WOW and Scary!

 

Why is it scary to you? It's a warranty issue and it's going to be resolved, nothing frightening about that.

 

From their perspective an engine replacement will probably be quicker as getting to the rear seal is a lot of work and then its all got to go back together. There are a few videos on line showing how much needs to be taken off to get to it. Not an ideal situation for you but at least they didn't argue over it.

 

Downer!!

I'm unaware of the consumer rights in Aus, but as the bike is only a few months old, I'm pretty sure that here in the UK you are able to reject the bike, and request a full refund, or a brand new replacement. You do not have to accept a repair.

That would be my preferred option, as if your motor is swapped out, your 'new' bike will then be showing a different engine number to original, which will hurt it's value.

Obviously it's your personal call/decision on how you handle this unfortunate issue......I'm just offering the 'Heads-Up' fella.

 

I recently took my R12S (picked up new in April 2025) for its run in service at 700kms, pointing out that the only issue was an oil weep from I’m not sure where, but enough to leave a smell of burning oil, a dribbly stain whenever parked and smoking after a decent ride…..as it was when I turned up at the service centre.

At the service manager’s suggestion I left the bike with them hoping for an overnight turnaround only to receive a call later in the day advising that the problem had been traced to a seal at the rear of the engine, with a warranty claim to be lodged with BMW, who have since approved a full engine replacement under warranty.

The service rep explained that they could replace the seal instead, but that would be a big job in itself and they could not guarantee no problems in the future. I am awaiting a written report once a number of floating issues are sorted, but think that a full engine replacement is probably the sensible way ahead. The devil will of course be in the detail.

I am flabbergasted to say the least, having enjoyed 45 years riding all types of Beemers (the R12S is the 8th boxer I’ve owned, all but 2 from new) with few unexpected problems along the way. Can’t say the same about my experience with Ducatis and Aprilias which have left me stranded a long way from home from time to time, but BMW reliability has been a strong feature of my motorcycling experience

This is definitely a first for me. Haven’t quite processed how I feel about my experience, but thought it worth sharing with the wider R12NineT community at this early stage.

Thanks for sharing,it will be interesting to see if I (or others)have the same issue.Just coming up to 700km on mine issues so far have been electronic.

 

Sounds like excellent news for you as the bike owner - old, defective engine taken out and a complete new factory unit installed. Far better outcome for you than some 'technician' on the clock, battling to take the old engine apart and insert new parts in a non-sterile environment. Having witnessed the variable skills and quality standards to be found in some dealers workshops - a new factory crated engine sounds like you have 'won a watch'! Deep breathe, smile and you will soon be back on the road enjoying your 'new' bike.

 

HI, I once had a part frame off my R 1200 RS replaced under a 2 year cover for secondhand bikes due to rust showing through. I have always found BMW in the UK to be fair.
using my local dealer Vertu (Allan Jeffries)

 

I recently took my R12S (picked up new in April 2025) for its run in service at 700kms, pointing out that the only issue was an oil weep from I’m not sure where, but enough to leave a smell of burning oil, a dribbly stain whenever parked and smoking after a decent ride…..as it was when I turned up at the service centre.

At the service manager’s suggestion I left the bike with them hoping for an overnight turnaround only to receive a call later in the day advising that the problem had been traced to a seal at the rear of the engine, with a warranty claim to be lodged with BMW, who have since approved a full engine replacement under warranty.

The service rep explained that they could replace the seal instead, but that would be a big job in itself and they could not guarantee no problems in the future. I am awaiting a written report once a number of floating issues are sorted, but think that a full engine replacement is probably the sensible way ahead. The devil will of course be in the detail.

I am flabbergasted to say the least, having enjoyed 45 years riding all types of Beemers (the R12S is the 8th boxer I’ve owned, all but 2 from new) with few unexpected problems along the way. Can’t say the same about my experience with Ducatis and Aprilias which have left me stranded a long way from home from time to time, but BMW reliability has been a strong feature of my motorcycling experience

This is definitely a first for me. Haven’t quite processed how I feel about my experience, but thought it worth sharing with the wider R12NineT community at this early stage.

Picked up my new R12 nineT last year and did exactly what I have done with my previous Boxers (all Adventures). In to my local BM service guru (not dealer) for all fluids and inspections at 250ks, over and above any future booked Dealer Service. Never had any issues, but interesting to hear your comments. Makes you wonder that in the Western World the cost of labour (let alone well qualified service techs) is now so much that it’s cheaper for dealer/manufacturer to just replace the whole engine. That appears to be a common trend …

 

If you can, I recommend to exchange the whole bike immediately.

I came to ride a R nine T Scrambler via an R18, that I bought here in Switzerland in 2021. It had an early issue with gearbox and something else in the engine (I forgot).
The BMW service replaced the whole engine and gearbox. After this, the engine did screaming sounds in certain situations. So they replaced the gearbox two more times, result same.
Finally they said it’s very difficult to repair and, more important, the BMW headquarters withdrew their consent for further investigation. After all, they wanted to SELL me another bike. No exchange options available. 500 Francs “for my inconvenience”, after the bike had spent more than 3 month in the repair shop only because of this 🙄

So if You have any option to exchange the whole bike, I recommend to go for it.
Once they started working on it and it doesn’t get better, the BMW headquarters easily get quite stingy.

Good luck to you anyway 👍🏻

 

I recently took my R12S (picked up new in April 2025) for its run in service at 700kms, pointing out that the only issue was an oil weep from I’m not sure where, but enough to leave a smell of burning oil, a dribbly stain whenever parked and smoking after a decent ride…..as it was when I turned up at the service centre.

