1998 BMW R1200C
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 14 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 2003 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Exterior lighting
5 of 14 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing tail lights and turn signal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 BMW R1200C motorcycle. The contact was traveling 35 MPH when the tail lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the tail light assembly was cracked and needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-14
My BMW 1998 R1200 c, had oil leaking from the engine seals since at least 300 miles. The bike was bought new in 1998. I complained of a blue smoke coming out of the tail pipe, but the owner of the store told me it was normal for BMW's.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-15
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Engine and engine cooling
5 of 14 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Exhaust burned my leg, my passengers leg and the leg of others who have been passengers on my motorcycle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-17
Service brakes
2 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
1 of 14 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
Leaving workplace, about 200 yards @ approx 35 MPH, front left telescope disengaged and separated from the crossbar mechanism. Instantly the handlebars turned right and the 'cycle collapsed onto its right side, pitching me to the ground.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-26
Power train
1 of 14 total reports mentions: power train.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1997-08-11Service brakes, hydraulic97V134000 Vehicle description: motorcycles. The adjusting screw for the pressure point of either the brake or clutch levers may not be sufficiently tight, due to grease contamination of the threads.
Remedy: Dealers will check the adjustment screws of the front brake and clutch levers for movement. If the screws are tight, no further action will be taken. If a screw is found to be loose, it will be…
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R
2001-12-13Structure01V217000 Vehicle description: motorcycles equipped with chrome-plated frames. Copper residue can remain in the tapped hole where the upper fork bridge attaches to the frame. Moisture can cause corrosion…
Remedy: Dealers will ream the hole in the frame head and install a helicoil thread insert and a new bolt. Owner notification began December 13, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized…
Buy-smart checklist
1998 BMW R1200C — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V134000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 01V217000 · Structure
FAQ
- Is the 1998 BMW R1200C reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW R1200C?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 BMW R1200C have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.