2005 BMW K1200 S
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › BMW › K1200 S › 2005
These records cover every 2005 BMW K1200 S. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2005 BMW K1200 S. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2005-2011 motorcycles. the bearings could be subject to corrosion. this could lead to reduced movement of the link lever.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could affect the handling of the motorcycle increasing the risk a driver may lose control of the vehicle resulting in a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin during march 2011. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
On certain motorcycles, frequent short trips particularly during cold temperatures, can cause water to accumulate in the oil tank, and when the engine IS running, escaping water vapor can condense on the oil tank air bleed valve. in freezing temperatures, this water could freeze and block the air bleed valve.
Risk and remedy
Risk
It IS possible that a pressure build up in the oil tank could cause it to rupture, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire. an oil leak could cause a fire. oil on the rear tire could cause loss of control.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new oil tank cap containing a valve to prevent overpressure in the tank free of charge. the recall began on april 10, 2007. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of ABS capability could temporarily occur.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Temporary loss of ABS braking could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will add a physical restriction, in the form of a banjo bolt with a flow restrictor to the brake line, and on certain models dealers will install new front brake discs of a slightly larger thickness free of charge. the recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
On certain motorcycles, there could be a problem with the routing of the integral anti-lock-brake system (iabs) sensor cable if service has been performed on the motorcycle, for example, a front tire change.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The sensor cable can come into contact with, and rub against, the front brake disk. if the chafing becomes severe, it IS possible to lose the ABS function increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and attach an additional retaining clip to the iabs sensor cable free of charge. the recall began september 23, 2005. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Owner complaints
15 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Service brakes
*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware…
*2005 BMW K1200s ABS Power Brake system became and is Intermittent. Is available for inspection. Dealer owner and mechanic stated they were unaware of any said BMW ABS problems * On my birthday , Riding my motorcycle approximately 40mph, no indicator light on, no prier symptoms existed and unaware that the ABS Power Brake system was (off) not operating and as I needed to slow down, the system allowed me to over press/squeeze front power brake lever. Front Power BRAKE turned on and I eminently became a member of The over the Handle Bar's Club. * Woke up in the Hospital with broken Collar Bone, 3 damaged Ribs and a heavy Head Concussion * HPD Officers Report was inadequate
- Fuel/propulsion system
My motorcycle IS leaking gasoline somewhere. I can't leave it in the garage due to the strong gas smell. I've removed the fairing, but still can't find where the leak IS coming from.
- Service brakes
On sunday november 7TH I was riding my 2005 BMW k1200s on a roundtrip from little rock, ar to petit jean mountain state park. Approximately 20 miles from home on hwy 300 near the little italy township I experienced complete brake/abs failure while trail braking through a turn. This IS a road with…
On sunday november 7TH I was riding my 2005 BMW k1200s on a roundtrip from little rock, ar to petit jean mountain state park. Approximately 20 miles from home on hwy 300 near the little italy township I experienced complete brake/abs failure while trail braking through a turn. This IS a road with several steep and tight hairpin turns and very limited/non-existent runoff room. I ran wide on the next corner and ended up crossing the double yellow and was nearly hit by an oncoming car. Fortunately I was able to use the gearbox to downshift and used engine braking to slow my motorcycle down to a safe (already below the speed limit) speed. I pulled over once I came to a short straight section of hwy 300 that had a shoulder. I turned my motorcycle off and turned it back on, but braking power was not restored. I called a close friend to bring a trailer and we towed my motorcycle back to my garage. I have been a rider for 30 years and have owned many types/brands of motorcycles. This IS the first time I have ever lost braking power on any motorcycle. This IS unsafe and unacceptable. It IS also a shame because this IS a high-performance motorcycle saddled with an incredibly unsafe braking/abs system. I could not in good conscience sell this motorcycle to someone else at this point with this design flaw in the braking system. I should note that my 2005 BMW k1200s was bought at a BMW motorcycle dealer in bentonville, ar in march, 2016. The motorcycle had 4,300 miles on it when I bought it. It was sold originally/serviced by the same dealer. The motorcycle currently has a total of 5,800 miles on it. I have included below a picture of the motorcycle in the condition I bought it back in march, 2016. As you can see this was/is not an abused motorcycle. I fail to understand why BMW motorrad USA has not instituted some sort of recall/buy-back program for these motorcycles.
