1994 BMW R1100rsl recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE OWNER'S MANUAL WARNS THE RIDER NOT TO LEAVE THE ENGINE RUNNING UNNECESSARILY WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS STATIONARY AND TO RIDE OFF IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING.
What could happen: IF THIS WARNING IS IGNORED AND THE ENGINE IS LEFT RUNNING AT AN INCREASED SPEED ABOVE IDLE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS AT A STANDSTILL WITH THE AIR STREAM REQUIRED FOR COOLING MISSING, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TEMPERATURE WILL RISE CONSIDERABLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A WARNING LABEL FOR THEIR MOTORCYCLE AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT.
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 1994 R1100RSL.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V173000.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE OWNER'S MANUAL WARNS THE RIDER NOT TO LEAVE THE ENGINE RUNNING UNNECESSARILY WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS STATIONARY AND TO RIDE OFF IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING.
Consequence: IF THIS WARNING IS IGNORED AND THE ENGINE IS LEFT RUNNING AT AN INCREASED SPEED ABOVE IDLE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS AT A STANDSTILL WITH THE AIR STREAM REQUIRED FOR COOLING MISSING, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TEMPERATURE WILL RISE CONSIDERABLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A WARNING LABEL FOR THEIR MOTORCYCLE AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF OCTOBER 1997. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE WARNING LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT 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 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1994 BMW R1100rsl owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
06/09/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
04/13/1998 · Transmission / drivetrain
REAR DRIVESHAFT, WHEN HEATED UP OR SUBJECT TO AN INCREASE IN AMBIENT ALTITUDE, CAN SIPHON OUT A QUANTITY OF OIL FROM ITS VENT DUE TO HIGHER RELATIVE PRESSURE INSIDE THE CASE.