accessories » top box removal problem

I bought the BMW top box for my bike about a year ago. Part of my cleaning routine has always been to remove the saddle bags and top box. That way I can get at the parts of the bike they hide more easily. Yesterday the top box wouldn't come off. The key works fine to lock and unlock the lid. The lid opens and closes with no issues. When I attempt to turn the key to pop out the release handle, it won't go. I'm afraid I'll snap the key off if I force it much harder. Has anyone else run into this?

With the lid open it looks like there are a couple plates that would expose the release mechanism. I'm considering removing one or both of those, inspecting the mechanism, possibly lubricating it with a silicone spray and hoping that corrects it. My concern is that I'll be opening Pandora's box. Has anyone had to do something like this before? Are there a bunch of springs that will come flying out at me when I remover the plates? Any help or words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Sounds a bit drastic to attack the mechanism just yet but I don't have a BMW top box (I use a Givi) so not sure what to suggest apart from gently pushing the box in various directions while gently attempting to wiggle/turn the key to and fro.
Failing that, adopt the principal - 'If it moves when it shouldn't, use Duck Tape but if it doesn't move when it should, use WD40'!!

Zitat von Davidnapo im Beitrag #1

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I bought the BMW top box for my bike about a year ago. Part of my cleaning routine has always been to remove the saddle bags and top box. That way I can get at the parts of the bike they hide more easily. Yesterday the top box wouldn't come off. The key works fine to lock and unlock the lid. The lid opens and closes with no issues. When I attempt to turn the key to pop out the release handle, it won't go. I'm afraid I'll snap the key off if I force it much harder. Has anyone else run into this?

With the lid open it looks like there are a couple plates that would expose the release mechanism. I'm considering removing one or both of those, inspecting the mechanism, possibly lubricating it with a silicone spray and hoping that corrects it. My concern is that I'll be opening Pandora's box. Has anyone had to do something like this before? Are there a bunch of springs that will come flying out at me when I remover the plates? Any help or words of wisdom would be appreciated.

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Zitat von Davidnapo im Beitrag #1

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With the lid open it looks like there are a couple plates that would expose the release mechanism. I'm considering removing one or both of those, inspecting the mechanism, possibly lubricating it with a silicone spray and hoping that corrects it. My concern is that I'll be opening Pandora's box. Has anyone had to do something like this before? Are there a bunch of springs that will come flying out at me when I remover the plates?

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You've all suggested a lot of less intrusive things for me to try first, so thanks. I'm waiting for a bit warmer day to go out and attempt it. Thinking about it, the mechanism is in the perfect place to get gummed up with grit coming off a rooster tail of water off the back tire. If I can get it off again I'll rest it in a way that the silicone spray will stay put instead of running out on the ground. Hopefully I can report success soon.

Well, I certainly can't report success. I tried everything I could think of to get the release handle to let go. Nothing doing. I ultimately broke the key on the remote. Hopefully you can have the key replaced for something less than the cost of an entire remote key. Anyone know? I will soon. I had to completely dismantle the box to get it off the bike. I see how the mechanism works but it's not apparent to me why it isn't working. Everything is working properly except the unlock for the release handle. I'll be dropping the box and key off with my local dealer tomorrow. Does anyone know if accessories are covered under the bikes warranty? I have a month left on the factory and then the extended kicks in. Guess I'll know all about that soon as well. Sorry for venting. I never lock the box and only cycle the key to take the box off when washing the bike. I would guess about 24 cycles total. One would think a $1000 accessory would last a bit longer than that. I'll report back what I learn.

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Can't help you with your current problem but when I got my R1200RS I brought a fake BMW key on ebay $8.35 Australian $ and had it cut to match my fob key. I always use it on the Top box. panniers and seat lock and it keeps the fob key safe from such breakage. This is the link to my purchase site. I don't think it mentions the R1200RS but it was cut to fit and works. Werbung: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/254021392506...k0AAOSwPTNewlT2

Too late now but you can order from bmw a replacement key (Non-keyfob) old school type key for future use.
I keep my keyfob remote key 'un-used' as it seems all the lever action is against the flip mounting plastic case.

Zitat von Davidnapo im Beitrag #7

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I see how the mechanism works but it's not apparent to me why it isn't working. Everything is working properly except the unlock for the release handle.

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Zitat von Dave H im Beitrag #9

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Too late now but you can order from bmw a replacement key (Non-keyfob) old school type key for future use.
I keep my keyfob remote key 'un-used' as it seems all the lever action is against the flip mounting plastic case.

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Thanks all. I'll be at the dealers this morning when they open. Fortunately, they are only about 15 minutes from work. I remember when I was buying my case it was hard to find because the part number was made obsolete. Makes me wonder if the problem is more common than just me and BMW reworked the mechanism. Guess I'll find out soon. At least this is happening in the dead of winter in my area. Snow is on the ground now and 2 to 4 more inches are expected tonight. Not nice riding weather.

Zitat von Davidnapo im Beitrag #11

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Thanks all. I'll be at the dealers this morning when they open. Fortunately, they are only about 15 minutes from work. I remember when I was buying my case it was hard to find because the part number was made obsolete. Makes me wonder if the problem is more common than just me and BMW reworked the mechanism. Guess I'll find out soon. At least this is happening in the dead of winter in my area. Snow is on the ground now and 2 to 4 more inches are expected tonight. Not nice riding weather.

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Zitat von Davidnapo im Beitrag #7

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Does anyone know if accessories are covered under the bikes warranty? .

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I just dropped the box off with the dealer. The tech looked at the box and said BMW would likely replace the box under warranty since the box is just over a year old. I had the receipt in hand. The blade in the remote can be replaced. They will ask BMW to pay for that as well but I could have to pay for that. I broke it so if BMW won't, I really can't complain. I plan to have a dumb blank made as well as suggested by a couple people. This episode has me questioning how smart handling the key fob with wet hands is when washing the bike. I'll let you all know how this plays out.

I thought I'd send an update. The dealer has had the box since last Thursday. Since then, I've heard nothing, so I called them today. The box works perfectly for them. Please bring the bike in so we can see if it's the bike.

Two problems. First, they have my one and only key, BMW being too cheap to give you two keys in spite of what you spent for the bike. Second problem is we're supposed to have highs around here for the next while of 20 degrees F. I really don't want to ride in that.

One thought has dawned on me. The one time the box was difficult to remove it was cold out. The day the box wouldn't come off it was even colder. I wonder if this is temperature related? I didn't see any ice inside the mechanism when I disassembled the box to get it off. Still, cold temperatures and plastic mechanisms; usually not a good thing.

Someone had suggested taking the plate and box off and taking it into the dealer that way. Nice thought but you can't get at those fasteners with the box in place. I can't say whether that's intentional to prevent box theft or just the way it is.

I've offered to bring in the plate the box attaches to. The service rep said the mechanic had left for the day, but they would ask if that was good enough tomorrow. I asked if they'd replaced the broken key blade in the remote. Answer, "Oh, you wanted us to do that?" I have no idea what they're going to charge me for this fiasco but right now I'm thinking best to settle up, bring the box home, store in in the house for a couple days and see if it still works. If yes, wait for a cold night and store it out with the bike and see if the problem returns.

Sorry if I'm venting as I know I am. I understand the dealer can't fix a problem they can't replicate but still...