🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R850 C

Model Designation:

R850C (often referred to as R 850 C)

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Chassis Code:

Not explicitly provided in product info, typically R259 variant for R850 engine family

Engine Code Family:

R259 (Boxer Twin, air/oil-cooled)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size touring motorcycle, often appealing to riders seeking a more accessible BMW Boxer experience or for lighter touring duties.

Key Competitors:

Honda ST1100 (larger displacement), Yamaha FJR1300 (larger displacement), Moto Guzzi California (different engine configuration), various Japanese inline-four touring bikes of the era.

Unique Selling Points:

BMW Boxer engine character, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics for touring, typically good build quality and reliability associated with BMW.

Target User:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners looking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, understand their bike's systems, or diagnose issues.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Controls, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Page Count:

Estimated 400-600 pages (based on typical comprehensive BMW motorcycle service manuals, not explicitly stated in product info)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (implied by product description and target audience)

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) or Print (CD/Booklet) - product description suggests digital accessibility

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of engine components (cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing chain/gears), lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooler).

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI) troubleshooting and repair, throttle body, injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank and lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnostics, sensor testing (crankshaft position, camshaft position, lambda).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Gearbox inspection and repair, clutch operation and replacement, final drive (shaft drive) maintenance and component checks.

Chassis Suspension:

Front fork (telelever or conventional depending on specific R850C variant) overhaul, rear shock absorber inspection and adjustment, frame and subframe inspection.

Braking System:

Brake fluid change, bleeding procedures, pad and disc replacement, caliper maintenance, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and components (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, horn, and ancillary electrical components.

Bodywork Controls:

Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders, handlebars, levers, and control cable adjustments.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance checks, drive shaft lubrication, brake fluid flush.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms (e.g., starting problems, engine misfires, electrical faults) with step-by-step resolution guides.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed, illustrated step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major motorcycle systems.

Diagnostic Techniques:

Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II readers if applicable to the era, multimeter testing), reading fault codes, and interpreting sensor data.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner-level maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Likely PDF. Searchable text, layered diagrams for clarity, bookmark navigation for easy access to sections.

Print Quality:

High-resolution images and clear text ensuring legibility of diagrams and instructions (for print versions).

Binding Type:

Likely Spiral-bound or Paperback for print versions, designed for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and minimize ink bleed-through (for print versions).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder Boxer

Displacement:

848 cc (cubic centimeters)

Bore X Stroke:

Approx. 90.0 mm x 66.0 mm (typical for this engine family)

Compression Ratio:

Typically around 10.3:1 to 10.5:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 70-75 hp (metric horsepower) @ 6750 rpm (varies slightly by year and specific model tuning)

Torque:

Approx. 81 Nm (59.7 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm (varies slightly by year and specific model tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic (likely variant)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2 (AKI) recommended.

Oil Type Recommendation:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 API SG or higher (specific BMW recommendations may vary, consult manual for exact spec).

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with oil filter change.

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition with twin spark plugs per cylinder.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with enclosed universal joint

Transmission Oil Spec:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80 API GL-5 (for final drive)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in) - can vary slightly by model year/configuration.

Width:

Approx. 830 mm (32.7 in) (at handlebars)

Height:

Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in) (at windscreen)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 217 kg (478 lbs) - without fluids and accessories.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 25 liters (6.6 US gallons), including a reserve of approx. 3 liters.

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS (BMW Integral ABS) often available on this model.

Braking System Type:

Dual disc front brakes, Single disc rear brake (with potential for BMW Integral ABS on both).

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, LED taillight (model dependent), turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, coolant temperature, clock, gear indicator (model dependent).

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS (optional) integrates front and rear brake actuation, often with a linked lever system. Manual covers ABS system troubleshooting and component testing.

Diagnostic Port:

BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector, requiring specific tools for advanced diagnostics and fault code retrieval.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Filter Change:

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

Air Filter Service:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually; clean more frequently in dusty conditions.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as recommended by the manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or annually (check specific plug type).

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years or as per manual recommendation to prevent moisture absorption.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid (ensure it's a fresh, sealed container).

Transmission Oil Spec Final Drive:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80 API GL-5

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, brake pad and disc wear, fork seal leaks, drive shaft splines lubrication.

Electrical Concerns:

Can be susceptible to corroded wiring connectors, particularly in the charging system and under the fuel tank, if not properly maintained or protected.

Engine Performance:

Potential for fuel injector clogging, throttle body issues affecting idle quality, or sensor failures leading to poor running conditions.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)

Engine Family Introduction:

The R259 Boxer engine platform was introduced in the mid-1990s, with variants like the R850 being a more accessible displacement compared to the 1100/1150 cc models.

R850C Introduction:

The R850 C (Cruiser variant) was introduced in the late 1990s to cater to a more relaxed, cruiser-style riding position, often featuring different styling elements and a lower seat height compared to standard R850R models.

Production Years:

Approximately 1996-2006 (specific R850 C production years within this range).

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

BMW motorcycles are generally well-regarded for their engineering, build quality, and rider comfort, often receiving positive reviews in motorcycle publications for their long-distance touring capabilities.