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 failing and I had the final drive repaired at a bmw repair facility. This has been an ongoing problem with paralever drive bmw motorcycles.
The worst 1996 BMW R1100RSL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission4
- Electrical2
- Brakes1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission4
- Electrical2
- Brakes1
Recalls 1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. The owner's manual warns the rider not to leave the engine running unnecessarily when the motorcycle is stationary and to ride off immediately after starting.
- 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 for cooling missing, the exhaust system temperature will rise considerable increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Owners will be sent a warning label for their motorcycle and an owner's manual insert.
Recall number 97V173000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 BMW R1100RSL 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1996 BMW R1100RSL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Complaint regarding ignition switch harness recall.*mr the primary owner had the motorcycle serviced for wiring harness per service bulletine #23815. The recall was designed to correct problems with the ignition switch harness where the ignition wires could become damaged and/or disconnected and was considered serious enough that riding the vehicle to a bmw motorcycle dealership for recall repairs was to be avoided if the vehicle exhibited symptoms of the problem. In addition, a sheet metal plate mounted to the front of the frame below the instrument cluster can cause the wiring harness to be stretched too tight, where it passes over the plate, as the handlebars are turned fully to one side, such as when parking the vehicle and locking the steering. Consumer contacted the dealership to get the recall performed. The dealership closed down and consumer feels bmw should cover all expenses for the recall work since it didn't correct the problem.
Wiring harness shorted out causing a failure to continue operating. Other owners of the same model bmw motorcycle (r1100gs and r1150gs, 1995-2001) have experienced similar failures, including a recent near fatality when the electrical system and all lights failed at night. The owner was almost killed by a truck. The problem results from cracked insulation in the wiring harness, causing short circuiting and varying degrees of electrical failure. Property damage up to $2000 has been reported; it would not be surprising to learn that a major injury accident has occurred following one of these failures. Since motorcycle accidents are often fatal, the operator would probably not have reported the electrical failure.
While riding at 10 MPH had to make a sudden stop and brakes locked up.*ak the ABS was not reset. The driver was trying to stop but both front and rear wheels locked resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.
While accelerating in 3rd gear, transmission pops momentarily out of gear. Sudden loss of acceleration may be dangerious.
The problem is a momentary loss of power tranmission in 3rd gear under acceleration, not a safe condition in traffic.
Transmission kept popping out of gear, sometimes at very inopportune moments. Told it may continue to do this even after dealer 'fixed' problem.
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Questions about the 1996 BMW R1100RSL
Is the 1996 BMW R1100RSL reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1996 BMW R1100RSL, 1.8 times a typical R1100RSL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 BMW R1100RSL?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 4 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1996 BMW R1100RSL have?
1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.
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