New bike questions

[3dpano]

Just new 2011, only 40kms on the odo.
1.First thing, I had installed by dealer a hid headlight. When starting the engine, the light comes on, drive off, it goes out with a "lampf" message. Stop, turn off the motor, started it and problem solved. ??? This happened twice.

2.Then on my way back, a yellow warning light with the tire pressure indicator comes on. Stays on no matter what. Pressure ok but no pressure indication on display.

3.Can you trickle charge the battery with the accessory plug? I have a Yuasa battery charger with a red, yellow (charge) and green (storage) lights. The charger does not go on yellow, unless I turn the ignition on and off, then after a minute, the yellow goes out. Is there a timer to that plug? Can I connect directly to battery leads.

thanks
Bob

[marc]

Enjoy your new bike. For questions 1 and 2 I'd take it back to the dealer and bitch. The answer to question 3 is no, you can not use the accessory socket for your charger unless you rewire your socket so it is directly to the battery as some have done; and yes, you can connect the charger directly to the battery. I've a pigtail connected to by battery and connect the charger that way.

There are a few things about the accessory socket you should understand: it is controlled by something BMW calls the ZFE which is german for something like central chassis controller. It will turn off sometime after you turn off the ignition. My book says it may stay connected for up to 15 minutes, but most folks see it turn off after about a minute. Also, the ZFE monitors current flow and will turn off the socket if you exceed about 5 amps of draw. That means you can not use the socket as is for things heated gear.

[3dpano]

thank you, will do. My Vario cases just came in from Germany. going Friday to pick up.

[3dpano]

Just to follow up,

Still have to start twice for the HID lights to stay on. Although, when warm, no problems. Must be a ballast issue. At my first checkup, if problem persists will have the unit replaced.

The tire pressure sensors were not "paired" with the computer after they changed my rims. Problem solved.

[JPB]

Actually you can use the accessory socket for trickle charging with a BMW charger. However, the Canbus switches the socket off about 30 seconds after you turn off the ignition, so you have to connect the charger within that time.

[t6pilot]

It can be used to charge the battery, i'am now using a Optimate 4 dual battery charger purchased from westcobattery.com be sure and order the dual charger along with the correct pigtail. the charger can be plugged in anytime and works with the canbus..

[RCH]

You may want to find out how many watts your HID light is drawing, I believe 55 watts is the maximum for the low beam, then you start getting faults.

[pdxrmccgs]

Supposedly the BMW charger is considered a new generation
"smart" charger and can convince the Can-Bus to allow
a "maintenance" charge after the battery is fully charged. This
has to do with the temperature sensing ability of the charger.

The ZFE (chassis computer) appears to allow some non-BMW chargers to
charge through the Can-Bus but kicks them off-line once the battery
is charged and does not allow "maintenance" charging.

The maintenance charge becomes important as the
GS with Sealed AGM battery has a current drain of about 1 per cent
per day.

People going with "pig tails" and avoiding the Can-Bus do not seem to have
any problems.

[ABrookePeterson]

Is the HID light you installed a 1-Off HID light kit? I installed one and have had several issues. I'd like to compare notes, but won't bother here, if you installed a different brand. Thanks,

[mikec]

Originally Posted by ABrookePeterson

Is the HID light you installed a 1-Off HID light kit? I installed one and have had several issues. I'd like to compare notes, but won't bother here, if you installed a different brand. Thanks,

I sent you a PM.

Mike