Recall 97V-237: 1995–1997 BMW R1100, 1996–1997 BMW R850

BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recall for electrical system, reported to NHTSA on Dec 31, 1997, covering about 2,000 vehicles.

NHTSA number
97V-237
Report date
Dec 31, 1997
Vehicles affected
2,000
Owners notified
Feb 27, 1998

The problem

Vehicle description: motorcycles. A sheet metal plate mounted to the front of the frame below the instrument cluster can cause the wiring harness to be stretched too tight as the handlebars are turned fully to one side. In addition, the wiring harness is attached to another harness with a cable tie that is placed too far forward limiting the handlebar movement.

The risk

The harness wires can be damaged or could break or pull out of the ignition switch. If the harness wires were damaged but not broken or disconnected, the electrical system could be affected while the motorcycle is being driven. Hesitation, misfiring, or "cutting out" could occur increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix

Dealers will relocate the wire tie connecting the two wiring harnesses to a point further back from the original location so that the ignition switch wiring harness has sufficient freedom of movement. Also if the wiring harness is found to be damaged, the ignition switch (With harness) will be replaced.

Notes

Owner notification is expected to begin by late february 1998.owners who take their motorcycles 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 #5.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

ManufacturerBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
ComponentElectrical System › Wiring
Recall started byNHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation)
NHTSA campaign number97V237000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
BMW R11001995, 1996, 1997All years
BMW R8501996, 1997All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 97V-237?

Vehicle description: motorcycles. A sheet metal plate mounted to the front of the frame below the instrument cluster can cause the wiring harness to be stretched too tight as the handlebars are turned fully to one side. In addition, the wiring harness is attached to another harness with a cable tie that is placed too far forward limiting the handlebar movement.

How is recall 97V-237 fixed?

Dealers will relocate the wire tie connecting the two wiring harnesses to a point further back from the original location so that the ignition switch wiring harness has sufficient freedom of movement. Also if the wiring harness is found to be damaged, the ignition switch (With harness) will be replaced.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.