Target Audience:
BMW R1100/R850 owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Value Proposition:
Provides dealer-level service information for diagnostics, maintenance, and repair, enabling owners to maintain their bikes effectively.
Analogue Competition:
Other official BMW service manuals, Haynes, Clymer repair manuals for BMW motorcycles of the same era.
Authenticity:
Contains the same information used by dealer technicians and mechanics.
User Friendliness:
Designed for accessibility, even for individuals with basic mechanical knowledge, due to clear text and detailed illustrations.
Completeness:
Includes not only repair procedures but also scheduled service information, TSBs, and recall data.
Primary Coverage:
R1100RT, R1100RS, R850R, R1100R, R850GS, R1100GS
Model Years Covered:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical comprehensive service manuals for this era are 400-800+ pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, diagnostics, internal components, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch service, drive shaft maintenance, final drive
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, ABS (if applicable)
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel tank, fuel lines
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever swingarm, fork seals, shock absorber service
Brakes:
Brake fluid service, caliper overhaul, disc replacement, brake line routing, ABS system diagnostics and service
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat servicing, luggage systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Repair:
Complete engine rebuild, gearbox repair, suspension overhaul, electrical troubleshooting and repair, brake system repairs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common faults, diagnostic codes, component testing, using diagnostic tools (if applicable to the era)
Technical Bulletins:
Inclusion of manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for known issues and recommended fixes
Recall Information:
Coverage of manufacturer recall notices and procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF (common for digital service manuals)
Printability:
Printable (typical for PDF service manuals)
Illustration Quality:
Detailed illustrations and diagrams
Text Clarity:
Accurate, clear, and concise text
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Operating Systems:
Windows, macOS, Linux
Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin-cylinder engine
Displacement:
R1100: 1085 cc; R850: 848 cc
Bore X Stroke:
R1100: 99 mm x 70.5 mm; R850: 90.25 mm x 66 mm (approximate, check specific models)
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 10.3:1 or 10.7:1, varies slightly by model variant
Horsepower:
R1100: Approx. 90-95 HP @ 7,250 rpm; R850: Approx. 70-75 HP @ 7,500 rpm (varies by model and tuning)
Torque:
R1100: Approx. 97 Nm (71.5 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm; R850: Approx. 75 Nm (55.3 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm (varies by model and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (91 AKI)
Ignition System:
Digital ignition system with electronic timing
Oil Type:
BMW recommends synthetic motorcycle oil, e.g., SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50. (Exact specification in manual)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change. (Exact specification in manual)
Type:
6-speed constant mesh gearbox
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Standard manual transmission)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch (operated hydraulically)
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via Monolever system
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. (Exact specification in manual)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.3 liters (0.32 US qt). (Exact specification in manual)
Length:
Varies by model (RT, GS, R), typically around 2,170-2,280 mm
Width:
Varies by model, typically around 800-900 mm
Height:
Varies by model, typically around 1,350-1,450 mm (RT higher due to fairing)
Dry Weight:
R1100RT: ~250 kg; R1100GS: ~235 kg; R1100R: ~225 kg; R850 variants typically slightly lighter.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
R1100RT: 25 L (6.6 US gal); R1100GS/R: 20-25 L (5.3-6.6 US gal) (varies by model)
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than cars; focus is on design and integrated systems like ABS)
ABS:
Integral ABS system available on many models (e.g., R1100RT, R1100RS, R1100GS). Manual covers diagnostics and service for ABS.
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated, dual-disc front, single-disc rear (varies by model). Features include braided lines on some versions.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillights (on some later models), indicator lights. Manual covers bulb replacement and wiring.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, digital odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, clock. Warning lights for various systems.
Audio System:
Optional audio systems were available, especially on RT models. Manual may cover their basic operation or troubleshooting.
ABS Integration:
The integral ABS system is a significant technological feature, combining braking and ABS functions. Manual details its operation and maintenance.
Heated Grips:
Often available as an option. Manual covers wiring and fuse details.
Diagnostic Port:
While not OBD-II as in cars, these bikes have specific diagnostic connectors for connecting BMW's proprietary diagnostic tools or aftermarket equivalents. Manual will guide in identifying and using these.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for exact recommendation).
Valve Clearance Interval:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual. These are adjustable via shims or screw adjusters depending on specific model.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage. Manual details bleeding procedures.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies, often around 20,000-40,000 km depending on plug type (standard or platinum/iridium). Manual specifies correct part numbers and gaps.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific. (Refer to manual for precise recommendation based on ambient temperature).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 4/5.1. (Crucial to use the specified type, especially with ABS systems. Check manual).
Coolant Type:
If applicable (some R1100 variants have oil coolers with some coolant circulation for gearbox/oil), typically a glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water. Manual will specify.
Common Wear Items:
Fuel pump, voltage regulator, clutch slave cylinder seal, paralever boot, swingarm bearings, throttle position sensor (TPS).
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues can arise due to wiring harness wear or corrosion, particularly at connectors. Manual's wiring diagrams are essential for troubleshooting.
ABS Service:
ABS hydraulic unit or modulator can require servicing or replacement. Manual provides specific procedures for bleed and diagnostics.
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, technologically advanced motorcycles, known for their boxer engines and touring capabilities.
Introduction Era:
The R1100 series marked a significant evolution from the air-cooled R100 series, introducing fuel injection, ABS, and the innovative Telelever front suspension on many models.
Key Innovations:
Telelever front suspension (improves handling and reduces dive under braking), Monolever rear suspension, integrated ABS, Motronic fuel injection.
Production Period:
1993/1994 to 2005, with various models evolving and being replaced by later iterations (e.g., R1150, R1200).
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Model Reputation:
The R1100 series, particularly the RT and GS models, are widely recognized for their long-distance comfort, reliability, and touring prowess. GS models are lauded for their adventure capabilities.
Industry Impact:
Helped solidify BMW's position in the large-displacement motorcycle market and paved the way for subsequent generations of boxer-twin models.
Manual Quality Endorsement:
Endorsed as the primary resource for dealer technicians, indicating a high level of accuracy and completeness.