- Power train
While at freeway speed (65-75 mph) an audible change to the overall sound and feel of the motorcycle occurred. Disengaging the clutch had no affect on the sound. The tone was impacted by slowing down and was no longer audible at rest. Shortly after, my speedometer and odometer completely failed.…
While at freeway speed (65-75 mph) an audible change to the overall sound and feel of the motorcycle occurred. Disengaging the clutch had no affect on the sound. The tone was impacted by slowing down and was no longer audible at rest. Shortly after, my speedometer and odometer completely failed. pushing the bike backwards resulted in the gearing being jammed preventing reverse travel. Pushing forward was possible. upon removal of the final gear (angle drive) housing cover, I discovered that 2 teeth on the ring gear had broken off causing additional damage to the pinion gear and the housing. The two broken teeth we recovered in the housing. the obvious safety concern IS if those broken teeth had become lodged in the forward direction at freeway speed.
- Service brakes
Riding approximately 45mph and approaching a traffic light that turned yellow, I attempted to stop using the handbrake. Braking was nearly nonexistent and immediately a red warning light appeared accompanied by a brake failure light. The foot brake did not function as well. At this point the light…
Riding approximately 45mph and approaching a traffic light that turned yellow, I attempted to stop using the handbrake. Braking was nearly nonexistent and immediately a red warning light appeared accompanied by a brake failure light. The foot brake did not function as well. At this point the light was turning red and I had no chance of downshifting to use engine braking, so my only hope to avoid an accident was to downshift and proceed through the intersection. I had lost all braking ability on a motorcycle while traveling over 40mph in a heavy traffic area. Only by pure luck was there no accident. after trailering the motorcycle home, I did some research and discovered that this IS a very common problem among 2005-2007 BMW motorcycles that use the integral ABS pressure modulator part# 34517698296. It IS so common that there are companies that advertise rebuilding that part, and scrap yards acknowledge the high demand for this part and advertise it on their websites. Searching "k1200 brake failure" yields an astounding number of forum posts with owners experience erratic braking problems. Unfortunately, BMW has not recalled or redesigned this part, so I have to replace it with the same defective part that potential might fail again and cause a serious accident. the severe implications of brake failures on any vehicle cannot be undermined. This particular issue possibly has, and likely will cause severe and/or fatal accidents to not only the motorcycle rider, but others. I have attempted to contact BMW regarding this matter, and they have yet to comment on it. I have an open correspondence with them for about a month now, and they have not contacted me concerning this issue. There needs to be a redesign and a recall of these motorcycles immediately so this problem may be addressed. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Approximately 5 minutes after starting the bike I was riding when I smelled gasoline, my left leg felt wet and I returned to the house. gasoline puddled under the bike leaking from both the left and right sides of the bike. online research indicated this was probably the fuel tank quick disconnect failing. it IS well documented on the BMW blogs. I then checked safecar.gov and found the recall. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel tank started leaking fuel enough to drip all over engine and exhaust. was able to stop bike before fire started. brought bike to dealership and was able to replace. dealership said that the fuel pump cracked and was leaking under pressure. seems to be a common issues with all of the 2005-2008 BMW k1200s motorcycles. BMW dealership has not filled for a recall to fix all the affected motorcycles yet. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel flange leak...please see complaint # 10549250 for details. thank you *tr
- Steering · Structure › Body
The driver lost steering on a curve and ran off the road and hit his head on a mailbox post. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
When the engine IS cold: the bike stalls when I am slowing down for a stoplight with closed throttle and the clutch in. this isn't a problem when the engine IS warm. when the engine IS warm: 1. the engine surges in the first 3 gears at lower speeds (under 30mph) with the throttle barely…
When the engine IS cold: the bike stalls when I am slowing down for a stoplight with closed throttle and the clutch in. this isn't a problem when the engine IS warm. when the engine IS warm: 1. the engine surges in the first 3 gears at lower speeds (under 30mph) with the throttle barely cracked open, and the on/off idle response IS rough. this requires diligent clutch work to smooth out. 2. if I rev the engine from idle with the clutch in, the revs hang and then slowly decrease back to normal idle. 3. revs hang on acceleration after closing the throttle. 4. inconsistent engine braking. these issues were fixed by replacing the idle air control valve and airbox with updated models. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My 2005 BMW k1200s has had an engine failure. While heading west on I 110 in harrision county I had noticed a slight jerk in the engine, 5 seconds later I had a sudden explosion. I had thought I had a blowout on the rear tire but as I was trying to control the motorcycle I noticed a huge amount of…
