2008 BMW R1200 R
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 BMW R1200 R. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2008 BMW R1200 R. 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 2007 through 2009 r 1200 and k 1200 series motorcycles manufactured from august 2006 through may 2009. due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it IS possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration. The brake lines could be under strain. if the vibration/strain IS significant, the brake line…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners and dealers will install new brake lines, containing a "sleeve" along a portion of the lines free of charge. the safety recall began on september 20, 2010. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS recalling 46 my 2008 r1200 r, r1200 GS, and r1200 GS adventure motorcycles. due to a material defect in the intermediate shaft of the transmission, the shaft could break. if this occurred, it IS possible for the transmission to seize.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happened, lock-up of the rear tire could occur. it IS also possible for the transmission housing to break. if this happened, oil could leak onto the rear whee, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the gearbox. the recall began during august 2008. owners should contact BMW at 1-800-331-1117.
BMW IS recalling 4,922 my 2007-2008 r1200r, my 2006-2007 r1200 GS, my 2007 r1200 st, and my 2008 r1200 GS adventure motorcycles. due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it IS possible that during riding, the brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain IS significant, the brake lines could split and start to develop a leak. if…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If fluid level drops significantly, the front brakes could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and install new brake lines with a modified routing free of charge. the recall began during august 2008. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Owner complaints
11 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel tank {from the inside out} at the filler hole has massive corrosion rendering the tank useless. Fuel has the ability to leak an leak substanially when the bike IS in motion. Fume leakage readily apparent as well. Per the certified BMW mechanic an the service supervisor and I agree the fuel…
The fuel tank {from the inside out} at the filler hole has massive corrosion rendering the tank useless. Fuel has the ability to leak an leak substanially when the bike IS in motion. Fume leakage readily apparent as well. Per the certified BMW mechanic an the service supervisor and I agree the fuel tank IS useless due to massive pre-mature corrosion an degradation of the tank itself. Note that the motorcycle IS maintained under a carport and always out of the elements. This IS a known failure with BMW and of course BMW has a history as yall well know of refusing to step up an correct design failures unlike other companies such as toyota. The discovery was made when the well documented fuel strip failure occurred and the 3RD strip was being installed. Holes the size of a postage stamp and "rotten paper thin" degradated metal underneath the filler cap IS easily totally detaectable. Per BMW the tank IS useless an there IS no fix under than replacement- and get this per the BMW dealer quote - this part IS obsolet- BMW IS not even making a replacement for a 9 yr old bike. It IS a fire hazard not only to the motorcycle but to the operator as well. It IS clearly a manufactors defect which BMW refuses to address. It presents a situation where the operator should not be in traffic due to being a hazard to himself, passengers, or other drivers. Leaking fuel an fumes present a clear hazard whether in motion or even at idle. Yall must investigate an demand BMW correct this outrageous design flaw, material failure if for no other reason than from a safety viewpoint. Again, this IS a known issue for r1200r's and the 1200rt models. Replace the fuel tank IS the solution to this problem. please hold BMW accountable for totally sub-standard workmanship which equates to potentially fatal consequences if not resolved. Thk you
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel pump flange leaking due to cracking. Bmw's 1ST factory attempt was to put a "sizing" ring on flange to compress the micro cracks which of course was a jackleg approach quite common to BMW motorcycles. Eventually with in 1 yr fuel started massively flowing down onto hot engine making the bike a rolling fireball potentially.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW r1200 r. While driving approximately 30 mph, the service brake warning light illuminated. The contact lost control of the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW r1200 r. While driving approximately 30 mph, the service brake warning light illuminated. The contact lost control of the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS modulator failed and needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,210. updated 5/18/15*cn the consumer stated the dealer advised this failure was a common problem on the three or four model. The consumer believed this failure should have been recalled. updated 11/16/2015*js
- Service brakes
The ABS pump failed disabling the anti-lock system. I was at the dealer and another cyclist was also there with his 2008 BMW r1200r with exactly the same issue. Apparently these ABS pumps are failing at an unusual rate. If this failure occurred while riding in inclement weather it could result in an accident.
