oil level

General discussion of the BMW R1200RT/R1250RT
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matgriff
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oil level

Post by matgriff »

Hi, just returned from a 10 day 1600 mile tour of Scotland, first big ride on my 2005 RT since I got it. Two up fully loaded, it performed fantastically for the whole trip.


I noticed on the way back, around 80 miles from home, a little exclamation mark appeared in the dash, next to the BC symbol. I checked the oil level, which was just around half way on the glass, maybe just under. I can't remember exactly what I filled it to when I changed the oil, probably higher than half way, but certainly not to the top of the glass, so it had dropped a bit. I've done around 2200 miles since the oil change, I've added about 300ml and it's back to about 3/4 full.


Two questions.  Is normal for the warning symbol to come on at that level ? and is it about right to use 250-300ml in 2200 miles ?  I've read these engines do use a bit of oil.  It's got around 21K miles on the engine.


Thanks


Mat
ds99
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Re: oil level

Post by ds99 »

I have a 2007 RT (49k on clock) and I also have had the exclamation mark appear with no other warnings. It means the oil is low-ish, but not critically low (if it were you would get the OIL warning)


Looking at other forums other people say it seems to vary when the exclamation mark appears. Mine appeared when it was at the bottom of the sight glass.


I find the boxer/RT engine does use more oil that other bikes I have had. I think that is pretty common. I know when I do a big european trip I have to add a litre of oil every 1,500 miles or so. But each bike seems to be different
Last edited by ds99 on Sun May 05, 2019 5:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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David.
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Re: oil level

Post by David. »

Image

In the Rider's Manual it suggests that the <!> Symbol should appear with "OIL" if the oil level is too low.

Check the oil level at the sight glass, if it's OK, the oil sensor might be defective.

Does the word "OIL" appear with a "Tick" next to it when the engine is up to temperature, running & in neutral.
Last edited by David. on Sat May 04, 2019 4:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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David.
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Re: oil level

Post by David. »

David. wrote:Does the word "OIL" appear with a "Tick" next to it when the engine is up to temperature, running & in neutral.
Image

When "OIL" is selected on the BC, the "Tick" would appear where the --- shows on the dash.
Last edited by David. on Sat May 04, 2019 4:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
matgriff
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Re: oil level

Post by matgriff »

Hi, thanks for the info. Added 300mm of oil which bought it up to 3/4 height in the glass window. Warning's gone away now :-)


Thanks
gogs01
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Re: oil level

Post by gogs01 »

matgriff wrote: Hi, thanks for the info. Added 300mm of oil which bought it up to 3/4 height in the glass window. Warning's gone away now

300mm is almost 12 inches - I'm guessing you added 300ml ?&nbsp; :)
My 4th R1200RT = 2016 (2017 MY) R1200RT LE
simbo
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Re: oil level

Post by simbo »

gogs01 wrote:
300mm is almost 12 inches - I'm guessing you added 300ml ?&nbsp; :)

Or it was in a test tube 😉
The GS 'is' the better bike :-)
gogs01
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Re: oil level

Post by gogs01 »

simbo wrote:
Or it was in a test tube 😉

Could be, could be .....&nbsp; ;D
My 4th R1200RT = 2016 (2017 MY) R1200RT LE
beemerboy9
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Re: oil level

Post by beemerboy9 »

matgriff wrote: Hi, just returned from a 10 day 1600 mile tour of Scotland, first big ride on my 2005 RT since I got it. Two up fully loaded, it performed fantastically for the whole trip.


I noticed on the way back, around 80 miles from home, a little exclamation mark appeared in the dash, next to the BC symbol. I checked the oil level, which was just around half way on the glass, maybe just under. I can't remember exactly what I filled it to when I changed the oil, probably higher than half way, but certainly not to the top of the glass, so it had dropped a bit. I've done around 2200 miles since the oil change, I've added about 300ml and it's back to about 3/4 full.


Two questions.&nbsp; Is normal for the warning symbol to come on at that level ? and is it about right to use 250-300ml in 2200 miles ?&nbsp; I've read these engines do use a bit of oil.&nbsp; It's got around 21K miles on the engine.


Thanks


Mat

I ran a oil/air cooled 2005 RT for 60,000 miles. Ridden solo in the UK it used little oil. Ridden two-up or screaming up and down an Alp, using more engine revs - then the bike used more oil, similar to what you describe. The engine tolerances are relatively loose to allow for different expansion rates between the piston and cylinder.


By contrast, the liquid-cooled RT's use almost no oil between services because the more effective control of cylinder expansion allows for tighter tolerances.
John Bentall
matgriff
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Re: oil level

Post by matgriff »

yes 300ml :-)
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