My 2005 BMW k1200s has had an engine failure. While heading west on I 110 in harrision county I had noticed a slight jerk in the engine, 5 seconds later I had a sudden explosion. I had thought I had a blowout on the rear tire but as I was trying to control the motorcycle I noticed a huge amount of smoke behind me that filled the interstate on both sides that was very dense. When finally coming to a stop just past the pass christian exit in the service lane I noticed oil pouring from the bottom of the motor. Had the traffic been heavy I'm sure I would have been ran over or caused an accident in either lanes of traffic.looking at the bike and removing the left body panel, I found a hole about 3 inches by 2 inches with the connector rod hanging out of the hole. It appears the collar connecting the rod to the cam shaft became lose and came apart. The screws are still in the collar and lose with no head.the engine had plenty of oil as I always make sure the level IS good before going long distances. I contacted my dealer and told them what had happened. They had told me they never had heard of that happening before and thought for sure that BMW would take care of this problem. But after they contacted BMW they said no. I contacted BMW of north america and after going back and forth with them and all the red tape it came to this. BMW told me if it IS a defect on there part or not, they were not going to do any repairs what so ever. Told me a new motor was about 11 thousand dollars. So, I have a k1200s sitting in my shed in which I am still making payments on. Before this episode I thought I did notice a slight rattle in the engine when taking off but I thought it was just the valves tapping because I was due for a service. I have done some research on this and have found a few others with the same problem identical to mine. My dealer did take an oil sample to have it analyzed but I never heard anything about it. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
2005 BMW k1200s motorcycle. Quick disconnects on high pressure side of fuel line, located between the fuel pump and fuel injectors are poorly made of nylon and wear out. My motorcycle has always been garaged and only has 8,734 miles on it. The local BMW shop knows this IS a problem with this model…
2005 BMW k1200s motorcycle. Quick disconnects on high pressure side of fuel line, located between the fuel pump and fuel injectors are poorly made of nylon and wear out. My motorcycle has always been garaged and only has 8,734 miles on it. The local BMW shop knows this IS a problem with this model and will replace the qds with a metal version. I noticed the leak (spray) in my garage and feel [xxx] lucky I was not on the highway ay 70 mph and in flames. If you would like to verify the scope of this problem, just look to the BMW tech forums on the internet. Riders from all over the country are experiencing the same issue. *Tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Power train · Suspension › Rear
BMW motorcycle rear drive failure. I have had two failures of the rear drive unit on my 2005 BMW k1200s motorcycle over the past 45,000 miles. First failure (12,000 miles) resulted in lateral play of about 1/2 inch at the tire contact zone. Unit was replaced under warranty. Second failure (40,000)…
BMW motorcycle rear drive failure. I have had two failures of the rear drive unit on my 2005 BMW k1200s motorcycle over the past 45,000 miles. First failure (12,000 miles) resulted in lateral play of about 1/2 inch at the tire contact zone. Unit was replaced under warranty. Second failure (40,000) was of the input bearing resulting in damage to all bearings. Online forums are full of people complaining of these issues. This rear drive design IS common to all current production shaft drive motorcycles from BMW. There have been some improvements in the past year, but nothing has been offered to other owners. I feel this IS a dangerous condition, as the rear drive not only provides power transmission, but also supports the rear wheel in a single sided swingarm arrangement. I strongly feel that a recall should be issued. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
My 2005 BMW k1200s motorcycle frequently slips out of second gear and into neutral. occasionally, I cannot shift from 1ST gear to 2ND gear, the transmission will stay in neutral. the clutch has been replaced under warranty less than 500 mi. Ago and the transmission IS still acting as described above. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
2005 BMW k1200s motorcycle stalls unexpectedly. this motorcycle has stalled repeatedly when closing the throttle to slow while making a corner, or when approaching a stop signal. the most recent was at the intersection of bell rd and the I-17 freeway in phoenix arizona in rush hour traffic on…
