Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1998 BMW R1200C
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Lights
531.3%
Median failure at 7,280 miles
Engine & Cooling
531.3%
Median failure at 4,400 miles
Brakes
212.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 25,000 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
16.3%
Median failure at 15,231 miles
Suspension
16.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
16.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
16.3%
Median failure at 63,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
225.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
225.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
112.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
225.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 1998peak 3May 2012
Recalls on the 1998 BMW R1200C
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2001255250 units in Canada
Other
Certain motorcycles equipment with chrome-plated frames. Copper residue can remain in the tapped hole where the upper fork bridge attaches to the frames. 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 them decrease, leading to loosening, and ultimately, breakage of the bolt. If this happening, the dynamic stability of the motorcycle would be affected and a loss of control could occur. Correction: dealers will ream the hole in the frame head and install a helicoil thread insert and a new bolt.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Denver, CO4 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST BURNED MY LEG, MY PASSENGERS LEG AND THE LEG OF OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN PASSENGERS ON MY MOTORCYCLE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10016137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
LEAVING WORKPLACE, ABOUT 200 YARDS @ APPROX 35 MPH, FRONT LEFT TELESCOPE DISENGAGED AND SEPARATED FROM THE CROSSBAR MECHANISM. INSTANTLY THE HANDLEBARS TURNED RIGHT AND THE 'CYCLE COLLAPSED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE, PITCHING ME TO THE GROUND. THE CYCLE AND I SKIDDED TO A STOP, RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGES.MOTORCYCLE HAD BEEN RECENTLY SERVICED UNDER BMW MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR A RELATED SUSPENSION COMPONENT THAT REQUIRED THE DISASSEMBLY AND RE-ASSEMBLY OF THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED. AGAINST MY FIRM REQUESTS THAT THE CROSSBAR NOT BE TAKEN APART UNTIL A BMW REPRESENTATIVE WAS PRESENT, THE DEALER (SALE AND SOLE SERVICER) PROCEEDED TO OPEN THE CROSSBAR. THE NUT THAT WAS TO HOLD THE TELESCOPE INTO THE CROSSBAR WAS PRESENT, HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, HE COULD NOT THREAD IT ONTO THE UPPER TELESCOPE BOLT. THE DEALER QUESTIONED THE MECHANIC WHO HAD WORKED ON THE RECALL WORK ORDER, AND SAID, "HE (THE MECHANIC) SAID, 'NO WAY HE DIDN'T TORQUE ALL THREE NUTS'..." (THE SERVICE MANUAL DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THIS NUT IS A "TORQUE COMPONENT" .. IE DOES NOT SPECIFY "TORQUE FORCE" TO BE USED.. (BEGGING THE QUESTION "HOW DOES THIS NUT 'LOCK'?" ... AND NO ONE HAS ANSWERED THIS QUESTION...) BMW DID NOT RESPOND TO CALLS UNTIL I ESCALATED THE ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE BMW WEST COAST REP WAS SENT DIGITIZED PHOTOS OF THE UNIT, AND APPARENTLY DENIED ANY BMW RESPONSIBILITY TO THE DEALER. WHEN I FINALLY SPOKE WITH THE BMW WEST COAST REP, HE INFORMED ME THAT THE DEALER HAD INSTRUCTED HIM NOT TO SPEAK WITH ME. THIS SITUATION WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN FATAL IF IT HAD OCCURED "PLUS OR MINUS" 1 MILE, AS I USE THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTATION ON CONGESTED FREEWAYS TO AND FROM WORK. NO EXPLANATION REGARDING THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO ME, THE SHOP SERVICE MANUAL DOES NOT INDICATE HOW THE TELESCOPE COMPONENTS "LOCK" IN PLACE. I FEAR THAT THE COMBINATION OF CIRCUMSTANCES, PRODUCT FEATURES, AND LACK OF SERVICE FAILSAFES MIGHT VERY WELL RESULT IN FUTURE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #759800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Beach, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #842253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Beach, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
NHTSA complaint #842253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 27,600 milesDavie, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10458472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesDallas, TX
