2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system.
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.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw r1200 gs adventure. While driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an engine oil leakage from the rear disk that leaked onto the rear tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,591.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2015
“In having the bike service was informed that the ABS pump unit has failed and did some time ago. This is happening on many bmw motorcycle from the r and k class of bikes and could cause complete brake failure unexpectedly which will create serious injuries”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2014
“Arbitrary failure of the fuel level sensor. It occurred at 2,200 miles. Operation of the motorcycle was uninhibited except for a false reading on the fuel gauge. After the failure and replacement of the recalled fuel pump controller, the fuel gauge reads empty regardless of level. This results in a constant warning light that cannot be reset or turned off. This problem is well documented and a common issue with this type of fuel sensor in these motorcycles. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2013
Show 5 more owner reports
“First, my motorcycle is titled a 2009 but manufactured in 2008. The flange where the female fuel line quick-disconnect cracked (on the left and right sides of the fuel tank) and there was a slight smell of fuel. One of the male plastic quick disconnect broke when I was making the repair. I ordered, received and installed metal quick-disconnects and repaired the cracked flange itself with parts ordered from beemer boneyard. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2013
“Right angle transmission(final drive) bearings failed requiring a $2200 repair. Poor design. Original part not available, first modification part not available, second modification part required to repair motorcycle. Bmw is aware of the defective inadequate part design. Failure at highway speed would most likely be fatal. New part number 01 33 11 7 726 889 right-angle gearbox with vent, *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2012
“Fuel level indicator showed empty after refilling. Flashing lights indicating problem with vehicle. Filled up with 1/2 gallon of 91 octane gasoline to visible full in tank. The tank was not empty, faulty fuel level gauge/strip. This item has been replaced in the past with no apparent permanent fix. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2009
“2008 bmw r1200gsa fuel gauge does not work. Paid extra for a computer that is useless w/o it... Local bmw dealer answer is it is "normal." "normal" may get me seriously injured if I run out of gas in the middle of a freeway. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2008
“Fuel level sensor indicator failed and needed replacement. This happens on all of these models but there has not been a recall or even an acceptable fix from bmw. We are advised to use our odometer and ignore warning lights on our dashboards. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2008
Recalls - 5 campaigns
BMW IS RECALLING 4,922 MY 2007-2008 R1200R, MY 2006-2007 R1200 GS, MY 2007 R1200 ST, AND MY 2008 R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINES COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK. IF THE LEAK BECAME SIGNIFICANT, BRAKE FLUID COULD ESCAPE. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR OF THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM COULD DROP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES WITH A MODIFIED ROUTING FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BMW IS RECALLING 46 MY 2008 R1200 R, R1200 GS, AND R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO A MATERIAL DEFECT IN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION, THE SHAFT COULD BREAK. IF THIS OCCURRED, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARBOX. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008 R1200 GS AND R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS, SUCH AS HIGH GENERATOR SPEEDS COMBINED WITH LARGE DEMANDS FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT, SPURIOUS SIGNALS COULD EMERGE WITHIN THE MOTORCYCLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD AFFECT THE PRESSURE SENSOR SIGNALS OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL UNIT. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE ABS COULD SWITCH OFF; HOWEVER, IN SUCH A SITUATION, A WARNING LAMP WOULD ILLUMINATE. NORMAL BRAKING WOULD STILL BE AVAILABLE TO SLOW AND STOP THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 26, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all R1200 GS Adventure years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact R1200 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 R1200 GS Adventure reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure 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.