Roller Replacement at 4k miles?!?

davidh

Member
Well, perhaps I'm doomed.

2013 C650 GT with 13k miles on the odometer. The engine however has just 4k miles as it was replaced last fall due to a failed crankshaft bearing -- the belt/rollers/variator were part of the replaced engine. Starting a few weeks ago, I started getting a vibration around 5-10 MPH just as the clutch was fully engaging. The vibration turned into a clattering (only when cold) so I took it to my dealer for diagnosis. After reminding him that I didn't need the 20,000 KM service for $1,200 (though he still added some unnecessary items -- brake fluid change, coolant change, etc.) he wrote up the service order and I went on my way.

Earlier today he calls me stating that the noise was indeed the rollers and that, although with just 4K miles, they had some pronounced flat spots. They were apparently installed incorrectly (didn't know you could install rollers backwards) and were wearing excessively. The good news is that they and the belt are being replaced under warranty. The bad news is that they also want to replace the guides and they're coming from Germany -- a 2-3 week trip. I can't imagine how it can take so long for something that small to clear customs and get to the US (I jokingly said to have somebody stick them in their luggage).

My questions are:

1) The only "guides" I can think of are the plastic shoes/guides on the back of the variator -- not exactly a high-wearing part but they do get replaced when the rollers/belt typically are (12k miles). Is that what they're talking about or something else?

2) Is it reasonable it to take 2-3 weeks for a small part like that?

3) Is it reasonable for me to tell them to re-install all the original stuff; let me ride it for 2-3 weeks, and then bring it back once they have everything? I was without the bike for almost a month last fall when they were waiting for the engine; I'm not crazy about another 2-3 weeks (minimum). I asked about loaners and, apparently due to CA insurance BS, it's cost-prohibitive. It's unlikely I could damage anything riding with worn rollers; it's just their labor to reassemble it now and then repeat the process in a few weeks. The side plastics take about 5 minutes to remove and, from the pics I've seen, accessing the belt/variator/rollers is pretty easy once the plastic is off so it's not like they'd be looking at hours of labor.

Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated!
 

Skutorr

Active member
That's like replacing the rollers every oil change. There must be something else going on to accelerate the wear to such a degree, or else it's a materials/design failure...
 

Doraemon

New member
There was also a recall on rollers not being balanced (variance from one to another); I thinnk this is also a learning curve for the BMW dealerships as well. after all they are new to this type of power transmission. If you wnat I can send you mine, 4500 miles on them, but I switched to the Polini variator/weights/guides.....
 

davidh

Member
There was also a recall on rollers not being balanced (variance from one to another); I thinnk this is also a learning curve for the BMW dealerships as well. after all they are new to this type of power transmission. If you wnat I can send you mine, 4500 miles on them, but I switched to the Polini variator/weights/guides.....

I think you're correct about the balancing. FWIW this dealer (and the technician) regularly service scooters with CVT transmissions so I can't blame that. Thanks for the offer on the rollers; that part and the belt are in stock, it's the guides that aren't. I'm going to stop by there today and see what they're talking about and discuss options. More to follow!
 

Snowdog

New member
My last scooter was a Silverwing, and the original rollers wore quickly, although I replaced them around thirty K. There were many flat spots on them and the material looked sort of like that of skate board wheels. The replacement rollers were Honda replacements and seemed like a ceramic material. After about 40k the new rollers showed no wear.
I suspect your rollers of a substandard material. The Honda variator had replaceable guides which I replaced at about 70k. I think they were rattling a little , but, didn't seem to affect performance. Put along side the new guides, you could see the wear. Probably, as BMW sells more scooters here, the parts situation will improve.
 

Skutorr

Active member
They should just do what Piaggio did on all their bigger scoots, and put in Dr. Pulleys from the factory.

It's a Taiwanese variator that BMW is using...Dr. Pulley is Taiwanese...DUH???
 

davidh

Member
Well, here's the update.

I stopped by the dealer today to get a few items from my bike and asked to see the guides and inquire about getting everything put back together while they waited for the parts. Turns out, the rollers/belt/guides ARE in stock and it was just the drive chain was back-ordered. The chain is part of the 12k mile service and they hadn't disassembled anything from the left side yet. I said, "well *@#$ put the rollers/belt/guides in and I'll bring it back when you have the chain." They acquiesced and I'll be getting it back tomorrow. Granted, I'll have to leave it for another day to have the chain replaced but it's certainly better than being without my primary mode of transportation for 3+ weeks. I got a look at the variator and rollers -- about half had definite flat spots. Dr. Pulley's will be on my list for the next replacement (I have them in my BV250 and they're awesome).

Glad I stopped by and pressed the issue. Not happy with the lack of understanding and/or honesty, however.
 
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