Question on abs module Bmw content

[lucian]

Two of my friends have experienced failures of the abs pumps on their BMW's. One a gs and the other on a k bike. Both were quoted 4,000.00  dollars to replace, ouch.  The gs was  traded for a concourse as he didn't want to spend the coin to fix and couldn't get an inspection without fixing it. Now my buddy with the k 1100 is in the same situation. I did find an  outfit that will rebuild the unit for 350.00 dollars and will consider that approach. I would be hesitant to purchase a parted out one with no warranty. It seems to me that a lot of these fail over time as they are likely never used for the most part. Does it make sense  to purposely grab a fist full of brake on occasion to activate these units just to keep them working ?  I currently have two abs bikes and have never had to brake hard enough to activate one.  Appreciate any advise given   dave     

[leafman60]

This is a very common problem with BMW ABS modules.  I have used Modulemaster to rebuild mine in the past.

https://modulemaster.com/rebuilds/

Some failures can be due to a relay on the module that you can replace yourself.  Also, some of the older BMW modules cannot be rebuilt.

Tyler at Modulemaster explained to me that the problem is usually in the carbon electric motor brushes inside the module.  The BMW parts tend to deteriorate over time regardless of use.  He replaces these brushes with better quality pieces and gives a warranty for several years.  As of a couple of years ago, his charge was about $150. Maybe he has gone up.   

Ominously, the modules currently used by Guzzi look to be the same type.

[webmost]

Your K1100 is no doubt ABS II. That's a whole helluva lot easier to fix. The $4k units are no doubt the linked ABS III. That's the one that went belly up on my R1200CLC. Essentially, these are power brakes. The servo goes, the seals go, and to date there's no way to rebuild that unit. New units cost more than the bike is worth. I'm surprised the shop offers to fix one for only $4k, cause the module itself was a $2,800 unit three years ago when I contemplated, with a six month waiting list from Germany, and total deal is a total PITA even to bleed. You actually have two circuits each brake: the control circuit and the brake circuit, connected by this ABS module. So $4k is a decent price.

Grabbing a handful of brake to activate your ABS does nothing to lengthen the life of one of these units so far as I know.

Biggest diff between the II and the II is the fact when your ABS goes you still have manual brakes with the II whereas you are screwed with the III.

BMW screwed the pooch on this. Helluva brake system. When you combine that power ABS linked braking with the telelever, you can stop on a dime and get eight and a half cents change. But once it fails, you got squat.

[webmost]

This is a very common problem with BMW ABS modules.  I have used Modulemaster to rebuild mine in the past.

https://modulemaster.com/rebuilds/

Tyler at Modulemaster explained to me that the problem is usually in the carbon electric motor brushes inside the module.  The BMW parts tend to deteriorate over time regardless of use.  He replaces these brushes with better quality pieces and gives a warranty for several years.  As of a couple of years ago, his charge was about $150. Maybe he has gone up.   

Ominously, the modules currently used by Guzzi look to be the same type.

Module Master has been promising a fix for the BMW ABS III module for three years now, and still cannot deliver. The II, yes, they're good to go on that.


https://modulemaster.com/rebuilds/shop/brakes/abs-modules/abs-fte-abs3/

[leafman60]

Module Master has been promising a fix for the BMW ABS II module for three years now, and still cannot deliver. The II, yes, they're good to go on that.


https://modulemaster.com/rebuilds/shop/brakes/abs-modules/abs-fte-abs3/

Are they charging $350 for a rebuild now????

[webmost]

Are they charging $350 for a rebuild now????

No, their most recent update they predicted a $750 price for an ABS3 rebuild.
On the other hand, they have been working on this for 3 years now without result...

I'm giving up and yanking my ABS this summer. Make the whole deal manual.

[Kev m]

Grabbing a handful of brake to activate your ABS does nothing to lengthen the life of one of these units so far as I know.

I would second that statement.

I guess Lucian you're wondering if the modules are failing because the hydraulic components are sitting and seizing up from lack of use?

However, if I'm not mistaken don't most ABS units cycle automatically after each startup, at low speed as you ride away. This would move the pistons/seals and fluid in the unit each time.

If that's accurate, then I can't see where actively using it under pressure would really do anything more.

But I'm open to learn on this one. Especially since I just added another ABS bike to the fleet last week.

[canuck750]

I would second that statement.

I guess Lucian you're wondering if the modules are failing because the hydraulic components are sitting and seizing up from lack of use?

However, if I'm not mistaken don't most ABS units cycle automatically after each startup, at low speed as you ride away. This would move the pistons/seals and fluid in the unit each time.

If that's accurate, then I can't see where actively using it under pressure would really do anything more.

But I'm open to learn on this one. Especially since I just added another ABS bike to the fleet last week.

My 2004 R1150RT has ABS and this particular unit is power assist as well. The pump failed about seven years ago but I had an extended warranty that covered the $4000+ cost. The system requires a dealership specific tool to bleed the brakes or work on the system so no DIY allowed.

The pump cycles each time the ignition is turned on and each time the brake is engaged the pump goes through a cycle, annoying sound stopped at a traffic light when the brake lever is depressed. As for performance the brakes are probably the best thing about the RT , I don't care much for the engine performance, wish I had bought a K bike instead at the time.

I have no issues with the ABS since.

[lucian]

Thank you guy's for the replies. He must have the 11 module as he still has working brakes, his latest plan is to shop around for a sticker and run it this summer and send it out for rebuild this winter, if he keeps it that long. I can't imagine why these units costs so much to replace as they certainly don't add that much to the purchase price of these bikes when new.  I guess at the very least it would be wise to refresh the fluid when due. Seems like one way or another your eventually going to pay to play.   

[dee g]

The system requires a dealership specific tool to bleed the brakes or work on the system so no DIY allowed.

That's what Ride West told me, along with a price tag north of $600 to do the work.  A GS911 and this handy tool from Beemer Boneyard http://www.beemerboneyard.com/abs3funnel.html says otherwise.  I do a brake bleed on my 2004 R1200C every two years.  No issues.

[Mike Tashjian]

When I bought my 04 R1150RT I learned to bleed the unit and then replaced all the hoses. Pretty easy once you get into it.  If it fails you can bypass the unit easily with a few fittings. The brake lights will require a relay to activate the lights, but nothing beyond a decent backyard mechanic.  I find them easy to operate and know that I can easily take the unit out if it fails, so no worries here.  The bike is quirky but still a good ride.  BMW dealer prices can make anyone cringe. I researched every aspect of servicing the bike I bought before I decided to purchase it. The bike will never see a dealer as long as I own it.  Mike 

[leafman60]

My 2004 R1150RT has ABS and ... is power assist.  The system requires a dealership specific tool to bleed the brakes or work on the system so no DIY allowed.

No.  The BMW servo brakes that were used from about 2003-2005 are a PITA but they can be serviced (bled) by the owner if the owner wants to go through the drudgery.

.

[Scud]

My R1100RT would cycle every time it rolled under power after starting. There was a chattering noise with every first take-off. After it passed its test, the ABS light on the dash would go out.

I removed the entire ABS system (except for the wiring that's included in the main harness) from my K75s. It had the very first motorcycle ABS system and it had already failed by the time I got the bike. It was a lot of dead weight and excess brake lines. I removed the ABS relay to stop the ABS lights from full-time flashing on the dash.