- Service brakes
ABS module suddenly quit, rendering the ABS function inoperable. *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel gauge failure, suddenly stopped working and reads empty at all times. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Low fuel warning lamp did not come on leading to me running out of fuel on interstate highway. Fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/4 tank (3 bars) but was inaccurate. This IS an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle. The "fuel…
Low fuel warning lamp did not come on leading to me running out of fuel on interstate highway. Fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/4 tank (3 bars) but was inaccurate. This IS an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle. The "fuel strip" (per BMW nomenclature) fails causing fuel gauge to read inaccurately and rendering low fuel warning lamp inoperative. This IS a common failure on many BMW motorcycle models from 2005-2013. *Tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
From the dealer's repair order description: "the customer reports the fuel gauge reads low (light on) when full and reads full when empty. Also the residual range to zero counts down from 253 to three dashes in about three miles after every fill-up." fuel level sender part 16147697815 replaced. *tr
- Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW r1200r motorcycle. The contact stated that traveling 55 mph, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the motorcycle to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the anti-lock braking system needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW r1200r motorcycle. The contact stated that traveling 55 mph, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the motorcycle to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the anti-lock braking system needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 41,100. ...Updated 10/10/12 *bf the consumer stated there was loss of braking, when the ABS pump failed.
- Fuel system, gasoline
My 2008 BMW r1200r motorcycle fuel gauge continues to malfunction or does not work. it has been replaced by the dealer multiple occasions. merging with high speed high volume traffic in the dc area can be very dangerous if you run out of gas due to a fuel gauge error. I had the same problem with…
My 2008 BMW r1200r motorcycle fuel gauge continues to malfunction or does not work. it has been replaced by the dealer multiple occasions. merging with high speed high volume traffic in the dc area can be very dangerous if you run out of gas due to a fuel gauge error. I had the same problem with my BMW r1200gs adventure motorcycle. my brother has hid gauge changed on his BMW r1200gs adventure at least 5 times. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
The fuel gauge shows fuel remaining and the warning light IS not on and the engine runs out of fuel and dies with no warning. It has happened to my bike and to my sisters bike. My fuel gage stopped working completely after I ran out. BMW repaired mine and it works ok now. I have seen this problem discussed repeatedly in many online forums. *Tr
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
- Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Owners of model year (MY) 2005-2008 R-Series motorcycles report substantial, high pressure fuel loss occurring when the fuel pump is energized.Many times they first become aware of the problem when fuel soaks their pant legs or is puddled under their parked motorcycle.The Office of Defects investigation (ODI) has…
Owners of model year (MY) 2005-2008 R-Series motorcycles report substantial, high pressure fuel loss occurring when the fuel pump is energized.Many times they first become aware of the problem when fuel soaks their pant legs or is puddled under their parked motorcycle.The Office of Defects investigation (ODI) has obtained an owner video illustrating the issue.This video, and other material, may be found in the public file at www.SaferCar.gov. ODI has learned that the subject fuel leak is due to cracks in the fuel outlet quick connector located on the in-tank fuel pump housing.While some owners, reluctant to incur the expense to replace the fuel pump assembly, have undertaken frequently ineffective do-it-yourself repairs primarily involving adhesive patches, two other remedies are available.The first, found in the after-market, is an aluminum clamp designed to reinforce the fuel outlet threaded flange.The second is BMW?s own remedy, appearing in early 2011, following introduction of the aftermarket clamp.It, too, involves a metal collar designed to support the fuel outlet threaded flange.In January 2004 BMW conducted safety recall 04V028 involving 2000 to 2004 Model Year K and R Series motorcycles for a pressurized fuel leak.In this case an O-ring in a fuel line quick connector could become damaged and BMW identified the potential for fire as a consequence of this failure.In its recall, influenced by an ODI investigation (PE03-054), BMW judged the fire risk to be low and the fuel loss to be insignificant -- occurring most often during cold starts -- resulting most often from improper servicing of the fuel line quick connector by its dealers. All of the complaints and warranty claims referenced in this resume involve verified fuel leaks rather than owners simply expressing a concern that a leak may develop in their subject motorcycle. With summer approaching and seasonal motorcycle usage increasing, ODI has upgraded PE12-036 to EA13-006 to further evaluate this issue, monitor fuel leak frequency, and determine the risk associated with the alleged fuel leaks.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification numbers: 540232, 765847, 10074376, 10159252, 10236289, 10339245, 10356156, 10417320, 10425962, 10430734, 10430822, 10432269, 10433589, 10433733, 10436885, 10437222, 10442023, 10443840, 10444670, 10444742, 10444876, 10445888, 10445954, 10448104, 10448104, 10448325, 10448592, 10449393, 10451907, 10452476, 10453738, 10460566, 10463408, 10463946, 10467136, 10470251, 10471518, 10471642, 10474390, 10475150, 10474390, 10475150, 10480052, 10480834, 10485274, 10485276, 10485292, 10485337, 10485348, 10485351, 10485376, 10485434, 10485452, 10485783, 10485789, 10485796, 10485807, 10485882, 10487501, 10487624, 10488652, 10488899, 10490417, 10490868, 10491835, 10492118, 10492342, 10492961, 10493015, 10493320, 10494927, 10494899, 10495307, 10496593, 10503488, 10503806, 10504130, 10504324, 10508135, 10508150
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.
