2003 BMW K1200LT Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 62%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 BMW K1200LT, 62% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,800 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bmw K1200LT 2003 motorcyle I purchased used with 8700 miles on the bike. At 18646 having all the maintenance done by the dealer, I experienced a rumbling sound traveling on an interstate at 65 MPH. I pulled over thinking it might be a bad tire and noticed oil dripping on the rear tire/rim. Oil on the rear brakes did hamper my slowing down. Bmw repaired the final drive saying the outside bearing failed causing the oil seal to fail. At 25,423 miles the final drive failed again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10446654, filed 2012-02, 18,646 miles“Bmw 0703 k1200ltc motorcycle rear end failed at less than 19,000 miles creating a hazard to my safety. However by hearing the gear noise in time I was able to stop the bike before the rear seal allowed oil out of the rear end. So it had to be a bearing failure in my opinion. At this time no repairs have been made yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10167135, filed 2006-08, 18,869 miles“The final drive differential failed, locked up the rear tire, cause catastrophic loss of control, ejection from the motorcycle at highway speed, and total loss of the machine. The rider suffered moderate injuries, mostly abrasions and bruises, and broken bones. The tire pressures and final drive fluid level had been checked that day, and were correct. A $10,000 machine was totaled because of a cheap part that is a known defect, has occurred over and over, and Bmw has not been ordered to fix this safety issue!”
NHTSA complaint #10521267, filed 2013-06, 33,245 miles“Felt a strange vibration. Exited the road at the next exit about a mile down the road. Upon slowing below 20 MPH, the vibration increased. Braking was diminished and used down shifting. Pulled over into a parking lot and inspected the motorcycle. Found oil running from the final drive down the brake rotor and rim/tire. Called for a tow truck to take it to the local Bmw dealer. Dealer said the final drive bearings had failed and the entire final drive needed to be replaced. Since there was a known issue with the pre-2004 final drives, the dealer replaced with a final drive from a 2006.”
NHTSA complaint #10464362, filed 2012-07, 31,555 miles“The contact owns 2003 Bmw k1200 lt motorcycle. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the rear wheel bearings caused the vehicle seize. The contact noticed oil leaking from the final drive unit onto the rear wheel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the bearings, o-rings, and rear wheel shaft was replaced. The contact had not experienced any further issues with the vehicle since the repair. The failure mileage was 30,876.”
NHTSA complaint #10446859, filed 2012-02, 30,876 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW K1200LT
6 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW K1200LT
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology