1999 BMW K1200LT: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 50 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (71% of complaints); the 2001 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
50
owner complaints
2
fire reports
38,565
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: power train (71%)2 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 38,565 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)71% · 35 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)6% · 3 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)4% · 2 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)2% · 1 complaint
Service Brakes (brakes)2% · 1 complaint
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)2% · 1 complaint
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 bmw k1200lt. The contact stated that upon start up of his motorcycle, the motorcycle caught fire without warning. The contact attempted to extinguish the motorcycle with water but to no avail. The contact was able to move his motorcycle out of his building and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle had yet to be inspected or diagnosed; the manufacturer nor the dealer have yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000. The VIN was not available. *bf*jb”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2020
“Same failure as described in odi no. 10439549, and currently being investigated under campaign dp12001. This same part has failed three times during the last six year, or approximately every 10,000 miles. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2014
“Started engine, noticed smoke coming from under vehicle, turned engine to off, got off and saw fire on left side. Grabbed fire extinguisher and extinguished fire. Fire caused by plastic fuel rail failure and spilling fuel onto engine header. Probable cause of fuel rail failure is ethanol fuel deteriorating fuel rail. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“1999 bmw k1200lt. Consumer states motorcycle suffered the beginnings of a final drive failure to the power train and leaked gear oil. *tgw the consumer has since sold the motorcycle. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2012
“On june 17, 2011 the final drive of my 1999 bmw k1200lt started leaking gear oil from the crown bearing seal. The suspected cause is the crown bearing failure pushed the seal out of place and allowed the gear oil to leak on the rear brake disc and rear tire. This in turn caused the rear brake to fail due to oil on the brake pads and the rear tire to be unstable with oil on it. I replaced the rear drive in january 2012. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2011
“Final drive have being rebuilt one year earlier & again I lost control rear tire while rim start it wobbling out control, bike weight 840 pounds very difficult and with my wife on board thanks god we are alive. Gold star bmw dealer in queens determine that I need a brand new final drive,I was very fortunate to be alive; final drive it was total blown away into little pieces . Repair cost around $1500.00 dollars. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jul 2009
“Rear drive failure. It's a pretty common occurrence. You can see the results of the online forums not-so-scientific results here: http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/survey.php?&do=results&sid=28 it sucks. I have to fork out a bunch of dough to fix something that bmw should have never made that way. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2007
“Two bearings in the rear end assembly of my 1999 bmw k1200ltc failed and needed to be replaced at 37k. The dealership in seattle that repaired the bike would not cover any of the repair costs involved. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2006
“Riding on residential street approx. 25-30 mph. No warning or indication of failure, prior to incident. Rubbing sound followed by a wobble. Rear ABS brake, rim, and tire covered by gear oil from failed rear-drive component. Due to slow speed, I was able to stop with minimal loss of control. If I had been traveling at highway speed, this incident could have resulted in injury or loss of life. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2005
“Dt: the rear differential unit went out on the motorcycle. Gear oil leaked out all over the rear tire. The motorcycle was being driven home from the store. There was a rubbing sound, then there was a wobble in the rear tire. The owner stopped immediately. There was no prior warning of the impending failure. There was no accident. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact K1200LT by VIN
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Is the 1999 BMW K1200LT reliable?
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 BMW K1200LT. The most complained-about area is power train (71% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 BMW K1200LT problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 38,565 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.