1999 BMW R1100 R 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. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE SINGLE FRONT SPRING STRUT IS MOUNTED BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM, AFT OF THE FRONT FORK TUBES. DUE TO A WELDING PROBLEM DURING PRODUCTION OF THE SPRING STRUT, THE LOWER SPRING SEAT ON THE STRUT COULD BREAK. SINCE THE SEAT IS THE LOWER SUPPORT FOR THE SPRING, THE SPRING IN THIS CASE WOULD THEN EXTEND TO ITS FULL LENGTH. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCY…
What could happen: THIS COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE OPERATOR'S BALANCE COULD BE UPSET, IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE RIDING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SPRING STRUT FOR PRODUCTION DATE, AND REPLACE THE SPRING IF IT IS FOUND TO BE AN AFFECTED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 12, 2001. 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…
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 1999 R1100 R.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01V002000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-831-1117.
- 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: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE SINGLE FRONT SPRING STRUT IS MOUNTED BETWEEN THE FRAME AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM, AFT OF THE FRONT FORK TUBES. DUE TO A WELDING PROBLEM DURING PRODUCTION OF THE SPRING STRUT, THE LOWER SPRING SEAT ON THE STRUT COULD BREAK. SINCE THE SEAT IS THE LOWER SUPPORT FOR THE SPRING, THE SPRING IN THIS CASE WOULD THEN EXTEND TO ITS FULL LENGTH. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE'S FRAME TO DROP BY APPROXIMATELY 2.5 INCHES, WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE OPERATOR'S BALANCE COULD BE UPSET, IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE RIDING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SPRING STRUT FOR PRODUCTION DATE, AND REPLACE THE SPRING IF IT IS FOUND TO BE AN AFFECTED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 12, 2001. 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.
Notes: 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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (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)
08/31/2007 · Engine
I NOTICED OIL SEEPING FROM THE REAR WHEEL SEAL ON MY MOTORCYCLE. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING WAS REPLACED AT A BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $341.61. I DISPOSED OF THE OLD BEARING. *JB