- 10248094Since 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 retrofit and Driveshaft Check), but is valid for all K5x models - including retroactively. In case of retroactive validity (model year 2023 and older), affected customers will be informed about the change. This will be in the form of a direct-to-customer letter with a description of the new maintenance schedule, specific owners manual insert, and consumer warranty book insert. 1. For vehicles affected by SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), this service action must be performed first. All conditions described in this bulletin apply after the open Service Action has been completed. No additional communication is required for K5x models model year 2024 and onwards. Those models have the new maintenance schedule in their owners manual.
- 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.
- 10228448BMW 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.
- 10204679BMW Motorrad has ascertained that in isolated cases the fuse for the voltage regulator is not correctly secured in the holder by the threaded fasteners.
- 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.
- 10201170When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
- 10201169Vehicle battery not charged despite the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket (manufactured before 2009)Headlights and rear lights light up intermittently despite the ignition being switched off and the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket.
- 10200500The hill start control operation may be sporadic.
- 10200269The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down
- 10193515After turning ignition key on and first scroll through of the Board Computer (BC), all menu items are displayed. When a scond scroll through is done th abmient tempertuire and average speed displays are missing. Only range and average consumption are displayed.
- 10193510Oil leak immediately after replacing cylinder head cover seal set.
- 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.
- 10165274Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
- 10165251Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
- 10159164Which charger should be used to charge the Li-ion HP and/or M batteries.
- 10151430Shift assist does not function after performing SIB 23 001 15 (017) DME software upgrade. This is due to a progrm fault in ISTA/p version 3.56.0.
- 10151392BMW Motorrad has determiend in th ecourse of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel clutch line. The cause is a burr in the clutch slave cylinder which may damage the gasket of the clutch line.
- 10151297During programming ith ISTA/P software version3.58.2.001. a programming abort occurred. Afterwards the vehicle is inoperative and can no longer be started. Repeated programming is not possible with this tversion. Software bug.
- 10151243Rust stains occur in the rear of the case holders. Rusty water emerges through the vent hole that is required for the production process.
- 10151238BMW Motorrad has determined in the course of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel clutch line. The cause is a burr in the clutch slave cylinder which may damage the gasket of the clutch line. A vehicle with high mileage can show signs of gradual impairment of the clutch function. The separating action of the clutch can worsen gradually over a period of time.
- 10150154R1200R has no fuel level or engine temperature display despite having an on-board computer
- 10149289Heated handlebar grips intermittently not working
- 10149288Navigator V maintains a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone for a short period.
- 10149274Customer complains about an operating failure on the left or right multifunction switch.
- 10147961Trip distance recorder sets itself to zero. Software error in the instrument cluster.
- 10147804After activation of the alarm system, the turn indicators remain on for 1 minute with integration levels higher than k001-15-03-510.
- 10147756Mist forms in the headlight. This is due to condensation and goes away again.
- 10147754After activation of th ealarm system, the turn signals remain on for 1 minute. Previously they turned off automatically. Software malfunction.
- 10147751The lock barrel form the top case is lost. The tab on the lock barrel is 180 degrees out.
- 10147168BMW Motorrad has ascertained that in isolated cases the fuse for the voltage regulator is not correctly secured in the holder by the threaded fasteners. This can prevent the battery from being charged while the motorcycle is being ridden. If this happens the 'General' warning light shows red and the battery symbol appears in the multifunction display.
- 10136760Various malfunctions in Navigator VI GPS due to older software which requires update.
- 10136759Faulty data means that the programming of the BMS-X at I level K001-17-11-500 is prevented for these vehicles.The faulty I level is expected to be rolled out to the trade with ISTA 4.08 and ISTA/P 3.63.1 from 08.11.2017.
- 10136755In November of 2017 BMW Motorrad updated the rear drive for the K5X model line, as a result longer bolts will be used for the rear brake caliper mounting. Vehicles affected K5x motorcycles produced before and up to 10/31/2017, in the event the rear drive needs replaced or the rear brake caliper is removed and installed.
- 10135006Incorrect tire pressure appears in the instrument cluster. Contamination or obstruction of the RDC sensor.
- 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.
- 10038217BMW: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 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.
Every BMW R1200 R model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.