2003 BMW R 1150 RT
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › R 1150 RT › 2003
These records cover every 2003 BMW R 1150 RT. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 BMW R 1150 RT. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
5 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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…
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.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
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.*ak
- Suspension
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.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 10030825BMW motorcycle: engine fuels containing ethanol. BMW motorrad has no objection to the use of si engine fuels containing up to a maximum of 10% ethanol and imposes no warranty restrictions. Ethanol mixtures in proportions higher than 10% can have an adverse effect on performance and can result in damage to components that come into contract with fuel. No warranty claims whatsoever for damage caused in this way will be accepted. No model years listed.
- 10007038Introduction of the new elast alternator drive belt and alternator pulley with freewheel. BMW r1100s, r1150r, r1150gs, r1150rs, and r1150rt.
Every BMW R 1150 RT model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.