OT: Latest BMW Motorcycles do not use fuses

Not sure if you guys have seen this or not. Also not sure if the E90 or the other new models have the same technology on them or not. As far as I know they do not.

Excerpt from K1200S Press Kit:

4. Electrics and Electronics.

BMW Motorrad Single-Wire-System (SWS) – simply perfect for sensible functions in the on-board network.

Introducing the R 1200 GS early in 2004, BMW Motorrad also presented its Single-Wire-System, a highly advanced, all-new system networking electrical and electronic components in the motorcycle. Combining sophisticated electronics with CAN-bus technology (Controller Area Network), this innovative on-board network offers a much wider range of functions than conventional on-board networks, while at the same time significantly reducing the number and intricacy of cables required.

In this network, information is conveyed through just one single wire (hence the name). And to ensure absolute security in a fully redundant system, the configuration comes with two wires for appropriate back-up.

The most significant benefits of this intelligent combination of electrics and electronics are the reduction of weight on both the wiring harness and the components used, a high level of robustness, and comprehensive diagnostic abilities. A further advantage is the easy integration of electronic accessories into the network, simple updates serving to flexibly extend and enhance the system whenever required.

The basic principle is to integrate all control units through just one single wire to provide a common network transmitting all signals regardless of their subsequent function. Hence, this network comprises all information at all times for all the components integrated into the system. The signals are then allocated to the right address at specific junction points, going straight from there to the appropriate electronic control units responsible for specific power-consuming items. There the information is processed and the appropriate functions are activated.

This eliminates the elaborate and complicated process of wiring each individual function through a separate line, which also reduces the potential sources of error inevitable in a conventional on-board network due to
the large number of lines and connectors. And this, obviously, is crucial to a high standard of all-round reliability.

Communication network and central diagnosis.

With all control units forming one common communication system, the exchange of data is simple and efficient. Diagnosis of the overall system is equally simple and comprehensive, and can be performed at one central point, the electronic “brain” filtering out insignificant data and interference signals within defined tolerance limits. This makes the system largely immune to interference such as electromagnetic noise.

Including the anti-theft warning system and ABS, a total of five control units communicate with one another in the new K 1200 S. The instrument cluster also performs the functions of a control unit, and the BMS-K digital engine electronic control unit is responsible not only for engine management as described in the foregoing, but also for the transmission of data to the diagnostic system. The Central Electronic System (CES), finally, masterminds the non-engine-specific electrical functions.

On-board network without conventional fuses.

The entire on-board network operates without any conventional, melt-down fuses, the CES reliably switching off the function involved in the event of a short-circuit or malfunction. It then saves information on defects registered for centralised diagnosis, ensuring that each defect can be located quickly and directly. The big advantage of this electronic control function is that CES automatically re-activates the appropriate function each time the motorcycle is re-started, thus checking itself whether the defect is still there. Possible failure of a signal path, finally, will not affect the other functions, keeping the entire system reliable and failure-proof.

The control units also serve as relays, only the starter still being activated by a conventional relay.

A compact alternator developing 580 W at 42 Amps supplies the electrical system on the K 1200 S. The maintenance-free battery has a capacity of 14 Amp/hours.

Good! The R1100S fuse boxes are a b1tch to get to!

Originally Posted by SergioK

Good! The R1100S fuse boxes are a b1tch to get to!

Are yours under the tank? That's the price you pay for center-up twin exhaust. Which is worth it if you ask me.

Most are under the front fairing... so it's easier to just take the plastic off the entire motorcycle than to twist your hand/wrist inbetween the front forks.

I love the center underseat exhaust.

Originally Posted by SergioK

Good! The R1100S fuse boxes are a b1tch to get to!

Isn't that the bike they used in "Long Way Round"?

Close... they used the BMW R1150GS... same basic boxer engine oilhead design though. The R1100S's suspension is tuned for sport riding as opposed to offroad. Gobs of torque from the engine provide for very spirited riding!