At the service manager’s suggestion I left the bike with them hoping for an overnight turnaround only to receive a call later in the day advising that the problem had been traced to a seal at the rear of the engine, with a warranty claim to be lodged with BMW, who have since approved a full engine replacement under warranty.

The service rep explained that they could replace the seal instead, but that would be a big job in itself and they could not guarantee no problems in the future. I am awaiting a written report once a number of floating issues are sorted, but think that a full engine replacement is probably the sensible way ahead. The devil will of course be in the detail.

I am flabbergasted to say the least, having enjoyed 45 years riding all types of Beemers (the R12S is the 8th boxer I’ve owned, all but 2 from new) with few unexpected problems along the way. Can’t say the same about my experience with Ducatis and Aprilias which have left me stranded a long way from home from time to time, but BMW reliability has been a strong feature of my motorcycling experience

This is definitely a first for me. Haven’t quite processed how I feel about my experience, but thought it worth sharing with the wider R12NineT community at this early stage.

Personally I would challenge and demand replacement bike. Two months old and engine replacement disturbing every single harness, hose, connection?? No Way!!

 

Just get their best mechanic to do the job and ride the hell out of the bike and don't worry about it. Seriously...

g-

 

I just replaced the clutch, and that is just one step before replacing the seal. The time consuming part is splitting the bike, plus to replace the engine you have to take off the front frame also. So it's probably labor hours, which BMW would be paying under warranty, it probably more about if there are issues and they have to go in again or perhaps how BMW reimburses the dealers for an engine replacement vs replacing the seal

 

I have yet to receive any written advice regarding the full extent of the repairs under warranty, except that it involves a complete engine replacement - expected arrival from Germany some time in the next few weeks.

It seems that BMW locally are reluctant to put anything in writing until they are certain of the parts list, once the work is actually completed. A major consideration cited for the engine versus seal replacement is the possibility of further issues with the existing engine later on. Like I said, this is all new to me, but I shall share the detail as soon as it comes to hand.

in the meantime, I’m enjoying the F900R they have provided until the R12S is back. A really fun, nimble, easy to ride bike.

 

Thanks for the update @JohnnyinOz

Yup the F900R is a fun bike for sure!

 

Where did you buy the bike?

 

I’m in Sydney, so locals will be well aware of the limited range of possible dealerships. I’ve dealt with all of them over the years. Definitely a mixed bag, but that’s a topic for another thread…..

This had nothing to do with the dealer though. Just bad luck for me and hopefully of some interest to others that it has occurred and how it is dealt with.

So far the service manager has been on the ball and up front with me on progress, so watch this space…..

 

Good luck fella.

 

I’m in Sydney too mate, I used to use Worthington in Kariong, they had a very good mechanical team. Unfortunately one passed away but another very good guy from there has started his own shop in Morriset and looks after mine very well.
Very tough finding a good dealer in Sydney. Or mechanic for that matter..
Keep us posted, happy to offer any help I can.
Personally I’d also try for a full replacement given the age. A friend of mine had a BMW X7 with an engine issue within the first 6 months, they had to push, BWM wanted to replace the engine, but they successfully got a full refund.

 

All's well that ends well.....after 6 weeks of delay in sorting this out, BMW Customer Care finally relented and agreed that the best solution in the circumstances was to provide me with a brand new replacement to the damaged R12S instead of replacing the engine.

I am delighted to report that I took delivery of my new R12S yesterday. I waited to report this result until I had actually taken delivery of the the new bike.

I can honestly say this would not have happened without the support of the BMW Dealership involved. The service manager in particular had my back the whole time and along with the sales staff and management who were collectively responsible for this happy ending. Sure, I may be a good customer (6 new bikes over the last 21 years from this Dealership), however the entire crew has changed over the years so all new relationships here for me with the purchase of the R12S.

BMW Customer Care, on the other hand, baulked at replacing the bike, offering instead to provide a $500 voucher along with a gratis 3 year service deal (which I had already purchased anyway!!) to compensate me for the inconvenience of the warranty claim on the replacement engine.

I stuck to my guns from the outset and the matter was escalated up the line but BMW Customer Care wouldn't budge and long story short I thought I was stuck with a new engine, however the day after BMW Customer Care advised of their decision I received a call from the manager at the Dealership assuring me that I would definitely be getting a new bike, on its way for delivery within a week.

BTW, for the local members on this Forum, the Dealership in question is Worthingtons at Kariong.

Needless to say I could not be happier with this outcome and can't thank them enough for their support and decency from the outset.

I thoroughly enjoyed the ride home from the dealership and swear that this bike feels better all round compared the last one. Can't quite put my finger on exactly why.....

Thanks to all for your comments and advice on this one and happy to be sharing the glow at the end.

 

Absolutely brilliant news to hear! Great to hear about Worthington's, they are the only dealer I'd buy a new bike from and it's great to hear the service team are still looking out for their customers. As I mentioned in my last post, the only reason I didn't use them for the last service is I followed the mechanic that used to work there who really did a great job! That's not to say at all that the new team won't be just as good, I've just not used them yet.

Enjoy in good health! I'd love to see some pictures of the new bike posted here. Take care mate, great outcome!!!! Well done.

 

Great news indeed @JohnnyinOz ........super pleased to hear a fellow forum member has been treated right and fairly by BMW.

The outcome is also a fantastic advert for your dealer, Worthington's. It's only fair to repay their involvement by shouting their praise from the (virtual) rooftops as loudly as you can.

Congrats again fella.