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2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure problems

The most common problem on the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure is transmission and drivetrain. Its complaint count is close to a typical R 1150 GS Adventure model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
6
Worst area
Transmission

The worst 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 2

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported August 26, 2003 · 1,397 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, due to the material composition of the rear brake hose, the hose may split open during riding conditions in which a full extension of the rear suspension occurs. In some cases, the hose may also have been routed incorrectly to the caliper aggravating the condition.
Risk
As a result, a loss of brake fluid and brake pressure can occur, possibly resulting in rear brake failure. A crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose. It will be rerouted on motorcycles in which a hose of the new material specification has already been installed. The brake hose will be replaced and rerouted on all other affected motorcycles. Owner notification began on september 12, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117, option #4.

Recall number 03V325000 · Recall details

Power train: manual transmissionReported November 27, 2002 · 515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 02V319000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure

Defect investigations

Fuel line leakageOpened December 1, 2003, closed January 23, 2004

Bmw is conducting a recall (04v‑028).an information request(ir)response was not received. Upon bmw's receipt of the ir, and after discussions with odi, bmwdetermined that a recall was necessary. On certain motorcycles, the o-ring contained within the fuel line quick-disconnect coupling could become damaged.further, there is also a problem involving crimp-type hose clamps, which can also result in a small fuel leak.dealers will inspect, and if necessary, adjust all crimp-type hose clamps.also all fuel line quick-disconnect couplings will be inspected.if a leak is detected, the quick-disconnect o-ring will be replaced.if damaged, the coupling will be replaced.owner notification is expected to begin during february 2004.

PE03054

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure 6

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 7, 2013 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · CA

The third rear drive failure on the my 2004/2003 1150 gsa motorcycle. The last one happened in october of this year. And june of this year the first time the final drive failed it happened in august in 2010 on my way home on interstate 90 in washington, this past june 2013 it happened in logan utah and this past friday october 4 it happened on interstate 10. I am lucky the bike and I managed to stay upright because the gear oil from the final drive was all over the rear tire. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Compare the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure

Other model years

20022003

Questions about the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure

Is the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure, close to a typical R 1150 GS Adventure model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and power train.

Was there a recall on the 2003 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V319000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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