2008 BMW R1200 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel/propulsion system (43% of complaints); the 2006 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 31 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
“2008 r 1200gs motorcycle with 9218 miles on the odometer. Brake failure light recently started coming on (solid) occasionally. *bf updated 10/05/2017*cn”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2014
“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
Show 7 more owner reports
“Right angle final drive on 2008 r1200 gs has become a safety hazard. The bearing and splines have failed. Final drive flange and splines have become un repairable and final drive is inoperative. Motorcycle has been deemed by bmw dealer "un-safe to ride" unless final drive is replaced. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2014
“Running out of gas due to faulty fuel strip sensor which prevents determining fuel level in gas tank. Danger is being rear ended by on coming vehicles. This is the 7th bmw fuel sensor strip that has failed for my wife and I in the years from 2005 to 2014. There have been 2 on two 2005 k1200ses, 1 on a 2006 k1200s, 3 on two 2008 k1200ses, and 1 on a 2008 r1200gs fuel level strips that have failed. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2014
“Fuel tank is leaking at the plastic flanges where the fuel pump resides. This appears to be a recurring problem for this model year and others. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
“While cruising at moderate speed on paved surface road first noticed strong gasoline smell, followed in few minutes by soaking of the left leg of the pants with gasoline, and then observed gasoline dripping on the left cylinder head. Stopped, removed left sided cowling to inspect fuel lines and noted steady stream of fuel leaking from fuel pump housing when engine running. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2013
“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
“While traveling down a freeway a slight vibration was felt when the suspension unloaded. The vibration suddenly turned in to a bucking from the bike's rear and the drive shaft froze, locking the rear wheel. Small flames were noticed from the forward swing arm boot which self extinguished. Inspection showed the forward universal joint failed and the rotating drive shaft tore the swing arm. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2013
“While riding down the freeway an odd vibration in the bike occurred when the suspension unloaded. About a half mile later the rear wheel suddenly locked up, causing the bike to jerk violently. Immediately pulling in the clutch allowed me to coast to the side. Smoke was coming out through the two swing arm joint boots. The lower u-joint of the drive shaft seized and broke due to the failure of a non-maintainable sealed bearing. The driveshaft is located in the swingarm and the flailing driveshaft caused significant damage to that part as well. The repairs included replacing the drive shaft, swingarm and boots. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2013
Recalls - 6 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 CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JANUARY 2008. THE SEALING OF THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT HOUSING MIGHT BE INSUFFICIENT AND WATER COULD INTRUDE INTO THE CONTROL UNIT HOUSING CREATING A HUMID ATMOSPHERE. UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS, THE FUEL PUMP COULD CORRODE AND THEN FAIL.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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
Check your exact R1200 GS 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 reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 BMW R1200 GS problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 23,600 miles or less.
Does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.