1999 BMW R1100 S: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 2 owner complaints on record; most reports concern wheels.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Front wheel rim is made of aluminum which is too soft and not properly designed for road stress and was bent by mild impact with road debris causing tire to deflate and vehicle to become uncontrollable. Nlm”Owner report · Wheels
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Check your exact R1100 S by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 BMW R1100 S reliable?
NHTSA has 2 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 BMW R1100 S. The most complained-about area is wheels.
Does the 1999 BMW R1100 S have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering: steering wheel/handle bar. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.