BMW Recalls 4,453 Motorcycles and Scooters for Side Stand Switch Problem

BMW has initiated a recall on several motorcycle and scooter models because of a problem with the side stand switches failing in wet conditions. The recall affects 4,453 vehicles from the 2013 model year including the C600 Sport and C650GT scooters, F700GS, F800GS, F800GS Adventure, F800GT, R1200R and R1200GS.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, water may enter the side stand switch on affected vehicles from riding in wet conditions or even from vigorous washing. The water may cause the side stand switch to malfunction, preventing the engine from starting or shutting the engine off while running.

BMW attributes a  side stand switch supplier Toyo Jianng Tsang Electric Co., of Taiwan that was not produced to the proper specifications, allowing water to enter the switch.

The problem was first reported in July 2013 during a BMW internal durability test of the C600 Sport. BMW says the test vehicle’s engine shut off during operation. BMW conducted an investigation and alerted Toyo Jiann Tsang about a possible problem. The supplier analyzed its records and determined the problem was caused by a tooling change resulting in switch housings that were not produced to the proper specifications.

The test vehicle that first experienced the problem had accumulated about 9,525 miles and had undergone several washing cycles. From July to December 2013, BMW discovered two other internal cases involving switches malfunctioning after washing. An investigation concluded in January 2014 that all side stand switches built to the incorrect specification can allow water to enter the switch, creating the malfunction. No reports of similar issues were ever reported by consumers.

BMW dealers will replace the side stand switches on affected units with a new component that was produced to the proper specifications.

The recall affects:

In the case of the F800GS and F700GS, this is the second recall related to the side stand switches. A separate recall announced in July 2013 about a problem with the ignition cut-off switch disconnecting from the stand.

[Source: NHTSA]

By Dennis Chung