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10449767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesPasadena, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 complaint #10384009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,200 milesSeattle, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10074790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,231 milesSpringfield, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10072410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,280 milesFlowermound, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10028405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Waverly, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #10023744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO4 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST BURNED MY LEG, MY PASSENGERS LEG AND THE LEG OF OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN PASSENGERS ON MY MOTORCYCLE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10016137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesDenver, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10014423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesDenver, CO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10014423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
LEAVING WORKPLACE, ABOUT 200 YARDS @ APPROX 35 MPH, FRONT LEFT TELESCOPE DISENGAGED AND SEPARATED FROM THE CROSSBAR MECHANISM. INSTANTLY THE HANDLEBARS TURNED RIGHT AND THE 'CYCLE COLLAPSED ONTO ITS RIGHT SIDE, PITCHING ME TO THE GROUND. THE CYCLE AND I SKIDDED TO A STOP, RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGES.MOTORCYCLE HAD BEEN RECENTLY SERVICED UNDER BMW MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR A RELATED SUSPENSION COMPONENT THAT REQUIRED THE DISASSEMBLY AND RE-ASSEMBLY OF THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED. AGAINST MY FIRM REQUESTS THAT THE CROSSBAR NOT BE TAKEN APART UNTIL A BMW REPRESENTATIVE WAS PRESENT, THE DEALER (SALE AND SOLE SERVICER) PROCEEDED TO OPEN THE CROSSBAR. THE NUT THAT WAS TO HOLD THE TELESCOPE INTO THE CROSSBAR WAS PRESENT, HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, HE COULD NOT THREAD IT ONTO THE UPPER TELESCOPE BOLT. THE DEALER QUESTIONED THE MECHANIC WHO HAD WORKED ON THE RECALL WORK ORDER, AND SAID, "HE (THE MECHANIC) SAID, 'NO WAY HE DIDN'T TORQUE ALL THREE NUTS'..." (THE SERVICE MANUAL DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THIS NUT IS A "TORQUE COMPONENT" .. IE DOES NOT SPECIFY "TORQUE FORCE" TO BE USED.. (BEGGING THE QUESTION "HOW DOES THIS NUT 'LOCK'?" ... AND NO ONE HAS ANSWERED THIS QUESTION...) BMW DID NOT RESPOND TO CALLS UNTIL I ESCALATED THE ISSUE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE BMW WEST COAST REP WAS SENT DIGITIZED PHOTOS OF THE UNIT, AND APPARENTLY DENIED ANY BMW RESPONSIBILITY TO THE DEALER. WHEN I FINALLY SPOKE WITH THE BMW WEST COAST REP, HE INFORMED ME THAT THE DEALER HAD INSTRUCTED HIM NOT TO SPEAK WITH ME. THIS SITUATION WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN FATAL IF IT HAD OCCURED "PLUS OR MINUS" 1 MILE, AS I USE THIS VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTATION ON CONGESTED FREEWAYS TO AND FROM WORK. NO EXPLANATION REGARDING THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO ME, THE SHOP SERVICE MANUAL DOES NOT INDICATE HOW THE TELESCOPE COMPONENTS "LOCK" IN PLACE. I FEAR THAT THE COMBINATION OF CIRCUMSTANCES, PRODUCT FEATURES, AND LACK OF SERVICE FAILSAFES MIGHT VERY WELL RESULT IN FUTURE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #759800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redland, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
FRONT AND REAR SIGNAL LIGHTS KEEP BREAKING OFF ON BOTH SIDES UNDER NORMAL WEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #898192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coral Springs, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
LOW IDLE/STALLING/BLUE SMOKE AT STARTUP-ORIGINAL AND BMW REPLACED MOTORCYCLE
NHTSA complaint #734658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Beach, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #842253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Beach, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
NHTSA complaint #842253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chestnut Ridge, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HOSE CONNECTED TO ONE OF THE ENGINE CYLINDERS DISLODGED CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA complaint #537575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.