If any of your data shows up wrong (e.g. typo or whatever) email correct info to Jim Puckett and I will correct.
If someone entered mileage as xx,xxx.x, it will post to the MySQL database as xx.x (e.g. 26.0 is really 26000.0)

BMW FD Failure List
Cnt Last First City State Zip Country VIN (5 char) Year Model Mileage Fail Date Fail Description
1 Meese Ken Oxnard CA 93030-7048 USA 44590 1999 K1200LT 26000.0 8/08/2001 Noticed vibration and grinding noise from rear wheel area. Attempted to stop bike to investigate, but gear oil had coated the rear wheel making the rear brakes useless and causing the rear tire to slip on the road. I managed to stop the bike safely but the final drive bearings were obviously disintegrating.
2 Jonas Jason Bowling Green KY 42104 USA 30615 2002 R1150GS 34000.0 June 2003 Complete bearing and ABS failure at ~34,000 miles.
3 Murphy Mike Pearland TX 77584 USA 30499 2002 R1150GS Ad 05/2006 Rear bearing failed, damaged the ring & pinion gear, and took out the seal. Also destroyed was the sensor for the ABS brakes.
4 Matisak Richard Cleveland OH 44102 USA 75774 2001 K1200LT-I 07/14/2002 Riding on expressway, the rear tire felt as if it was going flat. Pulled over and stopped, check rear tire, the final drive was leaking gear oil profusely, and all over the rear tire.
5 Lilley Bob Easton PA 18042 USA 79103 2003 K1200LTE 56737.0 3/9/07 rear momentarily locked at 70mph. followed by loss of rear wheel traction. bike felt like it was riding "up and down" with a corresponding "back and forth" motion in the handlebars. Failure occured at 56,737 miles.
6 Meese Ken Oxnard CA 93030-7048 USA 76097 2002 K1200LT 5800.0 5/30/2003 The final drive assembly started leaking gear oil onto the rear wheel and tire. This could easily have caused a rear wheel slide and serious crash if it wasn't caught in time.
7 Pancoast Glenn Lansing MI 48917 USA 60353 2006 R1200GS-AD 8/26/2007 I noticed oil under the bike while refueling. It was leaking out of the rear drive unit.
8 Stipe Gary Springfield VA 22151 USA 75496 2001 K1200LT Jul 2002 The bearings in the final drive disintegrated
9 Mulcahy James Tulsa OK 74136-2801 USA 35929 2002 K1200RS 03/06/2006 The rear end of the motorcycle became very unstable. It felt like the rear wheel was about to come off. The fluid in the rear drive leaked all over the rear brake pads, tire and rear end. I was lucky to be able to maintain control without crashing. After stopping it did appear the the rear wheel was about to come off and rear drive fluid covered the entire rear end of the motorcycle
10 Martin Ken Kingsport TN 37663 USA 92904 2004 R1150RT 25010.0 11/2/2007 Gear oil from the final drive leaking around inside hub onto wheel.
11 Meese Ken Oxnard CA 93030-7048 USA 76097 2002 K1200LT 11900.0 02/29/2004 The rear wheel started vibrating and making grinding noises, causing the rear of the bike to become unstable. I pulled over and found significant play in the rear wheel making the bike unsafe to ride.
12 Dragon David Holiday FL 34691 USA 60247 2006 R1200GS-A 06/29/2007 It started feeling a popping through the foot pegs, got off and checked it out and found nothing out of place. 10 miles on down the road the seal let go and it slung the lube all over the place.
13 Schrader Robert Wentzville Mo 63385 USA 74052 2000 K1200LTC 33000.0 2003 At 33,000 miles and again at 49,000 miles,the rear wheel felt like it was beginning to go flat. Inspected the wheel and found oil leaking from final drive unit.
14 King Ray Chesapeake VA 23320-7488 USA 65502 2000 R1200C 32000.0 9-24-2006 Began hearing a humming noise from rear that increased or decreased in pitch with speed and without regard to gear selection. Mileage approximately 32,000.
15 Barish Craig New York NY 10011 USA F4595 2002 R1150R 06/02/07 Heard/felt grinding from rear. Stopped, inspected rear end, saw nothing. Rode 400 miles to rally, feeling slight popping in right footpeg, stopping frequently to check. Got slowly worse. At rally, noticed oil on tire sidewall. Removed rear wheel, felt notchy rotation in hub.
16 King Ray Chesapeake VA 23320-7488 USA 65502 2000 R1200C 7-15-2007 2nd failure: again began hearing humming from rear end that increased or decreased in pitch with change in speed without regard to gear selection or clutch engagement.
17 Russ Darr Olympia WA 98502 USA 52078 2002 R1100S 2004 Large main bearing failure. There was a high pitched whine for about 250 miles before getting it to my local dealer
18 Schrader Robert Wentzville Mo 63385 USA 74052 2000 K1200LTC 49000.0 2005 At 33,000 miles and again at 49,000 miles,the rear wheel felt like it was beginning to go flat. Inspected the wheel and found oil leaking from final drive unit.
19 Johnston Jay Islandmagee N/A BT40 Ireland 92184 1993 R1100RS aug 07 As per most increased vibration and taraced to final drive large bearing
20 Solomon David Ward CO 8481 USA 46887 2007 K1200GT 19000.0 11/08/2007 Puking Oil + Grinding Noise
21 French Charles El Paso TX 79936 USA 72606 2000 K1200LT June 2007 Oil all over Final Drive gear box, rear brake caliper/pads and rear tire. Caught it just before crown bearing went out. 1mm flakes on magnetic drain plug.
22 Mootz Jeffrey Kitts Hill Ohio 45645 USA 68043 2000 R1100RT 86484.0 8/8/07 The bike developed a "whine". Upon inspection the "crown" bearing was bad. Also the pivot bearings at the rear of the swing arm were bad. While researching the repair instructions from the BMW manual I discovered that the rear pre-load was .010" too tight from the factory. I purchased the bike new so I knew it's history and maintenance. Poor design, it will be my last BMW.
23 Taylor Mark Christchurch Cant 7676 New Zealand 11807 2003 R1150GS 20.0 15/07/2007 Rear wheel side play significant.
24 Mann Kenneth Randleman NC 27317 USA 71498 2005 K1200LT 35650.0 11/22/07 Noticed roaring sound coming from rear end after replacing the tires. Upon further inspection I found quite a bit of play in the final drive bearings.
25 Fieldhouse Tom Kambah ACT 2902 Austra;ia Dunno 2002 1150GS 30.0 2005 Rear bearing collapsed, taking the oil seal with it out of the final drive, while I was riding the bike. Spilled oil all over the rear tyre too. Truly scary.
26 Fisher John Hillsboro OR 97124 USA 73999 2000 K1200LTC 42000.0 8/25/2005 There was a very pronounced rhythmic sensation, not unlike expansion strips cause, but the road was smooth! This was just a few miles before it got really shaky and noisy. Just as a side note, I did notice something was not right when we started out that morning, but could not put a finger on the problem. Hindsight says that it was talking to me about 150 miles before it finally went, but I was not sure if it was the rear drive or my paranoia about just such a thing happening on our vacation! After we manag
27 Hogden Col Lismore NSW 2480 USA 51927 2008 K1200LT 3/11/06 Feeling of something not quite right!!!! This happened on three (3) occasions..
28 Cooper Norris Andover KS 67002-9349 United States 45068 2006 K1200GT 15100.0 6/7/07 Excessive play in Final Drive. Note that final drive was "sealed for life" !!!
29 Cooper Norris Andover KS 67002 United States 38511 2004 K1200RS 28220.0 06/15/05 Noted play in Final Drive.
30 Cooper Norris Andover KS 67002 United States 35702 2002 k1200RS 23917.0 10/05/02 Rear Drive bearing loose.
31 Paulsey Joe Auburn Twp. OH 44023 USA 45413 2006 K1200GT 18.9 05/07/07 Traveling eastbound on I-80 east of Spark, NV, I noticed that my GT wasn't able to obtain high speeds as usual. But there was no strange vibrations, no shimmy, nothing. I decided to stop at Lovelock, NV to fill up. I approached the fuel pump and my GT stopped on it's own, without braking. I fueled up the bike, then put it on the center stand. I thought I was going to find that my rear caliper was hung up, but I performed a rear wheel inspection only to find about 1/2" of play. No apparent oil leakage ... no
32 Petty Robert Winston Ga 30187 USA 68012 2000 R1100RT 20607.0 9-25-04 Bike purchaced at 10000 miles.Had 12000 mile service by BMW of Atlanta. Did my own service work before long rides every 2000 miles or so.At 20000 noticed final gear oil on rear rim.Pulled rear wheel and found damage to final dr bearing.
33 Campbell John Cincinnati Ohio 45227 china 10101 2002 R1150RT 42000.0 2004 Grease on rear wheel due to seal failure.Dealer removed drain plug and large chunk of bearing race dropped out of da hole....
34 Mike Goetz Sedalia Mo 65301 United States 86068 1999 R1100 GS 62000.0 9/10/2007 Grinding noise from rear end. Gear oil leaking severely
35 Verschoor Steven Newbury Park Calif 91320 USA 65414 2004 R1150R Rcks 0.0 2006 Sensed slight judder through the foot pegs. Found that motorcycle was leaking oil from undetermined location along final drive. Oil leakage spread to rear wheel and underside of rear fender.
36 Schinzer Craig Lakeville Mn 55044 USA 30187 2003 R1200 CLC 30.0 08/2007 Large bearing in FD. Riding along with my wife on the back. Sounded like a flat tire. Within one mile, I pulled over and found oil pouring down onto rear brake and tire. Took pictures. Had ridden the day before about 100 miles with no indication of failure. Trailered to local dealer and was there for about two weeks.
37 Cooper Norris Andover KS 67002 United States 95551 1993 K1100RS 69090.0 2/25/99 Excessive play in final drive. No leaks. Speedometer intermittent. Small bearing on crown gear had spun on mount.
38 Hering David Lenexa KS 66215-2929 USA 30963 2003 R1200CLC 45.0 10/06/2006 While ride w/passenger noise followed by rough feel in rear end. Pulled over and oil pouring from rear drive seal. Trailered to dealer.
39 McAllister Dennis Bodega Bay Calif 94923 USA 68066 2002 R1200C 18.0 May 2005 Heard clicking noise in final drive at slow speed. Stopped to check it and the oil came rushing out.
40 McAllister Dennis Bodega Bay Calif 94923 USA 68066 2002 R1200C 35.0 6-11-2007 On the way to an out of state rally stopped to check final drive fluid due to prior failure and found it empty. Took it to a different dealer for repair. They replaced the seals and it lasted 2000 miles and did it again.
41 McAllister Dennis Bodega Bay Calif 94923 USA 68066 2002 R1200C 37.0 07-?-07 Riding home from the Dealer after having the bike serviced I smelled oil burning off the exhaust. Found gear oil leaking from front boot of drive shaft onto muffler. Took it back to the dealer for a third seal replacemant to the final drive.
42 Cooper Norris Andover KS 67002 United States 40326 0000 1985 75000.0 1988 Very excessive play in final drive. Loose bearings. No leaks. Dealer rebuilt it, several times. Purchased a used rear final drive. Sold bike with 202,000 miles on it.
43 Cooper Norris Andover KS 67002 United States 40326 1985 K100RS 75000.0 1988 Very excessive play in final drive. Loose bearings. No leaks. Dealer rebuilt it, several times. Purchased a used rear final drive. Sold bike with 202,000 miles on it.
