2008 BMW R 1200 R Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other R 1200 R years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 12 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 6 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW R 1200 R. That ranks 2nd out of 12 R 1200 R model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (5 complaints, 45%), typically at around 6,800 miles. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 11owner complaints
- 6safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2008 BMW R 1200 R 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 | 45% | 6,800 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 36% | 28,105 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 18% | 3,600 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 9% | 1,200 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 9% | 41,100 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2008 BMW R 1200 R recalls (6)
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 through 2009 r 1200 and k 1200 series motorcycles manufactured from august 2006 through may 2009. Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration. The brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain is significant, the brake line could split and start to develop a leak.
Risk: If this goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will install new brake lines, containing a "sleeve" along a portion of the lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 20, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Power train:manual transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: If this happened, lock-up of the rear tire could occur. It is also possible for the transmission housing to break. If this happened, oil could leak onto the rear whee, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the gearbox. The recall began during august 2008. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-331-1117.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: If fluid level drops significantly, the front brakes could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
- Fuel Leak - Motorcycle (PE12036) — opened Nov 16, 2012, closed Jul 22, 2013.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The fuel tank {from the inside out} at the filler hole has massive corrosion rendering the tank useless. Fuel has the ability to leak an leak substanially when the bike is in motion. Fume leakage readily apparent as well. Per the certified bmw mechanic an the service supervisor and i agree the fuel…
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…
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 pump failed disabling the anti-lock system. I was at the dealer and another cyclist was also there with his 2008 bmw r1200r with exactly the same issue. Apparently these abs pumps are failing at an unusual rate. If this failure occurred while riding in inclement weather it could result in…
Abs module suddenly quit, rendering the abs function inoperable. *js
Other BMW R 1200 R years
← 2007 R 1200 R · 2009 R 1200 R →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 R 1200 R | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 R 1200 R | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 R 1200 R | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 R 1200 R | 0 | 1 |
| 2013 R 1200 R | 12 | 2 |
| 2012 R 1200 R | 10 | 1 |
| 2011 R 1200 R | 6 | 3 |
| 2010 R 1200 R | 4 | 3 |
| 2009 R 1200 R | 5 | 4 |
| 2008 | 11 | 6 |
| 2007 R 1200 R | 7 | 6 |
| 2006 R 1200 R | 1 | 1 |
See all BMW R 1200 R 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 R 1200 R?
Owners most often report fuel/propulsion system, service brakes, fuel system, gasoline problems. The top one, fuel/propulsion system, accounts for 5 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2008 BMW R 1200 R?
Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2008 BMW R 1200 R a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R 1200 R model years, the 2008 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.