1985 BMW K100 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THROTTLE CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION RESULTING IN A BEND OR A KINK OR CHAFING AND FRAYING OF THE BRAIDED WIRE CABLE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THROTTLE OPERATION COULD BE IMPAIRED REQUIRING INCREASED EFFORT TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE THROTTLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE THROTTLE CABLES, AS REQUIRED, MODIFYING TO ASSURE CABLES CANNOT BEND.
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 1985 K100.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V080000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THROTTLE CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION RESULTING IN A BEND OR A KINK OR CHAFING AND FRAYING OF THE BRAIDED WIRE CABLE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THROTTLE OPERATION COULD BE IMPAIRED REQUIRING INCREASED EFFORT TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE THROTTLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE THROTTLE CABLES, AS REQUIRED, MODIFYING TO ASSURE CABLES CANNOT BEND.
Notes: SYSTEM: THROTTLE CABLE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. A GROUND FAULT MAY OCCUR IN THE STOPLIGHT SWITCH WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR IN THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP HOUSING. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE CABLE'S INNER PLASTIC TUBE WOULD OVERHEAT AND SOFTEN OR MELT, IMPAIRING THROTTLE OPERATION. AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATED AFTER OBSERVING THAT MORE EFFORT IS REQUIRED IN THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP.
What could happen:
The fix: INSTALL A GROUND CABLE BETWEEN THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP HOUSING AND THE COMMON GROUND ON THE FRAME TO PREVENT OVERHEATING.
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 1985 K100.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V011000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: A GROUND FAULT MAY OCCUR IN THE STOPLIGHT SWITCH WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT HANDLEBAR IN THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP HOUSING. CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE CABLE'S INNER PLASTIC TUBE WOULD OVERHEAT AND SOFTEN OR MELT, IMPAIRING THROTTLE OPERATION. AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATED AFTER OBSERVING THAT MORE EFFORT IS REQUIRED IN THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP.
Consequence:
Remedy: INSTALL A GROUND CABLE BETWEEN THE THROTTLE TWIST GRIP HOUSING AND THE COMMON GROUND ON THE FRAME TO PREVENT OVERHEATING.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLE. SYSTEM: STOPLIGHT SWITCH GROUND CABLE.
Useful for owners
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)
10/04/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
THERE IS DEFECTIVE PART FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH IN THE HOUSING . TT
10/04/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
THERE IS DEFECTIVE PART FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH IN THE HOUSING . TT