NHTSA Investigates the BMW R-Series

The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation has received several reports of engine fires in the 2000 - 2007 year model BMW R-Series. According to the reports, an oil level sight glass may melt during extended idle periods. Once this happens, oil will drain through the sight glass and onto the exhaust system and eventually ignite. NHTSA has received a confidential number of field reports from BMW describing a similar scenario. The agency is investigating these reports to determine the scope of the problem.