44 Griffin Bo Prosper TX 75078 US 60089 2006 R1200GSA 31000.0 01/19/07 My rear drive started to vibrate and whine while in Peru. I stopped at the first BMW dealer in Santiago, Chile and the mechanic said I definitely had a problem. No oil was leaking and the unit was still working at this time. a picture: http://www.bogriffinrides.com/images/26daypic7.JPG
45 Nolan Robert Greenfield TWP PA 18407 USA ????? 1994 K1100RS 95.0 06/05/2003 I Heard a noise and thenlack of power,and then costed to a stop
46 Zeringue Thomas Labadieville LA 70372 USA 78054 2002 K1200LT 39640.0 3/04 This was the first failure. Bearing changed before any major problem occured. Noticed lots of metal shavings on drain plug magnet.
47 Zeringue Thomas Labadieville LA 70372 USA 78054 2002 K1200LT 59806.0 11/04 This was the second failure. Bearing changed before any major problem occured. Noticed lots of metal shavings on drain plug magnet.
48 Kennedy Carl Harvard Illin 60033 USA 71464 1999 K1200LT 43.0 09/24/2006 Found Final Drive magnetic drain plug loaded with metal shavings (race failure) and metal particle (ball) debris. This condition was found by timely gear lube change.
49 Powell Gary West Point GA 31833 USA 75913 2001 K1200LT 20.0 6/2002 Noticed a grinding noise while riding on Interstate. Pulled over to investigate and saw oil on tire and rim. Time to find a motel as we were on the final leg of a cross country trip.
50 Seward Thomas Orlando Flori 32810-3651 United States 78063 2002 K1200LT 80000.0 8/21/07 Main Bearing failure
51 zimmerman bradley Phoenix AZ 85044 USA 65063 1999 R1100RT 56.0 10-22-2007 final drive bearing failure
52 Harvey Bob Hudson MA 01749 United States 70257 1999 K1200 LT 24328.0 4/2006 The FD was making considerable noise. The oil had run out of the reservoir. I took it to the dealers to see if it was repairable or needed to be replaced.
53 Hill Jay Twin Falls Id 83301 USA 74356 2000 k1200LT 86984.0 6-01-07 I had been runing 80-90 MPG. for 150 Mi. Slowed Down from 80 MPG to to 35 for a sharp curve. I felt a viberation and heard a new noise. Started WALKING 250 Mi. for home. Bearing Failed at 86984 mi. It now has 94000 mi. and there are oil spots on the rim. Bearing Failure AGIAN? The Gold-Wings are looking Better and Better.
54 Courter Robert Raleigh NC 27614 United States 16814 2005 R12RT 18.0 July 2007 I noticed rear wheel had about 1/2 inch side to side play. Dealer replaced entire final drive unit (bad bearing?) under warranty--no trouble.
55 Upchurch III O. K. Irvine Ca 92620 USA 72570 2000 K1200LT 53000.0 6-4-07 Leaking on rear tire
56 Cook Tammy Annapolis MD 21409 USA 72452 2000 K1200LT 98000.0 3-11-08 Lots of metal chips in final drive unit, excessive side play in rear wheel, vibration on smooth road
57 Davis James Floral City Flori 34436 USA 79088 2003 K1200LT 24502.0 03/08/2008 Noticed a vibration begining it felt like a cupped tire within 10 miles it was apparent that something was wrong, stopped and bought new oil and changed it, the drained oil had mettalic particles throughout. Headed out again toward home in about 7 to 8 miles the back of the bike began a very slight rise and fall almost unnoticeable, the ball cage had broken and the balls were bunching up at the bottom which let the back of the bike sink a little, then every so often some of them would go around and it would
58 Armand Steven Sanger TX 76266 USA 17948 2006 R1200RT 3610.0 9/13/2006 Not believing in lifetime lubrication of final drive, I decided to change fluid. Anti-skid sensor was covered in metal debris, the largest of which was about 5mm in diameter. Drained oil contained metallic sludge.
59 Barnes George New Castle CO 81647 u.s.a. 74957 2001 K1200LT 78500.0 5/15/05 I noticved a "growling" noise coming from the rear of the bike. I pulled over and observed rear drive fluid leaking from the main seal.
60 Neeley Rick Sedalia CO 80135 USA 60794 2007 R1200 GS Adv 29961.0 8/29/2007 Noticed erratic speedometer behavior and brake failure ABS light stayed on resulting from burnt up FD gear oil and metal shavings on the rear wheel ABS sensor.
61 capobianco chris lake ronkonkoma ny 11779 usa 60252 1998 r1200c 22128.0 3/5/04 at about 40 mph coming to a stop light I applied rear brake and felt no decrease in speed I pulled off the road and saw a spiral of oil all over my tire and a dark coat of oil on the bolts at the input side.I had to have the bike towed to my house.
62 Brumley Douglas Hartland Wi 53029 USA 71323 2005 K1200LT 12500.0 6-07 First Final drive bearings failed at 12,000mi. Second set of bearings failed at 20,000mi.
63 Brumley Douglas Hartland Wi 53029 USA 71686 1999 K1200LT 16.5 9/2005 ENTERING HIGHWAY ON RAMP LOST POWER HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD AND HAVE BIKE TOWED TO SHOP. REPLACED FINAL DRIVE SHAFT, BEARINGS AND HOUSING. BIKE ALWAYS SERVICES AT DEALER, USED SYNTHETIC LUBE.
64 Henley Carl Brea CA 92822 United States 71114 2005 K1200 LT 29000.0 12/21/07 HIGH PITCH WHINE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, FINAL DRIVE OIL FAILURE (OVER HEATED)
65 siddens david olney illin 62450 richland unk 2005 K1200LT 14.0 July, 2006 grinding from the rear end------intensified, began to ooze purple fluid from final drive in front of a Sears store in Mussel Shoals, Ala., in the middle of a road trip.
66 Bradford R. Verne Winchester MA 01890 USA 10316 2001 R1200C 30.0 10/22/03 Riding two-up on a hot day in the northern Mexican desert. Heard a cycling, grating sound that increased with speed. Found metal particles in FD oil. Rode bike very slowly to a dealer, where FD was diagnosed as near catastrophic failure. Entire FD unit replaced.
67 Robert Chalfant Cleveland OH 44106 USA 75899 2001 k1200lt 82.0 8/30/2005 Riding 2-up on a cross-country trip, entering freeway. Felt rear end wobble and grind, pulled off to shoulder to find rear wheel and brake covered in oil. Cleveland BMW (dealer) changed rear drive oil and inspected entire bike at 80,117 on 7/10/2005, prior to trip.
68 Silvestri George Barrie ON L4M6X6 Canada 53965 2004 K1200LT 28.0 05/04/2008 Vibration from rear got progressively worse, metal on metal sound when checked on centre stand.
69 Brown Christopher Taylor Ridge IL 61284 USA 51198 1998 K1200RS 38395.0 4\16\2006 Noticed ABS sensor making contact with ABS ring teeth during cleaning. Determined that crown bearing has excess play and is showing disintegration upon teardown.
70 Donald Britain Waco Tex 76708 USA 75365 2001 2001 33454.0 3-16-2008 hear noise stopped and noticed oil leaking for rear end
71 Fields Glen Kincardine Ontar N2Z 3B2 Canada 72916 2006 K1200LT 9300.0 18APR08 Today while riding at 50 mph, leaned to side and noted grinding noise. Noise not present at fully upright riding. Suspect bearing or gear damage in rear driveline. Also can hear buzzing in fairing when leaning. Will be contacting BMW on Monday
72 Hunter Ernest Ypsilanti Mi 48197 USA 77794 2002 k1200ltc 18047.0 08-2005 It happened at the Grand Teton Reunion. The bike started to vibrate and a noticeable hum came from the the rear tire area above 35mph. When the service crew at the reunion pulled the drain plug it was covered with metal flakes and metal could be seen in the oil.
73 Hunter Ernest Ypsilanti Mi 48197 USA 77794 2002 k1200ltc 18047.0 08-2005 It happened at the Grand Teton Reunion. The bike started to vibrate and a noticeable hum came from the the rear tire area above 35mph. When the service crew at the reunion pulled the drain plug it was covered with metal flakes and metal could be seen in the oil.
74 Cook Martin Palm Coast FL 32137 USA 88688 2002 R1150RT 87.0 4-18-08 Rear wheel bearing failed with total loss of drive lube.
75 Wallace Robert West Sacramento CA 95691 USA 76137 2002 K1200LT 34008.0 4/12/08 Rear end started to feel loose. Stopped to see if tire was getting flat. Saw the rear drive leaking. Had it towed to A&S.
76 Wilson Philip Gaithersburg MD 20882 known 2003 R1200 CLC 48.0 4/26/2008 Startd to click or grind, drove for another mile until in safe place to stop. Oil on the tire, brakes and ABS sending units. Extimate of $1800-$1900 to fix. Out or warrenty, hating life. If this is the life cycle of BMW rear drives I will not own another drive shaft bike from them.
77 Schutter Doug Coldwater mi 49036 us known 1999 k1200lt 29000.0 10/2001 I felt rythmic vibration at about 35mph through foot pegs in the middle of the dragon. Within 10 miles the lateral movement of the back tire force me to stop. FD oil contaminated the brakes and covered the rim. Bike now completely unridible
78 Schutter Doug Coldwater MI 49036 US known 1999 k1200lt 51.0 7/2003 Riding at 80 mph down EB I-80. Got off hwy for gas and felt familuar rythmic vibration in foot pegs as I rode over overpass. At gas station, found oil contaminating the rear tire and brakes.
79 Bauernfeind Mark Spokane WA 99216 USA Later 2000 K1200LTC 24.0 06-15-2004 Noticed vibration from rear wheel. Drained final drive and found metal flakes and shavings in the fluid far in excess of normal "metal dust" on mag drain. Saved fluid with contaminaints to show BMW.
80 Duclos James Cornwall VT 05753 USA 84119 1997 R850R 47.0 4/24/08 Was traveling at low speed, about to turn into my driveway. Did not notice anything peculiar, but when I got off bike I noticed a large amount of oil on my rear wheel, brake, and inside of fender. Rear brake did not work at all due to being totaly soaked with final drive oil.
81 Offiler Stephen Sterling CT 06377 USA 77934 2005 R1200GS 15.0 8/07 First noted very light, dusty oil film on rear drive. 75 miles later, tire sidewall is wet and drive is dripping. No discernable play or roughness in bearings.
82 Armstead Scott St. Louis MO 63135 US 72077 1999 K1200LTI 43647.0 5/6/2008 Felt vibration in rear wheel for some time. Actually thought it was tire going bad. After about 300 miles there was a noise and the wheel felt real loose. Again I thought the tire went completely flat as I was going about 45MPH and the rear wheel felt as if it would slide out from underneath the bike. Immediately noticed that I had NO REAR BRAKES, had to pump the rear peddle several times to even attempt to get any rear brakes. Used mostly fronts to slow and get pulled over to the side of the road.
83 Wuestefeldd Don Bellevue WA 98006 USA 72378 2000 K1200ltc 35.0 2004 Oil dripping from rear wheel. Final drive found to be empty of oil. Wheel found to be loose. Would not hold oil. Bearings destroyed.
