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Went to change the oil & filter at the weekend to find that I need a 'special' BMW filter tool to remove the filter

Does it have to be the BMW tool or will any standard cup type wrench do the trick? If so, any recommendations on source and what size and number of flutes do I need. Sorry but I don't have the filter with me at the mo

Also, what allen key head size is the gearbox drain plug??

Oh! and another thing.......when changing to a 'Y' piece, I assume its good practice to change the header to 'Y' piece gaskets or is it OK to use the existing??

Ta

Not sure about the oil filter tool as I have got a BMW one.
The gearbox drain plug is a 14mm allen. I had loads of trouble getting one, but eventually got a socket type one from a motor factors. I then had to make a bent 3/8 drive extension bar to get it into the plug. I put 75/90 synthetic oil in both gearboxes and can not believe the difference. My bike had 3000 miles on it and the wifes 25000 miles at the time.
I used the original gaskets with the Y pieces on both bikes (as I did not have any new ones) and they have not leaked in 2 years,

Thanks Madman

Have since done a search on the site and found all the info I need for filter and drain plugs. Why didn't I just do that before.....

Less info on exhaust gaskets although not much mention of new ones so assume use existing. There is one superb thread from mid 2006 involving Plus-gas, blow torches, dremmels, adjustable tw*tting implements, broken header studs, drills, helicoils, replacement cylinder heads, etc etc, couldn't help but smile as Turboferret got into deeper and deeper water. Turned out alright in the end though.

I checked the restraining bolts holding headers to cat at the weekend and they loosened quite nicely, so hope the gaskets will be in good nick too. Bellypan has keep the bottom of the pretty clean so very little corrision of bolts etc.

Think the oil filter is 68mm.....but you look to have found that out already.

I reused the downpipe - cat gaskets but supplemented them with a bit of Holts Firegum just to fill in any gaps. you can pick that up at just about any motor factors, Halfrauds, etc. It's also useful around the y-piece-to-cans connection in conjunction with the tin/copper of your choice.

Right then, having done an extensive search of the site I now know I need a oil filter tool with a diameter 68/74/76 mm diameter with 14 sides

Having measured the filter itself, I have decided that 76mm seems to be the closest and have bought one via fleabay. Fingers crossed

I never knew changing the oil could be so entertaining! (and expensive)

Indeed, it was a bit of a case of things getting progressively worse with the catectomy

Regarding the oil-filter tool - as afar as I can recall, they are only about a fiver, and your BMW stealership should hold them in stock.

I would have though that the clearance around the filter may mean that a socket wouldn't be able to fit into the space in the sump to grip the filter, but I may be wrong

Assuming that you don’t horribly mangle your exhaust gaskets while wrestling your cat out, they should be fine for re-using.

Having said that, I made a real mess of one of mine, but hammered it back into some semblance of normality, and re-used, as I didn’t have any spares to hand. It blows a tiny amount, which I may get round to rectifying, probably at the same time as rectifying the snapped exhaust header bolt

Considering that I’m in Brazil for the foreseeable future, that won’t be very soon

Best of luck though, Rich

turboferret wrote:Indeed, it was a bit of a case of things getting progressively worse with the catectomy

Regarding the oil-filter tool - as afar as I can recall, they are only about a fiver, and your BMW stealership should hold them in stock.

I would have though that the clearance around the filter may mean that a socket wouldn't be able to fit into the space in the sump to grip the filter, but I may be wrong

Assuming that you don’t horribly mangle your exhaust gaskets while wrestling your cat out, they should be fine for re-using.

Having said that, I made a real mess of one of mine, but hammered it back into some semblance of normality, and re-used, as I didn’t have any spares to hand. It blows a tiny amount, which I may get round to rectifying, probably at the same time as rectifying the snapped exhaust header bolt

Considering that I’m in Brazil for the foreseeable future, that won’t be very soon

Best of luck though, Rich

Cheers Rich

Good to know your still with us. Hows Brazil?

Brazil is hot and humid, although at the moment it's unseasonably cool and damp, which makes it a good bit more pleasant for the likes of me

One thing which is rather crazy is the price of motorbikes - new they cost more than double of the UK, mainly through import taxes being 100% on items already produced in the country.

Therefore you can buy a crappy 125 single trail bike type thing for what you would expect, but anything more exciting is way beyond most peoples means. BMW R1200 GS is the equivalent of about £25k

As such, I'll be sticking to the mountain bike that I brought out with me, and hope that the R1100S starts when I get back

Cheers, Rich

I am not sure if this helps, but I use a filter "claw" on my bikes and cars. There is a (very anal) review of the filter removers HERE. I just think it would be better to get a non specialised tool which can be used for a lot of other vehicles.

Turbo, We would gladly turn the motor over for you and keep it the way t oughtta, unitl you get back