2005 BMW k1200s motorcycle stalls unexpectedly. this motorcycle has stalled repeatedly when closing the throttle to slow while making a corner, or when approaching a stop signal. the most recent was at the intersection of bell rd and the I-17 freeway in phoenix arizona in rush hour traffic on nov. 17, 2005. as I approached the intersection preparing to make a left turn, west bound on bell rd. The motorcycle stalled while doing 25 mph. the car behind me almost hit my rear tire but managed to slow down to miss me. after finishing the turn with no power I restarted the motorcycle by pulling the clutch back in and hitting the start button. if the bike did not restart on the first try I'm sure the car behind me would have fit me. the first couple of times this has happened I thought it might just be low on gas, but every time I have at least 1/2 a take. I have talked to the BMW dealer about the problem a few times, but since the problem IS vary random it IS hard to reproduce when you want it to. I have noticed the motorcycle tends to bog down when approaching a stop even with the clutch fully pulled in. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel Leak - Motorycle
ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16…
ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V-617) of the subject motorcycles.In conducting recall 13V-617, BMW voluntarily expanded the scope of affected vehicles from ODI'soriginal scope, MY2005-2008 R-series motorcycles, to include the primary and auxiliary fuel pumps on all MY 2005-2011 R-series, MY 2005-2011 K12&13 models, MY 2010-2011 RR models, and the MY 2012 K1600 motorcycles.The total number of motorcycles subject to this recalled is 50,184.The 55 reports cited in this investigation can be viewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification numbers:10485789,10449393,10521322,10475150,10435325,10493015,10471642, 10448216,10488899,10356156,10433733,10442023,10492342,10435968, 10492961,10504324,10485882,10433013,10453738,10474390,10417320, 10485276,10444876,10508150,10485807,10492118,10491835,10425962, 10430734,10488652,10485274,10493320,10522421,10399423,10443840, 10448325,10490417,10485452,10433589,10467136,10420291,10503806, 10532145,10523763,10523626,10425514,10354202,10437222,10444742, 10454834,10532172,10487624,10435984,10452476, 10485337
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249027The 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 discharged battery complaints.
- 10245433BMW Motorrad USA has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender Fuel Strip equipped on certain model year 2005 to 2013 R and K series motorcycles.
- 10204667One of the following situations can occur when connecting to BN2000 motorcycles: 1. The installed control units cannot be found when reading out with ISTA. 2. Control units initially communicate after connecting to the vehicle, but communication later stops.
- 10200268IT is no longer necessary to place a PMP coded part order to obtain a Repair Enabling code
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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 "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10147912Map data should be stored on a 64 GB SD card. In GARMIN Express the note appears that a maximum of 32 GB is possible.
- 10147848Bluetooth issues between Navigators, mobile phones, communication and audio systems.
- 10147121Within the framework of quality monitoring, BMW Motorrad has ascertained that sporadic hot-starting faults have affected some of these motorcycles. When the hot engine is cranked over the starter motor turns reluctantly, starter speed is not reached and in some cases the engine refuses to start.
- 10056106BMW mc: see document search button for owner letter. Information provided regarding the warranty extension, with out mileage limitations, to 12 years due to a potential durability issue with film type fuel level sender fuel strip. Model 2005-2013 r, k series.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 10030825BMW motorcycle: engine fuels containing ethanol. BMW motorrad has no objection to the use of si engine fuels containing up to a maximum of 10% ethanol and imposes no warranty restrictions. Ethanol mixtures in proportions higher than 10% can have an adverse effect on performance and can result in damage to components that come into contract with fuel. No warranty claims whatsoever for damage caused in this way will be accepted. No model years listed.
- 10029706BMW motorcycle: wheel speed dependent, clearly audible clanking noise occurs when braking to adjust speed. E series (K25; k25/02; k25/03; k25/11; k25/12; k25/hp; K26; K27; K28; K29; k29/hp; K40; K41; K43; k43/hv; K44; k589/03; K71). No model years listed.
- 10027805BMW motorcycles: esa rear spring strut cannot be calibrated with the GT1, cip error 14007. All models with esa, except r1200r (K27), r1200gs (k25/11) and r1200gs adv. (K25/12). Model years unknown.
- 10026305BMW motorcycle: conversion of rear esa spring strut from potentiometer to hall sensor.
- 10026229BMW motorcycle: idle speed too high. The cause IS incorrect idle air metering by the idle actuator.
Every BMW K1200 S model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.