2003 BMW R 1150 RS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 19, 2008 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R 1150 RS years
Not enough data
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 16,389 miles. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2003 BMW R 1150 RS problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel System, Gasoline1 · ~16,389 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel System, Gasoline1100%16,389——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2003 BMW R 1150 RS recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Power train:manual transmissionNov 27, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V319000 · 515 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Fuel line leakage (PE03054) — opened Dec 1, 2003, closed Jan 23, 2004, led to recall 04V028000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

My motorcyle had a gushing fuel leak over the engine from a broken "fuel line quick release coupling" made from a plastic material. This is not a wear and tear problem...this is a major failure/defect in the coupling. Bmw has recently identified the problem and is changing to a metal coupling. I…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received May 19, 2008 · NHTSA complaint 10228173

Other BMW R 1150 RS years

YearComplaintsRecalls
200311

See all BMW R 1150 RS problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS?

Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R 1150 RS model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.