BMW Scooter Safety Recalls
The BMW scooter has already undergone a recall in the U.S.A.
Let’s hope there aren’t more, but just in case, I started this page to list any safety recalls as I learn about them.
[UPDATE: More recalls added below!]In the U.S.A., vehicle owners can report issues directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) via the NHTSA Safety Complaints website.
The information is entered into the NHTSA database and if enough complaints for the same issue are received, they may start an investigation, up to and including a recall.
For the first BMW scooter recall, the issue is apparently the side panels, which can become loose when riding.
I first heard about this problem from a webBikeWorld BMW Scooter Blog reader in Canada.
I have not received a recall notice for my C 650 GT and, in fact, I’ve removed and replaced the side panels several times and they seem fine to me and have remained secure.
NOTE: Here are some official recall notices for the BMW scooters from NHTSA; I can’t keep this page updated in a timely fashion, so be sure to visit the NHTSA website and search for your model/year scooter or motorcycle to learn more.
Note also that there are NHTSA Service Bulletins for BMW scooters and motorcycles that are listed that might not have led to a recall. And finally, BMW may have Service Bulletins or other information that is not listed by NHTSA.
BMW Scooter Recall 14V264000 – Camshaft Chain Tensioner
Date: May 16, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V264000
Component/System: Engine
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 C 600 Sport, and C 650 GT motorcycles manufactured August 2, 2012, through February 18, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft chain tensioner may not function properly, resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2014. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
BMW Scooter Recall 14V065000 – Side Stand Switch
Date: FEB 19, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V065000
Component/System: Electrical System, Structure
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 C 600 Sport, C 650 GT, F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 GT, R 1200 R and R1200 GS motorcycles. Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.
Consequence: An unexpected shutdown increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side-stand switch, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2014.
BMW Scooter Recall 12V556000 – Front Trim Panel Fasteners
BMW C600 Sport Maxi-Scooter. Report Receipt Date: December 3, 2012. Potential Number of Units Affected: 266.
Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 C600 Sport Maxi-Scooters manufactured August 7, 2012, through November 20, 2012.
Problem: The fasteners on the front side trim panels may have insufficient strength to retain the panels at high speeds. If the panel separates it could interfere with riding and handling of the scooter and increase the risk of a crash. The panel could also become a hazard for other road users.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will reattach the left and right front side trim panels with stronger “snap-lock” fasteners. The recall is expected to begin in January 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations (at) bmwusa.com.
More: BMW C 650 GT Blog
Owner Comments and Feedback
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UPDATE From “J.T.” (February 2013): “I went to the BMW shop for the recall to be enacted. After getting the bike back I wanted to see the changed plastic grommets. The old “Black” grommets are softer and more rubber type. The newer grommets are “White” are more plastic and hard. Her are some photos:
From “J.T.” (January 2013): “An FYI for the Recall on the C600 Sport: The recall is specific to the 3 rubber grommets between the front screw to the back running along the top. If the grommets are black they are not changed; (if they are) white, (the) recall has been performed.
The wind, once over 100 mph, flows up the headlights and around the windscreen and pushes that area of the panel and pops it off.
I read this from the recall worksheet for the mechanics at the shop when I was getting my Titanium exhaust installed.
Another note is that you need Can-Bus error eliminators for error-free LEDs, or HID’s if you intend to use them on the bike, otherwise you get an error on the instrument panel that the lights are out.”
Other WebBikeWorld BMW Posts