🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 850 C

Model Variant:

Cruiser

Year:

1998-1999

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R 850 C was positioned as a cruiser-style motorcycle, offering BMW's characteristic engineering with a relaxed riding stance and touring capabilities. It appealed to riders seeking a comfortable, reliable motorcycle with a distinct European character.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other large-displacement cruisers and touring motorcycles from brands like Harley-Davidson, Honda, and Yamaha. BMW differentiated itself with its boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, and often more sophisticated technology and build quality.

Key Features:

Characterized by its longitudinally mounted boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics, and distinctive cruiser styling. The R 850 C offered a balance of performance and relaxed touring capability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete factory service and repair coverage for the BMW R 850 C models produced between 1998 and 1999.

Page Count:

Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission, clutch, drivetrain, suspension (front and rear), brakes (hydraulic, ABS if applicable), electrical system (wiring diagrams, components, diagnostics), chassis, bodywork, instruments, controls.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, troubleshooting guides, detailed disassembly and reassembly procedures, component testing, electrical diagnostics, torque specifications, special tool requirements, adjustments, repairs, and overhaul procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic user maintenance to advanced engine and electrical system diagnostics and repair. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, optimized for screen viewing and printing. Images and graphics designed for clarity.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF). User-printable pages available.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder engine

Displacement:

848 cc

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC), pushrod actuated

Horsepower:

Approximately 70 hp @ 6750 rpm (specifications may vary slightly)

Torque:

Approximately 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (specifications may vary slightly)

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)

Oil Type:

API SG or higher motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate 15W-50)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.2 US quarts)

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition (Bosch Motronic)

Cooling Method:

Air cooling with oil circulation for heads

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with Universal Joint (UJ)

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios are available within the service manual.

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil (e.g., BMW Hypoid gear oil)

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.25 Liters (0.26 US quarts)

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil (e.g., BMW Hypoid gear oil)

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.18 Liters (0.19 US quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2270 mm (89.4 inches)

Width:

Approx. 840 mm (33.1 inches) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 1300 mm (51.2 inches) (seat height variable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 25 Liters (6.6 US gallons), including a 4-liter reserve

Front Tire Size:

130/90 R17 M/C 65H

Rear Tire Size:

170/80 R15 M/C 77H

Front Wheel Size:

MT 3.50 x 17

Rear Wheel Size:

MT 5.00 x 15

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles typically do not receive standardized crash test ratings like cars. Focus is on rider safety features and design integrity).

Active Safety Features:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available as an option on some models. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Progressive suspension for stability.

Passive Safety Features:

Robust chassis design, integrated fairing for wind protection, comfortable seating position designed to reduce rider fatigue. Optional saddlebags for secure storage.

Front Brake Type:

Dual 305 mm (12.0 in) disc brakes with hydraulic actuation (optional ABS).

Rear Brake Type:

Single 285 mm (11.2 in) disc brake with hydraulic actuation (optional ABS).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. May have provision for aftermarket audio systems or GPS units. No integrated infotainment in the modern sense.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional ABS system. The motorcycle's inherent stability and rider feedback are its primary 'assistance' features.

ECU System:

Bosch Motronic engine management system controlling fuel injection and ignition timing.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Major Service Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for valve clearance, spark plug replacement, and inspection of major components.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 2 years.

Coolant Type:

Not applicable (air/oil cooled engine).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Potential for clutch slave cylinder leaks, wear on the paralever pivot bearings, and occasional alternator issues. Early models might have had fuel pump reliability concerns. The manual will detail diagnosis and repair for these.

Spark Plugs:

NGK CR9EK or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).

Oil Filter Part Number:

BMW Part Number: 11 42 1 456 767 (or equivalent from Mann, Mahle).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to the 1920s, renowned for its engineering prowess, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design, particularly with its boxer-twin engine platform.

Model Evolution:

The R 850 C is part of BMW's 'R' series of boxer-engined motorcycles. It was developed from earlier R 1100/1150 Boxer models, adapting the platform for a cruiser riding style with a smaller displacement engine for a different market segment and potentially a lower price point.

Production Years:

1998-2001 (for the R 850 C specifically, though related models continued).

Production Location:

Berlin Spandau plant, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Recognitions:

Specific awards for the R 850 C are not widely documented as a distinct model. However, BMW motorcycles in general are recognized for their engineering quality, durability, and rider comfort, often receiving positive reviews from automotive and motorcycle journalists.