BMW R 1200 GS (EURO 4) Maintenance Guide: 2016 – 2018 (Model 0A51)
The 2016-2018 BMW R 1200 GS, specifically the 0A51 model variant, represents the pinnacle of the liquid-cooled “Water Boxer” evolution before the transition to the 1250 ShiftCam engine. These Euro 4 compliant machines are renowned for their reliability, but maintaining that “Unstoppable” reputation requires diligent servicing. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the maintenance tasks required to keep your GS performing at its peak.
1. Maintenance Schedule & Intervals
BMW recommends a service every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or once a year, whichever comes first. For heavy off-road use, these intervals should be halved.
| Component | Interval (Miles) | Interval (KM) | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil & Filter | 6,000 | 10,000 | Replace |
| Air Filter | 12,000 | 20,000 | Replace (More often if dusty) |
| Spark Plugs | 12,000 | 20,000 | Replace |
| Valve Clearance | 12,000 | 20,000 | Check / Adjust |
| Final Drive Oil | 12,000 | 20,000 | Replace (Every 2 years) | Annually | Annually | Flush/Replace |
2. Engine Oil and Filter Service
The 0A51 engine uses a semi-dry sump system. Proper oil level is critical for the wet clutch operation and engine cooling.
Required Parts:
- 4.0 Liters of SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Oil (API SL / JASO MA2)
- BMW Oil Filter (Part No: 11 42 7 721 271)
- Crush Washer (M16)
Step-by-Step:
- Warm the Engine: Run the bike for 5 minutes to thin the oil.
- Drain Oil: Place the bike on the center stand. Remove the 15mm drain plug located at the bottom of the engine.
- Remove Filter: Use an 80mm 16-flute oil filter wrench to remove the filter. Be prepared for some spillage onto the exhaust.
- Install New Filter: Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter with clean oil and hand-tighten (approx. 11 Nm).
- Refill: Replace the drain plug with a new crush washer (Torque: 42 Nm). Pour in 3.8 liters initially, then check the sight glass. The level should be at the top of the red circle when warm.
3. Air Filter Replacement
The air intake on the 2016-2018 GS is located high up, but the filter still traps significant debris. Accessing it requires removing the center tank cover.
Procedure:
- Remove the seats.
- Unscrew the silver side panels and the center plastic tank cover (Torx T25).
- The airbox lid is held by four screws. Remove them and lift the lid.
- Slide out the old pleated paper filter and vacuum any debris from the airbox.
- Install the new filter, ensuring the rubber seal is seated perfectly.
4. Final Drive (Rear Wheel Drive) Service
Unlike earlier models, the LC (Liquid Cooled) GS final drive has a drain plug at the bottom (6 o’clock position) and a fill plug at the back (9 o’clock position). This makes the service much easier.
Oil Type: SAF-XO or 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (GL-5).
Procedure:
- Remove the rear wheel (requires T50 Torx).
- Place a pan under the final drive and remove the bottom drain plug.
- Clean the magnetic drain plug. Metallic “fuzz” is normal; chunks are a sign of bearing failure.
- Replace the drain plug (20 Nm).
- Remove the fill plug and use a syringe to inject 180ml of gear oil.
- Reinstall the fill plug (20 Nm) and the rear wheel (60 Nm).
5. Valve Clearance & Spark Plugs
The 0A51 engine uses a DOHC (Double Over Head Cam) system with shims under rockers. While checking is straightforward, adjusting requires removing the camshafts.
Valve Clearance Specs (Cold Engine):
- Intake: 0.10 mm to 0.17 mm
- Exhaust: 0.34 mm to 0.41 mm
Spark Plugs:
The bike uses two NGK LMAR8D-J plugs. Access requires removing the plastic cylinder head covers. Use a thin-walled 14mm spark plug socket. Torque to 12 Nm.
6. Brake System & Fluid
The 2016-2018 GS features Brembo radial calipers and BMW’s ABS Pro (cornering ABS). The fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs water) and must be changed annually to prevent ABS pump failure.
- Front Pads: Check thickness; replace if under 1.0mm.
- Rear Pads: These wear faster on the GS due to the linked braking system.
- Fluid: Use only DOT 4 brake fluid.
To properly flush the ABS modulator, a diagnostic tool like a GS-911 or OBDLink LX with MotoScan is recommended to cycle the internal valves.
7. Cooling System Maintenance
The “Water Boxer” is actually 65% air-cooled and 35% liquid-cooled. The radiators are located behind the side shrouds.
- Check Level: The expansion tank is located on the right side, behind the frame rail.
- Type: Use a Nitrite-free ethylene glycol-based coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
- Inspection: Check the “weep hole” on the bottom of the water pump (left side of the engine). A small amount of blue crust is normal; active dripping requires a pump replacement.
8. Critical Torque Specifications
Proper torquing is essential on the GS to prevent bolts from vibrating loose or stripping the aluminum threads.
| Fastener | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| Engine Oil Drain Plug (M16) | 42 Nm |
| Oil Filter | 11 Nm |
| Rear Wheel Lug Bolts | 60 Nm |
| Front Brake Caliper Bolts | 38 Nm |
| Final Drive Drain/Fill Plugs | 20 Nm |
| Spark Plugs | 12 Nm |
| Cylinder Head Cover Bolts | 10 Nm |
9. Essential Tools for the 0A51
To perform your own maintenance on the 2016-2018 R 1200 GS, you will need more than a basic wrench set. BMW uses Torx fasteners almost exclusively.
- Torx Set: T20, T25, T30, T40, T45, T50.
- Hex Bits: 5mm, 8mm (for front axle).
- Oil Filter Wrench: 80mm, 16-flute.
- Coil Puller: Specific for LC models.
- Diagnostic Tool: GS-911 or MotoScan App (to reset service reminders).
- Torque Wrench: One for low range (5-30 Nm) and one for high range (30-100 Nm).