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2004 BMW R Series problems

The most common problem on the 2004 BMW R Series is fuel and propulsion system. Its complaint count is close to a typical R Series model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
8
Worst area
Fuel system

The worst 2004 BMW R Series problems

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

  • Fuel system
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Fuel system
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported January 15, 2004 · 39,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, the o-ring in fuel line quick-disconnect coupling could become damaged and lead to a fuel leak. There is also a problem involving crimp-type hose clamps, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
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 began on april 30, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 04V028000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2004 BMW R Series

Defect investigations

Motorcycle firesOpened June 21, 2007, closed October 23, 2007

Unlike most motorcycles, where a sight glass is used to determine engine oil level, the subject, air-cooled, motorcycles are built by bmw with a polymer (plastic) sight glass that, in some instances, melts due to high engine/oil temperature.this typically occurs when the motorcycle is operated contrary to bmw's owner manual admonition: warning:do not keep the engine running while the motorcycle is at a standstill -- risk of overheating and fire.each of the alleged fires occurred while the motorcycle was parked and idling.odi is unaware of any structure fires where a melted sight glass is the root cause.of the eight known fires, one occurred in 2000, three in 2004 and again in 2005, and one in february, 2007.the subject vehicles do not have an elevated fire-related insurance claims history. Based on the low incidence rate, it appears bmw's warning is effective and no defect trend is identified.further use of agency resources appears unwarranted.this investigation's closing does not constitute a the federal safety agency finding that no safety-related defect exists and we reserve the right to take further action if warranted.

PE07031

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 2004 BMW R Series 8

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

What 2004 BMW R Series owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 2, 2012 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw r-series. The contact stated that he smelled fuel being emitted from the vehicle while it was parked in a residential garage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the o-ring in the fuel line quick-disconnect coupling would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was then informed of a recall for the failure under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v028000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The manufacturer was notified but advised the contact that his VIN was not included in the recall and offered no further assistance. The failure and current mileage was 20,000. Updated 12/21/12*lj updated 1/7/2013

Filed Jul 26, 2011 · Fuel system · 6,964 miles · VA

While driving on the highway (in a work zone), fuel began spraying from the right side of the motorcycle and the vehicle lost power. After pulling to the shoulder of the road and turning the vehicle off, gasoline continued to leak onto the hot exhaust pipes and vaporized into a cloud of smoke. Fortunately, the leaking fuel did not ignite. The vehicle was towed to an authorized bmw repair facility where it was determined that the "male" side of the fuel line quick-disconnect coupling had cracked. The original part is made out of plastic but the replacement part has been upgraded to metal. The federal safety agency campaign id number 04v028000 addresses a similar problem with this same component, however, it does not include all vehicles with the plastic fuel line quick-disconnect coupling. This recall campaign should be expanded to include all vehicles with the plastic fuel line quick-disconnect coupling.

Filed Jul 29, 2010 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · OH

Bmw motorcycle final drive failures. In 2001 I purchased a new bmw r1100rt. Approximately one year into ownership 25k miles the final drive failed while I was riding. I thought the rear wheel was falling off. I was able to get the bike stopped without incident. I was traveling approximately 70 MPH. This was a very dangerous situation, not only was the rear wheel leaning to one side the whole rear half of the motorcycle was covered with oil, resulting in non working rear brake and a oil covered tire and wheel. Bike was repaired . Buy the time I made it home from my trip the rear drive was falling apart again. Finally it was repaired again. After that I lost all confidence in that bike, thinking how unsafe the situation was. In 04 I traded the bike in on a new bmw gs1150 adventure. Was on a extensive trip throughout the western united states. Just last week 7/21/10. Heading home. While near sturgis sd. I felt a strange vibration which was getting worse by the second. I exited the freeway at the nearest exit, pulling into a parking lot I got off the bike to find the whole rear half of the motorcycle covered in oil and oil running out of the failed final drive. Once again this a very dangerous situation on a motorcycle. After a few days it was repaired and I made it home ok. Bmw knows there is a design flaw in their final drive design rendering them susceptible to a final drive failure. But they will never admit it. When this happens it creates a very dangerous situation for the rider, as there is usually oil all over the bike, the rear wheel and tire and the rear brakes which render them useless. Something needs to be done to get bmw to admit this very dangerous problem and figure out how to fix it.

Filed Mar 8, 2004 · Lights · 1,075 miles · CO

Right rear turn signal stem just feel off near the signal light. Plastic just broke after a 175 mile ride to ridgeway colorado. Less than a 32nd off an inch keeping it in place. Had to finish the last 60 miles with out it.

Compare the 2004 BMW R Series

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Questions about the 2004 BMW R Series

Is the 2004 BMW R Series reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2004 BMW R Series, close to a typical R Series model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW R Series?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 2 complaints. Next is lights (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 BMW R Series have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2004 BMW R Series fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V028000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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