2008 BMW K1200 S Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other K1200 S years
- Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 7 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 7 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW K1200 S. That ranks 3rd out of 7 K1200 S model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (5 complaints, 38%), typically at around 7,300 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 7 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

- 13owner complaints
- 7safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2008 BMW K1200 S 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | 5 | 38% | 7,300 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 31% | 7,103 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 23% | 2,005 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 2 | 15% | 2,925 | — | — |
| Engine | 2 | 15% | 6,375 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 15% | 7,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 8% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2008 BMW K1200 S recalls (7)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
Risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Service brakes, hydraulic
Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.
Risk: Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Suspension:rear
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 motorcycles. The bearings could be subject to corrosion. This could lead to reduced movement of the link lever.
Risk: This could affect the handling of the motorcycle increasing the risk a driver may lose control of the vehicle resulting in a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc
Problem: Bmw is recalling 548 my 2008 k1200 s and gt motorcycles. The fasteners used to secure the front brake-disc may not be long enough to ensure a secure mounting. Over time, these fasteners could loosen. If that happened, the brake disc would no longer be securely mounted.
Risk: Failure to observe the following precautions, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the rider's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and install a longer front brake disc fasteners and reroute the sensor cable free of charge. The recall began during august 2008. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Problem: Bmw is recalling 30 my 2008 k1200 s and k1200 gt motorcycles. A set screw may not have been installed at its specific location within the oil duct. Consequently, an adequate supply of oil may not circulate within the engine.
Risk: It is possible that connecting rod and crankshaft damage could occur. If this happened, the engine could seize. If the motorcycle was in gear, engine seizing could result in lock-up of the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a set screw in the oil duct. The recall began during august 2008. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-331-1117.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Fuel Leak - Motorycle (EA13006) — opened Jul 12, 2013, closed Jan 31, 2014, led to recall 13V617000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Bmw k1200s 2008, engine shots off when coming to stop on low speeds. The bike then needs to be in a complete stop, switch gear to neutral to restart. It happens random and could happened anywhere. In one ride it happened 3 times and it has happened every time i ride it so far. I need help to fix…
Abs brake failure light came on after rain fall, braking is impacted, was told that many owners have problems with abs brake motor failure due to bad motor and /or motor brushes sticking to armiture in motor. I-bmw.com users have noted the same thing with bmw motorcycles. This does effect the use…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw k1200 s. The contact stated that the fuel was empty and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after refueling, the fuel gauge indicator became inoperable. The dealer stated that the fuel level sensor strip needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired…
The bike repeatedly stalled during deceleration with a closed throttle before coming to a stop. Clutch was engaged. This has happened many times before and i've had enough of it. I've read threads online about this issue and bmw doesn't seem to have an answer (seems to deny the problem). This is a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw k1200 s motorcycle. The contact stated that while decelerating, the front brakes pulsated. The contact also mentioned that the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the brakes needed to be replaced due to a computer…
Other BMW K1200 S years
← 2007 K1200 S · 2010 K1200 S →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 K1200 S | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | 13 | 7 |
| 2007 K1200 S | 4 | 7 |
| 2006 K1200 S | 15 | 6 |
| 2005 K1200 S | 15 | 7 |
| 2004 K1200 S | 3 | 1 |
| 2003 K1200 S | 2 | 1 |
See all BMW K1200 S problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.
Similar BMW models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW K1200 S?
Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 5 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2008 BMW K1200 S?
Yes, 7 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2008 BMW K1200 S a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other K1200 S model years, the 2008 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.