MotorDeets

2008 BMW R 1200 GS problems & recalls

NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS.

8recalls
32owner complaints
1reported crashes
1reported fires
0injuries

Recalls

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #08V254000 · 2008 · 4,922 units

Problem: 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 the leak became significant, brake fluid could escape. if this happened, the level of fluid in the reservoir of the front brake system could drop.

Risk: If fluid level drops significantly, the front brakes could fail increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Power Train #08V290000 · 2008 · 46 units

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the gearbox. the recall began during august 2008. owners should contact bmw at 1-800-331-1117.

Electrical System #09V129000 · 2009 · 893 units

Problem: Bmw is recalling model year 2008 r1200 gs and r1200 gs adventure motorcycles. in certain situations, such as high generator speeds combined with large demands for electrical current, spurious signals could emerge within the motorcycle's electrical system. if this were to occur, it could affect the pressure sensor signals of the anti-lock brake system (abs) control unit. if this happened, the abs could switch off; however, in such a situation, a warning lamp would illuminate. normal braking would still be available to slow and stop the motorcycle.

Risk: Any time vehicle control is compromised a crash may occur.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the necessary components free of charge. the recall began on october 26, 2009. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Fuel System, Gasoline #09V319000 · 2009 · 4,839 units

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2008 r1200 gs motorcycles manufactured between august 2006 and january 2008. the sealing of the fuel pump control unit housing might be insufficient and water could intrude into the control unit housing creating a humid atmosphere. under such conditions, the fuel pump could corrode and then fail.

Risk: Failure of the fuel pump will cause inadequate fuel to reach the engine and cause the engine to stop running. a loss of engine power without warning could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and replace the fuel pump control unit free of charge. the safety recall began on november 9, 2009. owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #10V276000 · 2010 · 15,532 units

Problem: 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 could split and start to develop a leak.

Risk: If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline #13V617000 · 2013 · 50,184 units

Problem: 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 and leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

Wheels #15V141000 · 2015 · 43,426 units

Problem: 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 motorcycles. in the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline #20V471000 · 2020 · 16,926 units

Problem: 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 have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

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.

Recalls can cover only some VINs. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners complain about

Fuel/Propulsion System14
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Power Train5
Electrical System3
Fuel System, Other2
Suspension1
Unknown Or Other1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Components named in 32 NHTSA owner complaints, median 30,000 miles. Complaints are unverified.

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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 R 1200 GS.

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Specs

Specs coming soon. We only publish specs taken from the manufacturer's own spec sheets.

Other years

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FAQ

Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS have recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if a fix is still open.

What are the most common 2008 BMW R 1200 GS problems?

In 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-named area is fuel/propulsion system.