🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1100 S

Type:

Motorcycle

Chassis Code General:

R259

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport touring motorcycle, known for its Boxer engine character, stability, and rider comfort over long distances.

Competitors:

Honda VFR800, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, Ducati ST series.

Engine Layout:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (Boxer) engine with four valves per cylinder.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive, a hallmark of BMW motorcycles.

Suspension:

Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension, providing excellent ride quality and stability.

Design Philosophy:

Blend of sportbike styling with BMW's characteristic touring capabilities and engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (specific count not provided, typical for full workshop manuals)

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of Boxer twin engine, including cylinder heads, valves, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing chain, oil pump, and lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic EFI system, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, and troubleshooting.

Ignition System:

Twin spark ignition, coil packs, ECU control, troubleshooting ignition faults.

Transmission Gearbox:

Six-speed gearbox overhaul, clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, lubrication.

Drivetrain Final Drive:

Paralever rear drive system, driveshaft, universal joint, final drive unit (bevel gear), lubrication, and maintenance.

Suspension Front:

Telelever front suspension, fork seals, oil replacement, damping adjustments, steering head bearings.

Suspension Rear:

Monolever rear swingarm, shock absorber adjustment and replacement, linkage maintenance.

Brakes:

ABS II (or III depending on specific year/market), front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, disc inspection.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn, instrument cluster functions, ECU diagnostics.

Bodywork Chassis:

Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, side panels, mounting hardware.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks, drive shaft spline lubrication.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable).

Engine Repair:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, component torque specifications, piston ring installation, bearing replacement, gasket and seal replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch plate replacement, output shaft seal replacement.

Suspension Fork Rebuild:

Front fork seal replacement, oil level and type specification, damping rod service.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad replacement, caliper piston cleaning and lubrication, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS component testing (where applicable).

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness inspection, component testing (sensors, actuators), fault finding using diagnostic tools (where applicable).

Fuel System Cleaning And Adjustment:

Injector cleaning, throttle body synchronization, idle speed adjustment.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

Diagnostic Focus:

Emphasis on identifying and rectifying mechanical and electrical faults with step-by-step instructions.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of special tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Quality:

High (typical for professional workshop manuals, enabling clear viewing of diagrams and text)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke Boxer-twin

Displacement:

1085 cc

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.3:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

90 hp (66 kW) @ 7,250 rpm

Torque:

70.8 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm

Induction:

Bosch Motronic 2.2 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline

Oil Type:

Typically SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil, or as specified in the manual (e.g., Castrol GPS 20W-50)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox:

6-speed, constant mesh

Clutch:

Dry, single-plate, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via bevel gear

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available within the manual

Final Drive Ratio:

Specific ratio available within the manual (e.g., 1:3.00)

Transmission Oil Type:

GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90), or as specified in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,220 mm (87.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 810 mm (31.9 in) over handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1,300 mm (51.2 in) over windscreen

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,487 mm (58.5 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified for motorcycles in this manner, but load capacity is covered.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

25 liters (6.6 US gal), including approx. 4 liters reserve

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycles are not subjected to standardized crash test ratings like cars).

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II (or III depending on year), providing anti-lock braking.

Braking System:

Dual front discs with four-piston calipers, single rear disc with two-piston caliper.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, integrated front and rear turn signals, LED taillight (on later models/updates).

Chassis Design:

Robust steel-tube frame designed for stability and handling.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meter, clock, gear indicator, warning lights.

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS system available on most models for the specified years.

Diagnostic Port:

BMW proprietary diagnostic connector, enabling advanced fault code reading and analysis with appropriate tools (covered in manual's diagnostic section).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Drive Shaft Spline Lubrication:

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

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Transmission Oil Viscosity:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5

Fork Oil Type:

Specific viscosity and amount detailed in manual (e.g., SAE 7.5W)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, paralever pivot bearings, steering head bearings, front fork seals.

Electrical Gremlins:

Occasional issues with wiring harness connections or sensor failures, well-documented in specialized forums and covered by detailed diagnostic procedures in the manual.

ABS System:

Early ABS systems may require occasional bleeding or sensor cleaning; manual provides troubleshooting.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to 1923, with a strong reputation for engineering, durability, and innovation, particularly with its Boxer engine platform.

R Series:

The R 1100 S is part of the evolution of BMW's Boxer engine motorcycles, building upon previous R series models with modern technology and a sportier focus.

R1100S Introduction:

Introduced in 1998, bridging the gap between traditional BMW touring bikes and more dedicated sportbikes.

Production Years:

1998 - 2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin-Spandau, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Reputation:

Praised for its unique handling characteristics, comfort, and enduring build quality. Often considered a modern classic.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high owner satisfaction due to its reliability and the capabilities of its engineering.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with prevailing emissions standards for its production years.