I-ABS parts questions for the forum.

416 Views 9 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Mike in Meadow Flat, 9 d ago

Mike in Meadow Flat

Discussion Starter · 14 d ago

So, I removed my I-ABS module on my 2004 K1200RS (manufacture date - 2004-02-05) when the rear ABS circuit failed. I'm pretty happy with the results - great stopping ability, no flashy lights, etc. I now find that I will be visiting the States in July and figured, "What the hey, if I can find a good I-ABS unit there, I’ll buy it, have it shipped to the relatives, and bring it back with me." (Used ABS units appear to be more plentiful and less expensive in the U.S. than in Oz and restoring the ABS was always in the cards, anyway.)

When checking BMW part numbers, I'm getting three different numbers for the module. The part number on my failed module is 34.51.7.664.365. The part numbers I'm seeing on the microfiche records in Oz is 34.51.7.685.801 and 34.51.7.728.060 in America. What's the difference in the three?

To confuse the issue even more, I'm seeing I-ABS units on eBay from 2003 K1200RS bikes with the same part number as my the one that was on my 2004 K1200RS. When I search for the microfiche for the part number for the I-ABS for a '03 K12RS, I get the same part number for an '04 K12RS, 34.51.7.728.060. I'm totally confused. To sum it all up:

My Australian '04 K1200RS bike’s I-ABS part number is 34.51.7.664.365.
'03 K1200RS I-ABS units advertised on eBay in the U.S. have the same part number (34.51.7.664.365).
Microfiche records in Oz list the part number as 34.51.7.685.801.
Microfiche records in the U.S. list the part number as 34.51.7.728.060 for '03 and '04 K1200RS bikes.

I'm beginning to think all of the units are the same but with different part numbers. Is this a good assumption? Can anyone make sense of this?

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sailor

· #2 · 14 d ago (Edited)

Mike in Meadow Flat said:
....
......
My Australian '04 K1200RS bike’s I-ABS part number is 34.51.7.664.365.

'03 K1200RS I-ABS units advertised on eBay in the U.S. have the same part number (34.51.7.664.365).

Microfiche records in Oz list the part number as 34.51.7.685.801.

Microfiche records in the U.S. list the part number as 34.51.7.728.060 for '03 and '04 K1200RS bikes.

I'm beginning to think all of the units are the same but with different part numbers. Is this a good assumption? Can anyone make sense of this?

Mike,
For most countries except USA , BMW began implementing the I-ABS system in various models starting in 2001. In USA it was only starting with 2002 models (although the production date at factory was sometimes mid 2001). Most R1150 boxer models also got their own implementation installed horizontally under fuel tank (instead of vertically like we have in K1200RS-GT).

As time went by, until end of production for K1200RS , K1200GT and K1200LT , FTE the OEM supplier of these I-ABS modulator did various improvements and design changes. Some changes are externally visible , others are inside the embedded software.

Each revision caused a number change (the FTE numbers on top of the unit). For a given BMW models, in 99% cases the various FTE units are compatible as far as installation is concerned. Of course you CANNOT take a unit from a Boxer models and install it in your K1200RS-GT

Any FTE unit from a K1200RS (2001-2005) or from a K1200GT (2003-2005) will work in your case. By far it is preferable to have a later unit as they have implemented what BMW refer to as “Energy Conservation Measures”. In these later units , starting late 2002 based on a Service-Bulletin, the software will shut down the rear brake pump when a certain pressure is reached – this only applied when parked at a stop light. This will minimize wear on the unit when only the rear brake pedal is used in these conditions.

See photo below for sticker on top of unit installed on K1200RS and K1200GT from 2003 to 2004. You may also find compatible units with number ending with "0036" to "0039". In addition to the FTE number starting with "S2AB9003" you need to pay attention to the model / type engraved in metal located in bottom corner (as circled Yellow in photo below). In general , BMW will only post the later models in their parts fiche and will supersede earlier units to this new part number (when it is compatible).

Note that later FTE units used on the so-called "slant-4" engine (K1200S, K1200GT , K1300GT) are not compatible as BMW implemented CANBUS system on these starting in 2005.

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Mike in Meadow Flat

Discussion Starter · #3 · 14 d ago

Thanks, Sailor. That helps a lot. I know what to look for, now.

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sailor

· #4 · 14 d ago (Edited)

Mike in Meadow Flat said:
Thanks, Sailor. That helps a lot. I know what to look for, now.

