2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw r1200 gs adventure motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the fuel pump electronics needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 3,300.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2013
“Fuel level sensor strip has failed for the fourth time in the last two years. This causes a warning light to illuminate on the dash and a "fuel!" warning to flash on the computer. It is distracting and decreases the rider's ability to judge when the bike is actually low on fuel. *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2011
“Driving in the rain cause water to penetrate into an area where a fpc (fuel pressure controller) on the vehicle is positioned. The engine dies suddenly as fuel pressure is interrupted and the vehicle. A large number of this failure is reported by other individuals online in web board discussions making it appear a design flaw. The consequence for me was that I had to cross two lanes of traffic on a disabled motorcycle and was stranded on the side of the road. Nothing was done to correct the problem as the problem fixed itself temporarily and the dealer simply cleared the fault code from the computer and claimed to not be able to duplicate the problem. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2011
Show 2 more owner reports
“Fuel gauge sensor displays inaccurate readings (no/low fuel when tank is full or worse, displays full tank when there is low/no fuel). This has led to me being stranded twice. The fuel sensor has been replaced twice already by the dealership. That adds up to almost one replacement a year. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Apr 2011
“The fuel strip on my motorcycle has failed twice resulting in false readings on the fuel gauge (showing more fuel then is actually present). Bmw is aware of the problem but has so far issued no recalls or developed a solution. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2010
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all R 1200 GS Adventure years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact R 1200 GS Adventure 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 R 1200 GS Adventure reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning wheels. 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.