🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850R

Year:

1999

Product Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Engine Configuration:

Flat-twin (Boxer) engine

Chassis Code:

R850R (Type 259)

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Mid-size touring/roadster motorcycle, known for comfort, reliability, and BMW's boxer engine heritage.

Key Competitors:

Other mid-size touring bikes of the era from manufacturers like Honda (ST1100), Yamaha (Diversion/Diversion XJ900S), Kawasaki (GTR1000), and possibly Harley-Davidson Sportster models for a different market segment.

Powertrain:

Characterized by its air/oil-cooled boxer-twin engine, providing a unique riding experience and low center of gravity.

Handling And Suspension:

Utilizes BMW's proprietary Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for superior ride quality and handling.

Target Audience:

Touring riders, commuters, and those seeking a comfortable and reliable machine for both short and long distances.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmission Types

Estimated Page Count:

300-500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English (assumed for typical market distribution)

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the R850cc boxer engine, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing chain, oil pump, lubrication system, and cooling system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, fuel lines, and fuel tank maintenance and troubleshooting.

Ignition System:

Ignition control unit (ECU), spark plugs, ignition coils, and wiring.

Transmission System:

Clutch assembly, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear selection mechanism, and final drive unit (including driveshaft and universal joint).

Chassis Suspension:

Front fork (BMW Telelever) overhaul, rear shock absorber (BMW Paralever) inspection and replacement, swingarm, wheel bearings, and steering head bearings.

Brake System:

Front and rear brake systems, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, master cylinders, calipers, brake lines, brake pads, and brake fluid bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn, instrument cluster, and electronic control units.

Bodywork And Frame:

Frame inspection, body panels removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fairing (if equipped), and luggage rack.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection and replacement, chain/driveshaft lubrication and adjustment, tire pressure checks.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system diagnostics, and engine performance problems.

Major Repairs:

Complete engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacements, brake system overhauls, and electrical system repairs.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification of specific BMW special tools required for certain procedures, with potential illustrations or descriptions.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Rebuild Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, wear limits, and assembly instructions for all major components.

Wiring Diagrams:

High-quality, schematic wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, often color-coded for clarity.

Schematics And Illustrations:

Exploded views, diagrams, and illustrations to aid in part identification and assembly/disassembly processes.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (OCR'd or native text PDF) for efficient information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital creation, suitable for printing and viewing on various devices.

Binding Type:

Not applicable (Digital Download - PDF)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital Download - PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine

Displacement:

848 cc (cubic centimeters)

Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (typical for this model)

Valve Train:

Overhead camshaft (OHC), 2 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

Approx. 70-75 HP (51-55 kW) at 7500 rpm (exact figure may vary slightly by region and specific tuning)

Torque:

Approx. 75-80 Nm (55-59 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm (exact figure may vary)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic system

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON/MON) recommended

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with universal joint

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios will be detailed within the manual, crucial for performance tuning and diagnostics.

Gearbox Oil Type:

Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - specific BMW recommendation will be in manual (typically SAE 75W-90 GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2170 mm (85.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in) (seat height variable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 430 kg (948 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

19.0 Liters (5.0 US gal) including reserve

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) often available for this model, enhancing braking safety.

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. ABS availability is a key safety feature.

Chassis Design:

Low center of gravity from the boxer engine contributes to stability. Robust frame construction.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, with indicator lights for turn signals, oil pressure, battery charge, neutral, high beam, etc. Some models may have a basic LCD display for odometer and clock.

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS system significantly enhances rider safety by preventing wheel lock-up during braking.

Diagnostic Port:

Likely equipped with a diagnostic port (often proprietary BMW) for electronic diagnostics, covered in detail in the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Manual will confirm specific interval.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Generally recommended every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). Manual will provide precise interval and procedure.

Major Service:

Comprehensive checks and adjustments recommended at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 40,000 km). Manual will detail these.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil. Manual will specify exact grade and capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 if specified by BMW) is standard. Manual will confirm.

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approximately 0.75 Liters for gearbox and 0.25 Liters for final drive. Manual will provide exact quantities.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, paralever spline wear, front fork seals, rear shock absorber deterioration.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older BMWs can experience minor electrical issues due to age and vibration, such as loose connections or failing relays. The manual's wiring diagrams are essential for diagnosis.

Fuel Injector Cleaning:

Periodic cleaning or servicing of fuel injectors may be required for optimal performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of producing innovative and reliable motorcycles, particularly renowned for its boxer engine and shaft drive technology.

R Series Lineage:

The R850R is part of BMW's long-standing R series, which has evolved from the iconic R32. The R850R offered a slightly detuned and more accessible version of the boxer engine compared to the R1100/R1150 series.

Production Period:

The R850R was produced in various forms from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s, with the 1999 model being a specific iteration.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Bmw Reputation:

BMW motorcycles are consistently recognized for build quality, engineering, and rider comfort, contributing to strong resale values and owner loyalty.

Reliability Perception:

Generally perceived as a reliable motorcycle when properly maintained, benefiting from robust German engineering.

Technical Documentation Standard:

This manual adheres to professional automotive technical writing standards, providing accurate and actionable information.