2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure has 4 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure recalls

Recall 20V-471: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 10, 2020 · 16,926 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

Recall 09V-129: Electrical System

Reported Apr 17, 2009 · 893 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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.

Recall 08V-290: Power Train

Reported Jul 1, 2008 · 46 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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.

Recall 08V-254: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jun 5, 2008 · 4,922 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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.

2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel/Propulsion System	5
Power Train	3
Service Brakes	3
Electrical System	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility	1
Seats	1
Structure	1
Engine	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Driveline — 1
Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 21,000 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 R1200 GS Adventure complaints

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

Service Brakes · at 4,800 miles · reported Feb 12, 2016

My bmw motorcycle was stationary at the time but with a brake failure warning light indicated on the display panel once the ignition was turned on and the motorcycle engaged to be ridden the motorcycle has less than 5,000 miles on it. After doing some internet research, the ABS module is commonly failing at an alarming rate throughout the USA and abroad. The estimated value of the repair with parts alone is over $2,000 not including labor. These units should have been recalled by the mfg., bmw yet there has been no such recall. Bmw has made no accommodation to extend the warranty or provide a…

Engine · at 56,591 miles · reported Jul 31, 2015

The contact owns a 2008 bmw r1200 gs adventure. While driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an engine oil leakage from the rear disk that leaked onto the rear tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,591.

Service Brakes · at 31,000 miles · reported Jul 23, 2015

In having the bike service was informed that the ABS pump unit has failed and did some time ago. This is happening on many bmw motorcycle from the r and k class of bikes and could cause complete brake failure unexpectedly which will create serious injuries

Seats · at 19,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2014

I was riding on the central freeway on the bay bridge approach when I began to feel heat on my left inner thigh. I also noticed a burning rubber or plastic smell. I immediately began merging to the right as I was approaching the last san francisco exit before the bay bridge. I fought my way through the heavy traffic all while looking down to see what looked like embers dropping off the left side. I pulled into a shell station, jumped off and pulled the burning seat off of the motorcycle and patted it out. I found that the front seat rail had become dislodged (It is only held in place by a…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 6,000 miles · reported Apr 27, 2014

Fuel level sensor indicator failed and needed replacement. This happens on all of these models but there has not been a recall or even an acceptable fix from bmw. We are advised to use our odometer and ignore warning lights on our dashboards.

Other BMW R1200 GS Adventure years

2017 2016 2015 2011 2010 200920082007 2006

Compare all BMW R1200 GS Adventure years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure: 20V-471 (fuel system, gasoline), 09V-129 (electrical system), 08V-290 (power train), 08V-254 (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 R1200 GS Adventure?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (5 reports), followed by power train (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 21,000 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.