84 Zeruto Rafael Rockmart Ga 30153 USA xxxxx 2002 R1150Rt 33542.0 27May08 FD bearing ball siezed
85 Fremder Jeff Milwaukee WI 53211-0764 USA 91290 2004 R1150RT 47024.0 5/31/2008 Crown Bearing Failure (Gring sound and noticable vibration)
86 Wilhelm Gary Decatur IL 62521-8883 USA 30805 2003 R1200CLC 45.0 26Aug2006 Top-of-the-morning up and onto highway. Brake sensor light on. Pulled off and stopped. Oil leaking from rear end. Transport to repair shop.
87 Padula Darin Waimanalo HI 96795 USA 63774 1999 R1200C 20.0 5/14/2008 I've got a 1999 R1200C. I recently did some servicing on it with my friend, and I think I am experiencing the start of final drive failure... We did valve adjustments, fuel filter, brake fluids, air filter, oil and oil filter, transmission fluid and the final drive fluid. Each fluid looked surprisingly good to me , except the final drive fluid. I expected it to be dark in color, as it was old, but it came out a glittering metallic ooze. I'd never seen final drive fluid before, so I thought it was n
88 Padula Darin Waimanalo HI 96795 USA 63774 1999 R1200C 20000.0 5/14/2008 I've got a 1999 R1200C. I recently did some servicing on it with my friend, and I think I am experiencing the start of final drive failure... We did valve adjustments, fuel filter, brake fluids, air filter, oil and oil filter, transmission fluid and the final drive fluid. Each fluid looked surprisingly good to me , except the final drive fluid. I expected it to be dark in color, as it was old, but it came out a glittering metallic ooze. I'd never seen final drive fluid before, so I thought it was n
89 Brizz Joseph San Rafael CA 94901 USA 52655 2001 R 1150GS 22650.0 06/28/08 I noticed the signs of failure on a short trip (aprox 30 miles) oil collecting on the rear rim, slight vibration through the left peg. I got home and cleaned the bike and verified that it was FD oil and not brake fluid. I took it to the shop and the bearing failed causing damage to the seals and pivot bearings.
90 Shaffer Donald Bridgewater NJ 08807 USA 96016 2005 R1150RT 30.0 June 30, 2 I noticed a leak at the boot 900 miles into a 2700 mile trip through Nova Scotia. This must have been just after the seal blew out because it was only a slight leak. 27 miles later I felt a wobble in the rear wheel. When I stopped to check it out I saw oil all over the rear wheel. The bearings were gone at this point. A 5 hour tow brought me to Moncton NB where I've been for the last 5 days!
91 vanEssendelft Gene TUNKHANNOCK PA 18657 USA 75263 2001 k1200lt 142538.0 6/3/2008 slight growling, as if rear tire was starting to cup. within 200 miles it sounded like it was going into catastrophic failure. fluid had bits of metal fragments and drain plug magnet was piled high with silvery patty.
92 Hester Robert Witt IL 62094 USA 75976 2001 K1200LTC 65.0 7-5-2008 About 100 miles prior to failure (during the return leg of a July 4th weekend ride Illinois-Florida-Illinois), we began to hear an intermittent low-pitched hum or slight rumble that--in the absence of other indicators--I attributed to road surface texture differences. The failure occurred quite suddenly and catastrophically (for the bearing and seal, not the riders! I was able to maneuver to the shoulder to find oil streaming onto the rotor, wheel and road. Limped onto the nearest exit--13 on I-75, Valdo
93 Falcon George Rockville MD 20850-1812 USA call. 2000 K1200LT 40000.0 July 2004 Significant other and I felt a gentle bumping or grinding enroute to BMWMOA annual rally in Spokane, near Elko, NV. Pulled over under an underpass and nothing visible w. tires, but small leakage of clear fluid from rear drive was visible. A few more miles and it was obvious we were in trouble.
94 Clidaras Sandy -des-Lacs Quebe J0R 1B0 Canada 07558 1998 R 1200 C 44.0 July 6, 08 Whinning sound was getting more noticable commomng from rear, soon after a sound as if the tire was rubbing and finally a crunching sound as the bearings was disintegarating all within 150 - 200 km
95 Currier Bill Powder Springs ga 30127 cobb 70160 2005 LT 39000.0 4-27-07 Noticed by BMW while performing the 36,000 check up.
96 Miller Christopher Aurora CO 80016 USA 63504 1999 R1200C 40696.0 9/5/05 Crown Bearing Failure
97 Santoro Richard Phoenix Az 85022 USA 71600 1999 K1200LT 62.0 09/04/06 Heard grinding noise with 2 up about 150 miles from home. Felt slight slide and stopped. Noted Gear oil all over rear tire. Found final drive crown bearings failed.
98 Leveaux Monte Sparks Nv 89434 USA 71222 2005 K1200LT 31000.0 10/07 Riding thru L.A. ON I-5 Saturday around 9:30 A.M. after a long ride 2 Up. Felt the rear end start to wobble like a flat tire had happened finally made it to the edge of the road after crossing 3 lanes of fast moving traffic. Oil on the wheel confirmed my dreaded feelings. Crown bearing failure. Bearing holder came apart. Fixed this time under warrenty and two year warrenty given on new drive.
99 McGinnis JT Greer SC 29650 USA 51059 2000 R1150GS 34.0 7/15/08 Just purchased bike from co worker. He had no idea of problem. I only noticed it when taking a right hander at around 40 mph. Went online and investigated and sure enough play at the rear wheel between paralever arm and rim.
100 Wilhelm Gary Decatur IL 62521-8883 USA 30805 2003 R1200CLC 68.0 06/15/2008 Within 5 files after last fuel stop on long day riding, crossed railroad tracks at about 30 mph. Final drive started loud grinding sound. Second failure on same bike! Less than 2 yrs and 23k miles since previous failure!
101 Bremenkamp Leonard Topeka KS 66614 USA 74505 2000 K1200LT 21000.0 Aug 2007 Big Bearing Toast
102 Bremenkamp Leonard Topeka KS 66614 USA time 2000 K1200LT 26000.0 7-4-2008 Complete FD failure - Tire rubbing the swingarm grinding, etc.
103 Whitten III Chester Joppa MD 21085 USA 71638 1999 K1200LT 46.0 5/08 Noticed vibration and grinding noise from rear wheel area. The bearings in the final drive disintegrated. The 2nd time, the final drive assembly started leaking gear oil onto the rear wheel and tire.
104 Kopf Randy Battle Creek MI 49015 USA 79363 2003 K1200LT 18.0 07-25-08 Felt a repeating thump in the foot pegs, stopped to check for tire issues. Continued on. Began whining/vibrating/grinding after 5 or 6 miles. Stopped again, gear lube leaking onto rear caliper/wheel.
105 Doege Jackson Dallas Texas 75243 USA 41470 1996 R1100RT 38000.0 11/15/2002 Noticed oil on rim and tire continued road trip to Bentonville BMW. they diagnosed the problem and replaced the large bearing. The failed bearing cage was broken into 20 to 30 pieces.
106 Jaron Robert Foster City CA 94404 USA 75522 2001 K1200LT 70564.0 11-01-2007 Drive train failure detected as non responsive exceleration. Engine running fine. Drove to nearest dealer during road trip.
107 Fujino Rick Morgan Hill CA 95037 USA ????? 1995 R1100GS 88000.0 07/21/2005 FD seal failure during a long trip. Noticed oil coming out in time to prevent bearing failure by not continuing to ride my GS. Hauled bike home in a rented U-Haul truck. My independent mechanic replaced FD bearing when he replaced the FD seal.
108 Robinson Paul Leesburg VA 20175 USA 97021 1996 K1100RS SE 65286.0 07/14/2006 Final drive failed, discovered by pool of oil on wheel after overnight rest of bike
109 Shuck John westport CT 06880 United States 53758 2002 1150GS 44000.0 07/15/08 odd vibrations in the foor pegs for about 200 miles prior to failure. No oil leaks
110 Moore David Boerne TX 78006 United States 75464 2001 K1200LT 75200.0 03/31/2008 Since so many friends with K12LTs had failures, I preemptively replaced original 19-ball bearing with new improved 17-ball bearing at 53k mies. It was the 2nd bearing that failed at 75k miles while traveling I-10 at 80 mph. Raspy grinding noise coupled with rear wheel instability caused me to pull over.
111 whitfield dan Greensboro North Carolina 27410 USA 05066 2002 Peraves ECOMOBILE 60000.0 May 2006 The big ball bearing came apart leaving the rear wheel wobbling and the rear brake lost all pedal. I was able to stop safely and call a tow truck to the dealer's shop.
112 Parsons James Riverview Florida 33569 USA 10708 1994 R1100RS 32000.0 08/09/2008 Noticed oil dripping from final drive onto wheel upon return from a 200 mile jaunt.Bike also has the dreaded M94 transmission and jumps out of 2nd,3rd,4th,and 5th gear at just over 1/2 throttle.
113 Pius Gregory Wellington FL 33414 USA 71273 1999 K1200LT 97000.0 12/1/2006 I was on my way into my development from a ride and heard the final drive gears grinding a lot louder than normal. A car behind me got my attention, pulled up alongside, and said "You're leaking oil!" When I got the bike to my garage, I discovered that the final drive seals had failed and all the oil had leaked out of it. $650 later, I had my drive rebuilt at 441 Cycle Shop in Ft. Lauderdale.
114 hoet erik west chester pa 19382 usa N/A 1993 K1100RS 66000.0 5/1/2004 Drive exhibited large metallic flakes on the magnetic drain plug when performing an annual read drive fluid replacement. I used Syntec Synthetic GL5 gear oil for some years prior to that failure. Photos are available. No operational problems noted prior to finding the metal flakes in the gear oil. No oil leaks of any note. EPH
115 Michael Walls Kenosha WI 53142 USA o vin 2006 R1200RT 15893.0 07/07/2008 Rear wheel became completely loose. It could be moved back and forth over an inch.
116 Crane Roy Henderson NV 89074 USA 70955 2005 K1200LT 72500.0 06/17/2008 Did not notice anything major while riding but felt as though bike was wallowing a little in turns..not straight and level..attributed the feeling to my imagination and pressed on until I got to Tampa, FL on my trip from Las Vegas, NV
117 Smith Robert Bel Air MD 21014 USA 91608 2004 R1150RT 78000.0 06/08/2008 Felt a vibration in the foot pegs and noticed a instability when leaning into turns. Drive failed again after 6000 miles of use.
118 Barone Adam Newmarket NH 03857 USA xxxxx 2000 K1200LT 37600.0 08/17/2008 While ascending the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, the rear wheel started to feel wobbly. I thought it might just be the road, but my passenger asked if anything was wrong with the bike. I pulled over at an overlook and gear oil promptly started oozing out all over the back tire.
119 CAMERON CLAYTON PLEASANTON Califorina 94566 USA 19639 2007 R1200RT 7296.0 02/08/08 Wheel was loose approx 20mm movement
120 Stites Tom Dawsonville GA 30534 USA 62178 1997 R1100RTA 67000.0 03/28/2005 Noticed oil leaking from final drive onto tire and garage floor, checked play in rear wheel and it was very loose. Pulled final drive myself and took to dealer for inspection where they found large bearing carrier disintegrated and seal destroyed.
121 wilson r j crooks sd 57020 usa 62137 1997 r1100rt 56000.0 07/15/2006 carrier bearing/output seal
122 Ned Beck Mount Pleasant SC 29464 USA 50313 2002 R1150GS 52000.0 09/29/03 Final(rear)Drive main crown bearing gave out/wore out while riding I 35 in Texas- 2nd most dangerous highway in the USA at the time. front wheel wobble was the only indictor and after feeling it and pulling over the rear drive had oil leaking out. Had I been in a tough situation to pull over or higher traffic the wheel could have come off and I could have been in an accident with possibly a fatal outcome.
