1996 BMW R1100RSL Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 BMW R1100RSL (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1996 BMW R1100RSL. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by electrical system (2) and brakes (1). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 29,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system2 29%
- Brakes1 14%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Power train failure: the final drive bearings failed at about 29000 miles. The problem was noticed by me during the normal maintenance and fluid changes. There was considerable metal flakes in the final drive fluid, indicative of the initial stage of bearing failure. The bearings were indeed failing and I had the final drive repaired at a Bmw repair facility. This has been an ongoing problem with paralever drive Bmw motorcycles.”
NHTSA complaint #10446977, filed 2012-02, 29,000 milesElectrical system: “Complaint regarding ignition switch harness recall. The primary owner had the motorcycle serviced for wiring harness per service bulletine #23815. The recall was designed to correct problems with the ignition switch harness where the ignition wires could become damaged and/or disconnected and was considered serious enough that riding the vehicle to a Bmw motorcycle dealership for recall repairs was to be avoided if the vehicle exhibited symptoms of the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10044513, filed 2003-10Brakes: “While riding at 10 MPH had to make a sudden stop and brakes locked up. The ABS was not reset. The driver was trying to stop but both front and rear wheels locked resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #871239, filed 2000-09Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,000 and 29,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 97V173000Oct 8, 1997Engine and engine cooling › Engine › GasolineCovers: BMW R1100RSL 1994–1996
Vehicle description: motorcycles. The owner's manual warns the rider not to leave the engine running unnecessarily when the motorcycle is stationary and to ride off immediately after starting.
Recall details for the 1996 BMW R1100RSL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10030825Nov 1, 2007Fuel system, Other or unknown. Bmw 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…
Other model years of the BMW R1100RSL
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 7 | 29,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 BMW R1100RSL have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1996 BMW R1100RSL as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 BMW R1100RSL is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by electrical system with 2.
Has the 1996 BMW R1100RSL been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 BMW R1100RSL reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 29,000 miles and the middle half falls between 29,000 and 29,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.