2008 BMW R 1200 R: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
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.
“The ABS pump failed disabling the anti-lock system. I was at the dealer and another cyclist was also there with his 2008 bmw r1200r with exactly the same issue. Apparently these ABS pumps are failing at an unusual rate. If this failure occurred while riding in inclement weather it could result in an accident.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw r1200r motorcycle. The contact stated that traveling 55 mph, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the motorcycle to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the anti-lock braking system needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 41,100. ...updated 10/10/12 *bf the consumer stated there was loss of braking, when the ABS pump failed.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2012
“My 2008 bmw r1200r motorcycle fuel gauge continues to malfunction or does not work. It has been replaced by the dealer multiple occasions. Merging with high speed high volume traffic in the dc area can be very dangerous if you run out of gas due to a fuel gauge error. I had the same problem with my bmw r1200gs adventure motorcycle. My brother has hid gauge changed on his bmw r1200gs adventure at least 5 times. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2011
Show 1 more owner reports
“The fuel gauge shows fuel remaining and the warning light is not on and the engine runs out of fuel and dies with no warning. It has happened to my bike and to my sisters bike. My fuel gage stopped working completely after I ran out. Bmw repaired mine and it works ok now. I have seen this problem discussed repeatedly in many online forums. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact R 1200 R 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 R reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW R 1200 R. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 R have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. 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.