CarRecallWatchThe 1996 BMW R1100RSL has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (4 reports).
1996 BMW R1100RSL recalls
Most common 1996 BMW R1100RSL problems
Problem areas named in the 7 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
What owners report
POWER TRAIN FAILURE: THE FINAL DRIVE BEARINGS FAILED AT ABOUT 29000 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED BY ME DURING THE NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND FLUID CHANGES. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE METAL FLAKES IN THE FINAL DRIVE FLUID, INDICATIVE OF THE INITIAL STAGE OF BEARING FAILURE. THE BEARINGS WERE INDEED FAILING AND I HAD THE FINAL DRIVE REPAIRED AT A BMW REPAIR FACILITY. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH PARALEVER DRIVE BMW MOTORCYCLES. *TR
COMPLAINT REGARDING IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS RECALL.*MR THE PRIMARY OWNER HAD THE MOTORCYCLE SERVICED FOR WIRING HARNESS PER SERVICE BULLETINE #23815. THE RECALL WAS DESIGNED TO CORRECT PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS WHERE THE IGNITION WIRES COULD BECOME DAMAGED AND/OR DISCONNECTED AND WAS CONSIDERED SERIOUS ENOUGH THAT RIDING THE VEHICLE TO A BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL REPAIRS WAS TO BE AVOIDED IF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, A SHEET METAL PLATE MOUNTED TO THE FRONT OF THE FRAME BELOW THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CAN CAUSE THE WIRING HARNESS TO BE STRETCHED TOO TIGHT, WHERE IT PASSES OVER THE PLATE, AS THE HANDLEBARS ARE TURNED FULLY TO ONE SID
WIRING HARNESS SHORTED OUT CAUSING A FAILURE TO CONTINUE OPERATING. OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL BMW MOTORCYCLE (R1100GS AND R1150GS, 1995-2001) HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR FAILURES, INCLUDING A RECENT NEAR FATALITY WHEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND ALL LIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT. THE OWNER WAS ALMOST KILLED BY A TRUCK. THE PROBLEM RESULTS FROM CRACKED INSULATION IN THE WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING SHORT CIRCUITING AND VARYING DEGREES OF ELECTRICAL FAILURE. PROPERTY DAMAGE UP TO $2000 HAS BEEN REPORTED; IT WOULD NOT BE SURPRISING TO LEARN THAT A MAJOR INJURY ACCIDENT HAS OCCURRED FOLLOWING ONE OF THESE FAILURES. SINCE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS ARE OFTEN FATAL, THE OPERATOR WOULD PROBABLY NOT HAVE REPORTE
WHILE RIDING AT 10 MPH HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP AND BRAKES LOCKED UP.*AK THE ABS WAS NOT RESET. THE DRIVER WAS TRYING TO STOP BUT BOTH FRONT AND REAR WHEELS LOCKED RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *YH
WHILE ACCELERATING IN 3RD GEAR, TRANSMISSION POPS MOMENTARILY OUT OF GEAR. SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION MAY BE DANGERIOUS.*AK
1996 BMW R1100RSL questions
Does the 1996 BMW R1100RSL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1996 BMW R1100RSL: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 BMW R1100RSL?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (4), Electrical System (3), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 1996 BMW R1100RSL has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.