embarrassed because he was unaware of the recall. It shouldn't but it does happen.

 

[SteveADV]

In real estate its location location location. In motorcycle service its dealership dealership dealership.

 

[Xian Forbes]

My adventure continues.... Latest update.... Regional BMW tech had looked at my bike, tensioner, cvt, ect. The local tech found an oil leak from the engine into the cvt. After a quick phone call from my service writer, he thinks we'll know something mid week but according to our convo and his convo with regional guy, if everything can't be sorted out to everyone's satisfaction then he mentioned even the possibility of a new motor. I then said, Spandau has no new motors to send... To which the reply was, yes your right about that, so in that event don't be surprised if we swap your complete bike for a new one if we can't get the issues solved. Sure, I've been without my C6 for three weeks plus , but it's getting worked on and bmw leaves me with the impression that I'm just as important as everyone else. What ever the outcome I'm certain that it'll be fixed correctly and will continue to be a good bike for years to come.

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[SteveADV]

Thanks for the update. I don't have any problems (well, not with my bike anyhow) but I'm going to check in with the tech at my dealer.

 

[Xian Forbes]

I have not had any problems either. My bike was due for it's 6k service so at that time I mentioned the oil sensor that almost never works correctly and that I sometimes hear noise coming from what I believed was the tensioner side of the bike. My dealer sent Email to BMW got me a visit from regional tech and here I am.

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[Skutorr]

Two words: "LOANER BIKE"

 

[Xian Forbes]

I thought about that, but when I dropped off my sport they had just given away the last Bonneville loaner. I've got the missus' car so it's sort of a treat to get to drive an auto instead a bike... I do not own a car, just scooters. But I do have an ace up my sleeve... The missus declared last night "Sweety I finally know what bike we're going to get for me.... I want a Vespa 946" I'm not that shocked as I figured she'd say something like that, so I'll buy another premium bike from my dealer when I get my Beemer back. That way my sales guy has interest in ensuring things go smooth.

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[SteveADV]

I have been trying to talk one of my girls into a Vespa. She would not be going far and doing most of her riding in area that already has a number of scooters.