Anyone Using BMW's fuel additive?

[Bonwit]

Anyone using BMW’s “Fuel System Cleaner Plus”? Talking to the dealer’s service manager the other day, he told me that BMW wants a dose added as part of the make-ready of my 2017 RTW. He said it had to do with providing some protection to the fuel pump (lubrication?). He also recommended adding this cleaner at the regular service interval. As a side note, he mentioned that his BMW regional rep considers the use of this additive when deciding warranty claims regarding the fuel pump (I wasn’t real clear on this point, but I was given the impression it was a big deal).


Contrasting this, nowhere in the manual do I see any mention of the use of this product. I’m sure its not a bad idea to run the stuff every few thousand miles, but he put much more emphasis on its importance.


I bought a bottle, and plan on using it, but I’m wondering if anyone has any insight on the importance of its use, specifically regarding the long-term health of the fuel pump. . . or is this just more dealership B.S.

[Casbar]

Never added it on my 2014, only 9k so far, but should be nearer 12k in a couple of weeks. How would they know if you add fuel additive? If the fuel pump breaks not sure what fuel additive would have to do with it, haven't heard of fuel pumps being a major failure item. Sounds like marketing BS to me  8)

[timminator]

When I bought my 2016 RT, they handed me a bottle of BMW brand Injector cleaner and said to use it at 3000 miles.  The salesman handed it to me, but the guys in the service department swear by a different product called K100.  Hard to say how much benefit, if any, these things offer.  I run a measured amount through my bike every few thousand miles.  I figure it can't hurt.[/size]

[David.]

If it improves the fuel consumption, then yes it may be worth using.

[guest2360]

All sales hype.  None of its recommended anywhere in any service schedule on a BMW bike.  It's car stuff. Ask them to show you something in writing.

[David.]

Petrol cars & bikes use the same fuel and both have internal combustion engines.

[guest2360]

Yes but where does it say in any RT. handbook that fuel additives is a good idea.  In fact I think I remember the opposite. It's all a waste of money that is best used to,purchase OEM service parts.

[David.]

Using a fuel additive may indeed save service costs down the line.

[guest2360]

Using a fuel additive may indeed save service costs down the line.
[/quote


Where have you seen that.

[Levisp]

Isn't premium fuels such as BP Ultimate fuel meant to do this.

[Casbar]

Using a fuel additive may indeed save service costs down the line.

Says who? Where is the evidence. I'd use additives if they were proven to work. Nobody in BMW has ever mentioned that I should use them.

[David.]

Direct from BMW, TIS Technical Bulletin #13 05 06:

"If the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is unavailable, we recommend BMW Group Fuel System Cleaner Plus (PN 82 14 0 413 341) be added to the gas tank."

Problems with carbon build up in the exhaust systems contributing to the exhaust control valve seizing up have been reported on this forum.

Together with fuel guage/strip failures.

The BMW FSCP claims to help protect against these issues and others.
Although motorcycles in the UK are not subject to emission tests at MOT's, (don't know about the rest of the world.)
I've see FSC's used to effect to get a car through an MOT emissions test.
FSC's claim to keep the fuel & exhaust systems sweet.

[Casbar]

What is top tier fuel then, is that super unleaded? So if you use that, do you not deed additives?

[guest2360]

What is top tier fuel then, is that super unleaded? So if you use that, do you not deed additives?
[/quote


It relevant if you live the other side of the pond, not Europe. And anyway my bike doesn't have a "gas tank".

[Steve F]

Exactly, and from a few years ago judging by the web references......??