VehicleVerdict

1999 BMW R 1100 S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 1999 BMW R 1100 S — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other R 1100 S years?

R 1100 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted7 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 2 complaints
R 1100 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1100 S years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 BMW R 1100 S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels343%
Engine114%
Steering114%
Body & Structure114%
Transmission114%

Does the 1999 BMW R 1100 S have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V272000Fuel SystemAugust 24, 2001 · 1,090 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FLEXIBLE FUEL HOSE LEADING FROM THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR CAN CHAFE AGAINST THE RIGID LINES OF THE FUEL FEED AND THE RETURN LINES. CONTINUED CHAFING OF THE FLEXIBLE FUEL HOSE CAN LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE ON AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE FLEXIBLE HOSE WITH ONE WITH A BRAIDED COVER TO PREVENT CHAFING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 16, 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, OPTION #5.

00V318000SteeringOctober 11, 2000 · 718 units

Defect

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.

00V144000BrakesMay 18, 2000 · 474 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO USE OF AN INCORRECT THREAD-LOCKING MATERIAL IN PRODUCTION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE REAR BRAKE LINKAGE BALL END, WHICH IS SCREWED INTO THE REAR BRAKE LEVER, TO LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY DETACH FROM THE LEVER.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE REAR BRAKE COULD NO LONGER BE APPLIED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE BRAKE LINKAGE BALL END FROM THE BRAKE LEVER AND REINSTALL IT WITH A DIFFERENT THREAD-LOCKING COMPOUND, TO PREVENT THE BALL END FROM LOOSENING.

98V294000Fuel SystemNovember 10, 1998 · 700 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. IF THE ENGINE BACKFIRES DURING THE STARTING PROCESS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR EITHER THROTTLE BODY TO LOOSEN IN ITS MOUNT, OR TO DISCONNECT FROM ITS MOUNT. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE FUEL LINE COULD BE DAMAGED OR THE LINE AND INJECTOR COULD SEPARATE FROM EACH OTHER, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION UNIT. IN ADDITION, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE AIR INLET TUBE WILL BE SECURED WITH TWO SCREWS TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE HOSE OR INJECTOR SHOULD A BACKFIRE OCCUR.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FRONT WHEEL RIM IS MADE OF ALUMINUM WHICH IS TOO SOFT AND NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED FOR ROAD STRESS AND WAS BENT BY MILD IMPACT WITH ROAD DEBRIS CAUSING TIRE TO DEFLATE AND VEHICLE TO BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT SEAL FAILED. DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE ROOT CAUSE. PELICAN PARTS R1100S BULLETIN BOARD SUGGESTS THIS FAILURE IS COMMON, AND RECOMMENDED SUBMITTING THIS FORM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 17, 2002

“FRONT WHEEL RIM IS MADE OF ALUMINUM WHICH IS TOO SOFT AND NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED FOR ROAD STRESS AND WAS BENT BY MILD IMPACT WITH ROAD DEBRIS CAUSING TIRE TO DEFLATE AND VEHICLE TO BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

“I HAVE NEVER CRASHED MY 1999 BMW R1100SA MOTORCYCLE AND MAINTAINED IT STRICTLY BY BMW SUGGESTED SCHEDULE. 64K MILES ON THE ODO NOW. THOUGH BIKE HAS NOT LEFT ME STRANDED, IT HAS HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS - BIG PROBLEMS AND BEEN OUT-OF-SERVICE FOR REPAIR IN EXCESS OF 85 DAYS IN 2 YEARS. IT HAD A BREAK IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“I HAVE NEVER CRASHED MY 1999 BMW R1100SA MOTORCYCLE AND MAINTAINED IT STRICTLY BY BMW SUGGESTED SCHEDULE. 64K MILES ON THE ODO NOW. THOUGH BIKE HAS NOT LEFT ME STRANDED, IT HAS HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS - BIG PROBLEMS AND BEEN OUT-OF-SERVICE FOR REPAIR IN EXCESS OF 85 DAYS IN 2 YEARS. IT HAD A BREAK IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

1999 BMW R 1100 S — common questions

Is the 1999 BMW R 1100 S reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 BMW R 1100 S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 BMW R 1100 S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.