123 Coppedge Rick Clinton Corners NY 12514-2643 USA 80221 1995 R1100GS 338225.0 08/15/08 noise coming from final drive, while in neutral. Plus, rear wheel wobble.
124 Wright Graeme Kingaroy Queensland 4610 Australia 51380 2002 K1200LT 71844.0 04/25/2008 Noticed vibration/tapping noise in rear wheel, like something wrong with the tyre. Vibration got worse so nursed the bike home (20km) at low speed. By the time we got home, the noise had become a lot worse and felt like metal and metal grinding. After I put the bike on the stand, gear oil came leaking out over brake disc and rear tyre. Took bike to my mechanic.
125 auer scott monroe mi 48161 usa 60138 2006 gs 1200 adventure 20100.0 08/23/2008 Oil leaking out of seal on right hand side around plastic cover for axle. Wheel seams to have to much play in it.
126 Juvenal Preston Dallas TX 75240 US 00057 2003 K1200GT 17850.0 7/15/08 Bike purchased with 7K, rode to 10K no problems. Changed oil to 75W140 Synthetic and leak developed at front input seal. Leaking at rubber boot and drips onto FD and R Wheel. Changed oil back to 80W90 and still leaks. No other issues but will likely replace rear output seal and upgrade pivot bearings to the fixed units from Rubber Chicken Racing.
127 Bogucki Ronald Snellville GA 30039 USA 19322 2006 R1200RT 32000.0 07/28/08 Felt like the rear tire was low on air. I stopped to check. air presure was correct. checked for side play in rear wheel. I felt none. there was no indication of oil leakage. Rode another 54 miles and stopped for gas. Rear brake failure exiting the interstate. On stopping for gas noticed rear wheel covered in oil. Dealer said the crown bearing failed taking out the crown seal.
128 Augelli Carmen Rockford IL 61102 USA 72314 2000 K1200 LT 22400.0 08/25/2008 Started hearing what I thought was road noise from new tires.Progressively got louder with under 200 miles on them. Pulled drain plug and found metal shavings. No oil leaks anywhere. Had the bike serviced and changed the fluid less than a month ago at Milwaukee BMW with no indication of damage.
129 tucker james claremont ca 91711 usa XXXXX 1995 R1100RSL 90000.0 08/08/03 Climbing a paved mountain road at 90mph the rear end tightened up and the bike came to a stop rather quickly but no skid or accident occured
130 Realini Wallace Irvine CA 92604 USA 91124 2004 R1150RT 31177.0 09/01/2008 While changing my oil, as I do each Labor Day, I noticed a very large amount of metal in the drain oil from my final drive, after a little research I discovered this website and the article in Motorcycle Consumer News. My rear wheel has significant play (in a sickening way).
131 Coleman Bob Queanbeyan New South Wales 2620 Australia 50548 2002 R1150GSA 71000.0 08/02/2008 Riding to the 2008 OCR Rally and noticed a Vibration in footpegs and then the rear disc grinding against the brake caliper. BMW Assist camr to the rescue and took myself and the bike home.
132 Rowe C Steven Snellville GA 30039 USA 75492 2001 K1200LT 76550.0 09/02/2008 Grinding noise from final drive with a pronounced bump in the rear end. At total failure, brakes were were coated with rear drive oil making stopping with the rear brake totally non-existent
133 Rochford Ned South Haven MI 49090 USA 66538 2001 R1200C 45000.0 08/20/2008 Over 100-150 miles, I noticed an unfamiliar vibration, also, when rolling in and out of the garage there was a distinct roughness and grinding ... she did not roll smoothly. Pulled the F-D plug...covered with metal paste/slivers and lots of slivers in the gear oil.
134 Boge Michael Sandpoint Idaho 83864 USA 19403 2006 R1200RT 30300.0 06/28/08 Towed to dealer in Phoenix. Was not told in detail other than "final drive". Hope to find out more when I pick the bike up end of September.
135 Tanner Linda West Park FL 33023 USA 66412 1999 R1100RT 70000.0 08/12/2006 Had play in the rear wheel just before a cross country trip. Checked the rear drive fluid and found metal filings. Made an appointment with Denver BMW to have it looked at.
136 Still Robert Yuma AZ 85367 USA bike 2000 K1200LT 37500.0 08/18/2001 Was attempting a C2C and Four Corners ride. Near Van Horn Texas noted oil on rear wheel and play. Heidi Weldon drove from Yuma AZ to pick me and bike up. Heidi then drove over 5000 miles total to drop me and bike off then come and pick up bike and drive it to San Diego for repairs then back to Mesa - with no reimbursment for fuel, wear and tear on truck and trailer or the numeroues hours. Heidi drove over 6000 miles rescuing me due to final drives on this bike.
137 Taylor C H Carrollton TX 75011 USA XXXXX 2007 K 1200 GT 9000.0 8/31/2008 Rear tire wobbled and felt like a low or flat tire. Movement was aprox. 1 inch. There was no oil present on the drive or the wheel.
138 Mott Ken San Francisco Caliofornia 94127 usa 52148 2002 r1100s 9240.0 08/23/2003 Complete drive failure on the way to a friends wedding. BMW roadside assist towed to nearest dealer. Drive was rebuilt and new clutch installed. Under warranty, no charge.
139 Lutz Norman York PA 17402 USA 46829 2007 K1200GT 16350.0 08/31/2008 Coasting down hill into Watkins Glen 50 MPH noticed a clanking sound. At walking speed clanking noise continued clutch in or out. Towed to Hermy's BMW Could not feel any play and no oil present. Mechanic diagnosed FD failure. Replaced same bike is good again.
140 Crane Mark San Jose CA 95127 USA known 2005 R1200GS 600.0 10/15/04 Inner seal began leaking prior to the 600 mile service. This was discovered before the drive ran out of lubricant and failed.
141 Sullivan Daniel Hillsborough NJ 08844 United States 75667 2001 K1200LT 58280.0 09/11/08 Noticed a whirring sound from rear end. Checked the wheel - did not wobble at all on centerstand. Changed rear end oil - small amount of fuzz on magnet but not significant. Concluded tire must be bad (was down to the wear marks). ABS lights were flashing alternately, so I went to dealer to get them re-set. At the dealer, oil was draining out of the rear wheel! The classic failure indication. Dealer says they routinely fail at 25K or so, basically no matter how you ride, and should be replaced on that
142 McCann W. F. Roswell GA 30075 USA xxxxx 2004 R1100S 11000.0 11/24/2006 Transmission Failure. Transmission was very "stiff" when shifting into 1st gear from the day of puruchase. Bike serviced by Master Techs on proscribed maint. schedule. "Stiffness" reported at each service but no remedy found until transmission failed.
143 Hilsabeck Lee Reno Nevada 89506 USA 72149 2005 K1200LT 63775.0 09/05/2008 Seal leaking. No noise or grinding evident.
144 Schneider Scott Shingle Springs Ca 95682 USA 72469 2000 k1200LT 42350.0 09/19/08 Stopped for a lunch break, upon pre flight inspection, gear oil covered rim and wheel.
145 Simmons David Corpus Christi Texas 78480 USA 87174 2002 r1150rt 34747.0 9/16/2008 Changed final drive GL-5 fluid at every engine oil and filter interval,3K-5K miles.At last change the fluid was a black color. The final drive started making noise and vibration started. The rear seal did not leak.
146 embry barry beaver dam ky 42320 USA 73746 2000 k1200lt 45000.0 09/20/2008 noticed vibration, then grinding, felt unstable. checked found rear wheel loose. and leaking grease
147 Allison James Henrietta Texas 76365 USA 78832 2003 K1200LTE 45932.0 09/15/08 Noise from the rear like a cupped tire......turned into a grinding noise and felt it in the pegs, crown bearing disintegrated
148 Trettel JOseph New Britain CT 06053 USA 15593 2005 R1200RT 17500.0 06/03/2008 Noticed increasing vibration from rear end, excess brake dust on rim, and a very hot rear rotor. Stopped 100 miles later as vibration continued to increase and found considerable play in rear wheel.
149 leopold matt seattle wa 98107 USA 35135 2002 K1200RS 25787.0 08/24/08 Final drive pinion shaft seal leaking, wheel rough when spun on center stand, disassm. and found cage broken in the large 19 ball bearing.
150 Killinen Jason Logan UT 84321 USA 50568 2000 R1150GS 48692.0 09/18/2008 Large amount of fine metallic particles in FD oil. FD Oil changed at last Motor oil change (oil looked good at that time), so failure must have begun recently. Crown bearing race pitted and grooved, other components seem salvageable.
151 Woodring James Monroe TN 38573 USA 75029 2001 K100LTC 50000.0 10/10/2008 Two "tinks" about 80 miles apart. Sounded like a large hard shell bug hitting the fairing. 75 miles later came to stop light and felt like rear tire going flat. Inspected rear tire and found rear end lube on tire and wheel wobble. I could spin the rear wheel and hear grinding and thumping nosise. Put bike on a trailer like a Harley.
152 Mark Mayhew Ottawa Ontario K1M 1W2 Canada 53348 2006 R1200RT 23500.0 20/07/2007 Detected significant play in rear wheel on long road trip. There was dry, black residue on the rear wheel. The failure was the wearing away of the matching splines on the wheel flange and the axle tube.
153 Bettendorf Bill Monroe MI 48162 USA 67928 2000 R11100RT 25881.0 04/17/2006 Bearing failure,shaft seal & seal ring
154 Smith Damon Lynchburg VA 24502 USA 87590 2002 R1150RTP 55000.0 09/01/2008 Taper bearing destroyed along with Needle bearing on input shaft. Crown bearing on its way out but reasonable same with combo bearing. Evidence found of proor failure and most likely not all bearing were replaced at that time leading to current failure.
155 Smith Damon Lynchburg VA 24502 USA 87590 2002 R1150RTP 55000.0 09/01/2008 Caught during maintenance. Taper bearing destroyed along with Needle bearing on input shaft. Crown bearing on its way out but reasonable. Same with combo bearing. Evidence found of prior failure and most likely not all bearing were replaced at that time leading to current failure.
156 Jan Miller Superior WI 54880 USA 91209 2004 R1150RT 38000.0 07/15/2007 Magnet on oil drain covered with chrome flakes indicating outboard bearing failure. 08/05/2008: Second issue: The inner hub of the drive gear has separated from the gear itself, causing a serious oil leak out through the wheel hub and onto the tire drive surface.
157 Gabor Zsamboky Scottsdale AZ 85251 USA 12150 2008 R1200RT 24899.0 09/29/2008 Unusual knocking noise was coming from the rear wheel at a one knock/wheel revolution rate. The bike on its center stand I spun the wheel with the left hand while I laid my right hand on the final drive housing. Slight grinding vibration indicated some serious problem. The bike was immediately taken to the local dealership where the final drive failure was diagnosed.
