2008 BMW F 800 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other F 800 GS years
- Not enough data 6th of 11 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW F 800 GS. That ranks 6th out of 11 F 800 GS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is wheels (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 13,800 miles. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

- 1owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2008 BMW F 800 GS problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 1 | 100% | 13,800 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2008 BMW F 800 GS recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Equipment
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 f650 gs and f 800 gs motorcycles manufactured from september 27, 2007 through march 30, 2009. The drive chains may not have been produced to specification. As a result, over time the drive chain could break.
Risk: If the broken chain becomes trapped between the rear wheel and the frame, the rear wheel could lock up, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will replace the drive chain and sprockets on the affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on august 30, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 f650 gs and f800 gs motorcycles manufactured between january 2008 and december 2009. During engine operation, a vacuum is created in order to draw fresh air into the canister. This air then mixes with the fuel vapors captured by the canister, and is subsequently combusted. Due to the routing of the ventilation hose, water near the end of the hose could be drawn into the charcoal canister.
Risk: Water could flow into the canister causing a stalling condition increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and add an additional hose and route it such that the present defect is prevented. This remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 13, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline
Problem: Bmw is recalling 509 my 2008 f650 gs and f800 gs motorcycles. The tightening of the chain sprocket fasteners may have resulted in various levels of torque being applied.
Risk: It is possible for the fasteners to work loose from the sprocket, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will loosen and inspect the chain sprocket fasteners. Those that have been damaged will be replaced. In all cases, the fasteners will be retightened. The recall is expected to begin during january 2009. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Left rear wheel bearing failure on my 2008 bmw f800gs motorbike at 13,800km. On investigation there appears to be a crushing force by the hub on the bearing which caused failure. The right bearing is still fine. *tr
Other BMW F 800 GS years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 F 800 GS | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 F 800 GS | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 F 800 GS | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 F 800 GS | 2 | 1 |
| 2014 F 800 GS | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 F 800 GS | 10 | 3 |
| 2012 F 800 GS | 4 | 1 |
| 2011 F 800 GS | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 F 800 GS | 4 | 2 |
| 2009 F 800 GS | 17 | 4 |
| 2008 | 1 | 4 |
See all BMW F 800 GS problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW F 800 GS?
Owners most often report wheels problems. The top one, wheels, accounts for 1 complaint.
Was there a recall on the 2008 BMW F 800 GS?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2008 BMW F 800 GS a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other F 800 GS model years, the 2008 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.