During normal operation of the vehicle, the headlights went out completely, leaving only the fog lights to get me home. Dealer replaced the head lamp assembly under warranty.
The worst 2003 BMW R1150 RT problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Suspension1
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 R1150 RT
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 R1150 RT 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- 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 R1150 RT owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Actual model is rt1150p not listed on model list. Altenator belt broke, causing altenator failure and low voltage which negated power brakes leaving me with residual braking about 40% of normal breaking at best. I was unable to stop and rolled in front of oncoming truck who was able to avoid me by slowing and going around. Dealer replaced belt and altenator. This does not mean it wont happen again however. The owners manual even explains power loss to brakes calling it residual braking. The manual says apply more pressure to the brake lever, set them so you have more leverage on them, and ride in a defensive position. A little tough to do when you are exiting the freeway, stopping for a red light or pulling up to a driveway to enter traffic. Losing your breaking effeciency because of electronic failure is not acceptable for law enforcement or civilian use.
Recall remedy failure. 04v‑028. Dealer re-crimped the crimp clamps per bmw's instructions. Still leaked substantially at 4.2 bar when system pressure-checked. Some concern that plastic components deform preventing full crimp clamp load. Replaced oe crimp clamps with ealier version, oe, screw clamps.
Stalling while riding in the rain. Would restart after waiting a few moments. Happened at least 8 times. Dealer could not find problem. Then, while riding in traffic during dry weather stalled and would not restart. Towed to dealer. Ignition coil replaced.
2003 bmw r 1150 rt motorcycle pulls to the right, I feel this is a safety hazard if you do not keep pressure to the left on the handle bars it will lean itself to the right and run off the road. Also it has excessive tire wear. I spoke with bmw and they said this is a characteristic of these bikes.
Compare the 2003 BMW R1150 RT
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Questions about the 2003 BMW R1150 RT
Is the 2003 BMW R1150 RT reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2003 BMW R1150 RT, close to a typical R1150 RT model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW R1150 RT?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is fuel system (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW R1150 RT have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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