2008 BMW R1200 RT recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW R1200 RT has 2 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

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

2008 BMW R1200 RT 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-256: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 8, 2009 · 1,535 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: Bmw is recalling 1,535 my 2007-2009 r1200rt motorcycles. Due to routing and assembly tolerances of the front brake lines, it is possible for the lines to be under strain. In combination with vibration during riding, the brake lines could develop a leak. The level of fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir could drop rendering the front brakes inoperative.

Risk: In the event that only the rear brakes were operational, severe loss of control during hard braking could result. This could result in a serious crash.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and repair the motorcycles with new front brake lines, with modified routing free of charge. The safety recall began on october 5, 2009. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

2008 BMW R1200 RT problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel/Propulsion System	11
Service Brakes	5
Power Train	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Electrical System	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 16,855 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 RT complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 42,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2019

This series of motorcycles has a common problem with cracks in the throttle pulleys on the throttle body. Failure of this plastic part will result in instant loss of power. I have been reading about this problem, and decided to inspect the two throttle bodies on my motorcycle as a precaution. Both of mine were cracked. One of the pulleys has three cracks in it, and would likely have failed within a short time. See photos included with this report.

Service Brakes · at 30,000 miles · reported Sep 24, 2018

Abs pump motor is failing on many of the same model bikes and some other 2006-2008 model bmw bikes with low mileage, because the brush holders in the ABS electrical motor are too tight and brushes get stuck in them - bad design of the ABS pump motor. Bmw will ask you loads of monies for the replacement of the pump, even tho they are fully aware it's a problem with many of the bikes.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 12,000 miles · reported Aug 9, 2017

Fuel pump leaking from a crack in the high pressure output line sprayed gasoline on the inside of the fairing, motor and my leg. The pump sprays gasoline anytime the key is in the on position.

Electrical System · at 35,000 miles · reported Mar 27, 2017

Vehicle began exhibiting engine stalling symptoms for about a month (Engine dies without warning as if ignition had been cut) during city driving, while turning and pulling into a parking space at about 5 MPH, the vehicle engine quit along with instrument panel going blank. Electrical smoke began to billow between the front forks. This lasted for about 10 seconds. After getting the vehicle home, I discovered that the fire appeared to have originated in the ignition wiring harness somewhere between the front forks. The harness wrap appears to have friction wear indications exposing bare wiring.…

Service Brakes · at 22,000 miles · reported Jan 12, 2017

The brake failure light came on, bmw shop said ABS unit is bad $2000 fix. On many bmw motorcycle forums there are many ABS unit failures. Bmw knows about these failures but does nothing.

Other BMW R1200 RT years

2011 2010 200920082007 2006 2005

Compare all BMW R1200 RT years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW R1200 RT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW R1200 RT: 20V-471 (fuel system, gasoline), 09V-256 (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 RT?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (11 reports), followed by service brakes (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 16,855 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.