158 Jurgen Brune Spokane WA 99208 United States 48215 1996 R850R 54000.0 06/01/2006 Leaking rear pinion seal @ 40,000 miles. Leaking rear main seal @ 45,000 miles. At 54,000 miles aluminum cone started to separate from crown gear body (shrink fit?), causing gear oil to leak from center of hub on left side. Possiblity of sudden catastrophic failure as the aluminum cone carries the rt side bearing. This appears to be the same issues as reported for VIN #91209
159 Kiene Kevin Riverside Iowa 52327 USA 77455 2002 K1200LT 26000.0 06/17/2007 The final drive seal was leaking. I took the motorcycle to Ginas to see what was wrong and they told me my final drive was out.
160 Hilton Brian Orleans ON K1E 2L2 Canada 64212 2004 R1150RT 32650.0 05/29/2008 Dealer believes a ball bearing split, continued to rotate for some time before causing main bearing failure and, in turn, final drive failure. When it failed, it went quickly and gear oil coated the right side of the tire, rim and the brake.
161 Herzberger Vern King City MO 64463 USA 80349 2003 K1200LT 18990.0 09/15/2006 Growling noise in rear, drove about 6 miles at 30 mph until heavier growl and a few feet after that the seal leaked on the rear tire/rim.
162 Herzberger Vern King City MO 64463 USA 80349 2003 K1200LT 38392.0 11/01/2007 shiny fecks on the drain magnet of the FD.
163 David Coles Brandon Ms 39047 USA 90958 2004 1150RT 38.0 11?09/08 rEAR DRIVE SEAL FAILED ,NO PLAY IN THE WHEEL OR SOUND COMING FROM THE UNIT.
164 Midson Stuart Legana Tasmania 7277 Australia 40685 1999 K1200lt 94000.0 11/07/2008 bike vibration noticed 170 km from Melbourne. At Melbourne had delaminated Bridgestone rear tyre replaced with Metzler. Vibration gone but weak wheel bearing sound noticeable. Rode rode further 150km metal screech and grinding heard. Nursed to dealer next day.
165 Barasch Larry Bay Shore NY 11706 United States 68001 2002 R1200C 29693.0 11/14/08 Noticed fluid spraying radially around rear tire and spokes about 2 or 3 months ago as well as small drips on the bottom of the drain plug. After removing final drive, noticed a small puddle of fluid inside the bottom of the drive shaft too.
166 McFarland Michael Melbourne Florida 32904 USA 51190 1999 R1100SA 25864.0 08/28/2007 Final drive seal leak observed after parking the bike one evening. No other noticeable failure signs were present. I just happened to catch this one early in its failure.
167 Housley Mike Phoenix AZ 85004 USA 52385 2000 K1200RS 27000.0 02/09/2008 vibration noted at rear drive. No side to side movement of tire/ wheel was noticeable.
168 Dick Hautau Detroit Michigan 48215-3168 USA 70096 1999 K1200LT 100000.0 05 to 08 I had a total of 4 failures of the final drive on this BMW between 2005 and 2008. The last 2 were only 5,000 miles apart. Sold the bike.
169 symons james ojai CA 93023 USA 70382 2002 r1150rs 48000.0 11/18/2008 I noticed when mounting my rear wheel with new tire that their was approximately 1/8 inch play (or wobble) in the rear final drive unit. I thought ,riding the bike few days before, that my old tires were just giving me feed back due to their worn state. I stopped and took a look to check for under inflation. A few days later I took the bike to my bike local shop. After inspection it turned out that it was worn out pivot and wheel bearings that needed replacing.
170 Unngst George Danielsville PA 18038 USA 72747 2000 K1200 LTC 30884.0 09/07/2003 Ring and pinion gears sheared off.Bearing was replaced at 28,000 miles
171 BUCKLEY GRAY LAKEWOOD CO 80227 USA 88392 2002 R1150RT 47007.0 11/22/08 Final drive bearings disintegrated, fed themselves into the gears. Tore up the seal. When wheel was removed the remains of the seal and bearing parts fell to the floor.
172 Gilberto Mike Ashland MA 01721 USA 90743 2004 R1150RT 49000.0 10/18/2008 Large bearing failure
173 butler pat brandon fl 33511 usa 79397 2003 k1200lt 28124.0 7/29/08 bearing failure on7/29/08 28124 was the mileage 4 months later went out again 32861 was the mileage 11/28/08 daytona bmw was the best to get me&wife back on the road
174 Romick William Raleigh NC 27613 USA 71648 1999 K1200LT 49000.0 07/30/2008 New tires installed @ 48,500 miles, and asked dealer to investigate "whining" sound. No problem found. 500 miles later felt grinding, and discovered oil leaking on rear wheel and brake pads in Knoxville, TN.
175 Rudisill Joseph Titusville FL 32780 USA 75347 2001 K1200LTC 60200.0 12/04/2008 first I noticed problem with the tires like they were out of balance with a noticeable vibration. next I replaced both tires and adjusted the rear preload on the shock. Problem persisted, vibration in footrests and when accelerating from a stop it felt like the rear tire was low on air and the bike was squatting.
176 Dungan David Jacksonville Florida 32225 USA 30775 2003 1150GSA 36233.0 11/29/08 Sudden with no prior Leakage/residue. After short 10 mile ride stoped for a lunch and while pulling off helmet smelt strong gear lube aroma only to look down and see FD lube pouring out.
177 Helm Paul Manheim PA 17545 USA 68315 2000 r1100rt 36000.0 09/05/2005 noticed rumbling noise as I slowed down. I stopped immediately and saw oil coming out of the rear drive. There was a lot of play in the wheel. I towed the bike home. I removed the final drive and took it to my dealer for rebuild
178 Spencer Joseph Glenside PA 19038 USA 94134 2004 R1150RT 36360.0 6/10/08 Approx. 3,000 mi. into a 13,000 mi trip I heard and felt a grinding or scraping noise coming from the drive train. A check on the side of the road showed no sign of leaking oil. Continuing on for another 5 mi. to a gas station a check there revealed oil now leaking from the Final Drive. After a tow to the dealer disassembly of the drive showed a trashed bearing which was replaced.
179 Spencer Joseph Glenside PA 19038 USA 94134 2004 R1150RT 43450.0 7/18/2008 7,000 mi. after my first Final Drive failure I started feeling a thumping in my footpegs. No grinding or oil leaks, but a worn and cupped rear tire made me think it could be a tire problem. A trip to the dealer for a new tire didn't cure it. A check of the Drive drain plug showed a mass of metallic junk that made my stomach drop and my wallet significantly lighter. I opted to replace the complete Final Drive as evidently repair at the dealer of components such as these is a hit or miss affair.I've been ridi
180 Davey Chris Bedford Nova Scotia B4A 4M4 Canada 67388 2006 K1200GT 32500.0 09/10/2008 Mileage is kilometers. Oil started weeping around outer ring.
181 Person Bruce Broken Arrow Ok 74014 USA 75355 2001 K1200LTC 62000.0 10/10/2008 While changing oil at 62000 miles found flakes of bearing. No other signes of any failure. No oil leakage or driving systems noted.
182 Luis Casillas Guadalajara Jalisco 4410 Mexico 80855 2006 r1200gs 43500.0 16/11/2008 Noise on the final drive, iron into final drive oil
183 Richard Knipe Mckinney TX 75071 USA u4566 2007 R1200GSA 14000.0 12/01/2008 excessive runout of hub
184 O'Leary Keith Charlotte NC 28277 USA 01429 2003 K1200GT 26000.0 02/19/2009 Developed a thump like there was a bolt in the rear tire. Thump turned into a growel then the whole thing took a dump and puked oil.
185 SCHOCH FREDERICK MIDLAND TX 79705 USA 86341 1999 1100 GS 30000.0 02/21/2009 CHANGED LUBRICANT IN FINAL DRIVE (MOBIL 1 75W-90 SYNTHETIC) IN JAN 09. DID NOT NOTE ANY SIGNIFICANT METAL IN DRAINED FLUID OR ON MAG PLUG. FAILURE OCCURRED 100 MILES LATER. LOST SEAL - BEARING IS MAKING BINDING SOUND.
186 Goode Paul Rockwall TX 75032 United States 46549 2007 K1200GT 9580.0 02/15/09 Rear wheel became loose. Failure was axel splines to hub. Side movement of the the wheel was 2mm when failure was noticed washing the bike. Max limit is 1mm. Still couldn't feel when riding the bike.
187 Traber Scott Fresno Ca 93703 USA 40643 1996 R1100RTL 78555.0 08/06/08 Catastrophic FD failure on Alaskan trip. Required shipping the bike to John Valk BMW in Vancouver BC.
188 Krapp Kenneth j Fremont MI 49412 U.S.A 67237 2000 R1100 RT-P 75438.0 07/22/2008 Felt vibration in right foot peg ,then progressed to rear wheel wander , then oil leaking from rear seal.
189 Ladd James Stuart Florida 34996 USA 75263 2005 R1200GS 45097.0 03/11/2009 Major lateral and horizontal movement of rear wheel.
190 Bruce Jason Otto NC 28763 USA 30879 2003 R1150GSA Adventure 29344.0 04/05/2009 Vibration in the footpegs, and notchy fleeing when rotating the wheel. Seal had not failed yet, but bearing failure was observed on disassembly.
191 Daigle Robert Napoleonville La. 70390 USA 17497 2006 R1200RT 48500.0 4/16/09 Rode bike to dealer for scheduled service. Tech noticed excessive play in rear wheel. No oil leakage, had not noticed any problem. Had checked rear wheel for play 500 miles before. Play between ball bearing race and axle tube
192 King Ray Jacksonville Florida 32205 USA Unavl 2005 R1200RT 53495.0 04/25/2009 Detected a little "play" when rocking rear wheel & tire side to side. Dealer inspected an d confirmed big bearing going bad.
193 stephen strelitz colchester essex co62je uk 67586 2004 k1200lt 37000.0 03/04/2009 oil over back tire and disc
194 Lundberg David Scottsdale AZ 85254 USA 70915 2005 K1200LT 36000.0 04/07/2009 Small inner bearing race spun on ring gear shaft. Bearings showed no damage. Races showed no damage. I believe this to be a latent defect as the shaft to inner bearing race is to be a slight interference fit and since the bearing showed no heat damage this could not happen with out an out of specification issue from manufacturing/assembly
195 Bryer John Draper UT 84020 USA 78785 2005 R1200GS 37500.0 04/11/2009 At service, bearing deemed to be unsafe to ride the bike. Bike was maintained by BMW to their specs.
196 Kroack Ken Lake Ozark MO 65049 USA 53920 2002 R1150GS 75000.0 4/12/09 metal flakes noted on magnetic drain plug. final drive fluid changed every 6k miles.
197 Kevin Buckholtz Ross CA 94957 USA 76201 2005 r 1200 gs 24000.0 12/19/2009 Noise identified as "bad bearing" by dealer. Front and Rear already replaced.
198 Messenger Greg Cross Lanes WV 25313 USA 64256 1999 R1200C 17588.0 05/15/2009 Began hearing noise from final drive similiar to sound of tire on grooved pavement (hum/drone noise), changed final drive oil and had lots of metal flakes/shavings and gray paste around magnetic plug. Big bearing failure.
199 Norris Jim Santa Barbara Ca 93105 USA 52468 2001 R1150 GS 48000.0 03/01/09 Crown gear main bearing failure, caught it early. Ball condition was bad, but cage was still intact.
200 Johnson Michael Peterborough Ontario K9H 1E8 Canada 86378 1999 R1100S 45000.0 052/25/200 ball bearing cage failed, wiping out seal. Balls, and races showed pitting damage. Bearings and shims installed by dealer 7000KM (5000miles)earlier.
