2008 BMW K1200 S: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Bmw k1200s 2008, engine shots off when coming to stop on low speeds. The bike then needs to be in a complete stop, switch gear to neutral to restart. It happens random and could happened anywhere. In one ride it happened 3 times and it has happened every time I ride it so far. I need help to fix the issue! It feels really unsafe as the engine and drive train are crucial elements of the traction in a motorcycle, if this were to happened in a curve or the freeway...it could be a disastrous time. I hope someone can read this and do something to help fix the issue.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw k1200 s. The contact stated that the fuel was empty and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after refueling, the fuel gauge indicator became inoperable. The dealer stated that the fuel level sensor strip needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,500.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2014
“The bike repeatedly stalled during deceleration with a closed throttle before coming to a stop. Clutch was engaged. This has happened many times before and I've had enough of it. I've read threads online about this issue and bmw doesn't seem to have an answer (seems to deny the problem). This is a very unsafe issue when on a motorcycle. *js”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2014
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“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw k1200 s motorcycle. The contact stated that while decelerating, the front brakes pulsated. The contact also mentioned that the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the brakes needed to be replaced due to a computer failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2014
“Failure of the fuel level sending unit inside the gasoline tank caused the fuel gauge to report inaccurate fuel level. Gauge said tank was half full, but tank was empty, causing engine to sputter and stall. Check of tank fuel level with a flash light confirmed tank was empty. Added gasoline to tank and started engine ok. I have owned this motorcycle for 14 months and this makes the third failure of the fuel gauge, but the first to cause the engine to stall while the vehicle was in motion. The problem is actually very wide-spread, just google "bmw motorcycle fuel gauge problem" and see how many owners have experienced repeated failures. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
“ABS brake failure light came on after rain fall, braking is impacted, was told that many owners have problems with ABS brake motor failure due to bad motor and /or motor brushes sticking to armiture in motor. I-bmw.com users have noted the same thing with bmw motorcycles. This does effect the use of the brakes. *tr”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jul 2013
“The bmw k-series motorcycles have the same problem with cracks in the fuel pump housing that NHTSA is investigating for the r-series bikes (investigation: pe 12-036 / investigator: [xxx]). This problem is potentially more serious in the k-series bikes because on the k-series machines the leak is over the cylinder heads where there is a greater danger of fire. Bmw has indicated to me (by phone) that they will not repair this wide-spread defect in their motorcycles that are out of warranty until there is a recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2013
“Crack observed in fuel pump flange (plastic boss) on female fitting. The crack may eventually leak, causing a fire, injury, and/or death to operator. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2012
“Engine stall/die at low speed deceration to stop. Intermintent, one in 30-50 stops. Took to dealer 3 times for testing situation could not be dupllicated because of lack of test time available. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2009
“I bought a brand new bmw k1200s in oct 2008. Since I bought it has had a stalling problem that my dealer cannot fix and bmw usa refuses to address. I have ask for the motorcycle to either be fixed, replaced, or reimburse me my $19,000 cash that I paid for the bike. The motorcycle is unfit for road use due to the fact that it stalls excessively and I feel unsafe. If you goto the internet and punch in key words bmw k1200s stalling you'll find 30 to 40 pages of people having the same problem with cases even being reported of people getting hit from behind. I have a beautiful $19,000 motorcycle that I cannot ride. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.
Remedy: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING 30 MY 2008 K1200 S AND K1200 GT MOTORCYCLES. A SET SCREW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT ITS SPECIFIC LOCATION WITHIN THE OIL DUCT. CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL MAY NOT CIRCULATE WITHIN THE ENGINE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW IN THE OIL DUCT. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
BMW IS RECALLING 548 MY 2008 K1200 S AND GT MOTORCYCLES. THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT BRAKE-DISC MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE A SECURE MOUNTING. OVER TIME, THESE FASTENERS COULD LOOSEN. IF THAT HAPPENED, THE BRAKE DISC WOULD NO LONGER BE SECURELY MOUNTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A LONGER FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REROUTE THE SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact K1200 S by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW K1200 S reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW K1200 S. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2008 BMW K1200 S have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.