Final drive failure causing oil to spill onto rear tire while riding. This is the same failure as described in odi no. 10439549, and currently being investigated under campaign dp12001.
The worst 2003 BMW R1150GS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission2
- Brakes1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission2
- Brakes1
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 R1150GS
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 R1150GS 5
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Leaks have been reported in fork legs
- 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 R1150GS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Crown gear bearing failure, no oil leak. Progressive vibration felt in footpegs and seat, several very brief rear wheel lock-ups. Metal fuzz on magnetic plug, pulled the drive, sent to an independent expert (not a bmw dealer) who confirmed the failure and rebuilt the drive.
Two problems; 1. Abs intermittently works, and intermittently locks up front wheel on gravel roads, causing undesired wheel lockup....very unsafe. 2. Abs brake assist servos (power brakes) intermittently fail to operate, causing unexpected loss of braking power, once assist servo power is lost the residual braking is approximately 20% of assisted braking, this causes heart stoppage while trying to not crash and/or hit other traffic.....very unsafe when this happens. Bmw says, sorry bike is out of warranty, and they won't correct defects. This bike has been very well maintained and taken care of, it only has 13k miles on it and should not have such failures. If it was an isolated failure problem I wouldn't even bother with this complaint, however doing some research I find that in just my few days of searching and reading bmw riders postings that dozens and dozens of other similar bmw's have had the very same failures with zero support from bmw.
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Questions about the 2003 BMW R1150GS
Is the 2003 BMW R1150GS reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2003 BMW R1150GS, close to a typical R1150GS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW R1150GS?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW R1150GS have?
1 recall, covering power train.
Was there a recall on the 2003 BMW R1150GS transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 02V319000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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