VehicleVerdict

1999 BMW R 1200 C problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1999 BMW R 1200 C — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other R 1200 C years?

R 1200 C NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted19 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 19 complaints
R 1200 C NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1200 C years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 BMW R 1200 C problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission250%
Lighting125%
Steering125%

Does the 1999 BMW R 1200 C have recalls?

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

01V217000Body & StructureJune 26, 2001 · 3,342 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH CHROME-PLATED FRAMES. COPPER RESIDUE CAN REMAIN IN THE TAPPED HOLE WHERE THE UPPER FORK BRIDGE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. MOISTURE CAN CAUSE CORROSION TO OCCUR BETWEEN THE COPPER RESIDUE AND THE ALUMINUM FRAME. THE STRESS OF THE CONNECTING BOLT ATTACHING THE UPPER FORK TO THE FRAME COULD THEN DECREASE, LEADING TO LOOSENING, AND ULTIMATELY, BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENED, THE DYNAMIC STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD BE AFFECTED AND A LOSS OF CONTROL COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REAM THE HOLE IN THE FRAME HEAD AND INSTALL A HELICOIL THREAD INSERT AND A NEW BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 13, 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 #4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 55 MPH, A HIGH FREQUENCY "BUZZ" WAS FELT IN THE MOTORCYCLE. AS WE WERE ON A CAUSE WAY COMING NORTH FROM KEY WEST, FL I WAS UNABLE TO PULL OVER TO INVESTIGATE. AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY, I STOPPED AND INSPECTED THE WHEELS/TIRES ETC. NOTHING WAS NOTED. AFTER A FURTHER TWENTY MILES,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 6, 2006

“LEATHER HANDGRIPS ARE SLIPPERY, CONSUMER RIDES MOTORCYCLE WITH RUBBER BANDS WRAPPED AROUND THE THROTTLE, SO HIS HANDS DON'T SLIP. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 26, 2000

“THE REAR TAIL LIGHT/ TURN LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED AND/OR MADE THE DEFECT WAS SO WIDESPREAD AND RECOGNIZED AD SUCH BY BME THAT IT PRECIPITATED BMW MAKING A " NEW AND IMPROVED " VERSION OF THE TAIL- LIGHT TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY. HOWEVER INSTEAD IF REPLACING THUS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT FOR FREE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 3, 2014

1999 BMW R 1200 C — common questions

Is the 1999 BMW R 1200 C reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 BMW R 1200 C have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 BMW R 1200 C. 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.