🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 850 C

Model Variant:

R850C

Generation Name:

First Generation

Chassis Code:

R22

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Touring/Cruiser segment, known for its comfort, reliability, and Boxer engine character.

Target Audience:

BMW enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, professional motorcycle technicians.

Key Competitors:

Other large displacement Boxer-engined BMWs (e.g., R1100 series), Italian cruisers (Moto Guzzi), some Japanese cruisers and touring bikes of similar displacement.

Unique Selling Points:

Iconic BMW Boxer engine, shaft drive for low maintenance, comfortable ergonomics for touring, BMW build quality and engineering.

Value For Money:

Provides access to factory-level repair information, saving significant costs compared to dealership service. Enables owners to maintain their vehicle's value and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Engine Variants Covered:

R850C (848cc)

Estimated Page Count:

High (typically 300-500+ pages for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, top-end (cylinder heads, valves, camshafts), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), lubrication system (oil pump, oil filter, oil passages), cooling system (if applicable, though air-cooled), fuel system (injection system, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body), ignition system (ECU, sensors), exhaust system.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Gearbox (transmission) removal, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly; clutch operation and adjustment; final drive (shaft drive) system maintenance and inspection; torque specifications.

Chassis Suspension:

Frame inspection and repair; front fork (telescopic) overhaul, seal replacement, oil levels; rear suspension (Monolever or Paralever, depending on exact model configuration for this era, though R850C likely uses Monolever) inspection, shock absorber service, linkage maintenance; wheel bearings; steering head bearings.

Brakes:

Brake system components (master cylinders, calipers, brake lines, brake discs, brake pads); ABS system (if equipped) diagnostics and component service; brake fluid flush and bleed procedures; troubleshooting common brake issues.

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, battery service, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor testing, fuse and relay identification.

Bodywork Fittings:

Fairing removal and installation, seat service, fuel tank mounting, fenders, luggage system mounts, controls (handlebars, levers, footpegs).

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid replacement, final drive oil change, valve clearance checks); lubrication points; bolt torque specifications for routine tasks.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for common and complex repairs, including engine component replacement, transmission rebuild, suspension overhaul, brake system service, electrical system troubleshooting and repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and tables for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical problems; symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Technical Specifications:

Detailed specifications for all components, including tolerances, clearances, fluid types and capacities, torque values, electrical resistances, and performance data.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive. Designed for professional technicians, it covers detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all major vehicle systems. Includes diagnostic information, specifications, and potential problem areas.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics.

Printability:

Printable, allowing users to create hard copies of specific sections or the entire manual.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams, schematics, and illustrations.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Displacement:

848 cc (cubic centimeters)

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (typical)

Valve Train:

Overhead camshafts (SOHC), two valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

Approx. 70-72 hp (at 7500 rpm)

Torque:

Approx. 71 Nm (52 lb-ft) (at 5000 rpm)

Fuel Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (RON 95)

Cooling Method:

Air cooling

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with Monolever rear swingarm

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios will be detailed in the manual.

Fluid Type:

Gearbox oil: API GL-5, SAE 75W/90 (typical specification, confirm with manual)

Fluid Capacity:

Gearbox oil capacity: Approx. 1.0 litre (confirm with manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2160 mm (85.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in) (over handlebars)

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in) (seat height: approx. 770 mm / 30.3 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 430 kg (948 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 19.0 litres (5.0 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Availability:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was often an option or standard on later models/variants within this period.

Braking System:

BMW Integral ABS (if equipped), dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, clear lens turn signals, integrated tail/brake light.

Frame Construction:

Steel tube frame for rigidity and rider protection.

Ergonomics:

Designed for comfort and control during long rides.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Primarily functional instrumentation; typically no complex infotainment systems beyond basic gauges and indicators.

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS, a sophisticated (for its time) braking system that can integrate front and rear braking with a single lever press and includes anti-lock functionality.

Diagnostic Port:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) port for accessing engine control unit (ECU) data and fault codes.

Engine Control Unit:

Bosch Motronic ECU managing fuel injection and ignition timing.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km or annually (refer to manual for exact specification).

Valve Clearance Check:

Typically every 20,000 km (refer to manual for exact specification).

Final Drive Oil Change:

Typically every 20,000 km (refer to manual for exact specification).

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil, SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for precise viscosity and BMW approval).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 litres (with filter change) (confirm with manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (confirm with manual for specific BMW approval if applicable)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, brake pad wear, fork seals, spark plugs, starter motor brushes.

Electrical Gremlins:

Can sometimes suffer from intermittent electrical issues due to aging wiring or connections, especially around the ECU or ABS module. Fuel pump reliability can be a concern on older units.

Engine Specific:

While generally robust, some models can develop oil leaks from gaskets or seals over time. Proper valve clearance adjustment is crucial for engine health and performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to the early 20th century, renowned for engineering excellence, innovative technology, and boxer-engined motorcycles.

R Series Evolution:

The R850C is part of BMW's long-running R series, which has continuously evolved its boxer-twin platform. It represents a slightly smaller displacement variant of the popular R1100 series cruisers/tourers of the era.

Production Period:

The R850C model was produced for a limited period, generally from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

BMW motorcycles, in general, are often recognized for their engineering and build quality. Specific awards for the R850C model are less common as it was more of a niche variant compared to flagship models.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high owner satisfaction due to reliability and the unique character of the boxer engine and shaft drive.

Manual Certification:

Not applicable (this refers to a product, not a certification body).