2008 BMW R1200 R: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 6 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 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Fuel pump flange leaking due to cracking. Bmw's 1st factory attempt was to put a "sizing" ring on flange to compress the micro cracks which of course was a jackleg approach quite common to bmw motorcycles. Eventually with in 1 yr fuel started massively flowing down onto hot engine making the bike a rolling fireball potentially.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw r1200 r. While driving approximately 30 mph, the service brake warning light illuminated. The contact lost control of the vehicle when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS modulator failed and needed be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,210. Updated 5/18/15*cn the consumer stated the dealer advised this failure was a common problem on the three or four model. The consumer believed this failure should have been recalled. Updated 11/16/2015*js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2014
“Low fuel warning lamp did not come on leading to me running out of fuel on interstate highway. Fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/4 tank (3 bars) but was inaccurate. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle. The "fuel strip" (per bmw nomenclature) fails causing fuel gauge to read inaccurately and rendering low fuel warning lamp inoperative. This is a common failure on many bmw motorcycle models from 2005-2013. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2012
Show 1 more owner reports
“From the dealer's repair order description: "the customer reports the fuel gauge reads low (light on) when full and reads full when empty. Also the residual range to zero counts down from 253 to three dashes in about three miles after every fill-up." fuel level sender part 16147697815 replaced. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2009
Recalls - 3 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact R1200 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 R1200 R reliable?
NHTSA has 6 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW R1200 R. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2008 BMW R1200 R have open recalls?
3 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.