1998 BMW R1200C: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern exterior lighting.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 bmw r1200c motorcycle. The contact was traveling 35 mph when the tail lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the tail light assembly was cracked and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 27,600. Updated 07/06/12 *bf updated 07/16/12. *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2012
“The final drive started leaking gear oil all over my rear disc brake and rear tire and rim. It is unsafe to ride like this. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 bmw r1200c. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 mph and trying to decelerate, he noticed that the brakes were failing. He placed the gear into neutral and coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they advised him that the clutch master cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 25,000. Updated 03/29/11 *bf updated 08/15/11”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2010
Show 6 more owner reports
“The hose connecting the fuel unit to the left side of the engine collapsed, causing immediate lost of power. The incident occurred at coos bay, oregon while I was on a multi-day trip. I had to rent a u-haul truck to transport the bike to the portland bmw dealership. The mechanic at the dealership told me that two other r1200c motorcycles were repaired for the same problem during the prior week. This may be the same problem reported by another complaint odi id# 537575.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2004
“Fuel leaked from fuel distribution spider directly onto the catalytic converter and onto the rear tire. Discussed the problem with the dealer who said the motorcycle is out of warranty and charged me for the parts necessary to fix it. Updated 04/19/06. *nm updated 04/28/06. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2003
“I 0wn a 1998 bmw r1200c cruiser motorcycle, I bought it new. My tail light assembly wich includes brake light and blinkers creates a crack on the left side causing the assembly to eventually crack in two parts loosing the left blinker assembly. I have replaced this faulty part once before 2 years and approximently 3000 miles ago. My motorcycle was out of warenty so it cost me $180.00 for a new part plus installation. The new part is cracked again. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2003
“Motorcycle bursted into flames while driving at approximately 10 mph or less. Motorcycle inspected by dealer, and informed consumer that the ABS harness had cut into a wire which shorted out, causing a fire.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1999
“Tail light assy keeps cracking on the upper left bolt, I am on my 4th tail light and it is also broken. On the same assy the turn light stalks can brake off and just hang by the wires, this has happen twice to me. On the front turn signal the left turn light broke off and was hanging by the wires, this has happen twice to me and is still broken at this time, temp fix with a hose clamp. *nlm”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 1999
“My bmw 1998 r1200 c, had oil leaking from the engine seals since at least 300 miles. The bike was bought new in 1998. I complained of a blue smoke coming out of the tail pipe, but the owner of the store told me it was normal for bmw's. The taillight broke on the bike and were replaced by bmw, but I was told by the owner that I could not claim any other problems on the motorcycle. Bmw has offered to pay for half of the labor cost to repair the bike, but not the full cost. The current new owner of the shop said that it should have been taken care of under warranty by the old owner. *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Check your exact R1200C 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 1998 BMW R1200C reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 BMW R1200C. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting.
Does the 1998 BMW R1200C have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:frame and members. 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.