2016 BMW R1200 RT: common problems
The maker issued 22 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 22
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important…
- Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models
For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1. The new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain…
- Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts…
Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.
- BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the…
BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.
- The options in the Reversing Assist Camera menu are greyed out and cannot be adjusted
- The Sirius(r) Satellite Radio is inoperative
- The body seam on the rear upper left of the body may not have been completely sealed, causing a water leak
- Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of…
Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of the driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.
- TEC26 Turbo Charger Return
- Tec25 Wishbone Return
- Tech24 Snap-in Adapter Return
NHTSA lists 22 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 BMW R1200 RT?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 22 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 BMW R1200 RT?
NHTSA lists 22 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 BMW R1200 RT from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.