2008 BMW R1200 R recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW R1200 R has 3 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
6
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

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

2008 BMW R1200 R 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 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 R problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Service Brakes1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 16,210 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 R complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 54,000 miles · reported Aug 6, 2017
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 54,000 miles · reported Aug 6, 2017
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 · at 16,210 miles · reported Apr 15, 2015
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 the consumer stated the dealer advised this failure was a common problem on the three or four model. The consumer…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 4,900 miles · reported Feb 20, 2013
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 4,252 miles · reported Feb 19, 2013
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.

Other BMW R1200 R years

Compare all BMW R1200 R years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW R1200 R have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW R1200 R: 20V-471 (fuel system, gasoline), 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 R?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (5 reports), followed by service brakes (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 16,210 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.