2008 Bmw R1200 Gs problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Fuel/Propulsion System (8) · Power Train (4) · Suspension (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw R1200 Gs model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2020-08-10 · campaign 20V471000 · 16,926 vehicles
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal 2017-08-21 · campaign 17E052000 · 9,000 vehicles
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle S
Risk: If other drivers cannot easily see the turn signals, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service bulletins (68)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Power Train 2023-12-13 · MC330423 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
since october 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all k5x models. for the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (driveshaft) are included. notice: 1. the new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the si 33 02 22 (service action: swingarm drain ret
Fuel System, Gasoline 2023-11-13 · MC160214 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw motorrad usa has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender ã¢ââfuel stripã¢ââ equipped on certain model year 2005 to 2013 r and k series motorcycles.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft 2023-04-24 · SIB330222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.
Service Brakes 2022-11-08 · MC000222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.
Power Train 2022-07-28 · SIB330222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of the driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.
Showing the 6 most recent of 68 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2016-10-01 · Power Train · 51,000 mi“while traveling down the freeway the forward drive shaft universal joint failed, locking the rear wheel. the spinning forward end of the unconstrained drive shaft damaged the swing arm.…”
2015-09-02 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 12,000 mi“while travelling at the speed limit on the left lane in busy traffic, the motorcycle quit as if i had shut off the key. i had to maneuver through 4 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. i believe that the fuel level indicator shut the bike off even though there was fuel in the tank. once stopped, the bike started again and ran normally. …”
2015-04-09 · Unknown Or Other“2008 r 1200gs motorcycle with 9218 miles on the odometer. brake failure light recently started coming on (solid) occasionally. *bf updated 10/05/2017*cn…”
2014-10-14 · Suspension · 17,732 mi“i purchased the motorcycle new from valley cycle & motorsports in bakersfield, ca on 6/23/08. during the 18,000 mile service on 04/06/11 (odo: 17,732) , bmw of santa cruz, ca service technician noticed rear shock strut was leaking oil and ordered a replacement. on 06/28/11 (odo: 21,500) valley cycle & motorsports, ca installed the replacement shoc…”
2014-09-04 · Steering · 20,200 mi“on 17 august 2014 at newcomb's ranch in the angeles national forest east of los angeles at approximately 10:15 am i discovered that the ignition switch detent mechanism had failed on my 2008 bmw r1200gs motorcycle. i was able to freely rotate the ignition key between on and off, so that the slightest torque from a key fob or wind could turn the key…”
2014-06-25 · Service Brakes · 2,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw r1200 gs motorcycle. the contact stated that the anti- lock braking system engaged and turned off independently without any warnings. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the anti-lock brake system control unit needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did…”
2014-06-05 · Power Train“right angle final drive on 2008 r1200 gs has become a safety hazard. the bearing and splines have failed. final drive flange and splines have become un repairable and final drive is inoperative. motorcycle has been deemed by bmw dealer "un-safe to ride" unless final drive is replaced. *tr…”
2014-05-30 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 30,500 mi“i was riding my motorcycle on a major highway when the motorcycle suddenly stalled. it was a scary moment since i noticed the vehicles behind me slamming there brakes, trying to avoid hitting me!. the fuel light was flashing and warning (yellow triangle) on. i called my bmw dealer for repair appointment and the tech. said that it's a common problem…”
2014-05-23 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 7,757 mi“running out of gas due to faulty fuel strip sensor which prevents determining fuel level in gas tank. danger is being rear ended by on coming vehicles. this is the 7th bmw fuel sensor strip that has failed for my wife and i in the years from 2005 to 2014. there have been 2 on two 2005 k1200ses, 1 on a 2006 k1200s, 3 on two 2008 k1200ses, and 1 o…”
2014-05-13 · Power Train · 51,000 mi · 🔥 fire“while traveling down a freeway a slight vibration was felt when the suspension unloaded. the vibration suddenly turned in to a bucking from the bike's rear and the drive shaft froze, locking the rear wheel. small flames were noticed from the forward swing arm boot which self extinguished. inspection showed the forward universal joint failed and the…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.