Insufficient Illumination from Low Beams – 2021-2024 BMW R 18, R 18B, & R 18 Transcontinental Motorcycles

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-884
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Submission Date :
BMW of North America, LLC DEC 22, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-884 Manufacturer Recall No. : NR Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : BMW of North America, LLC Address : P.O. Box 1227
Westwood NJ 07675-1227
Company phone : 18005257417
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 2,369 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information : Vehicle 1 : 2021-2024 BMW R 18 (R 18 B, R 18 Transcontinental) Vehicle Type : MOTORCYCLES
Body Style :
Power Train : GAS
Descriptive Information : Approximately 2,369 motorcycles were manufactured with a headlamp where the low beam reflector attachment points could become damaged and eventually break. Basis for recall population determination:
Motorcycle manufacturing information and supplier production records were reviewed to determine the number and production date range of potentially affected motorcycles. Recall component difference to non-recall component: Potentially affected motorcycles were manufactured with a headlamp where the low beam reflector attachment points could become damaged and eventually break. Production Dates : MAR 24, 2021 – DEC 28, 2023
VIN Range 1 : Begin : NR End : NR Not sequential Description of Noncompliance :
Description of the Noncompliance :
This non-compliance recall involves the headlamp. One or more of the attachment points between the low beam’s upper and/or lower reflector and the headlamp housing could become damaged and break. If all attachment points broke, then the affected reflector could shift out of position within the housing. This could cause a change in the form and direction of the low beam. The high beam and position lamps are not affected. FMVSS 1 : 108 – Lamps, reflective devices, and assoc. Equipment
FMVSS 2 : NR Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-884 Page 2 Description of the Safety Risk : Insufficient illumination of the roadway for the rider could increase the risk of a crash. Oncoming drivers or riders may experience glare which could increase the risk of a crash. Description of the Cause : NR Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur : The rider may notice one or more of the following conditions: a rattling noise within the headlamp, a vibrating low beam, and/or a change in illumination of the roadway. Involved Components : Component Name 1 : Headlamp Component Description : Headlamp Component Part Number : 8395642, 8395641 Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer
Name : ZKW Slovakia s.r.o.
Address : Bedzianska cesta 679/375 Krusovce Foreign States 95631
Country : Slovakia Chronology :
On October 17, 2023, BMW became aware of field cases where customers complained about vibrating headlamps and/or detached reflectors within the headlamp. An engineering investigation was initiated. A parts return program was implemented, and the headlamp supplier was contacted. Initial analyses pointed toward vibration-induced damage. As a result, the testing profiles and performance parameters from the development process were reviewed. From these analyses, it was found that the vibration profiles on R18 models when ridden by customers differed from the profiles which had been used for endurance testing during the development phase. Parallel to the engineering activities, field data was analyzed. It was found that, between May 2022 and December 2023, BMW received approximately 8 customer complaints, 72 warranty claims, and 68 dealer field The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-884
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The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
reports that may be related to the issue. BMW is also aware of approximately 6 NHTSA VOQs that were submitted to the agency. The field data indicated that approximately 75 unique motorcycles may have experienced this condition. On December 19, 2023, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary non-compliance recall. BMW has not received any reports, nor is BMW otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : The remedy is currently being developed.
Owners will be notified by First Class mail and instructed to take their motorcycle to an authorized BMW motorcycle dealer to have the remedy performed for free. If this condition were to occur to a potentially affected motorcycle prior to this recall, the remedy would be covered by the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program. Therefore, reimbursement for a pre-notification remedy re Part 573.13 and Part 577.11 is not necessary.
How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component :
Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production :
Recall component – Headlamp – part number 8 395 642, 8 395 641 NR Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : Notification to dealers is planned to begin and end on December 22,
2023.
Notification to owners is planned to begin and end on February 13, 2024.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : DEC 22, 2023 – DEC 22, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : FEB 13, 2024 – FEB 13, 2024
* NR – Not Reported

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