Mike,
If your K1200RS was a 2004, your FTE ABS modulator was probably marked on white sticker as "S2AB90038". Based on following various BMW forums for 20 years AND ALSO sales of old units on EBAY, by best guess is that all these 3 will have the "Energy conservation mode" implemented: S2AB90037 , S2AB90038, S2AB90039.

QUESTION: Do you recall having this feature on rear brake pedal on yours when stopped ? Many riders will NOT notice it when the engine is running, but it is easy to notice it on center stand (with ignition ON) before starting the engine.

The lower / earlier FTE number that I recall seeing on K1200RS (for 2001-2002 models) is "S2AB90036". I am quite sure these do not have the "Energy conservation mode". In addition these earlier units are easy to spot visually as the pressure modulator housing (center part) is made of die-cast material instead of extruded alu in later units. This design change was documented by BMW in one of their Service-Bulletin of 2003.

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Mike in Meadow Flat

Discussion Starter · #5 · 13 d ago

Sailor,
I think it had that feature. The pump did stop when I pressed the rear brake for an extended period of time. Funny, the rear circuit on mine was the circuit that failed. I was hoping at one time that the problem was a failed mosfet on the circuit board but when I looked inside the ABS ECU, there was no visible signs of failure. (I know that not all IC failures are visible but a visible inspection was the limit of what I could do without a circuit diagram.)

I'll check tonight when I get home to see what S2ABXXXXX number I have. Hoping it's a 37, 38, or 39. Since I have a May 5, 2004 build date, that's the ones I'll be looking for.

Thanks again for your help.

Mike

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Mike in Meadow Flat

Discussion Starter · #6 · 13 d ago

Double post omitted.

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sailor

· #7 · 13 d ago

Mike in Meadow Flat said:
Sailor,
I think it had that feature. The pump did stop when I pressed the rear brake for an extended period of time. Funny, the rear circuit on mine was the circuit that failed. I was hoping at one time that the problem was a failed mosfet on the circuit board but when I looked inside the ABS ECU, there was no visible signs of failure. (I know that not all IC failures are visible but a visible inspection was the limit of what I could do without a circuit diagram.)

I'll check tonight when I get home to see what S2ABXXXXX number I have. Hoping it's a 37, 38, or 39. Since I have a May 5, 2004 build date, that's the ones I'll be looking for.

Thanks again for your help.

Mike

Mike,
To make sure I made myself very clear... I did modify my earlier post to mark in BOLD this sentence:
In addition to the FTE number starting with "S2AB9003" you need to pay attention to the model / type engraved in metal located in bottom corner (as circled Yellow in photo below).

This could be confusing as the same series of "S2AB9xxxx" have been used by FTE on various modulators of same period for other BMW models, so it is important to ALSO check the engraving in metal at bottom of cover. Four our K1200RS or K1200GT having "brick-engine", you may also find some later units ending with "0039" marked as "K41" at the bottom corner of cover. At BMW the "K41" his is a more generic type to refer to 2nd generation K1200RS and also to the derived K1200GT as produced between 2003-2005.

I would guess that a few readers here have seen this "K41" reference in BMW parts fiche and / or technical documentation.

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Mike in Meadow Flat

Discussion Starter · #8 · 13 d ago

Thanks, Sailor. I'll keep that in mind while looking for a replacement ABS unit.

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cobbler

· #9 · 10 d ago

If you replace the ABS pump you’ll just be back in the same boat again. Best to just leave it alone and don’t look back. My rear circuit went out twice and now I’m on a straight hydraulic system. Front works fine through the ABS II system and rear works fine. I’m not going back ever, just a huge PITA to be honest.

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Mike in Meadow Flat

Discussion Starter · #10 · 9 d ago

cobbler said:
If you replace the ABS pump you’ll just be back in the same boat again. Best to just leave it alone and don’t look back. My rear circuit went out twice and now I’m on a straight hydraulic system. Front works fine through the ABS II system and rear works fine. I’m not going back ever, just a huge PITA to be honest.

Yeah, I know. I'm really happy with the results of removing the entire ABS system from the K12RS but I tend to keep things forever - long past finding replacement parts so I stock-pile things even if I don't use them. I know, I know, it makes no sense but, hey, that's me. I've got complete brake systems, tail light assemblies, and other parts for my '86 Fieros as well as NOS points, condensors for the old KZ650. And don't get me started on the Sportster....

My son is going to have a heck of a garage sale when I fall off the perch. 😉

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