201 Johnson Karl Levin North Island 5510 New Zealand 34567 2002 R1150GS Adventure 45000.0 05/30/2009 Caught it early. Regular servicing showed a significant amount of metal flake and metallic past on the FD drain plug. I change the gearbox and FD oil with every service and last service (3000 miles ago) the plug was really clean. No play in the rear wheel yet nor is there any grinding or whirring, except perhaps a slight groan on left turns.
202 mimnaugh steve visalia ca 93277 USA 00000 2000 K1200LT 120000.0 05/30/09 Wobble , leak, uhaul, cry.
203 Mitzel John Chester NH 03036 USA 47459 2008 K1200GT 6900.0 06/06/2009 Oil seal failure at rear hub caused oil leak that soaked the brake rotor, brake pads, and tire. Loss of rear brake ensued.
204 haught Michael Spring tx 77379 USA 91291 2004 R 1150 RT 12454.0 06/19/2009 vibration at 50 mph, , intermittent at first. Checked for side play, none noted. Was 250 miles from home and headed back to hotel. leaking fluid.
205 Bush Randolph El Cerrito, CA CA 94530 United States 70188 2001 RT-P 44750.0 06/13/2009 Rode to work on Friday, woke up Saturday, puddle of oil under rear tire, made a few calls to smart people, decided it was the seal. Topped up oil, rode to work (about 15 miles), had Dealer pick up bike on Tuesday. Bearings shot, $1000.00 repair bill.
206 Sternberg David Rio Rancho NM 87124 USA 74009 2008 K1200LT 7600.0 07/06/2009 crown bearing in pieces. nol other damage visible inside final drive. oil leak. rear brakes trashed due to leak, rotor scored due to brakes pads trashed. no vibration noticeable but puddle of final drive oil when parked.
207 Cardea Sam New York NY 10034-1306 USA 50966 1999 R1100S 48000.0 05/26/09 On front straight at NHMS, complete loss of power to rear wheel; motor running fine but screeching sounds coming from gearbox/final drive. Max BMW from Portsmouth picked me up next morning. Not only shaft & spline failure but rear housing needs replacement.
208 haught michael spring tx 77379 USA 42489 2004 R 1150 RT 12484.0 06/18/2009 MOVEMENT LEFT AND RIGHT ON HIGHWAY, ALMOST UNCONTOLLABLE. STOPPED, CHECKED FOR SIDE TO SIDE MOVEMENT. RODE BACK TO HOTEL ( 2 MILES) NOISE STARTED AND OIL LEAKING.
209 Wheat Luther Jackson Tn. 38305 USA 72122 1999 lt 37000.0 8/6/01 oil on rear wheel, found bearings bad
210 Friesen David Castle Rock CO 80104 USA 52458 2002 R1100S 87005.0 07/05/2009 Noticed oil all over rear tire after a 100 mi ride, seal came off with rear wheel, big bearing missing half its ball bearings.
211 Wenger Ron Yuma CO 80759 USA 95129 2004 R1150RT 8660.0 7/19/2009 oil leaking from final drive seal onto wheel/tire/brake
212 Jacobs Richard conifer co 80433 USA 65736 1999 R1100RT 18500.0 8/13/2009 Noticed rear brake failure as i turned onto my street. Drove down my driveway and noticed a puddle of oil as I dismounted. Lucky to be alive. Rear bearing failure only evident by removing the seal, which was destroyed by bearing failure. No grinding was heard.
213 johnson nils alva fl 33920 usa 50944 2000 r1150gs 44000.0 07/20/09 3 miles after taking a casual look at the final drive, the seal failed without any further indication, upon removal the big bearing inner race was galled along with damage to the bearing cage
214 DeRoo Peter Toms River NJ 08753-7116 USA 92078 2004 R1150RT 19945.0 05/01/2009 NOISES FROM FINAL AND OIL WEEPAGE FROM SWING ARM BOOT
215 pb perrin torrance ca 90503 usa 50834 2000 R1150 GS 145831.0 7/27/2009 rigorously maintained bike and FD w/ failure after a fast and hot 2922mile ride - oil over rear end and puddle under FD next morning; oil quite cloudy after <4k miles
216 pb perrin torrance ca 90503 usa 11818 2007 R1200 RT 45600.0 7/15/2009 Just completed UT1088 and changing tire; noticed play when checking at 12-6 and 9-3, and ginding sound upon spinning wheel.
217 Joe Taffuri Jupiter FL 33458 US zd717 1999 K1200LT 63000.0 7/28/09 Crown large ball bearing failure,oil slinging all over due to seal getting pushed out.Stranded on the roadside while touring
218 Ueeck Mark Roseville CA 95678 USA 68037 2000 R1100RT 34233.0 07/18/2009 Bearing cage on outer ball bearing failed and broke into pieces which destroyed oil seal causing loss of final drive oil.
219 James Allison Henrietta TX 76365 USA 78832 2003 K1200LT 57840.0 08/02/2009 Same as before (#147) noise at low speeds, limped home and tore it down...............crown bearing cage rolled up. this is my second failure.
220 Wilkinson Mick Northbridge MA 01534 USA 95802 2004 RT 1150 6919.0 10/11/05 Bearing failure & leaking oil
221 Jones Calvin Fredericksburg Virginia 22407 USA 66324 2001 R1200CM 34000.0 07/25/09 THIS IS SECOND FAILURE! FIRST OCCURRED AT 7500.0. THIS TIME JUST OUTSIDE YELLOWSTONE. HEARD INFAMOUS ROARING. PULLED OVER AND SHE DUMPED HER FLUID. IT ALSO TOOK OUT ABS SENSOR. I CHANGE FD FLUID WITH BMW 80-90HYPOID GL-5 EVERY 6K. CHANGED FLUID 3K EARLIER BEFORE TRIP. FD FLUID LOOKED NORMAL AND NO METAL SHAVINGS THEN. HAD TO TRAILOR 400 MILES TO STURGIS, SD BMW. ENDED A GREAT VACATION. I LIVE IN VA. I LOVE THE BIKE, BUT CONFIDENCE IN TAKING LONG RIDE SHAKEN!
222 Darr Russ olympia wa 98502 usa 78498 2005 r1200gs 37000.0 07/28/2007 a growling noise was coming from the final drive, 150 miles later the odor of final drive oil was present. 50 additional miles the bike was sitting in puddle of final drive oil
223 Pond Katherine Winslow El Prado NM 87529 United States 54733 2003 R1150GS Sport 44500.0 07/31/09 1st-hard acceleration noise like loose chain or tightly wound spring releasing. Next slight slip in rear in sweeper. Excess vibration of whole rear of bike, not just footpegs. Feeling "something ain't right, wheel solid. Filings on drain plug.
224 Pike James Madison Virginia 22727-4123 USA 74289 2000 K1200LTC 38490.0 04/01/2005 While coming to a stop I noticed I had no rear brakes. After Stopping I checked and found gear oil covering the rear brake disc and wheel.
225 john Borden Waukesha WI 53186 USA sure 2000 k1200LTC 48.0 08/17/09 clunking noise and vibration coming from rear end, squishy feel to rear followed by oil leaking badly from rear wheel hub area
226 Vermiere Lester Grand Forks B.C. V0h 1H0 Can. 71843 2007 1200GT 11200.0 08/05/2009 Rear drive bearing disintegrated. Oil had been changed 3 times in 11000 miles.
227 Pike James Madison Virginia 22727-4123 USA 74289 2000 K1200ltc 65495.0 07/23/2009 While drive at 60MPH on a divided highway felt a sudden jolt and vibration, believing I had a flat tire I slowed to pull over, before I could stop the rear tire began to lock up and release a number of times. When I was able to get to a safe place to stop, I found that I did not have a flat and that gear oil was beginning to leak from the final drive. This is the second occurrence of final drive failure. There were only 26000 miles on this set of bearings.
228 Lambert Carl Malta MT. 59538-1347 USA 40530 1996 R1100RT 33239.0 08/21/2009 Lotsa noise, seal leaked on to rear tire and brake pads.Felt like tire was going flat as I pulled into Missoula MT.
229 Lambert Ronald Kimberly ID 83341 usa 70181 1999 K1200LT 59500.0 12/06/2008 Normal type driving, felt like a rear tire problem, checked for abnormalities, none noted, drove bike 100 miles home. No problems getting home.
230 Russell Richard Bay Village OH 44140 USA 34567 2002 GSA1150 55000.0 08/31/2009 Started to hear/feel a hum in the bike at speed. Rear wheel feels as if spinning on "stones" instead of bearings. Rear bearing failure.
231 White John Lorena Texas 76655 USA 30169 2003 R1200CLC 66000.0 07/19/2009 Grinding noise and vibration from rear. Felt like I had a flat. Bike started to wander as I pulled over. After stopping I saw that all of the FD oil was leaking out.
232 Miller Gary Boca Raton FL 33428 64546 1998 R1100RT 57250.0 07/01/2004 Coming back from a 2up trip I noticed leakage from the final drive.
233 Helber Robert Columbus Oh 43212 USA 62385 1998 R1200C 23950.0 06/27/2009 Rear final drive seal gave out on a 150mi ride spewing gear oil over rear brake disc, wheel and tire.
234 McCracken Joe Plano Texas 75023 USA 31656 2004 R1200CLC 28000.0 11/22/2006 I had caught the input seal leaking, had it repaired at the BMW shop. Seal started leaking again 5000 miles later. I put up with the leak checking and re-filling as needed for a year and 1/2. Got tired of this so bought a spare off e-bay, install myself and so far no problems with this one. 92000 miles now I am in the process of re-building the first one because it's not if it's when.
235 Druitt Mark Batrhurst NSW 2795 Australia N/A 2007 R1200GSA 36.0 23/08/2009 During a sunday ride I noticed the speedo jumping from 120kmh to 220kmh. Thinking that the speed sensor on the fimal drive might be faulty I removed it to find metal filings on the end. After removing the final drive and disasembled it to find Side movement on the input pinion gear bearing, and the oil was dark. This bike has been serviced by BMW.
236 lentz kevin cedar creek texas 78612 usa 48834 2004 r1150r 50200.0 08/24/2009 slight vibrasion on low speed turning left at 42000.0 miles always changed fluid when engine oil changed. when changing drive fluid at 50200.0 i noticed shiny streak in sludge with 10x glass.pulled apart and replaced large drive bearing and checked pinion bearing,race and gear interface
237 Real Dore San Jose Ca 95120 USA 85828 2002 R1150RT 41000.0 05/20/2005 Driving Hwy 50 near Tahoe,complete loss of power to rear wheel; motor running fine but screeching sounds coming from gearbox/final drive. Got towed to A&S Bwm Sacrament. Shaft & spline failure,
238 Dore Real San Jose Ca 95120 USA 85828 2002 R1150RT 118500.0 05/10/2008 Riding on Hwy1, complete loss of power to rear wheel; motor running fine but screeching sounds coming from gearbox/final drive. Got towed to Scott valley. Shaft & spline failure,
239 holck doug lodi ca 95240 usa 31655 2004 R1150GS Adv 56761.0 9/1/2009 Rythmic thumping, no oil leakage or wheel play
240 ashford walter sparks oklahoma 74869 usa 12345 1998 k1200rs 41000.0 7//13/2009 Noticed something on rear wheel, after closer inspection realized it was final drive oil,put bike on center stand and proceeded with the wheel grab and wobble trick,dial caliper read .010 play
241 Gorth Ed Sonora CA 95370 USA 75749 2001 K1200LT 52000.0 09/12/2009 While riding 2-up on Hwy 5 through the L.A. area at around 80+ mph in the car pool lane started feeling a thumping vibration and sound. Initially thought it was the section of concrete highway, but as the pavement changed then considered a possible flat tire. All this occurred in less than 30 seconds. Had to pull over as the bike was becoming uncontrollable. Encountered minimal rear braking and had to definitely use the front brakes. Once stopped, I observed oil running out onto the rear rotor and tire
242 Read Harvey Union Grove WI 53182 USA 72259 2000 K12LT 109243.0 09/11/2009 Caught failure in progess during routine inspection of final drive magnetic drain plug. Plug covered in slivers, 10 times more than normal.
