MotorDeets

1998 BMW R 1200 C problems & recalls

NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 1998 BMW R 1200 C.

2recalls
14owner complaints
1reported crashes
1reported fires
5injuries

Recalls

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #97V134000 · 1997 · 973 units

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the adjusting screw for the pressure point of either the brake or clutch levers may not be sufficiently tight, due to grease contamination of the threads.

Risk: The screw(s) can back out over time while the vehicle is being operated causing a change in the pressure point of the master cylinder for the clutch and/or front brake increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will check the adjustment screws of the front brake and clutch levers for movement. if the screws are tight, no further action will be taken. if a screw is found to be loose, it will be removed, cleaned and reinstalled with new loctite.

Structure #01V217000 · 2001 · 3,342 units

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles equipped with chrome-plated frames. copper residue can remain in the tapped hole where the upper fork bridge attaches to the frame. moisture can cause corrosion to occur between the copper residue and the aluminum frame. the stress of the connecting bolt attaching the upper fork to the frame could then decrease, leading to loosening, and ultimately, breakage of the bolt.

Risk: if this happened, the dynamic stability of the motorcycle would be affected and a loss of control could occur.

Fix: Dealers will ream the hole in the frame head and install a helicoil thread insert and a new bolt. owner notification began december 13, 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 #4.

Recalls can cover only some VINs. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners complain about

Exterior Lighting5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Electrical System1
Suspension1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Power Train1

Components named in 14 NHTSA owner complaints, median 15,231 miles. Complaints are unverified.

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 1998 R 1200 C.

Clymer Print or online manual

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Specs

Specs coming soon. We only publish specs taken from the manufacturer's own spec sheets.

Other years

199819992000200120022003

FAQ

Does the 1998 BMW R 1200 C have recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1998 BMW R 1200 C. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if a fix is still open.

What are the most common 1998 BMW R 1200 C problems?

In 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-named area is exterior lighting.