MotorDeets

BMW R 1100 S problems & recalls

NHTSA records for 1999–2004: 5 recall campaigns and 7 owner complaints. Pick a model year.

19992000200120032004

By year

YearRecallsComplaints
199944
200010
200111
200311
200401

What owners complain about (all years)

Wheels2
Power Train2
Structure1
Exterior Lighting1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Recent recalls

Power Train #02V319000 · 2002 · 515 units

Problem: On certain motorcycles, it is possible that the 3rd and 4th transmission gear (shift) wheels may not be securely seated on the intermediate shaft. consequently, when attempting to shift from 5th to 6th gear, engagement of the two gears may occur simultaneously.

Risk: If this happens, the gear wheels could crack resulting in a loss of transmission capability, or, a lock of transmission could occur. the rear wheel could lock which, depending upon traffic and road conditions, and the rider's reaction, could affect the stability of the motorcycle.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the motorcycles and replace the transmission gear box if necessary. owner notification is expected to begin during december 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117, option #4.

Fuel System, Gasoline #01V272000 · 2001 · 1,090 units

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the flexible fuel hose leading from the fuel distributor can chafe against the rigid lines of the fuel feed and the return lines. continued chafing of the flexible fuel hose can lead to fuel leakage.

Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence on an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the right side flexible hose with one with a braided cover to prevent chafing. owner notification began october 16, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117, option #5.

Steering #00V318000 · 2000 · 718 units

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles equipped with high-mounted handlebars. the high-mounted handlebars are position on top of the upper fork clamp and are clamped to the top of each upper fork tube. it is possible for a handlebar to rotate forward.

Risk: If this were to occur while riding, the rider's balance could be upset and a crash and personal injury could result.

Fix: Dealers will degrease the clamping connection parts, rework the positioning tab (if necessary) to fit properly in the corresponding gap in the upper fork clamp, and reset the torque of the clamping connections.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #00V144000 · 2000 · 474 units

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. due to use of an incorrect thread-locking material in production, it is possible for the rear brake linkage ball end, which is screwed into the rear brake lever, to loosen and eventually detach from the lever.

Risk: If this happens, the rear brake could no longer be applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will remove the brake linkage ball end from the brake lever and reinstall it with a different thread-locking compound, to prevent the ball end from loosening.

Fuel System, Gasoline #98V294000 · 1998 · 700 units

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. if the engine backfires during the starting process, it is possible for either throttle body to loosen in its mount, or to disconnect from its mount. if this happens, the fuel line could be damaged or the line and injector could separate from each other, causing fuel leakage.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel distribution unit. in addition, the connection between the throttle body and the air inlet tube will be secured with two screws to prevent damage to the hose or injector should a backfire occur.

Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the R 1100 S.

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