243 Chang Wayne Floral City Florida 34436 USA 77010 2002 K1200LTC 29500.0 09/05/2009 After riding home in the rain, I noticed oil leaking from rear drive onto wheel.
244 Moore Kathy Rossland BC V0G 1Y0 Canada 46293 2002 R1150R 46731.0 09/21/2009 Noticed slight vibration in foot pegs about 70kms from destination. Noticed some handling anomalies about 15km from destination, and some weird sounds I thought I might be imagining. Got very distracting- stopped and had hubby check it out- leaking fluid, making horrible sounds when spun rear wheel on center stand: final drive was toast.
245 Berghoff Chuck San Jose Ca 95138 USA 64553 1998 R1100RT 50000.0 09/20/2009 About 2k miles ago started hearing intermitant gears or bearings noise at high speed. Dealer test drove and told me it was probably saddle bags raddling. 700 miles ago started feeling pulsating vabration that tracked wheel rotation speed. Called dealer from road who said it's not likely rear gear failure because it's very rare. I kept checking rear brake as cause then. Strong vibration/clanking on the frame with wheel speed then on freeway began 50 miles ago. Slowed to 55mph on major freeway for 50 mil
246 Vook Stephen Gallatin Gateway Montana 59730 USA known 1995 K1100LTA 106000.0 05/26/2006 Stopped for a sandwich. Came out to find a puddle of 80/90 under rear tyre. Found bearing cage pieces pushing the seal out of place. http://imagesdesavions.com/biketrip/pics/0074.jpg http://imagesdesavions.com/biketrip/pics/0075.jpg
247 McCoig Tom Maryville Tennessee 37804 United States 52612 2001 GS1150 27000.0 8/13/2008 Riding west acroos arkansas headed for tulsa oklahoma. stopped for fuel about 2315 in vanburean ark. and smelled the leaking FD oil. no warning, no grinding, or noise. just noticed the leak
248 Sladden Mark BANKS OR 97106 USA 51481 2001 R1150GS 35308.0 10/04/2009 Changed FD Oil. Large quantity of metal flakes found in old oil. Magnetized drain plug absolutely covered in them. I'd estimate a good teaspoonful in the oil. Sure enough the rear wheel has play. Glad I noticed it during oil change not at 65mph on a twisty wet road.
249 Jones Joseph T Dennis TX 76439 USA 77690 2002 K12LTC 53000.0 06/22/09 Coming home from a rally in NM. Riding at 70mph on I20 when rear wheel bearing failed. We managed to stop at a road side park before the rear wheel locked up.
250 Jones Joseph T Dennis TX 76439 USA 77690 2002 K12LTC 56000.0 08/28/2009 Riding down a steep winding mountain road near Eureka Springs, Arkansas when the rear wheel bearing went out. Managed to safely stop without the rear wheel locking up.
251 Becker Ken CLINTONVILLE WI 54929 uUSA 71930 2005 K1200LT 31900.0 09/09/2009 started feeling something wrong shortly after making a turn and checked and oil coming out, no indication prior, luckly only about an hour from the dealer and drove it there
252 Hinton Jr Ray Thousand Oaks Ca 91362 usa 72517 2000 K1200LTC 68000.0 10/27/2009 Grinding sound, looked at rear wheel oil running out of rear drive.
253 Sheehan Robert Nederland CO 80466 USA 30036 2005 R1200ST 25800.0 06/09/2009 Rear U-joint on drive shaft failed.
254 Brodhead Brian N. Ft. Myers FL 33903 usa 70278 2005 K1200LT 91236.0 11/03/09 I was on my way back to N. Ft. Myers from Orlando having come in on a flight. I stopped for gas and to day hello in Sarasota area and I thought I heard the pads rubbing on the rear brake.I figured the new rotor they put on had an occlusion in casting & it was rubbing the pads as when i ran my finger over it i felf like a piece of metal sticking out from the casting. Only noise I heard was in a driveway, a slight rubbing of the pad. Called the shop to see if I could bring it in. Drove the 75 miles more to h
255 Realini Wallace Irvine CA 92604 USA 91124 2004 R1150RT 47000.0 08/08/2009 This is the second failure in less than one year. I have been very careful with my final drive since the first failure. I have changed the oil in it and each time it looks like a machine shop floor.
256 O'Brien Gerard Aurora CO 80017 USA 37464 2003 K1200RS 28000.0 11/12/2009 Noticed oil leaking from input shaft. Disassemled and found worn pinion shaft bearings
257 O'Brien Gerard Aurora CO 80017 USA 37464 2003 K1200RS 28000.0 11/12/2009 Noticed oil leaking from input shaft. Disassembled and found loose pinion shaft bearings. The bearings do not look thrashed , they just have .012 inches of play. Is that wear?
258 Johnson Nick Hopedale IL 61747 USA 70107 2001 R1100RT 20000.0 10/01/2009 Noticed high metal chip content on magnet and in oil during FD PM. Was chrome from the crown bearing. Caught the failure before it became a 'major' issue.
259 Hurt Todd Sprignfield OR 97478 USA 45660 2006 K1200GT 20000.0 09/06/09 Final drive failed at 20k. Two inches of side play from rear spline to hub failure. No oil on wheel, just metal dust from metal wear. Failure damaged rear brake caliper mount bracket, and prematurely wore out rear brake pads. Brake pad wear light did not come on. Trailered bike to dealership.
260 Fukuda Keone Layton Utah 84041 USA 88648 2002 R1150RT 32000.0 10/22/2009 Heard and felt grinding in the final drive. I drained the oil and found metal in it.
261 Walls Michael Kenosha WI 53142 USA Sorry 2006 R1200RT 15893.0 7/7/09 Severe wobble when slowing down. After stopping discovered rear wheel felt extremely loose. The interface between the hub and the final drive failed. (spline)
262 Dulay Andrew Punta Gorda FL 33950 USA 17385 2006 R1200RT 38000.0 12/10/2009 Noticed leaking FD at fuel stop. Emailed pictures to dealer. Told to bring it in for inspection. Lateral test out of limits (12 and 6 hold plus 3 and 9 hold)
263 Grondin Wayne Tecumseh Ontario N8N4N5 Canada 46641 2000 K1200LT 111881.0 07/03/2009 Oil leaking at fuel stop, called dealer for advice, I kicked the tire and turn it by hand all felt good, wasn't loose. Road 40 miles and let off the gas the wheel started to wooble. I managed to get bike stopped and it locked up with oil running out. Called tow truck to Boise Idaho
264 Moore Bob Louisville Kentucky 40218 usa 16745 2005 R1200RT 77210.0 12/29/2009 Road was smooth but felt like riding on a rough road surface, stopped to inspect and found bearing grease on the left side of the FD and dripping on the right side of the wheel. No detectable play in the wheel.Rode it 170 miles to get to my destination. Grease leak was no worse but the bearing was obviously getting worse judging by the handling.
265 Greasley Barry Braunton Devon EX33 2LA UK 79442 2007 GSA 19368.0 14/11/2009 Play in the rear wheel
266 Bardasian Philip Mansfield Texas 76063 USA 47028 2007 K1200GT 44799.0 12/18/2009 Had no leak or wheel wobble, generally no issues but noticed a dirty spot on my wheel the size of a dime after getting to work. Hearing about final drive issues, I called others and my local BMW shop and was told to bring it in. No further issues riding it home or to the shop. However, after dropping off the bike with the shop, I was told my final drive has failed.
267 Maddocks Robert Colorado Springs CO 80924 USA 85402 2002 R1150RT 600.0 12/01/2001 Retention ring and gasket failed in first 600 miles of operation resulting in all fluid leaking from power drive.
268 Godding Keith Houston Texas 77079 USA 71470 1999 K1200LT 30347.0 Pending The FD is rumbling but still runs
269 Dobie Bill Canberra ACT 2611 Australia 85282 2007 1200 ST 27000.0 Dec 09 Excessive play at rear wheel as measured by BMW proceedure.
270 Dobie Bill Canberra ACT 2611 Australia 85282 2007 1200 ST 16777.0 Dec 09 Excessive play at rear wheel as measured by BMW proceedure 33 12 001, (1mm at wheel rim MAX). At 27000 Km, 16777 Mi
271 Ingle Carter Beaverton Or 97005 USA 40689 1996 R1100RT 30182.0 12/01/2008 Noted growling from rear end when coasting to stop. Began in October and got louder over the next few weeks of irregular use to commute to work (5 mile one way) No leakage noted and no slop in wheel. Drained final drive oil and found significant chrome flakes on magnet.
272 van de Wal JP Klerksdorp North West 2572 South Africa 85008 1997 1200GS 35279.0 02/20/10 Pinion bearing failure. Dirt ingress through commonly loose rear boot.
273 Crenshaw Dan Los Gatos CA 95033 USA 02580 2004 K1200GT 26891.0 09/03/2008 Excessive rear drive play. Bearing failure. Bearings notched.
274 west mark corunna michigan 48817 USA 71919 1999 K1200LT 103000.0 6/2003 felt a thumping in hte rear wheel while riding to work one morning. then felt a wobling feeling and pulled over along the side of the freeway to find oil draining from the rear drive. trailer to dealer for repair
275 West Mark Corunna Michigan 48817 USA 71919 1999 K1200LT 168821.0 5/2009 this is the second failure. while on the first ride of the season heard a growning sound that sounded a bit like the front wheel bearing, when I got home and put the bike on the center stand and spun the rr wheel if felt very rough
276 Stillman Richard Belton TX 76513 USA 46003 2007 K1200GT 28000.0 None Still ok, no failure. Replaced a leaking rear drive seal at 14K
277 Leach Allen Oxford OH 45056 USA 50344 2000 R1150GS 41294.0 04/02/2010 After a 50 mile ride noticed oil coming out of the final drive. This is the second time for this bike. The first time was in Sept 07 with 29370 miles.
278 Sachar Steve Jamaica NY 11432 USA 78159 2002 K1200LT 76200.0 04/04/2010 Felt and heard a whirring sound at about 30mph that was speed dependent.Found no play in the drive and no leak but the chip detector was covered with metal.
279 Reible Heidi Urbana IL 61802 United States 26226 2008 R1200R 7100.0 04/18/2010 Final Drive/Gear Oil change done on 04/14/2010 in Indianapolis, IN. Rode home to Urbana, IL noticed light oil around final drive seal cover. Wiped it off. Rode 600 miles next two days. Saw oil drippings from beneath cover and onto tire. Towed to Indy on 04/21/2010. Final drive seal blown.
280 smith mark amherst ny 14228 usa 51317 1998 k1200rs 19721.0 04/22/1010 vibe in foot pegs, oil on rim,main bearing cage all tore up.
