2013 BMW R 1200 R: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have read on the BMW forums that the plastic cams that are attached to the throttle bodies will crack. If a crack is spotted the cams need to be replaced because they can fail causing the motorcycle to stop running. This spring while doing my spring maintenance I inspected the cams and found both of the throttle body cams cracked. I replaced both of the cams with after market aluminum cams that cost me over $450 in just parts. I replaced the cams before i has a catastrophic failure while I was riding the motorcycle. Other people have been stranded on the side of the road with this problem. I did not want to be one of them.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2022
“There is a faulty fuel pump, but the dealership cancelled my service because their location is being consolidated and the next-closest dealership is over an hour away. Can another shop not do this fuel pump replacement?”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2021
“The component that fails is called the Fuel Strip (BMW part number 16147697815) and is used for measuring the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. This component is historically known to fail often and this problem is well known by BMW motorcycle dealers and motorcyclists that use this fuel strip. The failure of these Fuel Strips is a safety issue because it can cause loss of power, by running out of fuel, in traffic and/or at speed. Additionally it is a safety issue because it can leave the driver stranded in an unsafe location. The failure can occur at any time including shortly after installation of a new fuel strip. The Fuel Strip has a design flaw that causes these chronic failures.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2021
Show 4 more owner reports
“Low fuel light illuminated and reported 42 miles to empty on the instrument cluster. Approximately 7 miles later the motorcycle lost power while on the roadway. Fuel gauge still showed one bar and 42 miles to go at the time power was lost. Bmw apparently knows all about this problem but has not fixed the defective fuel strip design to prevent future occurrences. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2014
“Fuel gauge stopped responding, leading to running out of fuel while moving. This is a common failure on many bike models from bmw from 2005-2013. I have had this happen 5 times so far, and each time the fuel level measuring strip in the fuel tank was replaced. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle. The date listed below is the first instance of when it happened.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2013
“The fuel gauge indicated a full tank, but wasn't correct. When the tank ran dry, I lost all power on the expressway going 75mph in crowded traffic. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2013
“Three months and 400+ miles into my ownership of a new bmw r1200r motorcycle, the fuel strip failed completely. Upon engine start with 3/4 full gas tank, the guage read empty. It continues to read empty regardless of the amount of fuel in the tank. This issue has plagued a very high percentage of new bmw motorcycles and the company has yet to offer a fix. In the meantime, this problem requires a trip to an authorized bmw motorcycle dealer for a warantee replacement, many of which have also failed again and again. This conduct on the part of bmw is totally unacceptable.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2013
Recalls - 2 campaigns
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 C 600 Sport, C 650 GT, F 700 GS, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 800 GT, R 1200 R and R1200 GS motorcycles. Water may enter the side-stand switch preventing the motorcycle from starting or potentially shutting off the motorcycle while it is being ridden.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side-stand switch, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 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 2013 BMW R 1200 R reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 BMW R 1200 R. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2013 BMW R 1200 R have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. 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.