2002 BMW R1150GS recalls and problems

The 2002 BMW R1150GS has 1 safety recall and 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
21
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 BMW R1150GS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 BMW R1150GS recalls

Recall 01V-246: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 31, 2001 · 2,997 vehicles affected · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The distance between the brake line and the speedometer drive cable could be too small. Due to compression and rebound of the fork, the speedometer cable could contact and chafe the brake line.

Risk: Brake fluid leakage could occur, resulting in a loss of front braking capability. If this happened, depending on traffic conditions and the rider's reactions, a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will measure the distance between the front brake line and speedometer cable. The brake line will be replaced if the distance to the speedometer cable is found to be too small or if it is damaged. A new protective sleeve will be installed in the speedometer cable near the front fender. Owner notification began december 18, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles 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.

2002 BMW R1150GS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Power Train5
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Seats1
Service Brakes, Air1
Fuel System, Other1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 6
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 2
  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
  • Seats › Motorcycle — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum › Drum — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,200 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 BMW R1150GS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 41,034 miles · reported Apr 26, 2012
My 2002 bmw 1150gs motorcycle has only just over 41k miles on the odometer. These motorcycles are advertised to the public as able to drive forever across continents, but that is not the case. I was very surprised when it lost some internal gears last weekend and something let go in the gearbox when shifting between 5th and 6th under normal operating conditions. After regular maintenance, the transmission is no longer operational. Metal fragments came out of the transmission when drained of fluid. This is a total transmission failure and will need to be replaced. I was traveling at near 65…
Fuel System, Other · at 8,000 miles · reported Sep 27, 2007
The contact owns a 2002 bmw r1150ra (Na). While driving 50-55 MPH, the contact smelled gas fumes and then noticed fuel leaking from the quick release mechanism. As of september 27, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that they would replace the quick release mechanism for free. The current and failure mileages were 8,000.
Power Train · at 35,900 miles · reported Sep 18, 2006
In april 2005, I experienced a final drive failure on my 2002 bmw r1150gs. During a 36,000 mile service, I reported a slight oil leak around the rubber boot on the final drive shaft. Bmw replaced the final drive bearing that was still under warranty. The entire final drive was replaced during the service at no charge. The final drive failure problem is a major issue and I AM aware of six local bmw motorcycles, both r and k series that have experienced final drive failures in the past three years.
Power Train · at 28,850 miles · reported Oct 5, 2004
2002 bmw r1150gs motorcycle suffered a failure of the final drive assembly in the shaft drive mechanism. There was no warning. The seal blew out and the shaft bearings disintegrated causing the wheel to hop up and down severely at about 70 MPH. I was able to pull the bike over safely without a crash. The entire final drive will have to be replaced. Fortunately, it is still under warranty. Had it failed literally 30 seconds earlier, I would have been leaned way over in a very tight corner and the likelihood of a serious accident would have been extremely high. The leaking gear oil coated the…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 16,400 miles · reported Jun 4, 2004
This motorcycle is equipped with a linked ABS brake system. The rear wheel and front wheel work together. The motorcycle was without brakes for an undetermined period of time.

Other BMW R1150GS years

Compare all BMW R1150GS years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 BMW R1150GS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 BMW R1150GS: 01V-246 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 BMW R1150GS?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (12 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,200 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.