BMW R Series Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints across the 1 model years of the BMW R Series (2002–2002) that have at least 5 complaints. 2002 has the most, with 8. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (3 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All R Series model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8 | 42,300 | 1 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain3 38%
- Fuel system3 38%
- Body and structure1 13%
- Brakes1 13%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2002: “Clutch to transmission input shaft splines failed on my 2002 Bmw r1150rt motorcycle. Sudden loss of power due to failure of the splines which connect the clutch plate to the transmission input shaft. Fortunately I was on a side street which wasn't busy and near home. No accident resulted due to location where failure occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10296924, filed 2009-12, 43,000 milesOther BMW models
3,167 complaintsBMW 328I
2,577 complaintsBMW X3
2,018 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology