Wheel Recall Bulletin

[100RT]

In the event anyone needs this, I think it's still in effect.

[ironjack63]

I just acquired an '81 R100RT, should I take the front wheel to BMW, or will they laugh me out of the place?

[Airhead Wrangler]

check the production date or see if the casting has the little webs that were added later. From what I've heard though, BMW still honors the recall.

[old paul]

I thought a recall was forever, but here is information taken directly from the NHTSA website: (and the link if you don't believe me)
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallprocess.cfm
Are there any limitations on my right to have a recalled vehicle remedied at no charge?

Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and eliminate unnecessary safety risks.

[Airhead Wrangler]

Originally Posted by old paul

I thought a recall was forever, but here is information taken directly from the NHTSA website: (and the link if you don't believe me)
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallprocess.cfm
Are there any limitations on my right to have a recalled vehicle remedied at no charge?

Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 2003 and a recall ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and eliminate unnecessary safety risks.

No you aren't legally entitled to the repair, but BMW still does it. I've heard of people getting a new wheel as recently as a couple years ago.

[Cogswell]

I had mine replaced just last year. It did take some work on the dealer and district service rep's end to get the correct numbers for the work order.

YMMV,


Mike

[bmweuro]

The recall wheels were mostly in 77 and 78. There was only one wheel ever recorded to have broken. I think it's funny that everyone still makes a big deal out of this.

[Airhead Wrangler]

Originally Posted by bmweuro

I think it's funny that everyone still makes a big deal out of this.

Hey, nothing wrong with a brand new wheel if you can get it for free.

[DaveBall]

Yes, BMW still honours the recall. They will want the serial number of your bike, to ensure that it has not already had a replacement. And, you don't get to keep the old wheel.

[bmweuro]

Originally Posted by Airhead Wrangler

Hey, nothing wrong with a brand new wheel if you can get it for free.

This conversation has come up before on ADV. The real funny part is someone looking for a 100% original bike might pay more for one with a non-recall wheel. The next thing you know they will be worth twice as much as a replacement.

[ME 109]

Originally Posted by bmweuro

This conversation has come up before on ADV. The real funny part is someone looking for a 100% original bike might pay more for one with a non-recall wheel. The next thing you know they will be worth twice as much as a replacement.

I said that to a friend who showed up last week on his newly acquired '80? RS with original front wheel.
The dealers will check vin numbers to ensure the bike is eligible for recall.

[disston]

I also heard the same thing Dave said. They record the VIN number of the bike the wheel came off of. You can get only one free wheel per bike.

[ironjack63]

The original recall said something about the date being on the wheel. How does one read the codes on the wheel? I have several sets of numbers on my front wheel, and they don't look like any type of date to me.

[Airhead Wrangler]

Casting dates are usually a two digit month or a two digit week followed by a two digit year. In this case though don't bother with the date code. The differences between the recalled wheels and the replacements are readily apparent, so it's pretty easy to see what kind of wheel you have even from 10 feet away. Photos here:
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/19inchrecall.htm

[boxerboy81]

A mate had one replaced here in Oz 3-4 years back. New bearings too. They tried to have him pay for labour. Cheeky! He refused that and they still paid for the lot...wheel, bearings etc, labour. This is what is supposed to potentially happen...never seen or heard of it locally though.