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1996 BMW R1100RSLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1996 BMW R1100RSL, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints72 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage29kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 7, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 BMW R1100RSL has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train40
Electrical system20
Service brakes, hydraulic11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1996 BMW R1100RSL recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Engine: gasoline

Recall 97V-173 · Oct 8, 1997 · 1,275 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS WARNING IS IGNORED AND THE ENGINE IS LEFT RUNNING AT AN INCREASED SPEED ABOVE IDLE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS AT A STANDSTILL WITH THE AIR STREAM REQUIRED…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other R1100RSL year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the R1100RSL median. How we score

'94'95'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What R1100RSL owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

POWER TRAIN FAILURE: THE FINAL DRIVE BEARINGS FAILED AT ABOUT 29000 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED BY ME DURING THE NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND FLUID CHANGES. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE METAL FLAKES IN THE FINAL DRIVE FLUID, INDICATIVE OF THE INITIAL STAGE OF BEARING FAILURE. THE BEARINGS WERE INDEED…
Complaint 10446977 · Feb 7, 2012 · 29,000 miles
WHILE ACCELERATING IN 3RD GEAR, TRANSMISSION POPS MOMENTARILY OUT OF GEAR. SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION MAY BE DANGERIOUS.*AK
Complaint 726786 · Aug 6, 2000
THE PROBLEM IS A MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER TRANMISSION IN 3RD GEAR UNDER ACCELERATION, NOT A SAFE CONDITION IN TRAFFIC. *AK
Complaint 723816 · Jun 9, 2000

Own a 1996 R1100RSL?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.