RoadVitals

1998 BMW R1200C

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest May 14, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 26, 2001
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 BMW R1200C, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, engine and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1 manufacturer communication is on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Exterior lighting531.3%
  • Engine531.3%
  • Brakes212.5%
  • Suspension16.3%
  • Fuel system16.3%
  • Electrical16.3%
  • Powertrain (other)16.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
01V217000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Jun 26, 2001
3,342 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE DYNAMIC STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD BE AFFECTED AND A LOSS OF CONTROL COULD OCCUR.
The 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.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov
97V134000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Aug 8, 1997
973 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 14
Exterior lighting
Filed May 14, 2012

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

NHTSA ID
10458472
Incident
Apr 15, 2012
Mileage
27,600 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 29, 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

NHTSA ID
10449767
Incident
Mar 16, 2011
Mileage
63,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 22, 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

NHTSA ID
10384009
Incident
Oct 1, 2010
Mileage
25,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 4, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10074790
Incident
May 29, 2004
Mileage
8,200 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 11, 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

NHTSA ID
10072410
Incident
Nov 19, 2003
Mileage
15,231 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 16, 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

NHTSA ID
10028405
Incident
Jul 12, 2003
Mileage
7,280 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 25, 2003

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

NHTSA ID
10023744
Incident
Mar 24, 1999
Engine
Filed Apr 17, 2003
4 injuries reported

EXHAUST BURNED MY LEG, MY PASSENGERS LEG AND THE LEG OF OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN PASSENGERS ON MY MOTORCYCLE. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10016137
Incident
Apr 14, 1998

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SB-00-021-07

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

BMW MOTORCYCLE: ENGINE FUELS CONTAINING ETHANOL. BMW MOTORRAD HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE USE OF SI ENGINE FUELS CONTAINING UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 10% ETHANOL AND IMPOSES NO WARRANTY RESTRICTIONS. ETHANOL MIXTURES IN PROPORTIONS HIGHER THAN 10% CAN HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE AND CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS THAT COME INTO CONTRACT WITH FUEL. NO WARRANTY CLAIMS WHATSOEVER FOR DAMAGE CAUSED IN THIS WAY WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW R1200C by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003130137.0
2002501—
2001301—
2000411—
1999410—
1998Viewing142052.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.