The BMW R nineT spans 1981–2023 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 28 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the BMW R nineT — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The BMW R nineT is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2023 across multiple generations.
How to read a BMW R nineT VIN — every digit explained
Every BMW R nineT 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 R nineT.
- 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 R nineT, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the BMW R nineT have?
The BMW R nineT has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2023. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the BMW R nineT
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the BMW R nineT — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common BMW R nineT problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the BMW R nineT — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
BMW R nineT specifications & dimensions
The 2023 BMW R nineT. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the BMW R nineT window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
BMW R nineT cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the R nineT holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 91 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 R nineT 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 R nineT get?
The BMW R nineT returns up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,750/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2013 BMW R nineT (3L 6-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $3,500/yr to fuel.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 R nineT | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2012 R nineT | 18 | 27 | $3,500 | — | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2011 R nineT | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2010 R nineT | 18 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2009 R nineT | 18 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2008 R nineT | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2007 R nineT | 18 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 R nineT | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 R nineT | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 R nineT | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 R nineT | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 R nineT | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 R nineT | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 R nineT | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 R nineT | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 R nineT | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | — | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 R nineT | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | — | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 R nineT | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | — | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 R nineT | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | — | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 R nineT | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | — | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 R nineT | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | — | — | 2.7L 6-cyl |
The 2023 BMW R nineT (2L 4-cyl) gets 28 mpg combined and costs about $2,750/yr to fuel.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 R nineT | 24 | 34 | $2,750 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2022 R nineT | 24 | 34 | $2,750 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 R nineT | 24 | 33 | $2,750 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 R nineT | 23 | 33 | $2,850 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 R nineT | 23 | 33 | $2,850 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 R nineT | 24 | 34 | $2,850 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 R nineT | 23 | 34 | $2,850 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 R nineT | 23 | 35 | $2,850 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 R nineT | 23 | 35 | $2,850 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 R nineT | 23 | 35 | $2,850 | — | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1999 R nineT | 20 | 30 | $2,600 | — | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 R nineT | 20 | 29 | $2,600 | — | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 R nineT | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | — | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 R nineT | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | — | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 R nineT | 19 | 29 | $3,500 | — | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1994 R nineT | 19 | 29 | $3,500 | — | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 R nineT | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | — | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 R nineT | 18 | 24 | $3,850 | — | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 R nineT | 17 | 23 | $4,050 | — | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 R nineT | 15 | 26 | $4,300 | — | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 R nineT | 21 | 26 | $2,700 | — | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 R nineT | 21 | 27 | $2,600 | — | — | 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 R nineT stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this R nineT's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the BMW R nineT have? Power & range
The BMW R nineT is offered with 2 powertrains — 3L 6-cyl, 2L 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 | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | FWD | Premium |
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 R nineT cost to own?
A BMW R nineT 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 R nineT 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 R nineT loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the R nineT 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 R nineT safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the R nineT yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a BMW R nineT last?
A well-maintained BMW R nineT typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your BMW R nineT’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this R nineT’s VIN free →All BMW R nineT model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the BMW R nineT — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2022 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2021 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2020 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2019 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2018 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2017 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2016 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2015 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2014 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2013 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2012 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2011 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2010 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2009 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2008 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2007 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2006 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2005 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2004 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2003 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2002 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2001 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 2000 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1999 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1998 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1997 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1996 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1995 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1994 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1993 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1992 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1991 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1990 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1989 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1988 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1987 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1986 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1985 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1984 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1983 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1982 R nineT | 0 | — | |
| 1981 R nineT | 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 R nineT?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the BMW R nineT.
How many recalls does the R nineT have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2023. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all BMW recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the R nineT get?
Up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a R nineT last?
A well-maintained R nineT typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the R nineT reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the BMW R nineT — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the BMW R nineT 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 R nineT made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your R nineT'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 R nineT 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.