281 Paul Charles Farmington MI 48336 usa 70974 1999 K1200LT 49000.0 05062010 Experienced most of the same symptoms already on this list: grinding noise, thumping noise like I'm riding over tar strips, vibration through the right footpeg, hypoid gear oil pukeing onto the rear wheel and brake assembly
282 Ba Edas Vilnius Vilnius LT-04220 Lithuania 95046 2006 R1200GS-A 15600.0 15/05/2009 I noticed oil on the wheel. After 100 miles noticed noise and vibration. Bearing was completely destroyed
283 Philip Bernie Odessa On K0H 2H0 Canada 71988 2005 K1200LT 20600.0 21/04/2010 Oil began seeping from final drive 06/09. Mechanic advised this is normal for LT. Apr/10 returned to dealer to have seal changed and discovered all bearings, seals and retainer damaged and required replacement.
284 Stewart Duncan Belleville On K8N 5W7 Canada 65366 1999 R1100RT 29645.0 08/15/2009 vibration at highway speed worn out bearing
285 Moore Paul Benton ky 42025 USA 75128 2001 K1200LTi 70681.0 03/29/2009 Had not ridden the bike since about May 2008 and no problems noted, no roughness of rotation, no leaks, etc. Then in mid March 2009 noticed oil on garage floor at FD area. Refilled with oil and put new gasket on drain plug, but next day noticed oil had run out again. Loaded bike onto bed of pickup truck and took to Bloodworth BMW in Nashville, TN
286 Nelson Todd Sandy Oregon 97055 USA 77270 2002 K1200 LT 46789.0 5/28/10 final drive failure
287 Young Al Mooresville nc 28117 usa 75012 2001 k1200lt 79.0 05/29/10 sudden loud grinding noise and vibration felt in the pegs
288 Young Al Mooresville nc 28117 usa 75012 2001 k1200lt 79900.0 05/29/10 sudden loud grinding noise and vibration felt in the pegs
289 McGaffin Chris Ballymoney Antrim Bt53 N.Ireland 76840 2009 R1200 GSA 12300.0 04/23/2010 Excessive rear wheel play flagged up by BMW mechanics during servicing. Bearing worn
290 Rasters Robert Livermore CA. 94551 USA 61002 2007 R1200GSA 51000.0 06/01/2010 Crown bearing failure.
291 Reynolds Tony Brier WA 98036 461 86337 1999 R1100GS 47450.0 06/26/2010 Noticed a wobble from the rear-end after 150 mile ride at speeds varying from 0-70mph. Thinking I had a flat rear tire, I pulled over to check tires. Tires were okay, no indication of anything wrong. Pulled over for lunch 15 minutes later and upon leaving diner found a pool of drive fluid on ground under rear tire.
292 Crenshaw Dan Los Gatos CA 95033 USA 02580 2004 k1200gt 46000.0 06/28/2010 Side to side play. Outboard bearing spinning and loose on crown bearing.
293 Patel Niraj Walnut Creek CA 94598 USA 16657 2005 R1200RT 12000.0 06/15/2010 Noticed fluid on rear wheel and along final drive housing.
294 shaun elefantman the city cheshire wa74hh GB 76543 2009 GSA 6000.0 10/3/2010 final drive fail
295 Wilkinson-Carr Stephen Gillingham Kent ME8 6TR United KIngdom 51264 2008 R1200RT SE 17961.0 06/07/2010 Play on rear wheel noticed. Rebuild of bearing recommended. Corrosion and flaking found when dismantgled.
296 Lee Scott Fayetteville Georgia 30215 USA 75115 2001 K1200LT ICON 71000.0 06/18/2010 When removing the final drive to replace leaking rear main seal, discovered the final drive was leaking oil. Also, found large slivers of metal on the drain plug for the first time. I change the final drive oil at least every other oil change with Mobil synthetic of the same wgt. Usually find only the normal powdery residue.
297 Kari Roy Sudbury ON P3E0A8 Canada V5014 2008 R1200RT 35000.0 07/03/2010 I stopped riding when I noticed that the oil was flowing out of the final drive. About 1/2 of the oil had escaped when I stopped riding. The renmainder flowed out with a few hours.
298 Niel F Soton Hants SO17 1BJ England d it! 1995 K1100LTIC 84000.0 12/06/2010 Gearbox repaired by others failed self selecting 2nd whilst travelling at high speed in 5th. Drive shaft rubber 'torsion damper' sleeve sheared saving me from a trip down the tarmac on my arse!
299 Taffuri Joe Jupiter fl 33458 d7178 1999 K 1200LT 59000.0 July 2009 Big Grooved Ball Bearing Failure
300 Robert Chenail Val-des-Monts Quebec J8N2R9 Canada 15079 2000 R1200C 28000.0 18/06/2010 Noticed smell at stops, saw smoke coming from exhaust under tranny. Seal replaced... 1 month later back in the shop with same leak
301 Earl Leslie Dallas TX 75220 USA 60485 2000 R1100 RS 25900.0 07/14/2010 Riding down a smooth road and felt a very constant thump. Pulled over and oil was dripping from final drive, Turned around to go back to last city (12 mi) but at that point it was making a big noise. Stopped and got a tow to nearest town.
302 CONRAD C.J. LAKE OSWEGO OR 97034 USA 74786 2001 K1200LT 38000.0 07/25/2010 I just dropped off my LT to the BMW dealership for repair or replacement of the FD. They said worst case scenario would be 3000 dollars if they have to replace the entire unit! In talking to the service adviser at the dealership he lost his FD also same day as I did.I was wondering why BMW has not put out a recall and fix the problem. I went to pritzkerlaw.com this attorney specializes in recalls and class action suits.I will be calling when he comes back on Monday to find out what the parameters are on a
303 Clidaras Sandy Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs Quebec J0R 1B0 Canada 00758 1998 R1200 C 67200.0 18/07/2010 Felt a wobble, & rear wheel started to lock up.Stopped to find oil sprayed all over rear wheel.
304 Clidaras Sandy Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs Quebec J0R 1B0 Canada 00758 1998 R1200 C 67200.0 18/07/2010 My 2nd failure in 2years. Felt a wobble, & rear wheel started to lock up.Stopped to find oil sprayed all over rear wheel.
305 dietz martin largo fl 33770 usa b1031 2006 r1200gs 26924.0 7-3-10 a loose fit between flange and axle tube really loose
306 Connolly Tom Novato CA 94947 USA 93186 1991 K100RS 4V 92000.0 05/12/2009 Loaded for a 4 day camp out. While cruising @ 75mph (Hwy 5 south) tack needle swings to redline as bike slows. No audible noise, rear tire bathed in trans oil.could feel clunking of busted shaft when pushing bike. Spendy flat bed then Loaded bike in U Haul. got it home.($450 towing cost) (about 250 miles.)
307 freeman jonathan philadelphia pa 19149 usa 28130 2006 k12s 20246.0 8/02/10 started throwing an ABS failier code every time I go exceed 80mph. seems at that speed the shaft was flexing causing the sensor to touch the ring. inspection by dealer resulted in finding a bearing failed in the final drive. all 4 need to be replaced.
308 Hickey Jerome Milton Keynes Bucks MK14 5DT UK 62892 2002 R1150R 37650.0 29/07/2010 Oil drip noticed under Final drive when parked, Oil on rear disk. Removed FD output oil seal to discover 16 of 19 ball cage rivets not attached to both cage halves, cage missing, on both sides, over 4 balls of bearing. found later in bottom of drive in pieces.
309 Fletcher Peter Bridgwater Somerset TA6 4XY UK 76822 2009 R1200GSA 19824.0 12/08/2010 15/08/2010: Noticed oil film on right hand side final drive housing and spindle. Advised possible too much oil in final drive resulting in over pressurizing in housing. 24/08/2010: Bike has 18000 mile service - no sign of oil. 12/08/2010: Oil film present again. 13/08/2010: Inspection by dealer reveals play in rear wheel bearings plus oil wrong side of seal behind plastic ring cover on right hand side of final drive.
310 Wilcoxson Nick OMAHA NE 68135 USA 75457 2001 K1200LTC 43412.0 08/12/2010 Slight vibration, faint grinding noise developed while traveling at 75 mph. Since I was aware of the inevitable K1200lt FD failure I immediately stopped to check it. There was oil all over the rim and tire.
311 Cooper Robert Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA 45159 2006 K1200GT 34740.0 08/17/2010 On a return trip from Canada, I noticed that the bike felt as if the rear tire was low or flat. The tire checked out ok and I continued home. When I arrived home, I place the bike on the center stand and moved the rear wheel from side to side: the wea considerable play. I immediately drove over to the dealer and turned the bike in for service. The next day I went over to inspect the damage to the bike. The male and female splines have extensive visible wear. There is no leakage from the final drive howeve
312 Blalock Malcolm Clayton NC 27520 USA 17206 2005 R 1200 RT 82568.0 08/06/2010 Noticed oil on rear wheel and rubber bellows on swingarm. Checked and found rear wheel play, while there was none when checked 10,000 miles earlier. Replaced because of a planned 8,000 mile trip planned later in the month. Did not want failure on trip.
313 Higgins Keith Chaska MN 55318 United States 30903 2003 R1150GSA 59000.0 08/02/2010 Rode 5000 miles in 10 days, last day 740. Noticed a vibration on last day, couldn't pinpoint. Rode 30 miles next day, parked, when taking off later felt "bump" from rear end, which quickly turned to grinding noise. Stopped immediately, all felt at less than 20 MPH.
314 Kiely Brian Cold Lake Alberta T9M1R9 Canada 93306 2006 GS1200ADV 38000.0 08/08/2010 Leaking oil....smelled like burnt gear oil. All seemed to be working fine other than the massive oil leak from the final drive.
315 Whiting John Parksville BC V9P 1T2 Canada 99314 2007 R1200gsa 34400.0 08/20/2010 while on hollidays driving the bike felt like it had low tire pressure also excessive handelbar vibration. we pulled over to investigate and the tires looked fine . We kept on traveling and the bike still had the same sensation. We thought it might be the road surface and kept going. We went into a long sweeping right hand corner and the bike slid like it had slipped on a bananna. Pulled over again and looked closer and found oil all over the tire. kepyt going as we were in the middle of nowhere 120 klm to
316 Greenwald Kevin Sheboygan Wisconsin 53081 USA 17209 2005 R1200RT 49000.0 08/19/2010 Noticed rear brake caliper over-heating. Rear wheel checked by dealer - way too much play. Also a groaning noise (bearing) present - worse when a load on the bike/
317 Silverman Andrew Redmond WA 98052 USA 14531 2009 R1200 RT 12000.0 7/31/2010 Technician noted roughness in rear wheel during installation of front brake line recall and flush of rear brake system.
318 Duren Virgil Bristow Indiana 47515 USA 17272 2005 R1200RT 59345.0 08/16/2010 excessive paly and noise from final drive
319 Tom Haycraft Round Rock TX 78665 USA 75327 2010 K1200LT 79185.0 08/26/2010 Subtle vibration in right foot peg, in 210 miles progressed to heavy vibration decelerating from 70 mph. Gear oil leaking 24 hours later. Gear oil gray and cloudy with few filings 1,200 miles prior.
320 Shortt David La Jolla CA 92037 USA 78076 2002 KT 1200 LT 12000.0 7/23/2006 Rear wheel started making a grinding noise about 120 miles from closest dealer in Calgary, Canada. Oil started running out of hub 80 miles later and hub was dry about 50 miles later. Had bike towed to dealer.