Positioning:
The BMW R 1100 S was positioned as a sporty touring motorcycle, blending the comfort and character of BMW's Boxer engine with the capability for spirited riding and longer journeys, often seen as a 'Sport Touring' icon of its era.
Competitors:
Competed with other European and Japanese sport tourers of the late 90s and early 2000s, such as Ducati ST series, Honda VFR series, and Kawasaki GTR models.
Defining Features:
Unique Boxer Twin engine, Telelever front suspension for improved handling and comfort, optional ABS, shaft drive, and a distinct sporty yet practical design.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the BMW R 1100 S.
Key Systems:
Engine, fuel system, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, suspension, brakes, electrical system, bodywork, diagnostics.
Estimated Pages:
High (typical workshop manuals for this era exceed 500 pages, specific count not provided in product info, but description implies extensive detail).
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)
Engine:
Detailed breakdown of the 1100cc Boxer Twin engine, including top-end (cylinder heads, valves, camshafts), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooler), and timing components.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, throttle bodies, injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, and tank servicing.
Transmission:
Six-speed gearbox, clutch operation (hydraulic), gear shift mechanism, and final drive (single-sided swingarm with shaft drive, including gearbox oil and final drive oil servicing).
Brakes:
BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation, hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications, caliper servicing, disc inspection, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension system, rear Monolever swingarm, shock absorber servicing, fork oil replacement, spring preload adjustment, and damping adjustments.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component location, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, starter motor, and fuse/relay identification.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug servicing, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, final drive oil change, drive shaft spline lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Engine top-end rebuild, piston and cylinder replacement, crankshaft seal replacement, clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, shock absorber rebuild, brake caliper overhaul, ABS module diagnostics and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking system malfunctions, and suspension problems, often with symptom-based guides.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized tools and torque specifications.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format), ensuring compatibility across devices and searchability.
Image Quality:
Illustrated with clear, high-resolution diagrams and photographs for step-by-step instructions.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download - no physical binding)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download - no physical paper type)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (Boxer) engine.
Bore X Stroke:
99.0 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, operated by pushrods and rocker arms, double overhead camshafts (DOHC) via pushrods (historically inaccurate for Boxer Twin, correct is OHV with pushrods).
Horsepower:
Approx. 90 hp (67 kW) at 7,250 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 motorcycle specific oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., API SG or higher).
Gearbox:
Constant-mesh, six-speed sequential gearbox.
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated clutch.
Drive Type:
Shaft drive to rear wheel via single-sided Paralever swingarm.
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 90 hypoid gear oil.
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US qt)
Length:
Approx. 2,160 mm (85.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 870 mm (34.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,290 mm (50.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 247 kg (545 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 25 liters (6.6 US gal), including a 3.5 liter reserve.
Crash Safety Data:
Motorcycles of this era were not typically subjected to standardized crash testing like automobiles. Safety is primarily assessed through design and component specifications.
Braking System:
Optional BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available, providing enhanced stability during braking.
Suspension Design:
Telelever front suspension contributes to stable handling and reduced brake dive, improving rider control.
Lighting:
Dual Halogen headlights for improved visibility, LED taillight.
Frame Construction:
Steel trellis frame providing rigidity and impact resistance.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, engine temperature, clock, and gear indicator. Warning lights for ABS, oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam.
ABS System:
Optional BMW Integral ABS (first generation), which integrates front and rear braking functions and ABS control. Requires specific procedures for bleeding and servicing.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector, allowing access to engine management and ABS fault codes using specific diagnostic tools or interfaces.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replace as needed or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid (uses the same reservoir as the front brake).
Common Wear Items:
Worn clutch slave cylinder seals, fuel pump relay failure, starter sprag clutch wear, aging brake lines (especially on ABS models), Telelever pivot wear.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally robust, occasional issues can arise with the Motronic unit or wiring harness connections due to vibration and age. The diagnostic port (often under the seat) is key for troubleshooting.
Oil Filter Part Number:
BMW Genuine: 11 42 1 454 590; Aftermarket examples: Mann-Filter MW 64, K&N KN-160.
Air Filter Part Number:
BMW Genuine: 13 72 1 457 077; Aftermarket examples: K&N HA-1199, Mahle LX 508.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to the 1920s, renowned for its engineering innovation, boxer engines, and shaft drive technology in its motorcycles.
R 1100 Series:
The R 1100 S is part of the R 1100 series, which saw the introduction of the four-valve-per-cylinder Boxer engine (though the R 1100 S retains the two-valve per cylinder variant derived from the R 100 GS/R 100 R). It represented a more sporting iteration of BMW's touring platform.
Manufacturing Period:
Produced from 1998 to 2005.
Key Updates:
Later models (post-2000) often featured mild updates to suspension settings, power delivery, and sometimes cosmetic changes. The 'RS' designation often implies a higher-spec version.
Model Recognition:
While specific awards for the R 1100 S might not be prominently documented, it was widely respected for its blend of performance, comfort, and the unique character of its Boxer engine, earning a dedicated following among enthusiasts.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to its reliability, touring capability, and distinctive riding experience, though maintenance can be more involved than some competitors.