The BMW F 800 ST spans 1981–2012 with 9 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2008, 2009, 2007 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers up to 24 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The BMW F 800 ST is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2012 across multiple generations.
How to read a BMW F 800 ST VIN — every digit explained
Every BMW F 800 ST carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a BMW and the country it was built in (real BMW codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this F 800 ST.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Germany3MF · 3MW · 5UM · WAP · WB1 · WB3
- USA4US · 5UX · 5YM
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your F 800 ST, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the BMW F 800 ST have?
The BMW F 800 ST has 9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2012. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2009 BMW F 800 ST recalls 1
Wheels
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
Risk. Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2008 BMW F 800 ST recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BMW IS RECALLING 1,980 MY 2007-2008 F800 S AND F800 ST MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE ROUTING OF THE FUEL TANK BREATHER HOSE, PRESSURE EQUALIZATION INSIDE THE FUEL TANK IS POSSIBLE ONLY TO A LIMITED EXTENT. CONSEQUENTLY, AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE FUEL TANK CAN DEFORM. IF THIS HAPPENED AT THE POINT WHERE THE FUEL TANK IS SHAPED TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE FOR THE REAR WHEEL, THEN, IN COMBINATION WITH A LARGE PAYLOAD, THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK COULD RUB AGAINST THE REAR WHEEL.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURRED, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LEAK COULD DEVELOP IN THE TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE FUEL TANK BREATHER HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
Wheels
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
Risk. Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2007 BMW F 800 ST recalls 1
Wheels
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 F 800 S and F 800 ST motorcycles manufactured August 2006 through January 2009. Due to incorrect tolerances, the rear wheel drive bearing and rear axle may wear.
Risk. Bearing and axle wear may affect handling and control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel bearing, and if necessary, replace the bearing and rear axle, at no charge. The recall began on January 10, 2014. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Best and worst years for the BMW F 800 ST
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 32 tracked years, the worst years are 2008, 2009, 2007 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 F 800 ST | — | Best | |
| 1982 F 800 ST | — | Best | |
| 1983 F 800 ST | — | Best | |
| 1984 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1985 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1986 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1987 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1988 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1989 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1990 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1991 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1992 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1993 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1994 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1995 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1996 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1997 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1998 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 1999 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2000 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2001 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2002 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2003 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2004 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2005 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2006 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2007 F 800 ST | Wheels | Avoid | |
| 2008 F 800 ST | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 2009 F 800 ST | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 2010 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2011 F 800 ST | — | Average | |
| 2012 F 800 ST | — | Average |
What are the most common BMW F 800 ST problems?
The most-reported BMW F 800 ST problems are Wheels (6 reports), Gasoline (6 reports) and Equipment (1 reports) — out of 17 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
BMW F 800 ST specifications & dimensions
The 2012 BMW F 800 ST. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the BMW F 800 ST window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
BMW F 800 ST cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the F 800 ST holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 89 cu ft of passenger volume and 15 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
BMW F 800 ST tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the BMW F 800 ST get?
The BMW F 800 ST returns up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,600/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2012 BMW F 800 ST (3L 6-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $3,500/yr to fuel, emitting 404 g/mi CO₂ (smog 8/10) — about $6,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 F 800 ST | 18 | 27 | $3,500 | 404 | 8/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2011 F 800 ST | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | 8/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2010 F 800 ST | 18 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2009 F 800 ST | 18 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | 9/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2008 F 800 ST | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2007 F 800 ST | 18 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | 9/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 F 800 ST | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | 423 | 6/10 | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 F 800 ST | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | 423 | 6/10 | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 F 800 ST | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | 2/10 | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 F 800 ST | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 F 800 ST | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 F 800 ST | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 F 800 ST | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 F 800 ST | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 F 800 ST | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 F 800 ST | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 F 800 ST | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 F 800 ST | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 F 800 ST | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 F 800 ST | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl |
The 1999 BMW F 800 ST (1.9L 4-cyl) gets 24 mpg combined and costs about $2,600/yr to fuel, emitting 370 g/mi CO₂ — about $2,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 F 800 ST | 20 | 30 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 F 800 ST | 20 | 29 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 F 800 ST | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 386 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 F 800 ST | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 386 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 F 800 ST | 19 | 29 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1994 F 800 ST | 19 | 29 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 F 800 ST | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 F 800 ST | 18 | 24 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 F 800 ST | 17 | 23 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 F 800 ST | 15 | 26 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 F 800 ST | 21 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 F 800 ST | 21 | 27 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the F 800 ST stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this F 800 ST's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the BMW F 800 ST have? Power & range
The BMW F 800 ST is offered with 2 powertrains — 3L 6-cyl, 1.9L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.0L · 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | RWD | Premium |
| 4-cyl | 1.9L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a BMW F 800 ST cost to own?
A BMW F 800 ST tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used F 800 ST is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this F 800 ST loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the F 800 ST ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the BMW F 800 ST safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the F 800 ST yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a BMW F 800 ST last?
A well-maintained BMW F 800 ST typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your BMW F 800 ST’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this F 800 ST’s VIN free →All BMW F 800 ST model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the BMW F 800 ST — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2011 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2010 F 800 ST | 1 recall | — | |
| 2009 F 800 ST | 4 recalls | — | |
| 2008 F 800 ST | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2007 F 800 ST | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2006 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2005 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2004 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2003 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2002 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2001 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 2000 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1999 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1998 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1997 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1996 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1995 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1994 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1993 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1992 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1991 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1990 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1989 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1988 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1987 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1986 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1985 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1984 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1983 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1982 F 800 ST | 0 | — | |
| 1981 F 800 ST | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the F 800 ST?
By owner-complaint volume, 2008, 2009, 2007 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the F 800 ST have?
9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2012. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all BMW recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the F 800 ST get?
Up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a F 800 ST last?
A well-maintained F 800 ST typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the F 800 ST reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the F 800 ST is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the BMW F 800 ST warranty?
New BMW models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a BMW dealer.
Where is the BMW F 800 ST made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your F 800 ST's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; BMW may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the F 800 ST have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.