My motorcyle had a gushing fuel leak over the engine from a broken "fuel line quick release coupling" made from a plastic material. This is not a wear and tear problem...this is a major failure/defect in the coupling. Bmw has recently identified the problem and is changing to a metal coupling. I corrected the failure by replacing the broken-plastic coupling to a metal coupling. Bmw responded to my complaint by saying the new models have the metal coupling and my model is out of warranty. I do not think this is a warranty issue - I think this is a "recall" issue. There could have been serious consequences with a fuel leak over the engine during operation.
The worst 2003 BMW R 1150 RS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
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- Fuel system1
Recalls 1
Power train: manual transmission
- 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 1 recalls for the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS
Defect investigations
Fuel line leakage
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 RS 5
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- BMW Motorrad has ascertained that in isolated cases the fuse for the voltage regulator is not correctly...
- Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty
- Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs
- Bmw motorcycle: engine fuels containing ethanol. bmw motorrad has no objection to the use of si engine...
- Introduction of the new elast alternator drive belt and alternator pulley with freewheel
What 2003 BMW R 1150 RS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS
Other model years
2003
Questions about the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS
Is the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS, close to a typical R 1150 RS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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