1995 BMW R1100rsl 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. 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 1995 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
- 1995 BMW R1100rsl owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (2), Wheels / tires (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
02/18/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
FAILURE OF THE LARGE BEARING IN THE FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. THE SEAL DID NOT LEAK PRIOR TO FAILURE. *TR
08/06/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
MANUAL TRANSMISSION EXHIBITS UNSAFE SHIFTING CHARACTERISTICS: DIFICULT TO SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR WITHOUT GETTING HUNG-UP IN NEUTRAL, SOMETIMES DROPS FROM HIGHER TO LOWER GEAR UNEXPECTEDLY. *AK
07/26/2000 · Wheels / tires
A NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS BY OTHER BMW RIDERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM OVER THE INTERNET SITE(BMW-R1100@CINNAMON.COM)HAS PROMPED THIS COMPLAINT.THANK YOU FOR INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
07/26/2000 · Wheels / tires
THE TIRES WERE ALWAYS INFLATED AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURERS. THE FRONT WHEEL WOULD BEND BECAUSE OF ITS THREE SPOKE DESIGN AND THE SOFT ALLOW USED. REPLACEMENT WAS ORIGINALLY $600 PLUS LABOR AND LATER, THE PRICE WAS DROPPED TO $400 PLUST LABOR. THE COMPANY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE THREE OTHER MOTORCYCLES, USING THEM TO…