K1300 GT Oil Level Warning

[Nin]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster!

I have a 2009 K1300GT.  It’s had a full BMW service history up to the point I got it last year. So will have had all the recalls done (none are showing as outstanding) so I assume it’s also had the stalling software upgrade done too.

That’s relevant because of the link to the problem I’m seeing - which is the ‘<!>’ Oil warning I’m getting on the dash.  Some suggest it’s a software glitch linked to the upgrade.  GS911 reports a fault with oil level, possibly over filled.

Obvs I’ve checked oil level using the dipstick and correct method for dry sump bike - it’s bang on the ‘Max’ line.

Question is, has anyone found a fix?  I read of multiple bespoke software updates still not fixing it, and tbh I can live with it.

All advice welcome!


Nin

[raesewell]

The "Hot Start" was not software problem.

[richtea]

Welcome Nin.

The 'hot start' (aka stalling) fix is a physical one - it's an extra loom to help deliver more current from the battery.

The oil level is measured when the engine is hot and the bike is on the centre / held vertically.
If you looked at it whilst cold and/or on the side stand it may well be too high when the engine gets hot.

[Nin]

Thanks for your replies, I got my hot starts and stalling mixed up in the first post - now corrected.

Anyway - I understood the stalling issue was resolved by a software update.

I’ve read that software update causes the oil level sensor to give a false <!> ‘Oil level’ warning.

I’m getting that warning.

The oil level is spot on the ‘Max’ point in the dipstick, when measured as per the owners manual. (Hot bike, on centre stand, dipstick screwed out and resting on threads).

Is there a known fix to stop this false error?

I’m guessing not …

[richtea]

Ah, good.

A suggestion from the rider manual:

Possible cause:
The oil sensor might be defective if the "Check oil level" message appears even though a check of the oil sight glass shows that the oil level is correct. Seek the advice of a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

I'm not sure the GS-911 would report that - but you would hope so, and yours hasn't.

[GlynH]

Well I’ve never had anything other than the normal OK for oil when coming to a standstill at traffic lights for example.

The GS911 should enable you to see the I-Level version of the bike and also that of the various modules so you can check to see if any software might deviate from factory?

In my case the GS911 returns the following;

I-Level factory
K024-10-02-550

I-Level previous
K024-10-02-550

I-Level actual
K024-10-02-550

Showing it has never been updated despite being purchased and having every recall & service carried out by the same dealer on schedule. Well apart from the latest one that was due last week!

I understand in most cases BMW Dealers won’t update anything unless specifically instructed to by BMW Motorrad themselves and can be unhelpful with software queries.

A year ago when I enquired with this same dealer about having my new to me K13GT software updated I was asked if it started and ran. When I answered yes they sarcastically replied ‘Well it has the latest software on it then.”

When I pushed further I was told that it could not/would not be updated.

A day or so later when a friend of mine who is a valued customer to this same dealer asked the same question on my behalf he was told “As long as he (me) signs a disclaimer that if anything goes wrong then he accepts any and all responsibility then we will charge him £35 for the privilege.”

No prizes for guessing why it didn’t go back to this dealer last week for its annual service…

-=Glyn=-

[Nin]

Yep, same as yours (as in, it hasn’t been updated)

Factory - K024-09-02-500
Actual - K024-09-02-500