2008 BMW R 1200 GS recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS has 3 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW R 1200 GS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 BMW R 1200 GS recalls

Recall 15V-141: Wheels

Reported Mar 11, 2015 · 43,426 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 13V-617: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 12, 2013 · 50,184 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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 [email protected].

Recall 10V-276: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jun 18, 2010 · 15,532 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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.

2008 BMW R 1200 GS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Fuel System, Gasoline6
Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Evaporative Emissions › Hoses/Valves/Sensors — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 34,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 BMW R 1200 GS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 69,000 miles · reported Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked, the contact smelled fuel on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel system, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 22, 2023
Fuel strip sensor failure. The fuel strip sensor that sends fuel level information to the motorcycle dash has failed. This is a known issue by BMW. When the strip fails, it no longer sends accurate fuel level information and the fuel indicator on the dash is no longer reliable. In my case, the fuel level reads full permanently even though fuel has been completely depleted. BMW's remedy is/was to replace the faulty fuel strip with another of the same faulty design rendering a situation where the rider can never rely on the fuel gauge. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported May 25, 2022
There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 35,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated the vehicle was leaking fuel without warning. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 34,283 miles · reported Aug 25, 2020
In 2014 there was a bmw recall on the fuel pump and aux pump flange and the previous owner that owned the bike replaced the pump and flange at that time. It is now only 6 years later; last year I paid my local dealer $382 to replace the auxiliary fuel pump and gasket in may of 2019, and currently (August 15, 2020) I AM paying $743 to replace the main fuel pump and flange. My questions are: why didn't the 2014 recall solve the initial problem with the cracked and leaking flange and is this going to be a re-occurring problem every 5 to 6 years? The auxilary fuel pump flange and the main fuel…

Other BMW R 1200 GS years

Compare all BMW R 1200 GS years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS: 15V-141 (wheels), 13V-617 (fuel system, gasoline), 10V-276 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (8 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 34,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.