VehicleVerdict

2003 BMW R 1100 S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2003 BMW R 1100 S — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other R 1100 S years?

R 1100 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted7 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 2 complaints
R 1100 S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1100 S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 BMW R 1100 S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting1100%

Does the 2003 BMW R 1100 S have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V319000TransmissionNovember 27, 2002 · 515 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. 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 #4.

2003 BMW R 1100 S — common questions

Is the 2003 BMW R 1100 S reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 BMW R 1100 S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 BMW R 1100 S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 BMW R 1100 S under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.