Vented K2x final drives

Comparison of vented (newer) and non-vented (older) final drives for 2007~2013 BMW boxers.

[@SteveCampbell8901]

An excellent explanation from the guru himself I repair these as a side line in the UK and there is much poor information bandied (on Facebook et al) about where they are concerned...thanks for clearing it up for all to see and understand clearly

[@N12365]

Thanks for that detailed explanation.

[@rc6392]

Very well explained VM. Thanks for taking the time.

[@rickwiltfong1482]

I’ve read that the GS models used the gen 1 non vented final drives through 2007 with the same part number 2005 through 2007. Logic implies that this 2007 GS model final drive should have the 100 count ABS tone pattern on the back of the crown gear? Is this correct?

[@34SV]

Priceless. Thanks.

[@user-fy5vu4qb7t]

Hello, is it possible to get water tracking down the vent pipe & emulsifying the oil?

[@kostashellas]

very good explanation!!

[@PWarren4]

Does the new style require the same volume of oil as the old (180mL) ? Thanks for the video!

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

Yes; no difference.

[@dot3furniture]

This is very very helpful! I would like to know if I can swap the whole final drive. I have a 2009 GSA that needs a full rebuild. I have been shopping for a like part but would love to swap to the new vented style if it bolts on. My censor is 15mm I’m diameter. Would love to hear from you and thanks!

[@G4S111]

Thanks for a great video ,you do not sell that crown gear from the previous model (no vent model )

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

I may have some good used parts. Contact me through my shop website if you think I might be able to help. A phone call is definitely best, during working hours Eastern time.

[@davebeers5133]

Hello VM, I've just watched this video and I wanted to ask at the the end you mention about the speed sensor bore size, I have a 2007 GSA. would the bore size be the same as the later model.

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

As far as I know, the sensor hole is the same for all 2007-on and these are now replaced by the vented models.

[@sigurduradalsteinsson]

Thanks for this video, one question: what about the ABS grooves on the vented drive, are they compatible with unvented one?

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

They are the same as 2007-on, 48 grooves. 2006 and earlier is 100 grooves and vented FDs are not available that way.

[@sigurduradalsteinsson]

Virginia Motorrad thanks, mine is 2005 so I guess I am stuck with the old design 🙂

[@frantillo45]

Is the transmission ratio (don't know if it's the proper definition...I mean number of turns/minute on the cardan link vs number of turns/minute of the wheel) the same for the vented and non-vented FD? In case, if the ABS ring is the same, would they be fully compatible to each other?

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

They seem to be available in all of the original ratios: 2.62, 2.75, 2.82 and 2.91. However, they are only available for the 2nd-generation iABS, with the 48-tooth ABS rings and which started in MY2007. There is no updated vented replacement for the earlier 100-tooth first-generation iABS that was used up to 2006. So to answer your question slightly differently, yes as long as the ABS ring (which is part of the ring gear) is the same and the ratio is the same, they are compatible.

[@alm4132]

What is the approximate cost to upgrade? Mine is 2005 R1200ST non-abs

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

I believe your speed sensing will be wrong as you should have a 100-tooth tone ring (pre-2007, ABS or not) and these are only available in 48. If this is not a problem, a new FD is currently about $2300.

[@alm4132]

@@virginiamotorrad1952 Thanks.

[@snohwk78]

@@virginiamotorrad1952 it's probably not worth them making one's with the 100 tooth ABS ring for older models to upgrade huh?

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

@@snohwk78 I suspect that's basically correct; when they switched to the vented design they still had a few years of production ahead of them for those 48-hole ring gears. The 100-hole ring gears, on the other hand, had been phased out a few years before and updating them would only have been for aftersales, which may have been too uncertain a market. BMW has in the past updated parts just for aftersales, but it's not common.

[@davidshi1209]

Is it true that up to 1mm play at the rim is acceptable in the final drive

[@virginiamotorrad1952]

The current specs that I have say 0.5mm for all of these models 2005 to 2012 but I think it was originally 1mm. I don’t think the 0.5mm difference is really meaningful; they are saying that a tiny bit of play is normal. Failures generally do not manifest with more play.

[@frankcastle5294]

This Anton guy might make good tube vids but when it comes to broken promises and inability to do the simplest of tasks like returning phone calls...he sucks.