2001 BMW R1100 S recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.
What could happen: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE RIDING, THE RIDER'S BALANCE COULD BE UPSET AND A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2001 R1100 S.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V318000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE RIDING, THE RIDER'S BALANCE COULD BE UPSET AND A CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.
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.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 28, 2000. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2001 BMW R1100 S owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
02/04/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549, AND CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER CAMPAIGN DP12001. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AND THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED AT AN EARLIER DATE AT ABOUT 30K. *KB